About Canal Street
The Canal Street station on the 4, 5 and 6 sits under Lafayette Street, right at the edge of what is left of Little Italy and the start of Chinatown proper. This was one of the original 28 stations on the first subway line to open in New York, back in 1904, and the platform tiling and mosaic name tablets still carry a bit of that early IRT character. Riders on the Lexington Avenue Line use this stop to reach the courthouses, Chinatown markets and the last stretch of Mulberry Street's Italian restaurants.
It is a busier, deeper station than its counterparts further west or east, largely because the 4 and 5 run express through here during rush hour, funnelling large numbers of Brooklyn and Bronx commuters through a fairly compact platform space. Anyone staying near Centre Street's civic buildings or Nolita's boutiques will likely pass through this particular Canal Street more than any of the other three.
Station Overview
This Canal Street station opened in 1904 as part of the city's original IRT subway and is served today by the 4, 5 and 6 trains. It sits in Zone 1 beneath Lafayette Street at Canal. Facilities are modest, with toilets and an information booth, reflecting its age and its role as a through-station rather than a shopping concourse.
Lines and Connectivity
The 4 and 5 run express along Lexington Avenue, connecting Canal Street quickly to Union Square, Grand Central and, heading south, to Brooklyn via the Bowling Green corridor. The 6 runs local along the same route, stopping at every station between the Bronx and Brooklyn Bridge-City Hall, making it the better choice if your destination is one of the smaller stops the express trains skip.
Station Layout and Structure
The station is underground, with two side platforms flanking the express tracks in the centre for the 4 and 5. Stairways lead up to a mezzanine and then to exits along Lafayette and Canal Streets. Because express trains barrel through the centre tracks even when not stopping, keep back from the yellow platform edge, especially with children.
Accessibility
This station is accessible, with elevators serving the mezzanine and both platforms. Tactile strips run along the platform edges, and an accessible fare gate is available near the main entrance. Elevator service can be affected by maintenance, so checking the MTA's status page before travelling is sensible if step-free access is essential.
Travel Tips
- Use the 6 if your stop is a smaller local station - the 4 and 5 skip several stops between here and Union Square.
- Mulberry Street's Italian restaurants are a short walk northwest, especially lively during the Feast of San Gennaro each September.
- The New York County Courthouse and other civic buildings are close by, so expect extra foot traffic on weekday mornings when court is in session.
- Reaching the other Canal Street stations (on Broadway, the Bowery or Eighth Avenue) takes 8 to 10 minutes on foot through busy Chinatown streets.
Nearby Attractions
Little Italy (Mulberry Street) - about 4 minutes on foot. The remaining blocks of Italian restaurants, cafes and the annual Feast of San Gennaro street festival.
New York County Courthouse - about 6 minutes on foot. The domed civic building on Centre Street, recognisable from countless film and television courtroom scenes.
Chinatown - immediate area. Canal Street's markets, dumpling shops and souvenir stalls stretch east from the station toward the Manhattan Bridge.
Columbus Park - about 5 minutes on foot. A green space at the heart of Chinatown, popular for morning tai chi and card games among local residents.
Timings and Best Time to Travel
The 4, 5 and 6 all run 24 hours a day, though the 4 and 5 typically run local overnight when express service is suspended. Weekday rush hours bring heavy crowds from commuters and court staff alike, while midday and evenings outside rush are considerably calmer for browsing Chinatown or Little Italy above ground.
Nearest Metro to Little Italy (Mulberry Street)
If you are heading to Little Italy (Mulberry Street), Canal Street is your closest metro stop on the 4 Train. It also gives easy access to New York County Courthouse and Chinatown. Use the fare calculator to plan your journey cost before you travel.
Stations on This Line
Traveller Tips
- 1Take the 6 for local stops - the 4 and 5 run express and skip several stations nearby
- 2Weekday mornings are busy with court staff heading to the nearby courthouse
- 3Little Italy's Mulberry Street restaurants are an easy walk from this exit
Accessibility
Frequently Asked Questions
Which trains stop at this Canal Street station?
This is the 4, 5 and 6 stop on Canal Street beneath Lafayette Street. It is a separate station from the Canal Street stops on the Eighth Avenue, Broadway or BMT Nassau lines.
What neighbourhood is this Canal Street station in?
It sits at the edge of Little Italy and Chinatown, close to Lafayette Street and the New York County Courthouse on Centre Street.
Is the 4 or 5 train express at Canal Street?
Yes. The 4 and 5 run express through this station during most hours, while the 6 runs local, stopping at every station along the route.
Is this Canal Street station wheelchair accessible?
Yes. Elevators connect the street to the mezzanine and both platforms, with tactile platform edges and an accessible fare gate at the main entrance.
What is near the Canal Street 4 5 6 station?
Mulberry Street's Little Italy restaurants are a few minutes' walk, the New York County Courthouse is close by, and Chinatown's markets surround the station to the east.
Does the subway run overnight at this Canal Street stop?
Yes, the 4, 5 and 6 all operate 24 hours a day. Overnight, the 4 and 5 usually switch to local stops, so services run a little less frequently late at night.