Atlantic Avenue–Pacific Street: A Vital Transportation Hub in Brooklyn

The Atlantic Avenue–Pacific Street station is a massive subway and railroad complex located in Brooklyn, New York. It serves as a crucial transfer point between numerous subway lines and the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), making it the busiest station in Brooklyn and one of the busiest outside of Manhattan. Its strategic location at the intersection of several major Brooklyn neighborhoods makes it a key gateway to shopping, cultural, and entertainment centers.

Connections and Services

The Atlantic Avenue–Pacific Street station is an extensive complex that integrates multiple stations and levels under one roof, in addition to a direct connection with the LIRR’s Atlantic Terminal:

IRT Eastern Parkway and BMT Lines Platforms

• This part of the complex houses platforms for the former IRT and BMT lines.
• It is served by trains of the following services:
  • 2 (red)
  • 3 (red)
  • 4 (green)
  • 5 (green)
• Main entrance address: Intersections of Atlantic Avenue, Flatbush Avenue and Fourth Avenue, Brooklyn, NY

BMT Fourth Avenue and Brighton Lines Platforms

• This part of the complex includes platforms for other former BMT lines.
• It is served by trains of the following services:
  • B (orange)
  • D (orange)
  • N (yellow)
  • Q (yellow)
  • R (yellow)
• Entrances to this section and the complex in general are distributed around Atlantic, Flatbush, and Fourth Avenues, and within the Atlantic Terminal Mall.

The interconnection within the complex allows passengers to make convenient transfers between nine different subway services and also connect with Long Island Rail Road services at the adjacent Atlantic Terminal.

Importance and Location

• The station is located at the convergence of Atlantic, Flatbush, and Fourth Avenues, 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 arena and entertainment center that hosts sports events (home of the Brooklyn Nets and New York Liberty) and concerts.
    • Directly connected to the station complex.

  • Atlantic Terminal Mall

    • A major shopping mall with numerous retail stores, including a large Target.
    • Directly integrated with the subway station and the LIRR terminal.

  • Brooklyn Cultural District (BAM)

    • Home to the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) and other artistic and cultural institutions.
    • A short walk from the station.

  • Surrounding Neighborhoods

    • Easy access to the vibrant residential and commercial areas of Fort Greene, Park Slope, Prospect Heights, and Downtown Brooklyn.
    • Proximity to Prospect Park.

History and Evolution

• The oldest parts of the complex date back to 1908 (IRT) and were built by different companies (IRT and BRT/BMT).
• The complex has undergone significant renovations and expansions throughout its history to integrate the different lines and improve connections and accessibility.
• A massive renovation in the early 21st century modernized the station, improved transfers, and integrated it with the Atlantic Terminal Mall and the Barclays Center.

Interesting Facts

• It is the busiest subway station in Brooklyn and the third busiest in the entire NYC subway system outside of Manhattan.
• It functions as a vital link between Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Long Island via the subway and the LIRR.
• Its integration with the Barclays Center and the Atlantic Terminal Mall makes it a destination in itself, in addition to a transit point.