Atlantic Avenue–Barclays Center: A Vital Transportation Hub in Brooklyn

The Atlantic Avenue–Barclays Center station is a massive subway and railroad complex located in the heart of Brooklyn, New York. It functions as a crucial transfer point between numerous subway lines and the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), making it one of the busiest stations outside of Manhattan and an essential hub in the city’s transportation network. Its strategic location at the confluence of several important Brooklyn neighborhoods makes it a key access point for events, shopping, and transportation connections.

Connections and Services

The Atlantic Avenue–Barclays Center station is an interconnected complex serving multiple subway lines and the LIRR:

Subway Lines

• This complex serves lines from three different divisions of the New York City Subway (IRT and BMT).
• It is served by trains of the following services:
  • 2 (red – IRT Eastern Parkway Line)
  • 3 (red – IRT Eastern Parkway Line – no late-night service)
  • 4 (green – IRT Eastern Parkway Line)
  • 5 (green – IRT Eastern Parkway Line – weekday rush hours only)
  • B (orange – BMT Brighton Line – weekdays only)
  • D (orange – BMT Fourth Avenue Line)
  • N (yellow – BMT Fourth Avenue Line)
  • Q (yellow – BMT Brighton Line)
  • R (yellow – BMT Fourth Avenue Line)
  • W (yellow – BMT Fourth Avenue Line – weekdays only)
• Main address (Barclays Center Entrance): Pacific Street and Atlantic Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11217 (among many other entrances).

Long Island Rail Road (LIRR)

• The complex includes the LIRR’s Atlantic Terminal.
• It provides rail connections to various destinations on Long Island.
• The LIRR terminal is integrated with the subway station, allowing for easy transfers.
• Entrances to the LIRR terminal are located on Flatbush Avenue and Atlantic Avenue.

The interconnection within the complex allows passengers to make convenient transfers between the various subway lines and the LIRR, facilitating travel throughout Brooklyn, to Manhattan, and to Long Island.

Importance and Location

• The station is located at the intersection of Atlantic Avenue, Flatbush Avenue, and Fourth Avenue, on the border of the Downtown Brooklyn, Fort Greene, Park Slope, and Prospect Heights neighborhoods.
• Its strategic location makes it a key access point to important destinations such as:

  • Barclays Center

    • A modern multi-purpose arena that hosts sporting events (home of the Brooklyn Nets and New York Liberty) and concerts.
    • It is located directly adjacent to the station, with an integrated main entrance.

  • Atlantic Terminal Mall

    • A shopping mall with a variety of retail stores, including department stores like Target.
    • Directly connected to the station and the LIRR terminal.

  • Brooklyn Cultural District

    • Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM): A major center for the performing arts.
    • Theatre for a New Audience and other nearby cultural venues.

  • Surrounding Neighborhoods

    • Access to the commercial and residential areas of Fort Greene, Park Slope, and Boerum Hill.
    • Proximity to Fort Greene Park.

History and Evolution

• The oldest parts of the complex date back to 1908 with the opening of the IRT station.
• The BMT platforms were added later, and the different stations were gradually connected.
• The complex has undergone significant renovations over the years, notably the major overhaul completed in 2012 coinciding with the opening of the Barclays Center, which improved connections, accessibility (adding elevators and escalators), and overall aesthetics.
• The station’s name was officially changed from ‘Atlantic Avenue’ to ‘Atlantic Avenue–Barclays Center’ in 2012.

Interesting Facts

• It is the largest transportation hub in Brooklyn, connecting 10 subway lines, the LIRR, and numerous bus routes.
• It is one of the few stations in the system that connects lines from the three historical divisions (IRT, BMT, IND – although IND lines do not stop directly here, the B/D lines that do operate on former BMT tracks in this area).
• Passenger volume increases dramatically during events at the Barclays Center.
• The station features several public artworks as part of the MTA Arts & Design program.