The 1 train, formally known as the Broadway–Seventh Avenue Local, serves as the central nervous system for the West Side of Manhattan. Represented by its iconic red bullet, this service operates local between Van Cortlandt Park–242nd Street in the Bronx and South Ferry in Lower Manhattan. Unlike the 2 and 3 trains which share portions of the same line but skip stops in an express fashion, the 1 train provides essential access to the smaller, residential, and academic pockets of the city by stopping at every single station on its route.

Operating 24 hours a day, the 1 line is one of the most reliable and frequently used segments of the New York City Transit system. It connects major transportation hubs like Penn Station and Times Square with quiet residential areas in Washington Heights and the bustling campuses of Columbia University. Understanding the layout and specifics of each stop is crucial for navigating the diverse neighborhoods that define the Manhattan skyline and the Bronx landscape.

The Full List of 1 Train Stations from North to South

There are 38 active stations served by the 1 train. The following list outlines the progression of the line, starting from its northern terminus in the Bronx and moving south to the tip of Manhattan.

  1. Van Cortlandt Park-242 St (Terminus, Bronx)
  2. 238 St (Bronx)
  3. 231 St (Bronx)
  4. Marble Hill-225 St (Manhattan/Bronx Border)
  5. 215 St (Manhattan)
  6. 207 St
  7. Dyckman St
  8. 191 St
  9. 181 St
  10. 168 St-Washington Hts
  11. 157 St
  12. 145 St
  13. 137 St-City College
  14. 125 St
  15. 116 St-Columbia University
  16. Cathedral Pkwy (110 St)
  17. 103 St
  18. 96 St
  19. 86 St
  20. 79 St
  21. 72 St
  22. 66 St-Lincoln Center
  23. 59 St-Columbus Circle
  24. 50 St
  25. Times Sq-42 St
  26. 34 St-Penn Station
  27. 28 St
  28. 23 St
  29. 18 St
  30. 14 St
  31. Christopher St-Stonewall
  32. Houston St
  33. Canal St
  34. Franklin St
  35. Chambers St
  36. WTC Cortlandt
  37. Rector St
  38. South Ferry (Terminus)

The Bronx and Upper Manhattan: Scenic Elevations and Deep Tunnels

The journey of the 1 train begins at an elevated station at Van Cortlandt Park-242nd Street. This terminus is unique as it sits high above Broadway, offering views of the massive Van Cortlandt Park, one of the city's largest green spaces. For those looking to escape the concrete density of the city, this is the primary access point for cross-country running trails, public golf courses, and historic house museums.

As the train moves south through the Bronx stations of 238th Street and 231st Street, it remains elevated. The transition into Manhattan occurs at the Marble Hill-225th Street station. Although Marble Hill is geographically on the mainland, it is politically part of Manhattan due to the rerouting of the Harlem River in the late 19th century. This stop offers a vital connection to the Metro-North Railroad's Hudson Line, facilitating travel for those heading further north into Westchester County or Connecticut.

Once the train enters the island proper, it plunges underground at Dyckman Street, but not before providing one of the most interesting structural transitions in the system. The 191st Street station holds the title of the deepest station in the entire New York City Subway system, located approximately 180 feet below street level. It is accessible via a long pedestrian tunnel from Broadway or high-speed elevators from St. Nicholas Avenue. This section of the line in Washington Heights is characterized by deep rock tunnels and grand architectural details that date back to the original IRT construction.

The Academic and Cultural Hubs: 145th to 72nd Street

The 1 train is often referred to as the "Academic Line" because of the numerous educational institutions it serves. The 137th Street-City College station serves the historic City College of New York (CCNY) campus. A few stops south, 116th Street-Columbia University opens directly onto the main gates of the Ivy League institution. This station is perpetually bustling with students, faculty, and researchers.

A notable highlight of this stretch is the 125th Street station. Unlike the surrounding underground tunnel, this station is situated on a massive steel viaduct. As the train emerges from the darkness into the light over the Manhattanville valley, passengers are treated to a panoramic view of the Hudson River and the newly expanded campus buildings of West Harlem. It is frequently cited as one of the most beautiful segments of a subway ride in Manhattan.

At 96th Street, the 1 train meets its express counterparts, the 2 and 3 trains. This station is a major transfer point. Passengers traveling from the Bronx or Upper Manhattan often switch here to the express tracks to reach Midtown or Downtown faster. The 96th Street station features a modern glass headhouse in the center of Broadway, a significant upgrade that improved passenger flow and accessibility.

Moving into the Upper West Side, stations like 79th Street and 72nd Street provide access to the American Museum of Natural History and the northern reaches of Central Park. The 72nd Street station is another express transfer point and is famous for its historic control house, which serves as a reminder of the subway's early 20th-century origins.

Midtown Hubs and the Theater District

As the 1 train enters the heart of Manhattan, it services the city's most dense commercial and entertainment districts. 66th Street-Lincoln Center is the primary stop for the Metropolitan Opera, the New York City Ballet, and the New York Philharmonic. This station is adorned with themed mosaics, setting the tone for the artistic venues just steps away.

At 59th Street-Columbus Circle, the 1 train connects with the A, B, C, and D lines. This is a critical junction for those transitioning between the West Side and the East Side or heading toward Brooklyn. The station is also a gateway to the southwest corner of Central Park and the high-end retail of the Deutsche Bank Center.

Times Square-42nd Street is arguably the most famous stop on the line. It is a massive complex offering transfers to nearly every major subway line, including the N, Q, R, W, 7, and the 42nd Street Shuttle. For the 1 train, this stop is the gateway to the Theater District. In 2026, this station remains a marvel of engineering, handling hundreds of thousands of passengers daily through its labyrinth of tunnels and modern OMNY-enabled turnstiles.

Following Times Square is 34th Street-Penn Station. For commuters using the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), New Jersey Transit, or Amtrak, the 1 train provides a direct link to the West Side's premier transit hub. This station is essential for Madison Square Garden attendees and those visiting the Hudson Yards district a few blocks to the west.

Chelsea, The Village, and Lower Manhattan

South of Penn Station, the character of the 1 line changes as it enters Chelsea and Greenwich Village. The 23rd Street and 18th Street stations are frequented by those visiting the art galleries of Chelsea and the High Line park.

The 14th Street station is a significant multi-line complex, allowing transfers to the F, M, and L trains, as well as the PATH train to New Jersey. This area marks the transition into the more historic, winding streets of the West Village. The Christopher St-Stonewall station is globally recognized as the stop for the Stonewall National Monument, a landmark in the history of civil rights.

As the train descends into the Financial District, the stations become more utilitarian but no less important. Canal Street serves the northern edge of TriBeCa and provides access to the bustling markets of Chinatown. The Chambers Street station is the final express transfer point, where passengers can move between the 1 local and the 2 or 3 express trains.

A poignant stop on the line is WTC Cortlandt. This station was destroyed during the attacks of September 11, 2001, and remained closed for nearly 17 years. The reopened station is a masterpiece of modern design, featuring a white marble interior inscribed with text from the Declaration of Independence and the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It provides direct access to the World Trade Center site and the Oculus transportation hub.

Finally, the 1 train reaches its southern terminus at South Ferry. This station is the primary connection for the Staten Island Ferry, which carries millions of passengers across the harbor each year. The South Ferry station was completely rebuilt after Hurricane Sandy, making it one of the most climate-resilient stations in the system, featuring massive flex gates and reinforced entries to prevent flooding.

Technical Operations and Service Patterns in 2026

In 2026, the 1 train continues to operate under the "A Division" (IRT) standards, meaning its cars are slightly narrower and shorter than those on the B Division (lettered lines). The rolling stock consists primarily of modern, well-maintained cars that feature digital displays and automated announcements.

Frequency and Reliability

During morning and evening rush hours, 1 trains typically run every 4 to 6 minutes. During the midday and evening hours, frequency drops to every 8 to 10 minutes. Late-night service, occurring after midnight, usually sees trains arriving every 20 minutes. While the 1 train is a "local" service, its reliability is often higher than express lines because it does not have to navigate the complex switching maneuvers required by the 2 and 3 trains as they merge and diverge across different tracks.

ADA Accessibility

Accessibility has been a major focus for the MTA heading into 2026. While the 1 train is an older line, many key stations are now fully ADA accessible with elevators and boarding platforms designed for wheelchairs. Key accessible stops include:

  • Van Cortlandt Park-242 St
  • 231 St
  • Dyckman St
  • 168 St
  • 96 St
  • 72 St
  • 66 St-Lincoln Center
  • 59 St-Columbus Circle
  • Times Sq-42 St
  • 34 St-Penn Station
  • 14 St
  • Chambers St
  • WTC Cortlandt
  • South Ferry

Passengers requiring elevators are encouraged to check the real-time status of station equipment, as maintenance can occasionally take elevators out of service.

Strategic Travel Tips for the 1 Train

Navigating the 1 train efficiently requires a bit of local knowledge. Here are several considerations to keep in mind for a smoother journey:

  • The 96th Street Strategy: If you are traveling from the Upper West Side to Lower Manhattan, it is almost always faster to take the 1 train to 96th Street and then cross the platform to catch a 2 or 3 express train. The same applies in reverse when heading uptown; take the express to 96th Street and switch to the 1 for local stops like 103rd or 110th.
  • OMNY is Universal: By 2026, the physical MetroCard has been largely phased out in favor of OMNY (One Metro New York). You can pay your fare by tapping a contactless credit card, smartphone, or wearable device at any turnstile on the 1 line. The system includes a fare-capping feature, meaning after a certain number of rides in a week, subsequent rides are free.
  • Stay North for Space: During the morning rush hour (8:00 AM – 9:30 AM), 1 trains heading downtown become extremely crowded starting at 116th Street (Columbia University). If you are boarding further north, such as at 145th or 157th, you are much more likely to find a seat.
  • Check for Weekend Construction: The MTA frequently uses weekends to perform track maintenance. On some weekends, the 1 train may be replaced by shuttle buses between specific stations (often between 14th Street and South Ferry or in the Bronx section). Real-time apps and station signage are the best sources for these service changes.
  • The South Ferry Loop: Be aware that the South Ferry terminal is a stub-end station for the 1 train. All passengers must exit the train upon arrival. If you intend to go back uptown, you must exit and re-enter or follow the signs for the uptown platform.

Neighborhood Vibes Along the Red Line

The 1 train offers a unique cross-section of New York life. In the Bronx, you see the vibrant, tight-knit communities of Kingsbridge and Riverdale. In Washington Heights, the air is filled with the sounds of Spanish music and the smell of street food. Morningside Heights feels like a classic collegiate town, while the Upper West Side exudes a quiet, sophisticated residential energy.

As the train moves through Midtown, the atmosphere shifts to the high-stakes world of business and the bright lights of Broadway. Finally, the descent into the Village and the Financial District brings you to the historic roots of the city, where cobblestone streets meet the glass towers of global finance.

Whether you are a daily commuter or a first-time visitor, the 1 train remains one of the most effective ways to see the true breadth of Manhattan. By stopping at every local station, it ensures that no neighborhood, no matter how small, is left disconnected from the pulse of the city.