C Train NYC Route - Stations & Timing

The C Train NYC is a local subway that travels mostly on, Manhattan's West Side and into Brooklyn. It is highlighted with a blue circle on the MTA map indicating it is a part of the A, B, ,D, and 8th Avenue lines.

Quick Overview & Line Color (Blue 8th Avenue Line)-

• Color code: Blue
• Type: Local train
• Boroughs served: Manhattan and Brooklyn
• Connects to: A, B, D, E, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, L, and other lines at major hubs

The C train is a local train that stops at all its stations, unlike the A train, in which also runs on 8th Avenue, but is an express during part of its route.

C Train NYC Route Map and Directions

The C line runs from 168th Street in Washington Heights, Manhattan, all the way to Euclid Avenue in Brooklyn via Midtown and Downtown Manhattan.

Uptown vs Downtown Direction

• Uptown C train: Rides north (up) to 168th Street, Washington Heights.
• Downtown C train: Runs south, to Euclid Avenue, Brooklyn.

Always look at the platform signs, as uptown and downtown platforms are sometimes located at different ends of the stations, particularly in larger stations such as 14th Street and 34th Street–Penn Station.

Full List of C Train Stations (Stop by Stop)

Manhattan Stops

Some of the key Manhattan stations on the C line include:

• 168th Street
• 145th Street
• 125th Street
• 96th Street (joins express tracks here)
• 72nd Street
• 50th Street
• 34th Street–Penn Station
• 23rd Street
• 14th Street
• Spring Street
• Canal Street
• Chambers Street

Brooklyn Stops

After crossing into Brooklyn, the C train continues through stations including:

• Jay Street–MetroTech
• Hoyt–Schermerhorn Streets
• Clinton–Washington Avenues
• Franklin Avenue
• Nostrand Avenue
• Utica Avenue
• Euclid Avenue (final stop)

(Always verify the current full stop list on the official MTA map, as station closures or changes can occur due to construction.)

C Train Schedule Weekday, Weekend & Late Night

The C train schedule varies depending on the time of day and day of the week.

Rush Hour Frequency

During weekday rush hours (roughly 7–10 AM and 4–7 PM), C trains typically run every 6 to 10 minutes, providing frequent service for commuters.

Off-Peak & Weekend Frequency

It is not as frequent during non-rush hours, or on weekends, operating every 10 to 15 minutes. Wait times may be as long as 15-20 minutes late at night, so be sure to check the live MTA updates before you go.

C Train Hours of Operation

Is the C Train 24/7?

No, as with many other subway lines in NYC, the C train is not an evening service. Services are usually held from approximately 6 AM until approximately 11 PM–12 AM. The MTA has replaced its shuttle bus service with the A train at night, or usually sends riders to the A train at night (which runs 24 hours a day on the same general route).

Fare Information for the C Line

The C train uses the same fare system as the rest of the NYC subway network.

MetroCard vs OMNY

• OMNY (tap-to-pay): Use a contactless card or smartphone at the turnstile.
• MetroCard: Traditional swipe card, still accepted but being phased out gradually.
• Standard fare: A flat rate applies regardless of distance traveled, with discounts available for unlimited weekly/monthly passes, students, and seniors.

Major Transfer Stations on the C Line

One of the biggest advantages of the C train is its connectivity to other major subway lines.

Connecting to A, B, D, E, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, L Trains

Key transfer points include:

• 14th Street–8th Avenue: Transfer to the A, E, and L trains
• 34th Street–Penn Station: Transfer to the A and E trains, plus access to NJ Transit and Amtrak
• 125th Street: Transfer to the A and B trains (limited service)
• Jay Street–MetroTech (Brooklyn): Transfer to the A, F, and R trains
• Hoyt–Schermerhorn: Transfer to the A and G trains

The C line's routes provide good cross-borough connectivity.

C Train Service Alerts & Planned Changes

The C line is a route that regularly experiences service changes, especially to accommodate track maintenance or signal upgrades, or construction projects during the weekends. In these time frames, the C train can:

• Run on a different route temporarily
• Skip certain stations
• Be replaced by shuttle buses

Please note that there are frequent service changes, so please check the official MTA website or app before travelling, particularly during weekends.

FAQs

1. What is the NYC Subway Line C?

The C Train is a local subway line in New York City that runs through Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, connecting key residential and business areas.

2. Does the C Train run express or local?

The C Train operates as a local service only, meaning it stops at every station along its route without skipping stops.

3. What are the main stops on the C Train?

Important stops include:

• 168th Street (Manhattan)
• 125th Street (Harlem)
• 59th Street–Columbus Circle (transfer hub)
• Jay Street–MetroTech (Brooklyn)
• Euclid Avenue (Queens connection area)

4. Is the C Train available 24 hours?

Yes, the C Train generally runs 24 hours a day, but frequency may vary during late nights, weekends, or maintenance periods.

5. What areas does the C Train serve?

The C Train mainly serves:

• Upper Manhattan (Harlem)
• Midtown Manhattan connections
• Downtown Brooklyn
• Parts of Queens

It is widely used for daily commuting, student travel, and connecting major NYC neighborhoods.