f train stations

Alright, let’s clear this up before you start packin’ a suitcase for a cross-country Amtrak ride: the F train is 100% a subway—not a regional rail, not a commuter line, just pure, unfiltered NYC underground chaos. Operated by the MTA, it’s one of those lettered lines that snakes through four boroughs like it’s got places to be and zero patience for tourists blockin’ the doors. The F runs local all day, every day, which means it stops at *every* station along its route—no express skips, no funny business. So when folks ask, “Is the F train a subway or a train?” we just smile and whisper, “Honey, in New York, if it’s underground and smells like regret and pretzels, it’s the subway.” And that includes every last one of the f train stations.

From the salty breezes of Coney Island to the glitterin’ glow of Midtown, the F train hits 46 stations across Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan. It kicks off at Coney Island–Stillwell Ave (hello, boardwalk fries!), rolls through Park Slope, Downtown Brooklyn, then zips under the East River into Manhattan via the 63rd Street Tunnel. Key f train stations include West 4th St (for NYU kids), Broadway-Lafayette (hello, SoHo shopping), and 57th St (a hop from MoMA). Then it ducks back into Queens, servin’ Roosevelt Island, Jackson Heights, and endin’ at Jamaica–179 St. Miss your stop? Don’t sweat it—you’ll loop back eventually… probably after buyin’ three overpriced bodega coffees.

Here’s where dreams meet reality: no, the F train does *not* stop at Rockefeller Center. That honor belongs to the B, D, F, and M—but only the B and D actually pull into 47–50 Streets–Rockefeller Center station. Wait, what? Yeah, the F and M *share tracks* there but don’t stop during regular service. Confusin’? Absolutely. Blame 1960s transit planning. If you’re headin’ to the Christmas Tree or NBC Studios, take the B or D instead. Or walk two blocks from 57th St—your Fitbit’ll thank you. Either way, knowin’ which f train stations actually serve your destination saves you from lookin’ lost in front of a giant bronze Atlas.

Every few years, the MTA hits us with the ol’ “F and M are swapping terminals” shuffle—and no, it’s not a TikTok dance trend. It’s usually because of track work, signal upgrades, or that mysterious “infrastructure improvement” they never quite explain. For example, during nights or weekends, the F might terminate at 21st St–Queensbridge while the M takes over the full Queens leg. These swaps keep the system runnin’ while they fix century-old tunnels, but they also turn your simple commute into a Choose Your Own Adventure novel. Pro tip: check the MTA website or MYmta app before you leave—because nobody wants to end up in Forest Hills at 2 a.m. by accident. Especially when you’re just tryna get home from karaoke in Williamsburg. Those f train stations won’t wait for you.

Below’s the complete list of f train stations—local service, all day, no cap:

*Note: The F passes through 47–50 Sts but doesn’t stop—only B/D do. Keep that in mind when chasin’ holiday lights or last-minute SNL tickets.

While other lines play musical chairs with express/local patterns, the F stays gloriously, stubbornly local. That means slower rides—but also more access to hidden gems. Missed the G train? The F’s got your back in Brooklyn. Need to hit that tiny dumpling spot in Sunset Park? F train to 53rd St. Want to avoid the L train apocalypse? The F’s your quiet cousin who shows up on time and brings wine. For explorers, students, and shift workers, the consistency of f train stations is a blessing—not a curse. Plus, late-night locals mean you’re never stranded after midnight comedy shows or Bushwick raves.

One of the F’s secret strengths? It connects to *almost everything*. At Jay St–MetroTech, you can hop to the A/C, R, and even the Long Island Rail Road. At Broadway–Lafayette, link up with the 6, B, D, and M. At 21st St–Queensbridge, catch the ferry to Astoria. And at Coney Island, you’ve got the D, N, and Q trains plus the B36 bus to Brighton Beach. This web of connections makes the f train stations some of the most versatile in the system—perfect for those days when your plans change faster than NYC weather.

Let’s be real—the F train’s weekend service is about as reliable as a free Wi-Fi password at a coffee shop. Track work between Jay St and Delancey St happens like clockwork, forcing shuttle buses or reroutes that’ll make your head spin. But here’s the hack: the MTA posts weekly service changes every Friday. Bookmark it. Screenshot it. Tattoo it on your forearm if you must. Because nothing kills vibes like showin’ up at 2nd Ave at 1 a.m. only to find a conductor handin’ out flyers that say “Shuttle Bus Around the Corner (Good Luck!).” Knowledge of f train stations includes knowin’ when they’re *not* runnin’.

The F train isn’t just transit—it’s a cultural corridor. Start your day with a Nathan’s hot dog at Stillwell Ave, browse indie books in Park Slope, grab vintage threads in Williamsburg, sip natural wine in Long Island City, then feast on Colombian arepas in Jackson Heights—all without ever touchin’ a car. Each f train stations unlocks a new neighborhood rhythm, from the salsa beats of Roosevelt Avenue to the quiet hum of Brooklyn brownstones. This line doesn’t just move people—it moves stories.

At the end of the day, the F train is New York in miniature: messy, resilient, and full of unexpected grace. Whether you’re a nurse headin’ to NYU Langone, a student luggin’ art supplies from Pratt, or just someone tryna catch sunset over the East River, the f train stations are your silent partners in urban survival. Dive deeper into NYC’s veins over at Subway Life, explore more transit tales in our Transit section, or compare iconic routes in our feature Q Train Stops: Reveal NYC’s Best Routes. The city’s waitin’—and the F’s leavin’ in 2 minutes.

References

• https://new.mta.info/schedules/subway
• https://www.nycsubwayguide.com/nyc-subway-f-train.htm
• https://citymapper.com/nyc
• https://www.transitwiki.org/TransitWiki/index.php/F_(New_York_City_Subway_service)
• https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2023/nyregion/mta-weekend-service-changes.html