A Complete Map of Subway F Train Stops From Queens to Brooklyn

New York City’s F train is one of the most extensive and vital routes in the entire transit system. Officially known as the Sixth Avenue Local, the F train connects the dense residential areas of Hillside Avenue in Queens to the legendary shores of Coney Island in Brooklyn, passing through the heart of Midtown Manhattan along the way. Characterized by its orange bullet, this line serves as a backbone for commuters who need access to the major business districts and cultural hubs of the city.

As of April 2026, the F train continues to operate 24/7, though its service pattern fluctuates depending on the time of day and ongoing system-wide infrastructure upgrades. Understanding the specific subway f train stops is essential for navigating the complexities of New York transit, especially given the various express and local designations that define this line.

The Queens Segment: From Jamaica to Long Island City

The journey of the F train begins at the eastern end of the Hillside Avenue corridor in Queens. This stretch is primarily residential but serves as a massive feeder for people heading into Manhattan.

Jamaica - 179 St

The northern terminal for the F train is Jamaica - 179 St. This station is a major hub and is notable for its two island platforms. It is ADA accessible, making it a critical entry point for passengers with disabilities. During rush hours, there is a limited E train service that also connects here. It’s also a frequent transfer point for those taking the Q3 bus toward JFK Airport.

Hillside Avenue Locals

From the terminal, the train makes several local stops as it moves west:

169 St: A local station with two side platforms located at Hillside Avenue and 169 St.
Parsons Blvd: This station features two island platforms, allowing for easier movement between northbound and southbound tracks.
Sutphin Blvd: Located at the intersection with Hillside Ave, this is a standard local stop with side platforms.
Briarwood: A crucial stop for those transferring to the E train. It serves the Van Wyck Expressway area and is also ADA accessible.

The Queens Boulevard Corridor

Once the F train hits the Queens Boulevard line, it enters a section where it often shares tracks with the E, M, and R trains.

Kew Gardens - Union Tpke: A major transfer point for the E train and the Q10 bus to JFK. It features two island platforms and is ADA accessible.
75 Av: A local station that serves the Forest Hills neighborhood.
Forest Hills - 71 Av: One of the most important hubs in Queens. This is an express station where the F meets the E, M, and R trains. It is fully ADA accessible and serves as a major commercial center.
Jackson Hts - Roosevelt Av: This is arguably the busiest station in Queens for the F train. It provides transfers to the 7, E, M, and R trains, as well as the LaGuardia Link Q70 SBS for airport access. The station is ADA accessible and uses two island platforms to manage the massive passenger flow.

Crossing to Manhattan: Roosevelt Island and Beyond

After leaving the main Queens Boulevard line, the F train takes a unique path compared to its orange-bullet peers (the B, D, and M). It heads toward the 63rd Street Tunnel to enter Manhattan.

21 St - Queensbridge: This is the last stop in Queens before the river. It is a local station with side platforms and is ADA accessible.
Roosevelt Island: This is one of the deepest stations in the system. It serves the residential community of Roosevelt Island and provides a critical link to the mainland. The station is ADA accessible and features side platforms.
Lexington Av / 63 St: As the train enters Manhattan, it stops at this deep-level station. This is a primary transfer point for the Q train and offers a free out-of-system transfer to the Lexington Av / 59 St station (4, 5, 6, N, R, W trains).

The Manhattan Corridor: The Sixth Avenue Heart

In Manhattan, the F train runs along the IND Sixth Avenue Line. In this section, it is generally a local service, stopping at every station along the corridor, though it shares the tracks with express B and D trains.

Midtown Hubs

57 St: Located at 6th Avenue and West 57th St, this station uses a single island platform.
47 - 50 Sts - Rockefeller Center: A massive station serving one of the most visited areas in the world. It is an express station where passengers can transfer to B, D, and M trains. It is ADA accessible.
42 St - Bryant Park: A key transfer point for the 7 train. This station is adjacent to the New York Public Library and serves the busy midtown office district.
34 St - Herald Square: One of the most complex stations in the city. Here, the F train connects with the B, D, M, N, Q, R, and W trains, as well as the PATH train to New Jersey. It is ADA accessible and features island platforms to accommodate the thousands of shoppers and commuters.

Downtown and the Lower East Side

As the train moves south of 34th Street, the atmosphere changes from corporate to more residential and cultural.

23 St and 14 St: These are local stations serving Chelsea and the Meatpacking District. The 14 St station is a major transfer point for the L train and the 1, 2, 3 line (via a tunnel), and it is ADA accessible.
W 4 St - Washington Square: This is the gateway to Greenwich Village. It is a multi-level station where the F train (lower level) connects with the A, C, E (upper level) and the B, D, and M trains. It is ADA accessible.
Broadway - Lafayette St: A major transfer hub in SoHo, connecting the F with the B, D, M, and 6 trains. It is ADA accessible.
2 Av: Located in the East Village, this station uses a single island platform and serves the vibrant nightlife district of the Lower East Side.
Delancey St - Essex St: This is the last stop in Manhattan before crossing the Williamsburg Bridge is not the route—actually, the F train takes the Rutgers Street Tunnel. At this station, you can transfer to the J, M, and Z trains.
East Broadway: Serving the eastern edge of Chinatown and the Lower East Side, this station has one island platform.

Brooklyn Bound: From the River to the Sea

The F train enters Brooklyn via the Rutgers Street Tunnel, emerging in the DUMBO neighborhood. This section of the line is famous for its transition from deep tunnels to high elevated tracks.

Downtown Brooklyn and the Culvert

York St: The first stop in Brooklyn, serving the DUMBO area. It is a deep station with a single island platform and is known for its long entrance ramp.
Jay St - MetroTech: A massive transfer hub in Downtown Brooklyn. Passengers can switch to the A, C, and R trains here. The station is ADA accessible and is a primary destination for those working in the city's civic center.
Bergen St and Carroll St: These are local stations serving the brownstone neighborhoods of Cobble Hill and Carroll Gardens. The G train shares these tracks.

The Elevated Experience

One of the most scenic parts of the F train route begins as the train rises above ground.

Smith - 9 Sts: This station is the highest elevated subway station in the world, offering incredible views of the Manhattan skyline and the Gowanus Canal. It is a local stop shared with the G train.
4 Av - 9 St: A transfer point for the R train.
7 Av: Serving the heart of Park Slope, this is an express station with island platforms and ADA accessibility.
15 St - Prospect Park and Fort Hamilton Pkwy: Local stops providing access to the southwestern edge of Prospect Park.
Church Av: A major station where the F and G lines diverge. The F train continues south while the G terminates here. It is a local station with island platforms.

The McDonald Avenue Elevated Line

South of Church Avenue, the F train runs on an elevated structure above McDonald Avenue, passing through several diverse neighborhoods.

Ditmas Av, 18 Av, Avenue I, Bay Pkwy, Avenue N, Avenue P: These are traditional elevated local stations with side platforms. They serve the communities of Kensington, Midwood, and Bensonhurst.
Kings Hwy: A major express station on the elevated line. During rush hours, some F trains might terminate here or run express.
Avenue U and Avenue X: The final local stops before reaching the southern tip of Brooklyn. Avenue X is often used as a terminal for short-turn trains during construction or service disruptions.
Neptune Av: The last stop before the coastal attractions of Coney Island.
W 8 St - NY Aquarium: A beautiful elevated station with views of the ocean and the amusement parks. It is shared with the Q train.
Coney Island - Stillwell Av: The southern terminal. This is one of the largest elevated transit terminals in the world, featuring eight tracks and four island platforms. It is fully ADA accessible and provides transfers to the D, N, and Q trains.

F Train Service Patterns: Express vs. Local

One of the most confusing aspects for new riders is the F train's service pattern. In 2026, the service remains structured to maximize efficiency during peak hours.

The Diamond Express

During rush hours in the peak direction (Manhattan-bound in the morning, Brooklyn-bound in the evening), the MTA occasionally operates a diamond express service in Brooklyn. This service skips several local stops between Jay St - MetroTech and Church Avenue to reduce commute times for those traveling from the furthest reaches of the borough. However, the standard circle F train continues to make all local stops for the majority of the day.

Late Night and Weekend Changes

During late nights (typically between midnight and 5:00 AM), the F train service frequency drops to approximately every 20 minutes. Additionally, planned maintenance often occurs on weekends. It is not uncommon for the F train to be rerouted over the E line in Queens or the A line in Manhattan during these times. Always check the digital signage at stations like Forest Hills - 71 Av or West 4th St for the most current information.

Accessibility and ADA Stations

The MTA has made significant strides in making the F line more accessible. As of 2026, many of the busiest subway f train stops are equipped with elevators. Key ADA-compliant stations include:

Jamaica - 179 St (Terminal)
Kew Gardens - Union Tpke
Forest Hills - 71 Av
Jackson Hts - Roosevelt Av
21 St - Queensbridge
Roosevelt Island
Lexington Av / 63 St
47 - 50 Sts - Rockefeller Center
34 St - Herald Sq
14 St
W 4 St - Washington Sq
Jay St - MetroTech
Coney Island - Stillwell Av (Terminal)

Travelers requiring elevators should note that while these stations are equipped with them, temporary outages can occur. Utilizing real-time transit apps is the best way to confirm that an elevator is operational before starting a journey.

Safety and Commuter Tips

Navigating the F train is generally straightforward, but a few tips can make the experience smoother:

Boarding the Correct Train: In Manhattan, the F shares platforms with the M, B, and D trains. Always look for the orange circle with the "F" to ensure you aren't getting on an express train that might skip your stop.
Platform Positioning: At stations with island platforms, such as 34 St - Herald Sq, being in the middle of the platform usually puts you closer to the primary exits and transfer tunnels.
Coney Island Bound: If you are heading to the beach, try to sit on the left side of the train (when facing forward) as you leave Smith - 9th Sts. You’ll get a panoramic view of the Statue of Liberty in the distance and the lower Manhattan skyline.
Transfer Efficiency: At West 4th St, the F train is on the lower level. If you need the A, C, or E trains, you must go up one level. The signage is generally clear, but the station can be crowded during peak hours.

The Role of the F Train in 2026

With the city’s continued growth, the F train remains a symbol of New York’s resilience and connectivity. It serves as a bridge between the quiet, tree-lined streets of Jamaica Estates and the bustling boardwalk of Coney Island. Whether you are a daily commuter heading to Rockefeller Center for work or a tourist seeking the heights of Smith - 9th Sts, the F train provides a reliable window into the diverse landscapes of New York City.

As infrastructure projects continue to modernize the signal systems (CBTC), riders can expect more consistent headways and fewer delays in the coming years. The F line is more than just a list of stops; it is a moving cross-section of the city itself, carrying millions toward their destinations every single week.