Key Takeaways:
- The L Train is a crucial Subway line connecting Manhattan with North Brooklyn neighborhoods like Williamsburg and Bushwick.
- Key stations in North Brooklyn include Bedford Ave, Lorimer St (G Train transfer), and Myrtle-Wyckoff Aves (M Train transfer).
- Use OMNY for contactless payments; it offers fare capping (free rides after 12 trips in 7 days). MetroCards are being phased out.
- Stay updated with real-time info using official MTA apps like MYmta and TrainTime.
- The L Train has significantly shaped the development and accessibility of Williamsburg and Bushwick.
The L Train is more than just a subway line; it’s a lifeline for Transportation in North Brooklyn. Connecting Manhattan to vibrant Brooklyn neighborhoods like Williamsburg and Bushwick, it facilitates daily commutes, weekend explorations, and access to the area’s unique cultural landscape. This Subway Guide provides essential information for Getting Around using the L Train, covering everything from fares and schedules to transfers and travel tips.
Overview & History: The Canarsie Line
The L Train, officially the 14th Street-Canarsie Local, runs entirely on the BMT Canarsie Line, stretching from 8th Avenue in Manhattan to Canarsie-Rockaway Parkway in Brooklyn. Its history dates back to 1924 when the 14th Street-Eastern Line first connected Manhattan to Montrose Avenue in Brooklyn. This vital link has played a significant role in the evolution of North Brooklyn, particularly fueling the growth and transformation of Williamsburg and Bushwick from the 1990s onwards.
Key L Train Stations in North Brooklyn
Navigating North Brooklyn via the L Train involves several key stops. Here are the main stations, traveling eastbound from Manhattan into Brooklyn:
- Bedford Avenue: (Williamsburg) Located at N 7th St. A major hub and often the first Brooklyn stop for many. ADA accessible.
- Lorimer Street: (Williamsburg) Located at Metropolitan Ave. Transfer point for the G Train. ADA accessible.
- Graham Avenue: (East Williamsburg) Located at Metropolitan Ave.
- Grand Street: (East Williamsburg/Bushwick) Located at Bushwick Ave. ADA accessible.
- Montrose Avenue: (Bushwick) Located at Bushwick Ave.
- Morgan Avenue: (Bushwick) Located at Harrison Pl. Serves an industrial area known for arts spaces.
- Jefferson Street: (Bushwick) Located at Wyckoff Ave. Close to many popular bars and restaurants.
- DeKalb Avenue: (Bushwick) Located at Wyckoff Ave.
- Myrtle-Wyckoff Avenues: (Bushwick/Ridgewood Border) Located at Palmetto St. Transfer point for the M Train. ADA accessible.
(Further stops continue towards Canarsie, including the major transfer hub at Broadway Junction for the A, C, J, Z lines.)
Fares & Payment: Using OMNY and MetroCard
How much does it cost to ride the L Train? As of 2024, a standard subway ride costs $2.90.
What are the payment options?
- OMNY (One Metro New York): This is the MTA’s modern, contactless payment system and the future of fare payment.
- How it works: Simply tap your contactless credit/debit card, smartphone (with mobile wallet like Apple Pay or Google Pay), smartwatch, or OMNY card on the OMNY reader at the turnstile.
- Fare Capping: A major benefit! After you pay for 12 rides using the same contactless device or card within a 7-day period (Monday to Sunday), all subsequent rides for the rest of that week are free. This effectively replaces the need to buy a 7-day unlimited pass upfront.
- OMNY Cards: Physical cards can be purchased at retail locations and some stations.
- Reduced Fares: Eligible riders in the Reduced-Fare and Fair Fares programs can link their benefits to OMNY.
- MetroCard: The traditional payment card is still accepted but is being phased out.
- Availability: MetroCards will no longer be sold after December 31, 2025, though existing cards can likely be used for a period afterward. They can be purchased and refilled at station vending machines.
- Options: Pay-Per-Ride ($2.90/ride), 7-Day Unlimited ($34), 30-Day Unlimited ($132). A Single Ride ticket costs $3.25.
- Recommendation: Transition to using OMNY for its convenience and automatic weekly fare capping.
Navigating Efficiently: Schedules, Updates & Tips
When does the L Train run? The L Train operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, but service frequency varies significantly.
What are typical wait times? Wait times depend on the time of day:
- Rush Hour (approx. 8-10 AM & 5-7 PM): Average wait is around 4 minutes (ranging roughly 3-6 min).
- Off-Peak (approx. 10 AM – 5 PM): Average wait is around 6 minutes (ranging roughly 5-8 min).
- Late Night (approx. 12 AM – 5 AM): Average wait increases to around 12 minutes (ranging roughly 8-20 min).
- Weekend Daytime: Average wait is around 7 minutes (ranging roughly 5-10 min).
- Note: These are estimates based on typical schedules and actual times can vary.
How can I get real-time L Train updates? Staying informed about delays or service changes is crucial. Use these official MTA resources:
- MYmta App: Offers real-time train tracking, service status, and alerts.
- TrainTime App: Provides real-time tracking, seat availability info, and train layouts.
- MTA Website (new.mta.info): Features real-time service info, planned changes, and options for email/text alerts.
- Third-Party Apps: Apps like Citymapper and the Transit App are also popular for real-time transit data and trip planning.
Travel Tips:
- Avoid Peak Hours: The L Train can be very crowded during rush hour. Travel off-peak if your schedule allows.
- Use Multiple Entrances: Larger stations often have multiple entrances/exits; using one further down the platform can sometimes lead to less crowded train cars.
- Check Service Status Before You Go: Especially on weekends or late nights when maintenance work is common.
Connections & Transfers: Getting Beyond the L
The L Train connects seamlessly with other parts of NYC’s transit network:
Subway Transfers:
- G Train: Connects at Lorimer Street station (Brooklyn-Queens crosstown service).
- M Train: Connects at Myrtle-Wyckoff Avenues station (service to Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan).
- A, C, J, Z Trains: Connect further down the line at Broadway Junction.
- Manhattan Transfers: Connects with numerous lines at Union Square (4, 5, 6, N, Q, R, W) and 8th Ave/14th St (A, C, E).
Bus Services: Numerous MTA bus routes intersect with L Train stations, providing crucial local connections. Key routes include:
- Near Bedford Ave: B62.
- Near Lorimer St: B24, B48.
- Near Myrtle-Wyckoff: B26, B52, B54, Q55.
- Near Grand St: B43, B60.
NYC Ferry: The East River Ferry route stops at North Williamsburg, accessible from the Bedford Avenue L station via a walk or bus ride. It offers scenic service to Manhattan (Wall St, Midtown) and other Brooklyn/Queens points.
Citi Bike: Bike share stations are widely available near most L Train stations in North Brooklyn, offering a great option for the first or last part of your journey.
Impact on North Brooklyn: A Catalyst for Change
The L Train’s influence on Williamsburg and Bushwick cannot be overstated. Its reliable connection to Manhattan spurred significant gentrification starting in the 1990s. Artists and young professionals moved in, followed by rapid real estate development, new businesses, and rising property values. While bringing vibrancy and economic growth, this transformation also impacted long-term residents and the neighborhoods’ original character. The temporary L Train shutdown in 2019, though disruptive, showed the neighborhoods’ resilience as alternative transit options were utilized.
Conclusion
The L Train remains an indispensable artery for North Brooklyn, facilitating movement within Williamsburg, Bushwick, and beyond. By leveraging the OMNY payment system for ease and savings, staying informed with real-time Transportation updates via MTA apps, and understanding the available connections, navigating this vital Subway line can be efficient and straightforward. Whether you’re commuting or exploring, the L Train is your key to experiencing the dynamic energy of this part of Brooklyn.
Tags: Brooklyn, North Brooklyn, Williamsburg, Bushwick, Go, Transportation, Subway, L Train, Getting Around, Public Transit, Subway Guide, OMNY, MTA, Real-Time Updates