The L Train is a rapid transit line in the New York City Subway system. It runs between 8th Avenue in Manhattan and Canarsie–Rockaway Parkway in Brooklyn. The line has 41 stations and is 14.7 miles long. The L Train is one of New York City’s most heavily used subway lines, with an estimated average weekday ridership of over 690,000 passengers in 2019.
History of the L Train
The L Train began service in 1924, as the Eighth Avenue Line. It was the second line of the Independent Subway System (IND), which was created to compete with the privately owned Interborough Rapid Transit Company (IRT). It was originally intended to connect the Fulton Street Line in Manhattan with the Queensboro Plaza Line in Queens.
In 1928, the line was extended to its current terminus at Canarsie–Rockaway Parkway in Brooklyn. The line was given its current name in 1967, when the IND and IRT were merged into the unified New York City Subway system.
Route of the L Train
The L Train runs between 8th Avenue in Manhattan and Canarsie–Rockaway Parkway in Brooklyn. The line has 41 stations, including 8th Avenue, Union Square, First Avenue, Bedford Avenue, Lorimer Street, Graham Avenue, and Canarsie–Rockaway Parkway.
The L Train runs east-west along the southern edge of Manhattan and Brooklyn. It passes through the neighborhoods of Chelsea, East Village, Lower East Side, Williamsburg, Bushwick, and Canarsie.
Service on the L Train
The L Train operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The line has a peak frequency of every 3-5 minutes during rush hours, and every 10 minutes during non-rush hours. The line has express service during rush hours, with some express trains running between 8th Avenue and Bedford Avenue.
Connections on the L Train
The L Train provides connections to other subway lines in Manhattan and Brooklyn. In Manhattan, connections are available to the A/C/E/F/M lines at 14th Street/8th Avenue, and the 1/2/3 lines at 14th Street/7th Avenue. In Brooklyn, connections are available to the G line at Metropolitan Avenue, the J/M/Z lines at Lorimer Street/Metropolitan Avenue, and the A/C lines at Broadway Junction.
Notable Stations on the L Train
The L Train has several notable stations, including:
- 8th Avenue – This station is the western terminus of the L Train, and is located near the heart of the Chelsea neighborhood.
- Union Square – This station is located near Union Square Park, and is a transfer point to the 4/5/6/N/Q/R lines.
- First Avenue – This station is located near the popular East Village neighborhood, and is a transfer point to the F line.
- Bedford Avenue – This station is located in the heart of Williamsburg, and is a transfer point to the G line.
- Lorimer Street – This station is located near the heart of Williamsburg, and is a transfer point to the G line.
- Graham Avenue – This station is located near the popular Bushwick neighborhood, and is a transfer point to the J/M/Z lines.
- Canarsie–Rockaway Parkway – This station is the eastern terminus of the L Train, and is located near the heart of the Canarsie neighborhood.
Frequently Asked Questions About the L Train
Q: Where does the L Train run?
A: The L Train runs between 8th Avenue in Manhattan and Canarsie–Rockaway Parkway in Brooklyn.
Q: How many stations does the L Train have?
A: The L Train has 41 stations.
Q: How often does the L Train run?
A: The L Train operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The line has a peak frequency of every 3-5 minutes during rush hours, and every 10 minutes during non-rush hours.
Q: Does the L Train have express service?
A: Yes, the L Train has express service during rush hours, with some express trains running between 8th Avenue and Bedford Avenue.
Q: What subway lines can I transfer to on the L Train?
A: In Manhattan, you can transfer to the A/C/E/F/M lines at 14th Street/8th Avenue, and the 1/2/3 lines at 14th Street/7th Avenue. In Brooklyn, you can transfer to the G line at Metropolitan Avenue, the J/M/Z lines at Lorimer Street/Metropolitan Avenue, and the A/C lines at Broadway Junction.
Q: What are some notable stations on the L Train?
A: Some notable stations on the L Train include 8th Avenue, Union Square, First Avenue, Bedford Avenue, Lorimer Street, Graham Avenue, and Canarsie–Rockaway Parkway.
Q: How long is the L Train?
A: The L Train is 14.7 miles long.