About 49th Street
49th Street sits on Broadway right at the northern edge of Times Square, one block from Rockefeller Center and a short walk from Radio City Music Hall. The N, Q, R and W trains stop here, offering an alternative, often less overwhelming entry point to the Theater District than surfacing directly in the middle of Times Square itself.
This stretch of Broadway blends the glow of Times Square's southern end with the more corporate, polished feel of Rockefeller Center to the east. It is a genuinely convenient stop for theatregoers, tourists heading to the NBC studio tour, and anyone wanting to see the famous Rockefeller Center ice rink or Christmas tree in season.
Station Overview
49th Street opened in 1918 and sits in Zone 1, in the Theater District section of Midtown Manhattan. It is served by the N, Q, R and W trains. The station is accessible, with facilities including toilets and passenger information.
Lines and Connectivity
The N, Q, R and W trains at 49th Street run south to Times Square, Herald Square and beyond into Brooklyn, and north toward Central Park South and the Upper East Side via the Q. It is a short walk from the larger Times Square-42nd Street complex if you need additional lines.
Station Layout and Structure
49th Street is an underground station with island platforms beneath Broadway, connected to street level by several entrances along the avenue.
Accessibility
49th Street is an accessible station, with elevators providing step-free access between the street and the platforms.
Travel Tips
- This is a quieter alternative to surfacing directly in the middle of Times Square during peak tourist hours.
- Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall are both an easy walk east.
- Broadway theatres are within a short walk south along the Theater District.
Nearby Attractions
Rockefeller Center - a short walk east, home to the ice rink, Top of the Rock observation deck and the NBC studios.
Radio City Music Hall - nearby, the Art Deco theatre famous for its Christmas Spectacular.
Times Square - just south, the neon heart of the Theater District.
Timings and Best Time to Travel
Trains at 49th Street run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with less frequent overnight service. The station is busiest around Broadway showtimes and Rockefeller Center's holiday season, while weekday mid-mornings are calmer.
Nearest Metro to Rockefeller Center
If you are heading to Rockefeller Center, 49th Street is your closest metro stop on the N Train. It also gives easy access to Radio City Music Hall and Times Square. Use the fare calculator to plan your journey cost before you travel.
Stations on This Line
Traveller Tips
- 1A quieter alternative to surfacing directly in Times Square
- 2Rockefeller Center and Radio City Music Hall are an easy walk east
- 3Broadway theatres are a short walk south
Accessibility
Frequently Asked Questions
Which trains serve 49th Street Station?
It is served by the N, Q, R and W trains on Broadway.
Is 49th Street Station wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The station has elevators providing step-free access to the platforms.
Is Rockefeller Center near this station?
Yes, it is a short walk east from the station.
Is this a good stop for Broadway shows?
Yes, it sits at the edge of the Theater District, a short walk from most Broadway theatres.
Is 49th Street quieter than Times Square station itself?
Generally yes, making it a useful alternative if you want to avoid surfacing directly into the busiest part of Times Square.
Does 49th Street Station run all night?
Yes, its lines run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with reduced frequency overnight.