125th Street

This 125th Street station sits under Lexington Avenue on the eastern side of Harlem, where the neighbourhood shades into East Harlem and El Barrio. It is a key link for the whole area, and just a block away on Park Avenue is the Harlem-125th Street Metro-North station, where commuter trains head north into the Bronx, Westchester and Connecticut, making this corner a real transport crossroads.

The station is served by the 4, 5 and 6 trains, the trio that runs the length of Lexington Avenue. That combination of local and express trains makes it one of the fastest ways in and out of Harlem toward Midtown and downtown.

Station Overview

The station opened in 1918 as part of the Lexington Avenue subway and sits in Zone 1. It is served by the 4, 5 and 6 trains, giving it both express and local service. There is a staffed booth, toilets and OMNY and MetroCard equipment at the turnstiles.

Lines and Connectivity

The 4 and 5 are express trains here, so they whisk you down the east side to Grand Central, Union Square and the Financial District quickly, then continue into Brooklyn. Northbound they run up into the Bronx. The 6 is the local, stopping at every station in between and useful for the Upper East Side. A short walk to the Metro-North station adds regional rail toward the northern suburbs.

Station Layout and Structure

This is an underground station with express and local tracks, so check whether the incoming train is a 4, 5 or 6 and which way it is bound. Entrances rise around 125th Street and Lexington Avenue. OMNY readers and MetroCard machines sit at the fare gates, with staff on hand at the booth.

Accessibility

This station has step-free access with lifts between the street, mezzanine and platforms, which helps wheelchair users, older travellers and anyone connecting to Metro-North with luggage. Lifts can be taken out of service for repairs, so it is wise to check the MTA live status before a trip where step-free access matters.

Travel Tips

• For the fastest ride to Grand Central or downtown, catch the 4 or 5 express rather than the local 6.
• The Harlem-125th Street Metro-North station is a block east on Park Avenue if you need regional trains to Westchester or Connecticut.
• Pay with a contactless OMNY tap or a MetroCard swipe. The flat fare covers the whole subway ride regardless of distance.

Nearby Attractions

Marcus Garvey Park - about 8 minutes on foot west. A rugged park with a landmark cast-iron fire watchtower, ringed by historic Harlem brownstones.

Apollo Theater - roughly 12 minutes on foot west along 125th Street. Harlem's legendary music hall, reachable by walking the length of the cultural corridor.

La Marqueta - a short walk toward Park Avenue. A historic covered market under the railway viaduct with Latin food vendors serving East Harlem.

Harlem-125th Street Metro-North Station - one block east. The commuter rail hub for trains north to the Bronx, Westchester and Connecticut.

Timings and Best Time to Travel

The 4, 5 and 6 all run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with less frequent service overnight. Weekday rush hours are the busiest, especially with commuters transferring to and from Metro-North. Midday and weekend mornings are calmer times to travel through.