34th Street-Herald Square

34th Street-Herald Square sits at the corner where Broadway crosses Sixth Avenue and 34th Street, right beneath the flagship Macy's department store, one of the largest in the world. Eight subway lines converge here, making it one of the busiest transfer points in the entire system, and shoppers, commuters and tourists all cross paths in its wide, tiled concourses.

Herald Square itself, the small triangular plaza above the station, gives the stop its name and its identity as a shopping and Garment District landmark. The Empire State Building is only a few blocks north, and the station is a natural staging point for both retail therapy and sightseeing in this stretch of Midtown.

Station Overview

34th Street-Herald Square opened in 1918 and sits in Zone 1, in the Herald Square/Garment District section of Manhattan. It is served by the B, D, F, M, N, Q, R and W trains, making it one of the network's major interchange stations. The station is accessible, with facilities including toilets and passenger information.

Lines and Connectivity

34th Street-Herald Square connects the Sixth Avenue lines (B, D, F, M) with the Broadway lines (N, Q, R, W), giving direct or one-change access across most of Manhattan and into Brooklyn and Queens. It is a short ride from Times Square, Union Square and the Financial District, making it a useful hub for cross-town connections.

Station Layout and Structure

The station is a large underground complex with multiple platform levels serving its different lines, connected by a network of passageways beneath Herald Square. Given the number of lines and the volume of shoppers passing through, following the overhead signage carefully is worthwhile, especially at peak times.

Accessibility

34th Street-Herald Square is an accessible station, with elevators linking street level to the platforms. Tactile paving and clear wayfinding are in place throughout the complex.

Travel Tips

• Macy's Herald Square sits directly above the station, with a dedicated entrance from the subway concourse.
• This is a major transfer point, so expect crowds, particularly during the holiday shopping season.
• The Empire State Building is a short walk north on Fifth Avenue if you want to combine a shopping trip with sightseeing.

Nearby Attractions

Macy's Herald Square - directly above the station, one of the largest department stores in the world.

Empire State Building - a short walk north, the Art Deco landmark with observation decks over the city.

Garment District - the surrounding blocks, historically the centre of New York's fashion manufacturing industry.

Timings and Best Time to Travel

Trains at 34th Street-Herald Square run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with less frequent overnight service. The station is busiest during weekday rush hours and around the holiday shopping season, when Macy's draws heavy crowds. Weekday mid-mornings are the calmest time to pass through.