If you’ve ever found yourself trudging through the long, somewhat sterile tunnel connecting the George Washington Bridge Bus Station to the NYC subway, you’ve been to the 175th Street subway station. It’s a workhorse. Honestly, it’s not the station people flock to for Instagram photos like they do with the Oculus or the old City Hall stop. It feels functional. It smells like damp concrete and commuter haste. But for the thousands of people coming in from New Jersey or heading up to Washington Heights, this single point on the A line is the literal gateway to Upper Manhattan.
It's deep.
Located at the intersection of Fort Washington Avenue and West 175th Street, this station is a subterranean anchor for a neighborhood that has shifted and breathed through decades of cultural change. Most people just call it the "GWB station" in their heads, but that does a bit of a disservice to the actual architecture and the history of the Independent Subway System (IND).
The Architecture of the 175th Street Subway Station
When the IND was being built in the late 1920s and early 30s, the city wanted a specific look. They went with "Machine Age" utility. You won't find the ornate mosaics of the older Interborough Rapid Transit (IRT) lines here. Instead, the 175th Street subway station features those classic, colored tile bands that were meant to help riders identify their stop without even reading the signs. At 175th, you're looking at a distinct yellow-orange tile band with a black border. It’s simple. It works.
The station opened on September 10, 1932.
Think about that for a second. While the Great Depression was battering the city above ground, this massive cavern was opening up to move people toward the "suburbs" of Upper Manhattan. The mezzanine is massive. Seriously, you could hold a small parade in some parts of the upper level. This was intentional. The IND designers hated the cramped feel of earlier subway lines, so they built everything on a grand, almost echoing scale.
The station serves the A train, which is the longest one-seat ride in the entire system. From here, you can go all the way to Far Rockaway. That's nearly 31 miles of track. But most people here are looking for the exit to the bus terminal.
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The GWB Connection and the Tunnel
The defining feature of the 175th Street subway station is the tunnel. It’s a long, underground corridor that links the subway platforms directly to the George Washington Bridge Bus Station. If you’re a commuter from Bergen County, this tunnel is your daily reality.
It’s a bit of a trek.
You walk past tile walls that seem to go on forever. In 2019, the MTA actually completed some significant accessibility upgrades here. This is a big deal because, for a long time, if you had a stroller or a wheelchair, this station was a nightmare. Now, there are elevators. They aren't always the cleanest, and they occasionally have that "out of service" sign that makes every New Yorker sigh, but they exist. They link the street level, the mezzanine, and the platforms.
Why the Location Matters for Washington Heights
Washington Heights isn't just a neighborhood; it's a series of ridges. The 175th Street subway station sits on one of the highest points in Manhattan. Because of the topography, the station is incredibly deep underground. When you stand on the platform, you are far below the bustling Dominican restaurants and the towering presence of the United Palace Theatre.
Speaking of the United Palace, that’s another reason people end up at 175th Street who aren't daily commuters.
If you’re going to see a show at the United Palace—one of the original "Wonder Theatres" of New York—this is your stop. You walk out of the station and you’re immediately confronted by one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. The contrast is wild. You go from the utilitarian, yellow-tiled walls of the subway to the opulence of a 1930s movie palace. It’s the kind of New York moment that makes the city feel like a layered cake of history.
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Common Misconceptions About the A Train at 175th
A lot of people think the A train is always an express. Not quite. While the A is famous for its "Duke Ellington" speed through Harlem, once it hits 168th Street and heads north, it acts a bit differently depending on the time of day.
- Late nights: The A stops everywhere. If you're heading to 175th at 3 AM, be prepared for a slow crawl.
- The "C" Confusion: The C train usually terminates at 168th Street. If you’re trying to get to 175th, don't get on a C unless you feel like walking seven blocks uphill.
- The Bus Terminal Myth: People think the bus terminal is "inside" the subway. It's not. It's a separate entity managed by the Port Authority, connected by that aforementioned MTA tunnel.
Navigation can be tricky. The signage in the 175th Street subway station is generally okay, but the sheer size of the mezzanine means you can easily end up at the wrong exit. If you want the bus station, follow the signs for "Bus Terminal." If you want the United Palace or the local hospital facilities, make sure you check which corner you're aiming for.
Practical Advice for Navigating 175th Street
If you're using this station, there are a few "pro tips" that locals know. First, the wind. Because the station is so deep and connected to a long tunnel leading to the GWB, there is often a massive pressure differential. When a train pulls in, the wind through the corridors can be intense. Hold onto your hat. Literally.
Secondly, the "transfer" isn't a transfer. If you’re coming off a Greyhound or a NJ Transit bus at the GWB terminal, you still have to pay your subway fare to get into the 175th Street subway station. There is no "free" connection between the Port Authority's buses and the MTA's trains here. It’s a common point of frustration for tourists.
Safety and Crowds
Is it safe? Yeah, generally. It’s a busy, high-traffic hub. But like any major transit point in New York, it has its quirks. The mezzanine is so big that it can feel a bit empty during off-peak hours, which can be unnerving for some. During rush hour, however, it’s a sea of humanity. You'll see students from the nearby Columbia University Irving Medical Center, commuters from Jersey, and locals heading down to Midtown.
The station also serves as a vital link for the J. Hood Wright Park area. If you need a break from the concrete, exit the station and walk a few blocks west toward the Hudson River. You'll find some of the best views of the George Washington Bridge anywhere in the city.
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The Future of the Station
There is always talk about "Signal Modernization." For the 175th Street subway station, this means the implementation of Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC). It sounds boring, but it’s what allows trains to run closer together and more reliably. The A line has been undergoing these upgrades in phases.
What does this mean for you?
Hopefully, fewer of those "we are being held momentarily by the train's dispatcher" announcements. But in the short term, it often means weekend service changes. Always, always check the MTA "Weekender" app before heading to 175th on a Saturday. You might find yourself taking a shuttle bus to 168th Street instead.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
If you are planning to use the 175th Street subway station soon, keep these steps in mind to make the experience seamless:
- Download the OMNY App or have a Contactless Card ready: The turnstiles here are all OMNY-enabled. Don't waste time at the old MetroCard machines; just tap your phone or credit card.
- Check the Elevator Status: If you require an elevator, check the MTA's real-time elevator status website before you arrive. The elevators at 175th are vital but can be temperamental.
- Give Yourself 10 Minutes: If you are catching a bus at the GWB Terminal, don't assume you can hop off the train and be at your bus gate in two minutes. The walk through the tunnel and up the escalators takes longer than you think.
- Visit the United Palace: If you have time, exit at 175th and Broadway just to look at the architecture of the theatre. It’s a stunning piece of New York history right at the station’s doorstep.
- Use the North Exit for the Hospital: If you’re heading toward the northern end of the medical complex, use the exits closer to 177th Street to save yourself a few blocks of walking.
The 175th Street subway station isn't just a point on a map; it's a vital artery for the Heights. It’s a place where Jersey meets Manhattan, where the 1930s meets the 2020s, and where the A train begins its long journey through the heart of the city.