5 Train NYC Route & Stops Info

The Lexington Avenue Express (also known as the 5 train) is a rapid transit line on the A Division of the New York City Subway. It is one of the busiest express lines in the entire network and links three boroughs: Bronx, Manhattan and Brooklyn. 

It is colored apple green due to its route emblem, or “bullet”, running through Manhattan on the IRT Lexington Avenue Line. Anyone who sees that green circle that has a "5" written on it at a station knows they are on one of the fastest and most direct subway lines in NYC.

The 5 is the train of choice for millions of New Yorkers each day — whether riding between the Bronx and Brooklyn, Midtown to the Financial District, or anywhere in between.

5 Train Route Overview

The 5 service 24/7 with some patterns depending on time of day. The service runs from Dyre Avenue, Eastchester, Bronx to Flatbush Avenue–Brooklyn College, Flatbush, Brooklyn during the weekday rush hour and midday hours.

In simple terms, the full daytime route covers:

• Northern terminal: Eastchester–Dyre Avenue (Bronx)
• Southern terminal: Flatbush Avenue–Brooklyn College (Brooklyn)
• Core corridor: IRT Lexington Avenue Line through Midtown and Lower Manhattan

The line runs through the middle of Manhattan, through Grand Central–42nd Street, 59th Street, 86th Street and 125th Street, and it is vital to both visitors and commuters.

5 Train Stops Full List by Borough

 Bronx (Local Stops)

The 5 train makes all local stops in the Bronx. Here are the key stations from north to south:

Express Note: On rush hour, 5 trains run express from East 180th Street to Third Avenue–149th Street skipping a number of local stops to move quickly during peak times.

Manhattan (Express Stops Only)

The 5 train is an express train that operates in Manhattan. It only comes to a stop at major stations, so it's ideal for people who want to travel to a major destination in a hurry: 

Brooklyn (Express Stops)

On weekdays during rush hours and midday, the 5 continues past Bowling Green into Brooklyn:

5 Train Schedule & Frequency

The 5 runs is an important component to consider when planning your trip, as well as how far out from town they are.

Weekday (Monday–Friday)

Most trains run wekdays during the day between Eastchester, Dyre Av (Bronx) and Flatbush Av, Brooklyn College (Brooklyn). Trains run between Eastchester–Dyre Av in the Bronx and Bowling Green in Manhattan at all other times but at night. MTA

• Peak hours (6 AM – 9 AM / 4 PM – 7 PM): Highest frequency, express Bronx service
• Midday: Full route Dyre Av ↔ Flatbush Av
• Evenings: Short-turns at Bowling Green, does not go to Brooklyn

Weekends

Services on the 5 subway start at 6:02 AM on Sunday. The 5 only runs past Bowling Green during the day on weekends, not to Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn. Moovit

Late Night

During late nights, trains operate only in the Bronx between Eastchester–Dyre Av and E 180 St. Customers who ride during late night hours can transfer to 2 service at E 180 St. MTA

In summary:

Transfers & Connections

The 5 train connects with almost every major subway line in the system:

Grand Central is particularly important — it connects to Metro-North Railroad, giving commuters from Westchester and Connecticut a seamless connection into the Manhattan express subway. Wikipedia

Rider Tips for the 5 Train

1. Pay with OMNY (Tap & Go)
Use a contactless credit/debit card, smartphone, wearable device or OMNY Card to tap and ride. If you travel twice with the same card or device, you will receive a free transfer! All stations have OMNY Card vending machines. MTA

2. Check for Service Alerts
The 5 train sometimes has irregular times. The 5 Train achieved a Good Service rate of 81% for the day, and Delays of 17% for the day. Before going anywhere, please use the MTA application or Google Maps.

3. Late Night? Transfer at E 180 St
For those wishing to travel south of E 180 St at night, take the 2 train from E 180 St - the 5 is only the Bronx shuttle during the night hours. 

4. Rush Hour Express in the Bronx
In the evening rush hour (4-7 PM), some stops will not be made between 3 Av–149 St and E 180 St when heading northbound. Plan accordingly.

5. Avoid Confusion with the 4 and 6
Three trains (4, 5 and 6) run along Lexington Avenue. The 5 service is green express, the 4 service is dark green express and the 6 service is green local. All three can get on the same platform at express stops such as 59th St or 86th St.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many stops does the 5 train have?
The NYC Subway 5 train runs on the standard route (Eastchester–Dyre Av to Bowling Green) with additional service to Flatbush Av on weekdays during the day.

Q: Does the 5 train run 24 hours?
Yes — the 5 runs 24 hours a day, but the patterns of services are different according to the time of day. Late night service is available only in the Bronx from Dyre Av to E 180 St. 

Q: How long does the full 5 train trip take?
The next 5 Train from Eastchester–Dyre Av arrives at Bowling Green in approximately 1 hour. The extended trip to Flatbush Av adds another 15–20 minutes. 

Q: What is the 5 train color?
The 5 train's route emblem is colored apple green, representing its use of the IRT Lexington Avenue Line. 

Q: Is the 5 train express or local?
The 5 train is express in Manhattan and Brooklyn, and mostly local in the Bronx (with express service during rush hours).

Q: What subway lines share the 5 train track in Manhattan?
The 4, 5, and 6 trains all run along Lexington Avenue in Manhattan. The 4 and 5 are express, while the 6 is local.

Conclusion

One of the most significant subway lines in NYC is the 5 Train NYC (Lexington Avenue Express). It travels express through the busiest areas of Manhattan from the northeast Bronx to Brooklyn — it's a lifesaver for commuters, students, tourists and anyone navigating Manhattan.