61st Street–Woodside: A Key Interchange in Queens

The 61st Street–Woodside station is a major transportation complex located in Woodside, Queens, New York. It serves as a crucial transfer point between the IRT Flushing Line of the New York City Subway and the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), in addition to connecting with several bus routes. Its location makes it a vital hub for commuters within Queens and to other boroughs, including access to LaGuardia Airport.

Connections and Services

The 61st Street–Woodside station integrates subway and commuter rail services:

61st Street–Woodside (IRT Flushing Line)

• This part of the complex is an elevated express station on the IRT Flushing Line of the New York City Subway.
• It is served by trains of the following service:
  • 7 (purple) – local and express service
• Main address: 61st Street and Roosevelt Avenue, Woodside, NY 11377

Woodside Station (Long Island Rail Road – LIRR)

• This part of the complex is a Long Island Rail Road station, directly connected to the subway station.
• It is served by trains from several LIRR branches, including:
  • Port Washington Branch
  • Main Line (services to Hicksville/Port Jefferson, Ronkonkoma, Oyster Bay)
• Entrances to the LIRR station are located adjacent to the subway station on Roosevelt Avenue.

The interconnection between the subway station and the LIRR station allows passengers to make convenient transfers between the subway, commuter rail, and local and express buses (including the Q70 SBS to LaGuardia Airport).

Importance and Location

• The station is located at the intersection of 61st Street and Roosevelt Avenue, in the heart of the Woodside neighborhood, Queens.
• Its strategic location makes it a key access point for:

  • Woodside, Queens

    • A diverse neighborhood known for its Irish-American community and a growing Asian population.
    • It offers a variety of restaurants, pubs, and local shops.
    • Access to residential and commercial areas of the neighborhood.

  • Transportation Connections

    • Direct access to the Long Island Rail Road for travel to Long Island and Manhattan (Penn Station/Grand Central Madison).
    • Starting point for the Q70 SBS “LaGuardia Link” bus to LaGuardia Airport.
    • Connection with other bus lines such as the Q32 (to Midtown Manhattan) and the Q53 SBS.

  • Other Nearby Areas

    • Easy access to other Queens neighborhoods such as Sunnyside, Jackson Heights, and Elmhurst via the 7 line.

History and Evolution

• The IRT Flushing Line subway station at 61st Street–Woodside was inaugurated on April 21, 1917.
• The LIRR station has a longer history, with rail services in the area since the 19th century, evolving to its current configuration. Both stations have been renovated to improve facilities and accessibility (including elevators).
• The connection between the subway and the LIRR is a fundamental feature of this transportation complex.

Interesting Facts

• It is one of the busiest stations outside of Manhattan, serving as an important transportation hub for Queens residents and Long Island commuters.
• It offers panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline from the elevated platforms of the 7 line.
• It is a key point for accessing LaGuardia Airport via the Q70 SBS bus, known as the ‘LaGuardia Link’.