Aqueduct Racetrack Station: Direct Access to the Racetrack and Casino in Queens

The Aqueduct Racetrack station is an elevated New York City Subway station located in the borough of Queens. It primarily serves as an access point to the Aqueduct Racetrack and the Resorts World Casino New York City. Its function is specific and directly linked to these important area attractions.

Connections and Services

The Aqueduct Racetrack station is a unique station, not a direct transfer complex:

Aqueduct Racetrack (IND Rockaway Line)

• This station belongs to the IND Rockaway Line of the New York City Subway.
• It is exclusively served by trains on the following service:
  • A (blue) (northbound only)
• Main entrance address: Adjacent to Aqueduct Racetrack and Resorts World Casino, Ozone Park, Queens, NY

Station Features

• This is an elevated station with side platforms.
• Only northbound trains (towards Manhattan) stop at this station.

  • Southbound trains (towards Rockaways) skip this station.
• The nearby Aqueduct–North Conduit Avenue station serves southbound trains and the Rockaway Park Shuttle (S).

There are no direct transfer connections to other lines within this specific station. Passengers needing southbound service must use the nearby Aqueduct–North Conduit Avenue station.

Importance and Location

• The station is located directly adjacent to the Aqueduct Racetrack in the Ozone Park neighborhood of Queens.
• Its location is key for direct access to:

  • Aqueduct Racetrack

    • One of New York’s main racetracks, with a long history.
    • Home to important horse races, including qualifiers for the Kentucky Derby.
    • Open for racing during certain seasons of the year.

  • Resorts World Casino New York City

    • A large casino and entertainment center directly connected to the station.
    • Offers thousands of slot machines and electronic table games.
    • It has several dining and entertainment options.

  • Nearby Additional Attractions

    • The station provides access to parts of the Ozone Park and South Ozone Park neighborhoods.
    • Relative proximity to John F. Kennedy International Airport (connection required at Howard Beach–JFK Airport with AirTrain JFK).

History and Evolution

• The original station on this site was inaugurated in 1959 by the New York City Transit Authority to serve the racetrack.
• It was closed in the 1990s due to low ridership outside of race days and budgetary concerns.
• The current station was built as a new structure and reopened on September 13, 2013, largely financed by Resorts World Casino.
• The reopening provided a direct and convenient connection to the newly opened casino and revitalized access to the racetrack.

Interesting Facts

• It is one of the few stations in the system partly financed and maintained by a private entity (Resorts World Casino).
• It only operates for northbound trains; southbound trains do not stop here, using the nearby Aqueduct–North Conduit Avenue station.
• Its design is specifically integrated to facilitate direct access to the casino and the racetrack.
• It is a special-purpose station, primarily oriented to serve visitors of the adjacent leisure facilities.