Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Avenue/74th Street: A Vital Crossroads in Queens

The Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Avenue/74th Street station is a major subway and bus complex located in Jackson Heights, Queens, New York. It functions as a crucial transfer point between several important subway lines and key bus routes, including service to LaGuardia Airport, making it one of the busiest stations outside of Manhattan. Its location in the heart of one of New York’s most diverse neighborhoods makes it a fundamental access point to a vibrant cultural and commercial mix.

Connections and Services

The Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Avenue/74th Street station is a complex that integrates two distinct subway stations, interconnected with a bus terminal:

Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Avenue (IND Queens Boulevard Line)

• This underground part of the complex is an express and local station on the IND Queens Boulevard Line of the New York City Subway.
• It is served by trains from the following services:
  • E (blue)
  • F (orange)
  • M (orange)
  • R (yellow)
• Representative main entrance address: Roosevelt Avenue & 74th Street, Queens, NY 11372

74th Street–Broadway (IRT Flushing Line)

• This elevated part of the complex is an express and local station on the IRT Flushing Line of the New York City Subway.
• It is served by trains from the following services:
  • 7 (purple)
• The entrances to this section of the station are primarily located on 74th Street and Broadway.

The interconnection between these two subway stations, along with the bus terminal, allows passengers to make convenient transfers between lines and to key services such as the Q70 SBS bus to LaGuardia.

Importance and Location

• The station is located at the confluence of Roosevelt Avenue, 74th Street, and Broadway, in the vibrant neighborhood of Jackson Heights, Queens.
• Its strategic location makes it a key access point to:

  • Jackson Heights

    • Famous for its extraordinary cultural and ethnic diversity (South Asian, Latin American, and other communities).
    • Known for its authentic and varied international gastronomic offerings.
    • It houses the Jackson Heights Historic District, with its distinctive garden apartment architecture.
    • Numerous local shops and specialized markets.

  • Key Connections

    • Direct access to the Victor A. Moore Bus Terminal.
    • Starting point of the Q70 Select Bus Service (LaGuardia Link) to LaGuardia Airport.
    • Connection with multiple local MTA bus routes.

  • Other Points of Interest

    • Travers Park: An important green and recreational space for the local community.
    • Proximity to various cultural and community institutions in the neighborhood.

History and Evolution

• The elevated IRT Flushing Line station (74th Street–Broadway) opened on April 21, 1917.
• The underground IND Queens Boulevard Line station (Roosevelt Avenue) opened on August 19, 1933.
• The complex underwent a major renovation completed in 2005, which included the addition of elevators and escalators, making it fully ADA accessible and improving connections.

Interesting Facts

• It is one of the busiest subway stations outside of Manhattan and the main transportation hub in Queens.
• It was one of the first key stations to become fully accessible for people with reduced mobility after its renovation.
• The station serves as a vital gateway to LaGuardia Airport via the Q70 SBS bus service.