86th Street: A Key Hub in Manhattan’s Upper East Side

The 86th Street station is a major subway complex located in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, New York. It serves as a crucial transfer point between key subway lines, making it a vital station for residents and visitors. Its strategic location beneath 86th Street, connecting Lexington and Second Avenues, establishes it as fundamental access to one of Manhattan’s most important residential and cultural neighborhoods.

Connections and Services

86th Street is a complex that integrates two distinct but connected stations:

86th Street (Lexington Avenue Line)

• This part of the complex is an express station on the IRT Lexington Avenue Line of the New York City Subway.
• It is served by trains of the following services:
  • 4 (green)
  • 5 (green – peak direction rush hours only)
  • 6 (green)
• Main entrance address: 86th Street and Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10028

86th Street (Second Avenue Line)

• This part of the complex is a station on the IND Second Avenue Line of the New York City Subway.
• It is served by trains of the following services:
  • Q (yellow)
  • R (yellow – some rush hours and late nights)
• Entrances to this section of the station are located on 86th Street, near Second Avenue.

The modern interconnection between these two stations allows passengers to make convenient transfers between the Lexington Avenue and Second Avenue lines.

Importance and Location

• The station is located beneath 86th Street, with main entrances at the intersections with Lexington Avenue and Second Avenue, in the heart of Manhattan’s Upper East Side.
• Its strategic location makes it a key access point to important destinations such as:

  • Upper East Side

    • Known for its world-famous museums, elegant residences, and exclusive shops.
    • The historic district includes numerous brownstones and pre-war buildings.
    • Access to Museum Mile.
    • Luxury shops on Madison Avenue.

  • Museum Mile

    • A section of Fifth Avenue that houses numerous important museums.
    • Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met).
    • Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum.
    • Neue Galerie.

  • Additional Nearby Attractions

    • Central Park: Easy access to the east side of the park, including the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir.
    • Carl Schurz Park: A park with views of the East River and Gracie Mansion.
    • Gracie Mansion: The official residence of the Mayor of New York City.

History and Evolution

• The original 86th Street station (Lexington Avenue Line) was inaugurated on July 17, 1918.
• The 86th Street station (Second Avenue Line) was inaugurated on January 1, 2017, as part of the first phase of the long-awaited Second Avenue Subway.
• The construction of the new station included the creation of direct transfer passages to connect with the existing Lexington Avenue station, significantly modernizing access and connectivity in the area.

Interesting Facts

• The station experienced a significant increase in passenger numbers after the opening of the Second Avenue Line.
• Its location makes it a key hub for Upper East Side residents and for tourists visiting Museum Mile and Central Park.
• The complex combines the historic architecture of the Lexington Avenue station with the modern design and public artworks of the Second Avenue station.