59th Street–Columbus Circle: A Gateway to Manhattan’s West Side

The 59th Street–Columbus Circle station is a major New York City Subway complex, located at the busy Columbus Circle intersection in Manhattan. It serves as a vital transfer point between several key subway lines, making it one of the busiest and most strategic stations in the system. Its prime location next to Central Park, Lincoln Center, and the Time Warner Center establishes it as a fundamental access point to prominent cultural, commercial, and residential areas of the Upper West Side and Midtown West.

Connections and Services

The 59th Street–Columbus Circle station is a complex that integrates two originally separate stations, belonging to different subway divisions:

IND Eighth Avenue Line Platforms

• This part of the complex is an express station on the IND Eighth Avenue Line of the New York City Subway.
• It is served by trains from the following services:
  • A (blue)
  • B (orange – weekdays only)
  • C (blue – except late nights)
  • D (orange)
• Main entrance location: Various entrances around Columbus Circle, Broadway, Central Park West, and 57th, 58th, and 59th Streets.

IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line Platforms

• This part of the complex is a local station on the IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line of the New York City Subway.
• It is served by trains from the following services:
  • 1 (red)
  • 2 (red – late nights only)
• Entrances to this section of the station are also conveniently located in the vicinity of Columbus Circle.

The interconnection within the complex allows passengers to make convenient and efficient transfers between the IND Eighth Avenue Line and the IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line.

Importance and Location

• The station is located directly beneath Columbus Circle, at the intersection of Broadway, Central Park West, Eighth Avenue, and 59th Street, marking the southwest corner of Central Park.
• Its strategic location makes it a key access point to important destinations such as:

  • Columbus Circle

    • Home to the Christopher Columbus monument and the circle’s fountain.
    • The Shops at Columbus Circle in the Time Warner Center, with luxury stores and restaurants.
    • Main entrance to Central Park (Merchants’ Gate).
    • Museum of Arts and Design (MAD).

  • Central Park

    • Immediate access to the southwest corner of the park, ideal for walks and recreational activities.
    • Proximity to attractions like Strawberry Fields and Sheep Meadow.

  • Additional Nearby Attractions

    • Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts: Home to the Metropolitan Opera, the New York City Ballet, and the New York Philharmonic.
    • Carnegie Hall: One of the most prestigious concert halls in the world (a short walk away).
    • Nordstrom Department Store.

History and Evolution

• The IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line station was inaugurated on October 27, 1904, as part of the city’s first subway line.
• The IND Eighth Avenue Line station opened its doors on September 10, 1932.
• The complex has undergone several renovations to modernize facilities, improve passenger flow, and ensure accessibility (it has elevators).
• The connection between the IRT and IND platforms was established to facilitate transfers between the two systems.

Interesting Facts

• The station records a very high passenger volume due to its role as a transportation hub and its proximity to tourist and cultural attractions.
• Its iconic location in Columbus Circle makes it a recognizable New York landmark.
• It is a key example of integration between the formerly rival IRT (Interborough Rapid Transit) and IND (Independent Subway System) lines.