New York City Subway F line logo

F Line – Orange Line

The F Line of the New York City Subway is one of the most versatile and convenient routes in the system, connecting Queens and Manhattan with fast and efficient service. Identified by its green color on the subway map, this line is essential for those traveling between residential areas and key points in the city, from the heart of Manhattan to the most dynamic neighborhoods in Queens.

The F Line operates with local service, allowing passengers to comfortably access various destinations, such as Manhattan’s Financial District and commercial and cultural areas in western Queens. Among its most prominent stations are West 4th Street-Washington Square, a major connection hub in Manhattan, and Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue, which serves as a key hub in Queens. Its terminal at Jamaica-179th Street offers access to the train station and facilitates transportation to other areas of the system.

The F Line of the New York City Subway is a key artery connecting Manhattan and Queens with fast and efficient local service. Inaugurated in 1936 as part of the Independent Subway System (IND), the F Line has been essential for millions of passengers traveling between residential neighborhoods, commercial areas, and cultural centers of the city.

Identified by its green color on the subway map, the F Line operates with local service throughout its route, ensuring comprehensive and accessible coverage. Among its most prominent stations are West 4th Street-Washington Square, a key transfer hub in Manhattan; Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue, an important connection hub in Queens; and Jamaica-179th Street, which connects to other important transportation routes and services.

The F Line also offers multiple connections with other subway lines, such as the A, C, E, R, and 7 Lines, facilitating agile and direct access to various points in the city. Thanks to its reliable service and extensive network of connections, the F Line remains a fundamental option for those looking to move quickly between Manhattan and Queens.

F Line Map and Route

The F Line of the New York City Subway connects Queens and Manhattan, offering reliable service that facilitates access to various neighborhoods, shopping centers, and key destinations in the city. From its northern terminus at Jamaica-179th Street in Queens to its southern terminus at West 4th Street-Washington Square in Manhattan, the F Line is an essential option for those seeking an efficient way to move between these two important boroughs.

Consult the map to explore all major stations and their connections with other subway lines and transportation methods. Among the most prominent stops are 34th Street-Herald Square, a major transit hub in Manhattan; West 4th Street-Washington Square, located in the heart of Greenwich Village; and Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue, a central point in Queens with connections to other subway lines and the AirTrain JFK.

Image from Transitapp

With express service in Queens and local service in Manhattan, the F Line is a strategic option for those looking to move quickly and comfortably through the city, with access to some of the main points of interest.

F Line Stations and Points of Interest

The F Line of the New York City Subway is one of the most convenient and essential routes for those traveling between Manhattan and Queens. This line connects a series of key neighborhoods in both areas, providing fast and reliable service that facilitates access to residential, commercial, and cultural zones.

The main stations on the F Line include:

The F Line offers local service along its route, passing through key neighborhoods such as Forest Hills and Jackson Heights in Queens, and central Manhattan, including areas like Greenwich Village and Midtown. The 34th Street–Herald Square station is an important connection hub, where passengers can access other lines such as the B, D, M, and N Lines. Additionally, the West 4th Street–Washington Square station connects with the A, C, and E Lines, offering easy access to other points in Manhattan.

With its connections to lines like the E, M, and R, and its direct access to the AirTrain JFK via Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Avenue, the F Line is an efficient option for travelers looking to move quickly between key neighborhoods in Manhattan and Queens, and access key destinations like JFK Airport.

Connections and Transfers

The F Line of the New York City Subway also offers a series of strategic connections with other lines and transportation methods, facilitating quick and efficient access to various key areas in Manhattan and Queens. Below are some of the main connections and transfers available on the F Line:

  • Jamaica-179th Street: Northern terminus of the line in Queens, with connections to the AirTrain JFK, facilitating access to John F. Kennedy International Airport.
  • Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue: Connection with the 7, E, M, and R Lines, allowing for quick travel to various points in Queens and Manhattan.
  • Queens Plaza: Connection with the N, R, and W Lines, which facilitates access to key areas of Queens and Manhattan.
  • Court Square-23rd Street: Connection with the 7 Line and the G Line, providing additional options to reach various destinations within Queens and towards northern Brooklyn.
  • 34th Street-Herald Square: Connection with the B, D, M, and N Lines, offering direct access to commercial and transportation areas in Midtown Manhattan.
  • West 4th Street-Washington Square: Connection with the A, C, and E Lines, and easy access to multiple transportation options in the Greenwich Village area.

With these connections, the F Line not only serves travelers moving between Queens and Manhattan but also offers convenient options for exploring the city and accessing key destinations.

F Line Service and Schedule

The F Line of the New York City Subway is one of the most important and convenient routes in the system, recognized by its orange color on the map. This line connects central Manhattan with Queens, facilitating access to key neighborhoods, commercial areas, and entertainment destinations.

The F Line operates with local service throughout its route, providing complete coverage in Manhattan and Queens. Its route begins at the West 4th Street-Washington Square station in Lower Manhattan, passing through neighborhoods like Greenwich Village, Midtown Manhattan, and ending at the Jamaica-179th Street station in Queens. During peak hours, the F Line is a popular option for travelers heading to JFK Airport, as it offers direct connections to the Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue station, from where they can take the AirTrain.

F Line trains do not operate 24 hours a day, but they are available every day from early morning until midnight. Service generally begins around 5:00 a.m. and ends near midnight, making it an excellent option for both daytime and nighttime travel. For information on updated schedules, wait times, and possible service disruptions, it is recommended to use applications like MTA TrainTime or consult the official MTA website.

Tips for Traveling on the F Line

Traveling on the F Line of the New York City Subway is an excellent way to move between Manhattan and Queens quickly and efficiently. Here are some tips to make the most of your travel experience:

  • Check Announcements and Apps: Stay informed about service changes and potential delays. Apps like MTA TrainTime or Google Maps offer updated schedules and real-time alerts, which will help you plan your journey smoothly.
  • Avoid Peak Hours: For a more comfortable trip, try to avoid peak hours, especially between 7:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Stations like 34th Street-Herald Square and Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue are usually more crowded during these periods.
  • Use MetroCard or OMNY: Make sure to use a MetroCard or the OMNY system for quick and contactless access to stations, saving time in the process of entering and exiting the subway.
  • Optimize Transfers: Connections at key stations like 34th Street-Herald Square and Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue allow you to change lines efficiently, facilitating access to other parts of the city.
  • Practice Subway Etiquette: Be respectful of other passengers: give up your seat to those who need it, stay to the right on stairs, and let people exit before boarding. These small actions help maintain passenger flow without interruptions.

History and Curiosities of the F Line

The F Line of the New York City Subway is one of the most convenient and essential routes for those traveling between Manhattan and Queens. Inaugurated in 1933 as part of the Independent Subway System (IND), the F Line connects key areas of the city, playing a vital role in the daily mobility of millions of passengers.

From its terminus at West 4th Street-Washington Square in Lower Manhattan to its final point at Jamaica-179th Street in Queens, the F Line passes through important neighborhoods such as Greenwich Village, Midtown Manhattan, and Forest Hills. Its express service in Queens allows for rapid access to residential and commercial areas, while local service in Manhattan ensures broad and convenient coverage in that zone.

Key stations like 34th Street-Herald Square in Manhattan and Jackson Heights-Roosevelt Avenue in Queens allow for strategic connections with other subway lines, as well as with buses and commuter trains. The southern terminus, at West 4th Street-Washington Square, is a key point for accessing cultural and business areas in Manhattan.

Over the years, the F Line has played a fundamental role in connecting the heart of Manhattan with residential and business areas in Queens, becoming an essential artery for New Yorkers and visitors exploring the city. With its reliability and extensive coverage, the F Line remains an indispensable option for those traveling in New York.