Lexington Avenue/53rd Street: A Key Interchange in Midtown East

The Lexington Avenue/53rd Street station is a crucial subway complex located in Midtown East, Manhattan, New York. It serves as an important transfer point between key subway lines, making it one of the vital stations for daily commutes and access to this major commercial and office area. Its strategic location places it in the heart of one of Manhattan’s most significant financial and cultural districts.

Connections and Services

The Lexington Avenue/53rd Street station is a complex that connects two distinct stations on different levels:

53rd Street (Queens Boulevard Line)

• This part of the complex is a station on the IND (Independent Subway System) Queens Boulevard Line.
• It is served by trains of the following services:
  • E (blue)
  • M (orange – weekdays only)
• Main entrance address: Third Avenue and East 53rd Street, New York, NY 10022 (with other nearby entrances)

Lexington Avenue (Lexington Avenue Line)

• This part of the complex is a local station on the IRT (Interborough Rapid Transit Company) Lexington Avenue Line.
• It is served by trains of the following services:
  • 6 (green)
  • 4 (green – late nights only)
• Entrances to this section of the station are primarily located along Lexington Avenue, near 51st and 53rd Streets.

The interconnection between these two stations allows passengers to make convenient transfers between the Queens Boulevard Line and the Lexington Avenue Line, facilitating travel between Queens, the East Side of Manhattan, and other parts of the city.

Importance and Location

• The station is located beneath the intersection of Lexington Avenue and 53rd Street, in the heart of Midtown East, Manhattan.
• Its strategic location makes it a key access point to important destinations such as:

  • Midtown East

    • Home to numerous corporate offices, including the Citigroup Center (adjacent to the station).
    • Close to iconic skyscrapers such as the Seagram Building and Lever House.
    • Near luxury shopping areas on Madison Avenue and Fifth Avenue.
    • St. Patrick’s Cathedral and Rockefeller Center within walking distance.

  • Cultural Institutions and Hotels

    • The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is located a few blocks to the west.
    • Numerous business and tourist hotels in the vicinity.
    • St. Bartholomew’s Church, an architectural landmark.

  • Additional Nearby Attractions

    • Relatively easy access to Grand Central Terminal (a few stops south on the 6 train).
    • Variety of restaurants and services catering to the area’s working and residential population.

History and Evolution

• The IRT Lexington Avenue Line station opened on July 17, 1918.
• The IND Queens Boulevard Line station, located at a greater depth, opened on August 19, 1933.
• The complex has undergone several renovations to improve passenger flow, signage, and accessibility, including the addition of elevators to connect the different levels and the street.
• The transfer connection between the IND and IRT lines has been a fundamental feature of the station since the opening of the IND line.

Interesting Facts

• The station is one of the deepest in the IND system, requiring long escalators and elevators.
• It experiences a very high volume of passengers, especially during weekday rush hours, due to the concentration of offices in the area.
• Its design and the need to connect two lines built by different companies at different times result in a complex multi-level layout.
• Direct access to the Citigroup Center from the station is a notable convenience for the building’s employees and visitors.