49th Street Station: Access to the Heart of Midtown Manhattan

The 49th Street station is a key subway station located beneath Times Square in Midtown Manhattan, New York. It serves as a fundamental access point to the BMT Broadway Line, facilitating access to the theater district and numerous tourist attractions and business centers. Its prime location makes it an essential stop for workers, tourists, and residents moving through this iconic area of the city.

Connections and Services

The 49th Street station is a single entity within the New York City subway system, serving the BMT Broadway Line:

49th Street Station (BMT Broadway Line)

• This station is part of the BMT Broadway Line of the New York City subway.
• It is served by trains from the following services:
  • N (yellow)
  • Q (yellow)
  • R (yellow)
  • W (yellow – weekdays only)
• Main entrance address: West 49th Street & 7th Avenue, New York, NY 10019

Additional Station Information

• Unlike other complexes such as Broadway–Lafayette Street, the 49th Street station is not directly interconnected with other stations or lines within the same fare structure.
• It is an independent station on the Broadway Line.
• It has services such as elevators, making it accessible for people with reduced mobility.
• Entrances and exits are located along Seventh Avenue, near 49th Street.

Although it does not offer direct internal transfers to other lines, its proximity to other stations such as 50th Street (1 service) and 7th Avenue (B, D, E services) allows for transfers by walking a short distance outside the system.

Importance and Location

• The station is located at the intersection of 49th Street and Seventh Avenue, in the heart of Midtown Manhattan.
• Its strategic location makes it a key access point to important destinations such as:

  • Times Square

    • Famous for its bright billboards, shops, and vibrant atmosphere.
    • The hub of entertainment and tourism in New York.
    • Red stairs of the TKTS booth for purchasing discounted theater tickets.

  • Theater District

    • Home to most Broadway theaters.
    • Direct access to numerous world-renowned shows and musicals.
    • Lively atmosphere before and after performances.

  • Other Nearby Attractions

    • Rockefeller Center: Commercial and entertainment complex famous for its ice skating rink and Christmas tree.
    • Radio City Music Hall: Iconic theater and concert hall.
    • Museum of Modern Art (MoMA): A short walk away for art lovers.

History and Evolution

• The 49th Street station was inaugurated on July 10, 1919, as part of the extension of the BMT Broadway Line.
• It has undergone several renovations over the years to modernize its facilities and improve the passenger experience, including the addition of elevators to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
• Its design and maintenance reflect its importance as a gateway to one of the most visited districts in the world.

Interesting Facts

• The station experiences a very high volume of passengers, especially tourists and theatergoers.
• It is one of the most convenient stations for direct access to Broadway theaters.
• Fully accessible thanks to the installation of elevators in recent renovations.