Access to 55th Street: Lexington Avenue/59 Street Station

The Lexington Avenue/59 Street station is a major subway complex located in Midtown Manhattan, New York. It functions as a crucial transfer point between several subway lines, making it one of the key stations in the area. Its strategic location near 55th Street positions it as a fundamental access point to one of Manhattan’s busiest business, shopping, and hotel areas.

Connections and Services

The Lexington Avenue/59 Street station is a complex of two distinct but interconnected stations:

Lexington Avenue/59 Street (Lexington Avenue Line)

• This part of the complex is an express station on the Lexington Avenue Line of the New York City Subway (IRT).
• It is served by trains from the following services:
  • 4 (green)
  • 5 (green)
  • 6 (green)
• Main entrance address: Lexington Avenue at East 59th Street / East 60th Street, New York, NY.

59 Street (BMT Broadway Line)

• This part of the complex is a station on the Broadway Line of the New York City Subway (BMT).
• It is served by trains from the following services:
  • N (yellow)
  • Q (yellow)
  • R (yellow)
  • W (yellow) – (Weekdays only)
• Entrances to this section of the station are also located in the vicinity of Lexington Ave, 3rd Ave, and 59th and 60th Streets.

The interconnection between these two stations allows passengers to make convenient transfers between the Lexington Avenue Line (IRT) and the Broadway Line (BMT).

Importance and Location

• The station is located at the intersection of Lexington Avenue and 59th/60th Street, on the border between Midtown East and the Upper East Side of Manhattan.
• Its strategic location makes it a key access point to important destinations in the 55th Street area and surroundings:

  • Midtown East

    • Financial heart with numerous corporate headquarters.
    • Iconic buildings such as the Citigroup Center and the Lipstick Building nearby.
    • Access to hotels, restaurants, and offices in the 55th Street area.

  • Shopping Area

    • Bloomingdale’s department store is located right next to the station.
    • Proximity to the exclusive shopping area of Fifth Avenue.
    • Various shops and boutiques on Lexington Avenue and adjacent streets.

  • Nearby Additional Attractions

    • Roosevelt Island Tramway with access from 2nd Avenue and 60th Street.
    • Central Park: A few blocks to the west.
    • Numerous consulates and diplomatic missions.

History and Evolution

• The Lexington Avenue Line (IRT) station opened on July 17, 1918.
• The Broadway Line (BMT) station opened on September 1, 1919.
• The complex has undergone several renovations to improve the connection between platforms, accessibility (including the installation of elevators), and the overall passenger experience.
• The connection between both parts of the complex has been modernized to facilitate transfers.

Interesting Facts

• It is one of the busiest stations in Midtown, especially used by commuters and shoppers.
• Its location makes it a gateway to the Midtown East business district and the luxury shopping area near 55th Street.
• It offers important transfer connections between the lines that run along the east side of Manhattan (Lexington Ave) and those that cross to Queens and southern Manhattan/Brooklyn (Broadway Line).