- The Bronx is served by 7 subway lines (1, 2, 4, 5, 6, B, D) and an extensive network of MTA buses, Express buses, and Bee-Line buses.
- Key transit hubs include 149th St-Grand Concourse, 161st St-Yankee Stadium, and E 180th St.
- The standard fare is $2.90, payable with OMNY (contactless) or MetroCard (phasing out by end of 2025).
- Free transfers are available within 2 hours between subways and buses.
- 17 subway stations in The Bronx are currently accessible.
Navigating New York City’s northernmost borough is straightforward thanks to The Bronx’s comprehensive public transportation system. Whether you’re commuting, exploring attractions like Yankee Stadium or the Bronx Zoo, or connecting to other boroughs, the subway and bus network offers convenient options. This guide will walk you through the lines, fares, and tips you need to get around The Bronx smoothly.
What Subway Lines Serve The Bronx?
Seven subway lines connect various parts of The Bronx internally and link the borough to Manhattan and Brooklyn.
Here’s a breakdown of the lines and their key stations in The Bronx:
| Line | Terminal | Key_Stations |
| 1 | Van Cortlandt Park-242nd Street | “231st St, 238th St” |
| 2 | Wakefield-241st Street | “149th St-Grand Concourse, E 180th St” |
| 4 | Woodlawn | “161st St-Yankee Stadium, Burnside Ave” |
| 5 | Eastchester-Dyre Avenue | “E 180th St, Gun Hill Rd” |
| 6 | Pelham Bay Park | “Parkchester, Westchester Sq” |
| B | Bedford Park Boulevard | “182-183 Sts, Tremont Ave” |
| D | Norwood-205th Street | “161st St-Yankee Stadium, Fordham Rd” |
Major Subway Hubs
Certain stations serve as critical transfer points:
- 149th Street-Grand Concourse: Connects the 2, 4, and 5 lines.
- 161st Street-Yankee Stadium: Connects the 4, B, and D lines.
- East 180th Street: Connects the 2 and 5 lines.
- Fordham Road: Connects the 4 and D lines.
How Does the Bus Network Work?
The Bronx boasts an extensive bus network operated by the MTA, along with Express Bus service to Manhattan and connections via Westchester County’s Bee-Line system. The MTA recently redesigned the Bronx bus network (June 2022) to improve frequency and reliability.
Here are the types of bus services available:
- Select Bus Service (SBS): Faster service with limited stops on major corridors.
- Bx12 (Fordham Rd/Pelham Pkwy)
- Bx41 (Webster Ave)
- Major Local Routes: Extensive coverage across the borough.
- Bx1/Bx2 (Grand Concourse)
- Bx15 (3rd Ave)
- Bx19 (Southern Blvd – serves Bronx Zoo/Botanical Garden)
- Express Routes: Direct service primarily to Manhattan (higher fare applies).
- BxM1 (Riverdale to Midtown)
- BxM2 (Bronx to East Side Manhattan)
- BxM3 (Central Bronx to Midtown)
- Bee-Line Routes: Connect The Bronx with Westchester County.
- 60/61/62 (To New Rochelle/White Plains)
- 4 (To Yonkers)
- 20/21 (To Mount Vernon/White Plains)
You can find detailed route information on the official Bronx Bus Map provided by the MTA.
How Much Does It Cost and How Do I Pay?
Understanding fares and payment methods is essential for using the system.
| Payment Type | Cost | Notes |
| OMNY Single Ride | $2.90 | Weekly fare cap at $34.00 |
| MetroCard Single Ride | $2.90 | Being phased out by end of 2025 |
| MetroCard 7-Day Unlimited | $34.00 | Unlimited rides for 7 days |
| MetroCard 30-Day Unlimited | $132.00 | Unlimited rides for 30 days |
| Express Bus Single Ride | $6.75 | Premium service to Manhattan |
| Reduced Fare (Senior/Disabled) | $1.45 | 50% discount on base fare |
| Student MetroCard | Free | For eligible NYC students |
| Bee-Line Bus Base Fare | $2.75 | Valid for MTA transfers |
- OMNY: The MTA’s contactless payment system. Tap your contactless credit/debit card, smartphone, or OMNY card. OMNY offers a weekly fare cap: after paying for 12 rides ($34) Monday-Sunday using the same payment method, the rest of your rides that week are free.
- MetroCard: Still usable until the end of 2025. Purchase or refill at station vending machines.
- Reduced Fare: Eligible seniors (65+) and riders with disabilities can apply for a Reduced-Fare MetroCard or link their eligibility to OMNY for a $1.45 fare.
How Do Transfers Work?
Free transfers make connecting between services seamless.
| Type | Policy | Restrictions |
| Subway-to-Bus | Free within 2 hours | Must use same payment method |
| Bus-to-Subway | Free within 2 hours | Must use same payment method |
| Bus-to-Bus | Free within 2 hours | Maximum 1 transfer |
| Express Bus Transfer | No additional charge within 2 hours | To local bus/subway only |
| Bee-Line to MTA | Free with MetroCard/OMNY | Within Bronx/Westchester |
| OMNY Transfer | Automatic with same payment method | Weekly fare cap applies |
| MetroCard Transfer | Automatically encoded on card | Valid for 2 hours |
Key Takeaway: You generally get one free transfer within a two-hour window when using the same OMNY payment method or MetroCard.
How Can I Plan My Trip?
Several tools help you navigate The Bronx’s transit system:
- MTA Website (mta.info): Provides schedules, maps, service alerts, and a trip planner.
- MYmta App: Official MTA app with real-time arrival info, trip planning, and OMNY account management.
- Transit Apps (e.g., Moovit, Google Maps, Apple Maps): Offer real-time data, step-by-step directions, and service alerts.
- Maps: Use the official MTA subway and Bronx bus maps available online and often in stations.
What About Accessibility?
The MTA is working to improve accessibility across the system.
- Subway Stations: Currently, 17 stations in The Bronx are ADA-accessible, equipped with elevators or ramps. These include major hubs like 161 St-Yankee Stadium, E 180 St, and 3 Av-149 St. Always check the MTA website or app for real-time elevator status before traveling.
- Accessible Stations: 161 St-Yankee Stadium, 170 St, 231 St, 233 St, 3 Av-149 St, Bedford Park Blvd, E 149 St, E 180 St, Fordham Rd, Gun Hill Rd, Hunts Point Av, Kingsbridge Rd, Pelham Bay Park, Pelham Pkwy, Simpson St, Tremont Ave, Westchester Sq-E Tremont Av.
- Buses: All MTA and Bee-Line buses are wheelchair accessible, equipped with ramps or lifts.
How Often Do Trains and Buses Run?
Service frequency varies depending on the time of day.
| Time Period | Subway Frequency | Local Bus Frequency | SBS Frequency |
| “Peak Hours (6-10am, 4-8pm)” | 4-8 minutes | 8-15 minutes | 4-8 minutes |
| Off-Peak Hours | 8-12 minutes | 15-20 minutes | 8-12 minutes |
| Late Night | 20 minutes | 30 minutes | 20 minutes |
Tip: Expect more frequent service during weekday rush hours and less frequent service late at night and on weekends. Always check schedules for specific routes.
What Are Some Common Routes?
Here are suggested services for traveling between key areas in The Bronx:
| Route | Recommended Services | Typical Travel Time |
| Fordham Road Corridor | Bx12 SBS or D train | 30-40 minutes |
| Grand Concourse | Bx1/Bx2 or 4/B/D trains | 25-35 minutes |
| Pelham Bay | 6 train or Bx12 | 40-50 minutes |
| University Heights | 4 train or Bx12 | 20-30 minutes |
| Bronx Zoo/Botanical Garden | Bx19 or 2/5 trains | 35-45 minutes |
Conclusion
Getting around The Bronx is manageable and efficient thanks to its robust network of subways and buses. By understanding the routes, utilizing payment options like OMNY, taking advantage of free transfers, and using available planning tools, you can navigate the borough with confidence. Whether you’re a resident or visitor, The Bronx’s public transit system connects you to everything this vibrant borough has to offer.