42nd Street–Port Authority Bus Terminal: A Transportation Giant in Midtown Manhattan

The 42nd Street–Port Authority Bus Terminal station is an enormous New York City Subway station complex located beneath the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan. It functions as a crucial connection point for numerous subway lines and offers direct access to the largest intercity bus terminal in the United States, making it one of the most vital and busiest transportation hubs in the city. Its strategic location in the heart of the Theater District and near Times Square positions it as a fundamental gateway to some of Manhattan’s most dynamic areas.

Connections and Services

The 42nd Street–Port Authority Bus Terminal station is part of an extensive interconnected complex that also includes the Times Square–42nd Street station:

42nd St–Port Authority Bus Terminal Station (Eighth Avenue Line)

• This part of the complex is an express station on the IND Eighth Avenue Line of the New York City Subway, located directly beneath the bus terminal.
• It is served by trains from the following services:
  • A (blue)
  • C (blue)
  • E (blue)
• Main entrance address: Various entrances on 8th Avenue between 40th and 44th Streets, and direct access from the Bus Terminal. New York, NY.

Times Square–42nd Street Complex (Connected)

• This part of the complex, connected by an underground passageway, is a vast station serving multiple lines of the IRT and BMT divisions.
• It is served by trains from the following services:
  • 1 (red)
  • 2 (red)
  • 3 (red)
  • 7 (purple)
  • N (yellow)
  • Q (yellow)
  • R (yellow)
  • W (yellow)
  • S (42nd Street Shuttle – gray)
• Entrances to this section are mainly located around Times Square, Broadway, and 7th Avenue, near 42nd Street.

The interconnection within this gigantic complex allows passengers to make convenient transfers between a wide variety of lines covering much of the city.

Importance and Location

• The complex is located primarily beneath the Port Authority Bus Terminal and the Times Square area, in Midtown West, Manhattan.
• Its strategic location makes it a key access point to important destinations such as:

  • Times Square

    • Known worldwide for its huge advertising screens, Broadway shows, and New Year’s Eve celebration.
    • Epicenter of New York’s entertainment and tourist activity.
    • Numerous flagship stores, restaurants, and hotels.

  • Theater District (Broadway)

    • Concentration of most major Broadway theaters.
    • Offers a wide range of theatrical and musical productions.
    • Heart of the New York theater scene.

  • Additional Nearby Attractions

    • Port Authority Bus Terminal: The main intercity bus hub.
    • Bryant Park: A popular urban oasis with seasonal events.
    • Hell’s Kitchen: Neighborhood known for its diverse culinary offerings.

History and Evolution

• The Eighth Avenue Line station (A, C, E) opened on September 10, 1932.
• The complex has grown organically with the addition of connections to nearby IRT and BMT stations, especially the Times Square complex, the oldest parts of which date back to 1904.
• Numerous renovations have been carried out to modernize facilities, improve passenger flow, and accessibility, including the expanded underground connection.

Interesting Facts

• It is consistently one of the busiest stations or station complexes in the entire New York City Subway system and in the United States.
• It offers a direct, covered connection between the subway and the bus terminal, facilitating intermodal travel.
• It plays a crucial role in transporting millions of tourists and workers to and from the heart of Midtown Manhattan.