Lexington Avenue–51st Street: A Vital Crossroads in Midtown East

The Lexington Avenue–51st Street station is a fundamental subway complex located in Midtown East, Manhattan, New York. It functions as a very important transfer point between key subway lines, making it one of the busiest stations in the city. Its strategic location in the heart of the Midtown East business district establishes it as an essential access point to one of Manhattan’s most significant corporate and commercial areas.

Connections and Services

The Lexington Avenue–51st Street station is a complex made up of two distinct stations, interconnected by passageways:

51st Street (Lexington Avenue Line)

• This part of the complex is a local station on the IRT Lexington Avenue Line of the New York City Subway.
• It is served by trains on the following services:
  • 4 (green)
  • 6 (green)

  (The <6> express service also stops here during peak hours in the peak direction).

• The main entrances are located at and around the intersection of Lexington Avenue and 51st Street.

Lexington Avenue–53rd Street (Queens Boulevard Line)

• This part of the complex is an express station on the IND Queens Boulevard Line of the New York City Subway.
• It is served by trains on the following services:
  • E (blue)
  • M (orange)
• Entrances to this section of the station are located at and around the intersection of Lexington Avenue and 53rd Street.

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

Importance and Location

• The station is located beneath the intersection of Lexington Avenue with 51st and 53rd Streets, in the heart of Midtown East, Manhattan.
• Its strategic location makes it a key access point to important destinations such as:

  • Midtown East – Financial and Corporate District

    • Home to numerous iconic skyscrapers and corporate headquarters.
    • Important hotels and consulates are located nearby.
    • Center of banking and financial activity.
    • Citigroup Center building (currently 601 Lexington Avenue).

  • Nearby Points of Interest

    • St. Patrick’s Cathedral: A nearby architectural and religious landmark.
    • Rockefeller Center: A short walk to the west.
    • United Nations Headquarters: Accessible to the east.
    • Seagram Building and Lever House: Notable examples of modern architecture.

  • Shopping and Dining

    • Access to renowned stores on Lexington, Madison, and Fifth Avenues.
    • Wide variety of dining options, from luxury restaurants to fast-food outlets.
    • Markets and small specialty shops in the area.

History and Evolution

• The 51st Street station (Lexington Avenue Line) was inaugurated on July 17, 1918.
• The Lexington Avenue–53rd Street station (Queens Boulevard Line) opened its doors on August 19, 1933.
• The complex has undergone renovations over the years to improve accessibility, signage, and passenger comfort, including the construction of the connecting passageway.
• The connection between both stations has been crucial for facilitating passenger flows in Midtown.

Interesting Facts

• The station is one of the busiest in the system, especially during peak hours due to commuters working in Midtown.
• Its location makes it a vital transportation hub in one of the world’s largest central business districts.
• The Queens Boulevard Line station (E, M) is significantly deep underground. It is an essential connection point for travel between Manhattan and the borough of Queens.