Lexington Avenue–63rd Street: A Key Hub in the Upper East Side

The Lexington Avenue–63rd Street station is a subway complex located in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, New York. It serves as an important transfer point between key subway lines, facilitating travel between Midtown Manhattan, Queens, and the Upper East Side. Its strategic location makes it an important access point to residential, commercial, and cultural areas in the zone.

Connections and Services

The Lexington Avenue–63rd Street station integrates two main levels within the same complex, each serving different lines:

Lexington Avenue–63rd Street (IND 63rd Street Line)

• This part of the complex is a station on the IND 63rd Street Line of the New York City Subway.
• It is served by trains of the following services:
  • F (orange)
  • <F> (orange – peak-direction rush hour service)
• Main entrance address: East 63rd Street between Lexington Avenue and 3rd Avenue, New York, NY 10065

Lexington Avenue–63rd Street (BMT 63rd Street Line / Second Avenue Line)

• This part of the complex is a station on the BMT 63rd Street Line, which is part of the Second Avenue Line of the New York City Subway.
• It is served by trains of the following services:
  • Q (yellow)
  • N (yellow – nights and weekends only)
  • R (yellow – nights only)
• The entrances to this section are shared with the IND section, located on East 63rd Street.

The interconnection within this complex allows passengers to make convenient transfers between the F and Q lines directly within the station.

Importance and Location

• The station is located primarily under East 63rd Street, near the intersection with Lexington Avenue, in the Upper East Side of Manhattan.
• Its strategic location makes it a key access point to important destinations such as:

  • Upper East Side

    • Known for its luxury residential buildings, museums, and exclusive shops.
    • Proximity to Bloomingdale’s and other stores on Third and Lexington Avenues.
    • Close access to the southeast corner of Central Park.

  • Connection to Roosevelt Island

    • The F service provides a direct connection to Roosevelt Island.
    • Proximity to the Roosevelt Island Tramway station.

  • Nearby Additional Attractions

    • Numerous restaurants and galleries in the vicinity.
    • Easy access to the Midtown East area.

History and Evolution

• The IND part of the station (F service) was inaugurated on October 29, 1989.
• The connection with the Second Avenue Line and the start of the Q service was inaugurated on January 1, 2017, as part of Phase 1 of the Second Avenue Subway.
• The complex has been fundamental in improving service between Manhattan, Queens, and the Upper East Side, especially with the opening of the Second Avenue Line.

Interesting Facts

• The station is one of the deepest in the New York City subway system.
• The newest section of the station (for the Q service) features modern art and a spacious design as part of the Second Avenue Subway project.
• It offers a crucial connection for residents and workers of the Upper East Side.