46th Street Station (Queens Boulevard Line): A Key Local Stop in Astoria, Queens

The 46th Street station is a New York City Subway stop located in the Astoria neighborhood, in the borough of Queens. It serves the IND Queens Boulevard Line and functions as a vital access point for residents and visitors to this dynamic area of Queens. Although it is a local station, its strategic location near cultural institutions and commercial areas makes it an important stop in the subway network.

Connections and Services

The 46th Street station is a single elevated station serving the Queens Boulevard Line:

46th Street Station (Queens Boulevard Line)

• This station is a local stop on the New York City Subway’s Queens Boulevard Line.
• It is served by trains from the following services:
  • M (orange) (weekdays only)
  • R (yellow) (all days except late nights)
• Main address: Corner of 46th Street and Broadway, Astoria, Queens, NY 11103

Platforms and Tracks

• The station has two side platforms and four tracks.
• Express trains on the E and F lines use the center tracks and do not stop at this station.
  • E (blue) (express, does not stop)
  • F (orange) (express, does not stop)
• There is no direct internal connection to other subway lines at this station.

Unlike multi-line complexes, the 46th Street station is a single stop on the Queens Boulevard Line and does not offer internal transfers to other subway lines.

Importance and Location

• The station is located at the intersection of 46th Street and Broadway, in the heart of the Astoria neighborhood, Queens.
• Its location makes it a convenient access point to various destinations in Astoria:

  • Astoria, Queens

    • Museum of the Moving Image: Dedicated to the art, history, and technology of film, television, and digital media.
    • Kaufman Astoria Studios: A historic and active film and television studio.
    • A vibrant dining scene with restaurants of various cuisines, including Astoria’s famous Greek food.
    • Local shops, boutiques, and businesses along Broadway and nearby avenues.

  • Neighborhood Life

    • The station serves a diverse and active residential community.
    • Access to local parks like Athens Square Park.
    • Proximity to schools, libraries, and other essential community services.

  • Bus Connections

    • The station facilitates connections with several local MTA bus routes serving Queens.
    • Nearby bus stops provide access to other parts of Queens and facilitate connections to Manhattan and other boroughs.

History and Evolution

• The 46th Street station was opened on August 19, 1933, as part of the initial opening of the Independent Subway System’s (IND) Queens Boulevard Line.
• Its construction was part of the major subway expansion project into the city’s outer boroughs.
• Throughout its history, it has served as a fundamental local station for the Astoria community, maintaining its characteristic elevated structure.

Interesting Facts

• Being an elevated station, the platforms offer views of Astoria’s urban environment.
• Its proximity to the Museum of the Moving Image and Kaufman Astoria Studios closely links it to the film and television industry.
• Currently, the station does not meet ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessibility standards and lacks elevators or ramps.