Navigating the Bx19 bus route means crossing two boroughs, traversing the length of West 145th Street in Manhattan, rolling across East 149th Street, and winding up Southern Boulevard in the Bronx. If you're trying to figure out where it stops, how often it runs, or which subway lines connect with it, you need a clear breakdown that skips the fluff. The Bx19 connects Riverbank State Park in West Harlem with the New York Botanical Garden, serving major hubs like the Grand Concourse and multiple subway junctions along the way.
Understanding this crosstown and traverse line helps you avoid long waits and missed connections. Whether you're commuting daily or planning a single trip across upper Manhattan and the Bronx, knowing the exact layout of the route keeps your travel predictable.
Bx19 Route Overview and Terminals
The Bx19 is operated by MTA Regional Bus Operations and functions as a vital link between upper Manhattan and the central/eastern Bronx.
- Western Terminal: Riverbank State Park (Riverside Drive and West 145th Street) in Manhattan. During late-night hours, the route truncates slightly, starting and ending at West 145th Street and Broadway.
- Eastern Terminal: Southern Boulevard and the New York Botanical Garden (Bronx Park South).
- Key Corridors: West 145th Street, the 145th Street Bridge, East 149th Street, and Southern Boulevard.
The entire journey covers nearly 40 stops depending on the direction and takes roughly 55 to 65 minutes from end to end, though traffic across the Harlem River bridges can heavily sway travel times during peak rush hours.
Key Stops and Neighborhoods Served
The Bx19 crosses several distinct neighborhoods, making it a heavy-traffic route for local workers, students, and visitors.
Manhattan Segment
Starting at Riverbank State Park, the bus heads east along West 145th Street. It cuts straight through Hamilton Heights and Harlem, providing direct connections to major longitudinal avenues. Key Manhattan stops include:
- Riverside Drive
- Broadway (145th Street Subway Station)
- Amsterdam Avenue
- St. Nicholas Avenue
- Malcolm X Boulevard (Lenox Avenue)
The Bronx Transition
After crossing the 145th Street Bridge over the Harlem River, the route transitions onto East 149th Street, cutting straight through the heart of the South Bronx. This stretch hits major commercial hubs and transit transfer points, including:
- Exterior Street
- Grand Concourse (near the 149th Street–Grand Concourse subway station)
- Morris Avenue and Courtlandt Avenue
- Brook Avenue and St. Ann's Avenue
Southern Boulevard Segment
Near the Hub at 149th and Third Avenue, the bus turns north onto Southern Boulevard, heading past Longwood, Hunts Point, West Farms, and Belmont. Key stops on this northern leg include:
- Hunts Point Avenue
- Westchester Avenue
- East Tremont Avenue
- Fordham Road (near the New York Botanical Garden and Bronx Zoo)
Major Subway and Bus Transfers
The Bx19 is designed to feed into the broader NYC subway network. If you're planning a multi-leg journey, you can transfer to multiple lines without leaving the system if you use OMNY or a MetroCard.
- 1 Train: At the 145th Street and Broadway station in Manhattan.
- A, B, C, D Trains: At 145th Street and St. Nicholas Avenue (Manhattan) and 149th Street and Grand Concourse (Bronx).
- 2, 4, 5 Trains: At the 149th Street–Grand Concourse station, one of the busiest transit nodes in the Bronx.
- 6 Train: Near Southern Boulevard intersections in the southern Bronx.
- Cross-Connecting Buses: The route intersects with major north-south lines like the Bx1, Bx2, Bx4, and Bx41, allowing for flexible lateral transit across the borough.
You can check real-time arrivals, service changes, and accessibility updates directly through the MTA official site or tracking tools like the MTA Bus Time portal.
Common Commuter Mistakes to Avoid
Riders unfamiliar with the Bx19 often run into a few predictable pitfalls that throw off their schedules.
- Ignoring Late-Night Terminal Changes: If you're heading to or from Riverbank State Park past midnight, remember that the route cuts short at 145th Street and Broadway. Waiting further west during these hours leaves you stranded.
- Underestimating Bridge Traffic: The 145th Street Bridge frequently experiences heavy vehicular bottlenecks during morning and evening rush hours. Don't rely on tight transfer windows if you're crossing the Harlem River.
- Confusing Directional Headsigns: Ensure you check the digital sign on the front of the bus. Eastbound buses read toward "Bronx Park via 149 St via Southern", while westbound buses read toward "Riverbank Pk via Southern Bl via 149 St".
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Bx19 run 24 hours a day?
Yes, the Bx19 provides round-the-clock service, though frequencies drop significantly during late-night hours, and the western terminus adjusts to Broadway and 145th Street.
How frequent is the Bx19 bus during peak hours?
During peak commuting windows, buses typically arrive every 10 to 12 minutes, though bunching can occasionally occur due to heavy traffic on Southern Boulevard and 149th Street.
Which payment methods are accepted on the Bx19?
You can pay using OMNY by tapping a contactless credit card, smartphone wallet, or wearable device, or by swiping a traditional MTA MetroCard.
Can I take the Bx19 directly to the Bronx Zoo?
Yes, the route runs along Southern Boulevard, passing close to pedestrian entrances near Fordham Road and Bronx Park South, making it a convenient option for visitors.
