New York City is gearing up to host over a million revelers in Times Square to celebrate New Year’s Eve 2025. As anticipation builds for the ball drop, significant street closures and modifications to subway and bus services will be implemented to manage the crowds and ensure public safety. For those planning to join the festivities, especially those relying on the 57th Street Subway station and surrounding transit options, understanding these changes is crucial for a smooth and enjoyable New Year’s Eve experience.
Street Closures in Times Square for New Year’s Eve
To create secure viewing areas and facilitate pedestrian flow, extensive street closures will be in effect in and around Times Square on New Year’s Eve. These closures will significantly impact vehicular traffic and pedestrian access in the area, making mass transit the most efficient way to navigate the city. The primary street closures include:
- West 42nd to West 49th Street between Seventh Avenue and Broadway
- West 43rd to West 48th Street between Sixth and Eighth avenues
- West 37th to West 57th Street between Seventh Avenue and Broadway
- West 37th to West 56th Street between Sixth and Eighth avenues
Viewing areas will officially open at 3 p.m., with pedestrian entry points located at West 49th, 52nd, and 56th streets from both Sixth and Eighth avenues. It’s important to note that these entry points may be subject to change based on crowd levels and safety protocols. With increased police presence and rolling closures expected, utilizing public transportation is highly recommended by city officials.
Subway Service Enhancements and 57th Street Station Access
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is taking proactive measures to accommodate the large influx of people expected for New Year’s Eve. While subways will operate on a weekday schedule, several lines will see increased service frequency. This includes the 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, C, D, G, L, N, Q, R trains, and the S shuttle, ensuring more trains are available to transport revelers. Notably, the A train will run express service until 2:45 a.m. to expedite travel times.
However, due to the concentration of celebrations in Times Square, certain subway stations, including those near 57th Street, will experience temporary changes to station access and train stopping patterns. Specifically regarding the 57th Street subway station (served by the N, Q, R, and W lines at 57th Street and 7th Avenue) and nearby stations:
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Potential Entrances/Exits Closures: Some entrances and exits at 57 St-7 Av, along with 42 St-Bryant Park and 59 St-Columbus Circle stations, may be temporarily closed for crowd management. It’s advisable to check the MTA website or app for real-time updates on specific entrance/exit closures before traveling.
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Train Service Adjustments at Nearby Stations:
- Uptown 1 trains will bypass the 50 St station from 11:45 a.m. Tuesday to 12:15 a.m. Wednesday.
- N, Q, R trains will not stop at the 49 St station in either direction during the same timeframe.
- Street exits at the Times Sq-42 St station will be closed entirely.
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42nd Street Passageway: The passageway connecting Times Sq-42 St and 42 St-Bryant Park stations will be open exclusively for eastbound foot traffic from 7th Avenue/Broadway towards 6th Avenue, starting from 2 p.m.
Passengers intending to use the 57th Street subway station should anticipate potential entrance closures and be prepared to use alternative entrances or nearby stations if necessary. Always consult the MTA’s real-time service updates for the most accurate information on station access and train schedules on New Year’s Eve.
Bus Service and Potential Delays
While most bus routes will operate on a reduced weekday schedule on New Year’s Eve, significant delays and detours are highly probable, especially in Midtown Manhattan where the celebrations are centered. Street closures and increased pedestrian traffic will directly impact bus routes. Passengers are advised to factor in extra travel time if relying on buses in the Midtown area and consider using the subway as a more reliable alternative where possible.
Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Metro-North Railroad Schedules
For commuters traveling from Long Island and areas north of the city, both the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Metro-North Railroad are providing additional train services for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
Long Island Rail Road (LIRR):
- On New Year’s Eve, 11 extra LIRR trains will operate on various branches (Babylon, Montauk, Ronkonkoma, Port Jefferson, and Port Washington) to Grand Central Madison or Penn Station, starting in the early evening.
- On New Year’s Day, 12 additional trains will run from Penn Station or Grand Central Madison back to Long Island in the early overnight hours.
- Special pre- and post-event service will also be available for the Billy Joel concert at Elmont-UBS Arena on New Year’s Eve.
- On New Year’s Day, all LIRR trains will run on a Sunday schedule.
Metro-North Railroad:
- Starting December 30th, Metro-North will operate on a regular weekday schedule on the East of Hudson lines, with extra late-evening and post-midnight service on New Year’s Eve and into New Year’s morning.
- On New Year’s Day, Metro-North will run hourly service on the East of Hudson lines, with extra trains on the New Haven Line, and regular weekend service on the Wassaic, Danbury, and Waterbury branches.
- The West of Hudson Lines will maintain a regular weekday schedule, with extra service in the late evening and after midnight on New Year’s Eve, and a weekend schedule on New Year’s Day.
Bridges and Tunnels
Temporary daytime road closures at all MTA Bridges and Tunnels will conclude at 1 p.m. from Tuesday, December 31st to Thursday, January 2nd, 2025. On January 2nd, roadwork may resume, potentially causing soft lane closures in off-peak directions during the morning rush hour, depending on traffic conditions.
Plan Ahead and Stay Informed
Navigating New York City during New Year’s Eve celebrations requires careful planning and staying updated on the latest transit information. Before heading out, it is highly recommended to:
- Check the MTA website (MTA.info) or use the MTA app or TrainTime app for real-time service updates, potential station changes, and any last-minute adjustments to schedules.
- Factor in extra travel time due to street closures, crowds, and potential transit delays.
- Consider alternative subway entrances or stations, especially around busy areas like Times Square and 57th Street.
- Utilize mass transit as the most efficient mode of transportation to, from, and around Times Square on New Year’s Eve.
By staying informed and planning your journey in advance, you can ensure a smoother and more enjoyable New Year’s Eve celebration in New York City, even when navigating transit changes around the 57th Street subway and beyond.
