Subway F Train Stops: Complete Station Guide

Navigating the New York City transit network requires knowing your route inside and out. The Subway F train stops span three boroughs, connecting Jamaica, Queens to Coney Island, Brooklyn, via Manhattan. Operating as the IND Sixth Avenue Line, the route covers 70 stations, making it one of the longest and most vital corridors in the system.

Whether you're commuting daily or planning a cross-borough trip, understanding how the line operates—including weekday express variants versus late-night local patterns—saves you time and prevents missed connections. Let's break down every major segment, transfer point, and operational quirk you need to know.

Route Overview and Core Terminals

The F train runs from Jamaica–179th Street in Queens down to Coney Island–Stillwell Avenue in Brooklyn. Along the way, it transitions through underground tunnels, elevated structures, and river crossings.

During daytime hours on weekdays, the line uses different routing tracks depending on the section. You'll encounter local service in most boroughs, but peak-direction express service operates along portions of the Queens Boulevard Line. You can verify live arrivals and service changes directly through the MTA official site or transit apps before heading underground.

Queens Stations: From Jamaica to Long Island City

Queens hosts the northern terminal of the F line and features a mix of local and express stops.

• Jamaica–179th Street: The eastern terminal, offering two island platforms and transfers to select E train rush-hour service.
• 169th Street to Kew Gardens–Union Turnpike: A succession of bustling local stops along Hillside Avenue and Queens Boulevard. Kew Gardens–Union Turnpike serves as a major transfer hub for the E train and airport buses.
• Forest Hills–71st Avenue: A vital express station where riders can transfer between the F, E, M, and R trains.
• Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Avenue: One of the busiest transit nodes in Queens, connecting the F, E, M, R, and the 7 train.
• Court Square–23rd Street: The final stop in Queens on the 53rd Street path, offering links to the E, G, and 7 lines.

Note on 63rd Street Diversions: During late nights and weekends, F trains reroute via the 63rd Street Line, serving 21st Street–Queensbridge, Roosevelt Island, and Lexington Avenue–63rd Street instead of the 53rd Street tube.

Manhattan Stations: Through Midtown and the Lower East Side

Entering Manhattan, the F train runs down Sixth Avenue, providing access to major commercial hubs, shopping districts, and cultural landmarks.

• Lexington Avenue–53rd Street: Connects to the 6 train at 51st Street.
• 47th–50th Streets–Rockefeller Center: A central Midtown stop linking to the B, D, and M trains.
• 34th Street–Herald Square: A massive transfer station connecting to the B, D, M, N, Q, R, and W lines, plus the PATH train and nearby Penn Station.
• West Fourth Street–Washington Square: The premier downtown transfer point connecting the IND (A, C, E, B, D, F, M) lines.
• Broadway–Lafayette Street: Connects directly to the B, D, M, and the 6 train via a pedestrian passageway.
• Delancey Street–Essex Street: The gateway to the Lower East Side, offering transfers to the J and M trains.

Brooklyn Stations: Down to Coney Island

Crossing the East River, the F train plunges into Brooklyn, traveling through Downtown, Carroll Gardens, Park Slope, and eventually hitting open-air elevated tracks down to Coney Island.

• Jay Street–MetroTech: A major Downtown Brooklyn hub connecting to the A, C, and R lines.
• Smith–9th Streets: The highest elevated subway station in the system, offering sweeping views of the city skyline.
• Seventh Avenue: A key express stop in Park Slope where you can transfer to the G train.
• Church Avenue: A major terminal point for certain F train runs and a connecting point for the G line.
• Kings Highway: An elevated express station in south Brooklyn with island platforms.
• Coney Island–Stillwell Avenue: The massive southern terminal, connecting the F, D, N, and Q trains right next to the historic boardwalk.

You can track system-wide elevator status and accessibility upgrades using the accessibility guide published by transit authorities.

Common Commuter Mistakes to Avoid

Riders often trip up on a few operational details unique to the F line. Keep these pitfalls in mind to avoid unwanted detours:

• Ignoring Weekend Reroutes: Missing the weekend switch to the 63rd Street line will send you toward Midtown via an unexpected route. Always read platform countdown clocks.
• Confusing Local and Express Platforms: In Queens, double-check whether your train is running local or express during morning and evening rush hours.
• Assuming Direct Connections: Not all stations sharing a name have free in-system transfers. For instance, some street-level connections require out-of-system re-entry unless you use an OMNY card or MetroCard within the transfer window.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the F train run 24 hours a day?

Yes, the F train operates 24/7, though service frequencies drop significantly during late nights, and weekend routes may involve planned construction diversions.

Is the F train local or express?

It depends on the time of day and borough. In Manhattan and Brooklyn, it generally runs local. In Queens, it operates local during most times, with limited express service during peak rush hours.

How long does it take to ride the entire F train route?

A full-length trip from Jamaica–179th Street in Queens to Coney Island–Stillwell Avenue in Brooklyn takes approximately 100 minutes end-to-end.

Which stations offer ADA accessibility?

Major hubs like Jamaica–179th Street, Kew Gardens–Union Turnpike, 34th Street–Herald Square, and Coney Island–Stillwell Avenue feature elevators and ramps. You should check real-time elevator alerts before traveling if you rely on step-free access.