42nd Street–Bryant Park/Fifth Avenue: A Vital Hub in Midtown Manhattan

The 42nd Street–Bryant Park/Fifth Avenue station is a major subway complex located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan, New York City. It serves as a crucial transfer point between several key subway lines, making it one of the busiest stations in the city. Its strategic location next to Bryant Park and Fifth Avenue places it at the center of one of Manhattan’s most dynamic commercial and cultural areas.

Connections and Services

The 42nd Street–Bryant Park/Fifth Avenue station is a complex that connects two originally separate stations:

42nd Street–Bryant Park (Sixth Avenue Line)

• This part of the complex is a station on the IND (Independent Subway System) Sixth Avenue Line.
• It is served by trains from the following services:
  • B (orange)
  • D (orange)
  • F (orange)
  • M (orange)
• The main entrances are located on Sixth Avenue near 42nd Street and Bryant Park.

Fifth Avenue (Flushing Line)

• This part of the complex is a station on the IRT (Interborough Rapid Transit Company) Flushing Line.
• It is served by trains from the following services:
  • 7 (purple)
  • <7> (purple – express service during peak hours in the peak direction)
• Entrances to this section are located on Fifth Avenue near 42nd Street.

The connection between these two stations allows passengers to make convenient transfers between the Sixth Avenue Line and the Flushing Line, connecting different parts of Manhattan and Queens.

Importance and Location

• The station is located beneath 42nd Street, extending between Fifth Avenue and Sixth Avenue, next to Bryant Park in Midtown Manhattan.
• Its prime location makes it a key access point to important destinations such as:

  • Bryant Park

    • A popular urban oasis known for its events, lawn, carousel, and ice skating rink in winter.
    • Host to cultural and leisure events throughout the year.

  • New York Public Library (Stephen A. Schwarzman Building)

    • The iconic main library with its magnificent Beaux-Arts architecture and historic reading rooms.
    • Home to the famous marble lions, Patience and Fortitude, who guard the entrance.

  • Additional Nearby Attractions

    • Times Square: Within walking distance, known for its neon lights and Broadway theaters.
    • Fifth Avenue: Famous for its luxury shops, museums, and department stores.
    • Grand Central Terminal: Although not directly connected by this station, it is relatively close to the east.

History and Evolution

• The Fifth Avenue station (Flushing Line) was inaugurated on March 22, 1926.
• The 42nd Street station (Sixth Avenue Line) was inaugurated on December 15, 1940.
• The connecting passage between the two stations opened in 1967, creating the current complex and facilitating transfers.
• The complex has undergone significant renovations over the years to improve passenger circulation, signage, and accessibility, including the installation of elevators.

Interesting Facts

• It is one of the busiest stations in the New York City subway system due to its central Midtown location and the multiple lines it serves.
• It offers direct access to Bryant Park, providing a green respite and recreational space amidst the hustle and bustle of Midtown.
• The connection between the IND Sixth Avenue Line and the IRT Flushing Line makes it a key interdivisional transfer point.
• It has appeared in various films and television series due to its iconic location next to the Public Library and Bryant Park.