View source for A (New York City Subway service)

{{short description|New York City Subway service}}
{{other uses|A Train (disambiguation){{!}}A Train}}
{{pp-sock|small=yes}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2024}}
{{Infobox NYCS service
| service = A
| name = Eighth Avenue Express
| image1 = R211A A Train @ Inwood-207th Street July 7th 2023.jpg
| caption1 = An [[R211 (New York City Subway car)|R211A]] train on the A at the route's northern terminus, [[Inwood–207th Street station|Inwood–207th Street]]
| north term = [[Inwood–207th Street station|Inwood–207th Street]]
| south term = [[Ozone Park–Lefferts Boulevard station|Lefferts Boulevard]], [[Far Rockaway–Mott Avenue station|Far Rockaway]], or [[Rockaway Park–Beach 116th Street station|Rockaway Park]] (limited rush-hour service)
| stations = 40<br />44 (rush hour services)<br />62 (late-night services)
| note = The dashed line shows rush-hour-only service.
| depot = [[Pitkin Yard]]
| started = {{start date and age|1932|09|10}}
| map = {{A (New York City Subway service)}}
| map_state = collapsed
}}

The '''A Eighth Avenue Express'''<ref name="timetable">{{NYCS const|timetable|A}}</ref> is a [[rapid transit]] service in the [[B Division (New York City Subway)|B Division]] of the [[New York City Subway]]. Its route emblem, or "bullet", is colored {{NYCS const|color|blue}} since it is a part of the [[IND Eighth Avenue Line]] in [[Manhattan]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://web.mta.info/developers/resources/line_colors.htm|title=Mta.info – Line Colors|work=mta.info|access-date=May 6, 2014|archive-date=October 16, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161016104324/http://web.mta.info/developers/resources/line_colors.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

The A operates at all times. Daytime service operates between [[Inwood–207th Street station|207th Street]] in [[Inwood, Manhattan]] and [[Far Rockaway–Mott Avenue station|Mott Avenue]] in [[Far Rockaway, Queens]] or [[Ozone Park–Lefferts Boulevard station|Lefferts Boulevard]] in [[Richmond Hill, Queens]], typically alternating between the latter two terminals, while making express stops in both Manhattan and Brooklyn and all stops in Queens. During rush hours, five scheduled trips in the peak direction operate from [[Rockaway Park–Beach 116th Street station|Beach 116th Street]] in [[Rockaway Park, Queens]] to Manhattan in the morning and back from Manhattan in the afternoon. Late night service operates only between 207th Street and Far Rockaway, making all stops along its entire route; during this time, a shuttle train (the Lefferts Boulevard Shuttle) operates between [[Euclid Avenue station (IND Fulton Street Line)|Euclid Avenue]] and Lefferts Boulevard.{{efn|The separate shuttle service is identified on the late night map as [[File:NYCS-bull-trans-A gray.svg|20px|link=]], and in the schedule and on trains as [[File:NYCS-bull-trans-S blue.svg|20px|link=]].}}<ref>{{NYCS const|latenightmap}}</ref>

The A provides the longest one-seat ride in the system—at {{convert|32.39|mi|km}}, between Inwood and Far Rockaway—and a 2015 study indicated that it had a weekday ridership of 600,000.<ref name="MTA-ReviewAC-2015">{{cite web |url=http://web.mta.info/nyct/service/pdf/AC_LineReview.pdf |title=Review of the A and C Lines |date=December 11, 2015 |publisher=[[Metropolitan Transportation Authority]] |access-date=January 19, 2016 |archive-date=February 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200203061138/http://web.mta.info/nyct/service/pdf/AC_LineReview.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

== History ==

=== Early history ===
[[File:MTA NYC Subway A train arriving at Broad Channel.jpg|thumb|left|[[Manhattan]]-bound [[R179 (New York City Subway car)|R179]] A train arriving at [[Broad Channel station|Broad Channel]]]]
The A and AA were the first services on the [[IND Eighth Avenue Line]] when it opened on September 10, 1932. The [[Independent Subway System]] (IND) used single letters to refer to express services and double letters for local services. The A ran express between [[Inwood–207th Street station|207th Street]] and [[Chambers Street (IND Eighth Avenue Line)|Chambers Street]], and the AA ran local between [[168th Street station (IND Eighth Avenue Line)|168th Street]] and Chambers Street, known at the time as Hudson Terminal. During late-night hours (from 1:45&nbsp;a.m. to 5:45&nbsp;a.m.) and on Sundays, the A did not run and the AA made all stops along the line.<ref>{{cite news |title=Gay Midnight Crowd Rides First Trains in New Subway |url=https://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FA0D13F7395513738DDDA90994D1405B828FF1D3 |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=September 10, 1932 |page=1 |access-date=February 5, 2017 |archive-date=September 12, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120912162150/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=FA0D13F7395513738DDDA90994D1405B828FF1D3 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":0">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Fg4KAQAAMAAJ&q=fulton+street+express+e+train |title=A History of the New York City Subway System |last1=Cunningham |first1=Joseph |last2=DeHart |first2=Leonard O. |date=1993 |publisher=J. Schmidt, R. Giglio, and K. Lang |language=en |access-date=November 23, 2020 |archive-date=January 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240102022135/https://books.google.com/books?id=Fg4KAQAAMAAJ&q=fulton+street+express+e+train |url-status=live }}</ref>{{Rp|15}}

The A was extended to [[Jay Street–MetroTech station|Jay Street–Borough Hall]] when the [[Cranberry Street Tunnel]] to [[Brooklyn]] opened on February 1, 1933,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1933/02/01/archives/city-opens-subway-to-brooklyn-today-regular-express-service-on-the.html |title=CITY OPENS SUBWAY TO BROOKLYN TODAY; Regular Express Service on the Extension of Independent Line Starts at 6:05 A.M. 3 LARGE STATIONS ADDED Fast Trains to Make Run From 207th St. To Borough Hall in 37 Minutes. 43 MORE MEN ON JOBS Officials Look for Rise in Income as Financial District Is Brought Into New Route. |date=February 1, 1933 |newspaper=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |access-date=June 20, 2016 |archive-date=March 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220327094512/https://www.nytimes.com/1933/02/01/archives/city-opens-subway-to-brooklyn-today-regular-express-service-on-the.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1933/01/29/archives/new-subway-link-opens-wednesday-independent-line-will-offer-express.html |title=NEW SUBWAY LINK OPENS WEDNESDAY; Independent Line Will Offer Express Service to Borough Hall in Brooklyn. KEY STATION TO BE ADDED Broadway-Nassau St. Platform to Connect With B.M.T. And East and West Side I.R.T. ADDED REVENUE EXPECTED 2-Way Rush-Hour Traffic Hoped For by Officials – Local Trains to Be Speeded Slightly. |date=January 29, 1933 |newspaper=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |access-date=June 20, 2016 |archive-date=December 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216145354/https://www.nytimes.com/1933/01/29/archives/new-subway-link-opens-wednesday-independent-line-will-offer-express.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and to [[Bergen Street (IND Culver Line)|Bergen Street]], when the extension opened on March 20.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1933/03/12/archives/city-subway-opens-new-link-march-20-brooklyn-extension-to-bergen.html |title=CITY SUBWAY OPENS NEW LINK MARCH 20; Brooklyn Extension to Bergen and Smith Streets to Add One More Station. RISE IN REVENUE CERTAIN Further Cut Into Traffic of Rival Systems at Terminal Point Is Predicted. GROWTH WILL CONTINUE Station-By-Siation Completion to Church Avenue Before September Is Planned. |date=March 12, 1933 |newspaper=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |access-date=June 20, 2016 |archive-date=June 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180614044850/https://www.nytimes.com/1933/03/12/archives/city-subway-opens-new-link-march-20-brooklyn-extension-to-bergen.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On July 1, the A began running express at all times, stopping at 155th Street and 163rd Street during late nights.<ref name=":0" />{{Rp|82}} The A was extended to [[Church Avenue (IND Culver Line)|Church Avenue]] on October 7.<ref name="erictb.info">{{cite web |url=http://www.erictb.info/linehistory.html |title=NYCT Line by Line History |work=erictb.info |access-date=April 23, 2013 |archive-date=March 4, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304100921/http://www.erictb.info/linehistory.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

On April 9, 1936, the [[IND Fulton Street Line]] was opened to [[Rockaway Avenue (IND Fulton Street Line)|Rockaway Avenue]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1936/04/09/archives/new-subway-link-opened-by-mayor-he-tells-15000-in-brooklyn-it-will.html |title=NEW SUBWAY LINK OPENED BY MAYOR; He Tells 15,000 In Brooklyn It Will Be Extended to Queens When Red Tape Is Cut. |date=April 9, 1936 |work=The New York Times |access-date=April 25, 2018 |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=April 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220401082810/https://www.nytimes.com/1936/04/09/archives/new-subway-link-opened-by-mayor-he-tells-15000-in-brooklyn-it-will.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The 1936 extension played an integral part in the establishment of [[Bedford-Stuyvesant]] as Brooklyn's central [[African American]] community. The A train connected [[Harlem]], Manhattan's central African American community, to areas of Bedford-Stuyvesant that provided residential opportunities for African Americans not found throughout the rest of New York City.<ref name="urbanology">Echanove, Matias. [http://urbanology.org/BedStuy/ "Bed-Stuy on the Move"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170916131340/http://urbanology.org/BedStuy/ |date=September 16, 2017 }}. Master thesis. Urban Planning Program. ''Columbia University''. Urbanology.org. 2003.</ref>

On December 30, 1946, and November 28, 1948, the line was extended to Broadway–East New York (now [[Broadway Junction (IND Fulton Street Line)|Broadway Junction]]) and [[Euclid Avenue (IND Fulton Street Line)|Euclid Avenue]], respectively.<ref>{{cite web |last=Williams |first=Keith |title=Weaving the Broadway Junction Tapestry |url=http://theweeklynabe.wordpress.com/2012/08/06/history-of-broadway-junction-brooklyn/ |work=The Weekly Nabe |access-date=August 6, 2012}}</ref><ref name=":0" />{{Rp|82}} On October 24, 1949, express service in Brooklyn to Broadway–East New York began with the A running express during rush hours, with the {{NYCS|E}} extended to provide local service.<ref name="erictb.info" /><ref>{{cite news |url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1949/10/20/96476347.pdf |title=IND Faster Service Will Start Sunday |date=October 20, 1949 |access-date=February 20, 2016 |newspaper=The New York Times |archive-date=January 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240102022031/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1949/10/20/96476347.html?pdf_redirect=true&site=false |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Extensions to Ozone Park and the Rockaways ===
[[File:Subway Goes To Rockaway.gif|thumb|left|A poster commemorating the opening of the IND Rockaway Line.]]
On April 29, 1956, [[Grant Avenue (IND Fulton Street Line)|Grant Avenue]] was opened and the line was extended over the [[BMT Fulton Street Line]] to [[Ozone Park–Lefferts Boulevard (IND Fulton Street Line)|Lefferts Boulevard]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Notice To Passengers |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/50066566666/in/dateposted/ |website=Flickr |publisher=New York City Transit Authority |access-date=July 6, 2020 |date=April 1956 |archive-date=January 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240102022119/https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/50066566666/in/dateposted/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On weekdays except midnights, alternate trains terminated at Lefferts Boulevard and at Euclid Avenue. During weekends, they terminated at Euclid Avenue with a shuttle to Lefferts Boulevard.<ref name="erictb.info" /><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1956/04/30/archives/first-leg-of-rockaways-transit-opened-at-cost-of-10154702-station.html |title=First Leg of Rockaways Transit Opened at Cost of $10,154,702; Station and Subway Section Put Into Use—Service Is Expected on June 28 |date=April 30, 1956 |newspaper=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |access-date=June 20, 2016 |archive-date=September 22, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922002010/http://www.nytimes.com/1956/04/30/archives/first-leg-of-rockaways-transit-opened-at-cost-of-10154702-station.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

Two months later, on June 28, 1956, the former [[Long Island Rail Road]] [[Rockaway Beach Branch]], having been rebuilt to subway specifications,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.prrths.com/Hagley/PRR1956%20Dec%2004.pdf |title=PRR Chronology, 1956 |access-date=May 6, 2014 |archive-date=October 14, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014021404/http://www.prrths.com/Hagley/PRR1956%20Dec%2004.pdf |url-status=live }}&nbsp;{{small|(45.9&nbsp;[[Kibibyte|KiB]])}}, December 2004 Edition</ref> began service to [[Rockaway Park–Beach 116th Street (IND Rockaway Line)|Rockaway Park]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://arrts-arrchives.com/july261905d.html |title=Rockaway Park |work=arrts-arrchives.com |access-date=May 6, 2014 |archive-date=October 16, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111016071543/http://www.arrts-arrchives.com/july261905d.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and [[Beach 25th Street (IND Rockaway Line)|Wavecrest (Beach 25th Street)]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.trainsarefun.com/lirrphotos/lirrstationshistory.htm |title=Long Island Station History |work=trainsarefun.com |access-date=May 6, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170526225709/http://www.trainsarefun.com/lirrphotos/lirrstationshistory.htm |archive-date=May 26, 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1956/06/29/archives/free-ride-opens-rockaways-line-fete-marks-longest-single-extension.html |title=FREE RIDE OPENS ROCKAWAYS LINE; Fete Marks Longest Single Extension of Rapid Transit in History of the City Commissioner's Children Help Mayor Arrives Late |last=Freejman) |first=Ira Henry |date=June 29, 1956 |newspaper=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |access-date=June 20, 2016 |archive-date=September 22, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170922002639/http://www.nytimes.com/1956/06/29/archives/free-ride-opens-rockaways-line-fete-marks-longest-single-extension.html |url-status=live }}</ref> At this time, rush hour express service on the Fulton Street Line with the E train began.

On September 16, 1956, the A was extended to [[Rockaway, Queens|the Rockaways]], replacing the E. At the time, alternate trains continued running to Lefferts Boulevard.<ref name="erictb.info"/> On January 27, 1957, non-rush hour through service to the Rockaways was discontinued and was replaced by a shuttle running between Euclid Avenue and Wavecrest (now Beach 25th Street). Non-rush hour A train service was now to Lefferts Boulevard.

On June 18, 1957, the New York City Transit Authority (NYCTA) announced plans to have Rockaway-bound A trains skip Grant Avenue, Hudson Street, and Boyd Street during rush hours on a one-month pilot, to take effect July 1. The change was made to determine whether ten minutes could be reduced off of travel times to the Rockaways; the NYCTA only believed it would save three minutes.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/41539300/daily_news/|title=IND Time Test to Skip 3 Brooklyn Stations|date=June 19, 1957|work=New York Daily News|access-date=January 2, 2020|archive-date=January 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102194158/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/41539300/daily_news/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/41536870/daily_news/|title=Rockaway Transit Speedup Assailed|date=June 25, 1957|work=New York Daily News|access-date=January 2, 2020|archive-date=January 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102193224/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/41536870/daily_news/|url-status=live}}</ref> In the face of community opposition, the NYCTA announced that it would take more time to review the change, meaning that it ultimately did not take effect on July 1.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/41539269/daily_news/|title=TA Puts Off Speedup For Rockaway Line|date=June 27, 1957|work=New York Daily News|access-date=January 2, 2020|archive-date=January 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102194200/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/41539269/daily_news/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On January 16, 1958, with the opening of the new terminal [[Far Rockaway–Mott Avenue (IND Rockaway Line)|Far Rockaway–Mott Avenue]], rush hour A service was extended. On September 8, 1958, the A train replaced the E train in the Rockaways again, and A trains resumed alternating between Euclid Avenue and Lefferts Boulevard. "Round-robin" service from Euclid Avenue to both Rockaway terminals began during non-rush hours, while through A service ran to Lefferts Boulevard.<ref name=":2">{{Cite journal |last=Linder |first=Bernard |date=October 1968 |title=Independent Subway Service History |url=https://erausa.org/pdf/bulletin/1960s/1968/1968-10-bulletin.pdf |journal=New York Division Bulletin |publisher=Electric Railroaders' Association |access-date=December 23, 2022 |archive-date=December 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223063040/https://erausa.org/pdf/bulletin/1960s/1968/1968-10-bulletin.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> On September 8, 1959, the A began to run local in Brooklyn during rush hours, making it local at all times in Brooklyn, as the E became express in Brooklyn during rush hours. On July 9, 1967, the A trains running to Euclid Avenue were extended to Far Rockaway middays, evenings, and weekends, replacing the HH shuttle on that branch.<ref name=":1">{{Cite journal |last=Chiasson |first=George |date=February 2012 |title=History of the A Train |url=https://erausa.org/pdf/bulletin/2010s/2012/2012-02-bulletin.pdf |journal=The Bulletin |publisher=Electric Railroaders' Association |volume=55 |issue=2 |access-date=December 23, 2022 |archive-date=June 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220614211834/https://erausa.org/pdf/bulletin/2010s/2012/2012-02-bulletin.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/41543054/daily_news/|title=Train Stepup To Far Rock|date=July 5, 1967|work=New York Daily News|access-date=January 2, 2020|archive-date=January 2, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102202902/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/41543054/daily_news/|url-status=live}}</ref>

[[File:MTA NYC Subway A-Lefferts Blvd Shuttle train at 80th St.jpg|thumb|right|[[Ozone Park–Lefferts Boulevard (IND Fulton Street Line)|Lefferts Boulevard]]-bound A shuttle train of [[R46 (New York City Subway car)|R46s]] at [[80th Street (IND Fulton Street Line)|80th Street]].]]

=== Simplifying service patterns ===
As part of systemwide changes in bus and subway service, major changes were made to A service in Brooklyn and Queens on January 2, 1973. The A train became the express service along Fulton Street and the E train became the local during rush hours.<ref>{{cite news |title=Subway Schedules In Queens Changing Amid Some Protest |url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F40C1EF73F551A7493C0A9178AD85F478785F9 |newspaper=The New York Times |date=January 2, 1973 |page=46 |access-date=March 20, 2010 |archive-date=October 18, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018112012/http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F40C1EF73F551A7493C0A9178AD85F478785F9 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1972/11/25/432164652.pdf |title=Changes Set for Jan. 2 Praised |date=November 25, 1972 |access-date=January 25, 2016 |newspaper=The New York Times |archive-date=January 2, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240102022030/https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1972/11/25/432164652.html?pdf_redirect=true&site=false |url-status=live }}</ref> Express service would be provided for a longer period during rush hours as the span of E service to Brooklyn, which would cover local stops, was also increased.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1972 |title=To Serve You Better... ....On E and F Trains in Queens and Manhattan |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/unionturnpike/52581156043/in/album-72157652636620504/ |access-date=December 23, 2022 |website=Flickr |publisher=New York City Transit Authority |archive-date=December 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223112304/https://www.flickr.com/photos/unionturnpike/52581156043/in/album-72157652636620504/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In addition, the A trips that terminated at Euclid Avenue during rush hours were extended to Far Rockaway, replacing E service. Service would now run to Far Rockaway between 5:30&nbsp;a.m. and 11:30&nbsp;p.m.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1972 |title=To Serve You Better... Changes in Subway Service Will Become Effective 6 AM Tues, Jan. 2 |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/unionturnpike/49374906688/in/album-72157652636620504/ |access-date=December 23, 2022 |website=Flickr |publisher=New York City Transit Authority |archive-date=December 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223112302/https://www.flickr.com/photos/unionturnpike/49374906688/in/album-72157652636620504/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":1" /> A trains would alternate between Lefferts Boulevard and Far Rockaway. These changes were initially supposed to take effect on September 11, 1972.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1972 |title=Improved Service Begins Sept 11 |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/unionturnpike/50089691258/in/album-72157652636620504/ |access-date=December 23, 2022 |website=Flickr |publisher=New York City Transit Authority |archive-date=December 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223112305/https://www.flickr.com/photos/unionturnpike/50089691258/in/album-72157652636620504/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On August 30, 1976, the CC became the Fulton Street Local during rush hours, replacing E service.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/30393951262/ |title=Service Adjustment on BMT and IND Lines Effective 1 A.M. Monday, Aug. 30 |date=August 1976 |website=Flickr |publisher=New York City Transit Authority |access-date=October 23, 2016 |archive-date=January 5, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170105070318/https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292%40N06/30393951262/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On August 27, 1977, the A began making local stops in Manhattan during late nights, when the AA was not running.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/27461551962/ |title=Service Adjustments on the BMT and IND Lines Effective Midnight, Saturday, August 27 |date=1977 |website=Flickr |publisher=New York City Transit Authority |access-date=June 9, 2016 |archive-date=September 15, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915071754/https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292%40N06/27461551962/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On December 11, 1988, A trains began running local between 145th Street and 168th Street on weekends to replace the discontinued K (formerly AA) service, and express on the IND Fulton Street Line in Brooklyn during middays and rush hours, with the C providing local service during those times.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/27699872706/ |title=System-Wide Changes In Subway Service Effective Sunday, December 11, 1988 |date=1988 |website=Flickr |publisher=New York City Transit Authority |access-date=June 17, 2016 |archive-date=September 15, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915071757/https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/27699872706/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On September 30, 1990, A trains began operating local between 145th Street and 168th Street during weekday evenings.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.subwaynut.com/brochures/1990servicechanges.pdf |title=Service Changes September 30, 1990 |date=September 30, 1990 |website=subwaynut.com |publisher=New York City Transit Authority |access-date=May 1, 2016 |archive-date=October 26, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141026015324/http://www.subwaynut.com/brochures/1990servicechanges.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>

In January 1991, a reduction of service along the Central Park West corridor to remove excess capacity was proposed. Initially, A service would operate local between [[168th Street (IND Eighth Avenue Line)|168th Street]] and [[Euclid Avenue (IND Fulton Street Line)|Euclid Avenue]] during weekday rush hours and middays, with weekday evening and weekend daytime service extended beyond 168th Street to operate to and from [[Inwood–207th Street (IND Eighth Avenue Line)|Inwood–207th Street]], and daily late night service extended beyond Euclid Avenue to operate to and from [[Far Rockaway–Mott Avenue (IND Rockaway Line)|Far Rockaway–Mott Avenue]] in Queens. Express service between 168th Street and [[59th Street–Columbus Circle (IND Eighth Avenue Line)|59th Street–Columbus Circle]] would be replaced by {{NYCS|D}} and rerouted {{NYCS|Q}} trains, the latter of which would serve 207th Street during weekday rush hours and middays; express service below [[34th Street–Penn Station (IND Eighth Avenue Line)|34th Street–Penn Station]] in Manhattan and in Brooklyn would have been replaced by an expanded {{NYCS|H}} service. A new shuttle would serve Lefferts Boulevard during late nights. The service change was later amended to retain the A as an express service in place of the altered {{NYCS|Q}} service pattern and would be re-designated as an orange A, as it would be rerouted via the [[IND Sixth Avenue Line|Sixth Avenue Line]] and its southern terminal moved to [[Brighton Beach (BMT Brighton Line)|Brighton Beach]], operating weekday rush hours and middays only. This service change would have been implemented in October 1991, pending approval from the MTA board.<ref>{{cite web |title=1991 Service Capacity Plan |url=http://www.laguardiawagnerarchive.lagcc.cuny.edu/pages/FileBrowser.aspx?LinkToFile=FILES_DOC/QUEENS_FILES/03.012.0231.030147.2.PDF#undefined |publisher=New York City Transit Authority |access-date=September 18, 2024 |pages=197-200 |date=January 4, 1991}}</ref>

In 1991, at a series of meetings, the NYCTA presented proposed changes to A, C, and H service that would shorten the length of the C, simplify the service pattern during late nights to most efficiently serve the majority of riders, provide direct express service to Rockaway Park during rush hours in the peak direction, and provide shuttle connections during non-peak periods between Rockaway Park and through A train service. The service pattern devised was designed to improve operations by reducing route length and complexity, making service more attractive, simplifying confusing service patterns, and reducing transfers for passengers traveling during late nights.<ref name="1992changes" /> At the time, A service ran to Lefferts Boulevard and Far Rockaway during the day while the C ran to Rockaway Park during rush hours. During late nights, A service ran to Lefferts Boulevard, while service to both branches in the Rockaways was provided by round-robin H shuttle service to Euclid Avenue.  As part of the changes proposed, round-robin shuttle service would be discontinued; late-night A service would run from Manhattan through to Far Rockaway; and service to Lefferts Boulevard and Rockaway Park would be provided by separate shuttle services with timed transfers to through A service. Rush hour local C service to Rockaway Park would be replaced by through A express service that ran every 20 minutes in the peak direction for a period of one hour and twenty minutes in rush hours to and from 59th Street–Columbus Circle. The initial proposal had these trips terminate at 34th Street, but this was changed to 59th Street following public comments. These five rush hour express trips were marketed as a "commuter rail style service", and special efforts were to be made to follow the arrival and departure times listed in the route's timetable, which was publicly distributed to riders. In addition, H service to Rockaway Park would be replaced by the Rockaway Park Shuttle, which would run between Broad Channel and Rockaway Park, and C service would be truncated to Euclid Avenue.<ref name="1992changes" />

In April 1992, the MTA Board approved the proposed change to service in the Rockaways, which were expected to encourage ridership growth in the long term, and reduced NYCTA's annual operating budget by $20,000.<ref name="1992changes">*{{Cite book|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/48472961867/in/album-72157710272372761/|title=Transit Authority Committee Agenda April 1992|date=April 16, 1992|publisher=New York City Transit Authority|pages=E.1|access-date=September 25, 2020|archive-date=January 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240102022119/https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/48472961867/in/album-72157710272372761/|url-status=live}}
* {{Cite book|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/48472938187/in/album-72157710272372761/|title=Transit Authority Committee Agenda April 1992|date=April 16, 1992|publisher=New York City Transit Authority|pages=E.2|access-date=September 25, 2020|archive-date=January 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240102022113/https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/48472938187/in/album-72157710272372761/|url-status=live}}
* {{Cite book|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/48472816041/in/album-72157710272372761/|title=Transit Authority Committee Agenda April 1992|date=April 16, 1992|publisher=New York City Transit Authority|pages=E.3|access-date=September 25, 2020|archive-date=January 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240102022143/https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/48472816041/in/album-72157710272372761/|url-status=live}}
* {{Cite book|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/48472961612/in/album-72157710272372761/|title=Transit Authority Committee Agenda April 1992|date=April 16, 1992|publisher=New York City Transit Authority|pages=E.4|access-date=September 25, 2020|archive-date=January 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240102022123/https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/48472961612/in/album-72157710272372761/|url-status=live}}
* {{Cite book|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/48472815731/in/album-72157710272372761/|title=Transit Authority Committee Agenda April 1992|date=April 16, 1992|publisher=New York City Transit Authority|pages=E.5}}
* {{Cite book|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/48472961237/in/album-72157710272372761/|title=Transit Authority Committee Agenda April 1992|date=April 16, 1992|publisher=New York City Transit Authority|pages=E.6|access-date=September 25, 2020|archive-date=January 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240102022653/https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/48472961237/in/album-72157710272372761/|url-status=live}}
* {{Cite book|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/48472961112/in/album-72157710272372761/|title=Transit Authority Committee Agenda April 1992|date=April 16, 1992|publisher=New York City Transit Authority|pages=E.7|access-date=September 25, 2020|archive-date=January 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240102022557/https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/48472961112/in/album-72157710272372761/|url-status=live}}
* {{Cite book|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/48472815331/in/album-72157710272372761/|title=Transit Authority Committee Agenda April 1992|date=April 16, 1992|publisher=New York City Transit Authority|pages=E.8|access-date=September 25, 2020|archive-date=January 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240102022704/https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/48472815331/in/album-72157710272372761/|url-status=live}}
* {{Cite book|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/48472815186/in/album-72157710272372761/|title=Transit Authority Committee Agenda April 1992|date=April 16, 1992|publisher=New York City Transit Authority|pages=E.9|access-date=September 25, 2020|archive-date=April 2, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230402231827/https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/48472815186/in/album-72157710272372761/|url-status=live}}
* {{Cite book|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/48472815031/in/album-72157710272372761/|title=Transit Authority Committee Agenda April 1992|date=April 16, 1992|publisher=New York City Transit Authority|pages=E.10|access-date=September 25, 2020|archive-date=January 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240102022655/https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/48472815031/in/album-72157710272372761/|url-status=live}}
* {{Cite book|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/48472961382/in/album-72157710272372761/|title=Transit Authority Committee Agenda April 1992|date=April 16, 1992|publisher=New York City Transit Authority|pages=E.11|access-date=September 25, 2020|archive-date=January 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240102022656/https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/48472961382/in/album-72157710272372761/|url-status=live}}
* {{Cite book|url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/48472960412/in/album-72157710272372761/|title=Transit Authority Committee Agenda April 1992|date=April 16, 1992|publisher=New York City Transit Authority|pages=E.12|access-date=September 25, 2020|archive-date=January 2, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240102022656/https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/48472960412/in/album-72157710272372761/|url-status=live}}</ref> The changes took effect on October 23, 1992, with modification: Late night shuttle service to Lefferts Boulevard would terminate at Euclid Avenue, not Rockaway Boulevard.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/30660280045 |title=October 1992 New York City Subway Map |date=October 1992 |work=Flickr |access-date=October 7, 2018 |publisher=New York City Transit Authority |language=en-us |archive-date=February 4, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170204235654/https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/30660280045 |url-status=live }}</ref> Later on, the rush hour A trips to Rockaway Park were extended from 59th Street to [[Dyckman Street (IND Eighth Avenue Line)|Dyckman Street]] and Inwood–207th Street.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://web.mta.info/nyct/service/pdf/tacur.pdf |title=A Subway Timetable |work=mta.info |access-date=December 29, 2016 |archive-date=December 30, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161230193631/http://web.mta.info/nyct/service/pdf/tacur.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

On May 29, 1994, A trains began running express on weekends from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. between 168th Street and [[145th Street (IND lines)|145th Street]], with C trains being extended from 145th Street to 168th Street to cover local stops.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/16543351666/in/album-72157652636594213/ |title=May 1994 Subway Map |date=May 1994 |work=Flickr |publisher=New York City Transit |language=en-us |access-date=October 7, 2018 |archive-date=April 4, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404211507/https://www.flickr.com/photos/127872292@N06/16543351666/in/album-72157652636594213/ |url-status=live }}</ref> A corresponding change was made to weekday midday A service on April 30, 1995, though this change was discontinued on November 12, 1995. On March 1, 1998, A trains began running express between 168th Street and 145th Street during middays and early evenings, with local service provided by extended C service.

On May 1, 1999, the A became the express on the Fulton Street Line at all times except late nights, and C service was extended from World Trade Center to Euclid Avenue during late weekday evenings and weekends to provide local service along the line.<ref name=":1" /><ref name="MTA-ReviewAC-2015" /> This service change was made due to construction taking place on the Williamsburg Bridge, which prohibited the {{NYCS|J}}, {{NYCS|M}} and {{NYCS|Z}} from entering Manhattan; as a result, service on the A, as well as the C and {{NYCS|L}}, were increased. This service change to the A was made permanent after the Williamsburg Bridge reopened to J, M and Z trains.<ref>{{cite journal |title=New Schedules -- Williamsburg Bridge Reopens; Increased Subway Service |journal=The Bulletin |publisher=Electric Railroaders' Association, Incorporated |volume=42 |issue=10 |page=1 |date=October 1999 |url=https://www.erausa.org/pdf/bulletin/1990s/1999/1999-10-bulletin.pdf |access-date=2024-10-02}}</ref>

=== 21st century ===
[[File:Views From The Rockaways.jpg|left|thumb|[[Far Rockaway–Mott Avenue station|Far Rockaway]]-bound A train of [[R46 (New York City Subway car)|R46s]] approaching [[Beach 60th Street station|Beach 60th Street]].]]
On January 23, 2005, a fire at the [[Chambers Street (IND Eighth Avenue Line)|Chambers Street]] signal room crippled A and C service. Initial assessments suggested that it would take several years to restore normal service, but the damaged equipment was replaced with available spare parts, and normal service resumed on April 21.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/25/nyregion/25subway.html |title=2 Subway Lines Crippled by Fire; Long Repair Seen |last=Chan |first=Sewell |date=January 25, 2005 |newspaper=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |access-date=October 23, 2016 |archive-date=August 12, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140812195928/http://www.nytimes.com/2005/01/25/nyregion/25subway.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://secondavenuesagas.com/2010/08/24/remembering-a-fire-at-chambers-st/ |title=Remembering a Fire at Chambers St. |work=Second Ave. Sagas |date=August 24, 2010 |access-date=March 20, 2014 |archive-date=March 21, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140321023040/http://secondavenuesagas.com/2010/08/24/remembering-a-fire-at-chambers-st/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

A service was affected by [[Hurricane Sandy]] in October 2012, due to extreme damage to the [[IND Rockaway Line]]. Trains that normally traveled to [[Far Rockaway–Mott Avenue (IND Rockaway Line)|Far Rockaway]] or [[Rockaway Park–Beach 116th Street (IND Rockaway Line)|Rockaway Park]] terminated at [[Howard Beach–JFK Airport (IND Rockaway Line)|Howard Beach–JFK Airport]]. Service to the Rockaways resumed on May 30, 2013.<ref name="asandy">{{cite web |title=Rebuilding the Rockaways After Hurricane Sandy |url=http://www.mta.info/nyct/service/RebuildingRockawaysAfterHurricanSandy.htm |work=mta.info |publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority |access-date=November 18, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121129020912/http://www.mta.info/nyct/service/RebuildingRockawaysAfterHurricanSandy.htm |archive-date=November 29, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2013/05/16/cuomo-mta-to-restore-a-train-subway-service-to-the-rockaways/ |title=Cuomo: MTA To Restore A Train Subway Service To The Rockaways May 30 |date=May 16, 2013 |access-date=May 16, 2013 |archive-date=November 23, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131123053722/http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2013/05/16/cuomo-mta-to-restore-a-train-subway-service-to-the-rockaways/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The Far Rockaway part of the route was served by the temporary free H shuttle that ran between Far Rockaway and [[Beach 90th Street (IND Rockaway Line)|Beach 90th Street]] via the connecting track at Hammels Wye.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/MTAInsider/status/270625005337993216 |title=MTA on Twitter |work=Twitter |access-date=November 26, 2012 |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308040013/https://twitter.com/MTAInsider/status/270625005337993216 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://alert.mta.info/sites/default/files/pdf/hurricane_recovery_map_bw_Nov_20_rock_shtl.pdf|title=Hurricane Sandy Recovery Service. As of November 20|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|website=mta.info|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130123125002/http://alert.mta.info/sites/default/files/pdf/hurricane_recovery_map_bw_Nov_20_rock_shtl.pdf|archive-date=January 23, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://mta.info/news/stories/?story=878 |title=MTA News |work=mta.info |access-date=November 26, 2012 |archive-date=March 13, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130313175544/http://www.mta.info/news/stories/?story=878 |url-status=live }}</ref>

As a result of a two-phase program of flood mitigation work along the Hammels Wye, between April 9 and May 18, 2018, limited rush hour A service to/from Rockaway Park was suspended.{{efn|Limited rush-hour service that normally begins or ends at Rockaway Park began or ended at Euclid Avenue instead.|name=Euclid Avenue terminal}} The second phase, from July 1 to September 3, diverted all Far Rockaway-bound A trips to Rockaway Park, with [[Rockaway Park Shuttle]] trains being rerouted to the Far Rockaway branch through the southern leg of Hammels Wye.<ref>{{cite web |title=Train Change: A/ Shuttle Service to Be Impacted Starting in April |website=The Rockaway Times |date=March 8, 2018 |url=http://rockawaytimes.com/index.php/columns/3602-train-change-a-shuttle-service-to-be-impacted-starting-in-april |access-date=March 30, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200429140113/http://rockawaytimes.com/index.php/columns/3602-train-change-a-shuttle-service-to-be-impacted-starting-in-april|archive-date=April 29, 2020}}</ref>

From midday on March 29, 2020<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mymtaalerts.com/m?D8F78|title=MANH/BKLYN, A and C Train, No C Train Service|date=March 29, 2020|website=mymtaalerts.com|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200429135836/https://mymtaalerts.com/m?D8F78|archive-date=April 29, 2020|access-date=April 29, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Berger|first=Paul|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/new-york-subway-struggles-under-coronavirus-worker-shortage-11585693114|title=New York Transit Struggles Under Coronavirus Worker Shortage|date=March 31, 2020|work=Wall Street Journal|access-date=April 29, 2020|language=en-US|issn=0099-9660|archive-date=April 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200429183418/https://www.wsj.com/articles/new-york-subway-struggles-under-coronavirus-worker-shortage-11585693114|url-status=live}}</ref> to April 28, 2020,<ref>{{Cite news|last=Martinez|first=Jose|url=https://thecity.nyc/2020/04/nyc-subways-slowly-get-on-track-as-transit-workers-return.html|title=Subway Service Slowly Gets Back On Track As Transit Workers Return|date=April 28, 2020|work=The City|access-date=April 29, 2020|archive-date=April 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200429162415/https://thecity.nyc/2020/04/nyc-subways-slowly-get-on-track-as-transit-workers-return.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> due to the suspension of C train service caused by the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], A trains to Lefferts Boulevard ran local,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mymtaalerts.com/m?DA8CE|title=Update: QNS, C Train, No Scheduled Service|date=April 28, 2020|website=mymtaalerts.com|publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200429140045/https://mymtaalerts.com/m?DA8CE|archive-date=April 29, 2020|access-date=April 29, 2020}}</ref> while A trains to the Rockaways ran express.<ref>{{cite web |title=A 8 Avenue Express |url=https://transitfeeds.com/p/mta/886/latest/route/A/20200428 |website=transitfeeds.com |publisher=Open Mobility Data |access-date=April 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200428092434/https://transitfeeds.com/p/mta/886/latest/route/A/20200428 |archive-date=April 28, 2020 |date=April 28, 2020}}</ref> As part of a program to repair the South Channel Bridge, service south of Howard Beach {{Show by date|2025|01|17|will be|was}} suspended for 17 weeks beginning on January 17, 2025, and the Rockaway branches {{Show by date|2025|01|17|will instead be served|were instead served}} by a rerouted [[Rockaway Park Shuttle]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Schilling |first=John |date=September 13, 2024 |title=MTA Previews 17-Week A Train Service Shutdown During CB14 Meeting |url=https://www.rockawave.com/articles/mta-previews-17-week-a-train-service-shutdown-during-cb14-meeting/ |access-date=September 16, 2024 |website=The Wave - Rockaway&#039;s Newspaper since 1893}}</ref><ref name="McFadden2024">{{cite web |last=McFadden |first=Katie |date=September 16, 2024 |title=A Train Shutdown Tops September CB14 Meeting |url=https://www.rockawaytimes.com/a-train-shutdown-tops-september-cb14-meeting/ |access-date=September 16, 2024 |website=THE ROCKAWAY TIMES – First and Free}}</ref> During the closure, fares on the Rockaway Park Shuttle {{Show by date|2025|01|17|are planned to be|were}} waived, a free shuttle bus {{Show by date|2025|01|17|will run|ran}} from the Rockaway Peninsula to Broad Channel and Howard Beach, and all trips from the LIRR's [[Far Rockaway station (LIRR)|Far Rockaway station]] to [[City Terminal Zone]] stations {{Show by date|2025|01|17|are planned to be|were}} discounted to $2.75.<ref>{{cite web | last=Simko-Bednarski | first=Evan | title=Rockaway, Queens commuters to get steep LIRR discounts, free shuttle during A Train outage | website=New York Daily News | date=November 14, 2024 | url=https://www.nydailynews.com/2024/11/14/rockaway-queens-commuters-to-get-steep-lirr-discounts-free-shuttle-during-a-train-outage/ | access-date=November 19, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | last=Brachfeld | first=Ben | title=LIRR from Far Rockaway to cost $2.75 during A train shutdown in Queens | website=amNewYork | date=November 14, 2024 | url=https://www.amny.com/news/lirr-far-rockaway-fare-a-train-queens/ | access-date=November 19, 2024}}</ref>

== Route ==

=== Service pattern ===
The following table shows the lines used by the A, with shaded boxes indicating the route at the specified times:{{efn|There are several local A trains each late evening and early mornings which travel to and from Lefferts Boulevard.}}<ref>{{NYCS const|serviceguide}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable collapsible" style="font-size:95%"
! rowspan=3 | Line
! rowspan=3 | From
! rowspan=3 | To
! rowspan=3 | Tracks
! colspan=5 | Times
|-
! colspan=2 | Lefferts<br />Service
! colspan=3 | Rockaway<br />Services
|-
! style="width:40px;text-align:center" | all {{abbr|ex.|except}}<br />nights
! style="width:40px;text-align:center" | late<br />nights
! style="width:40px;text-align:center" | all {{abbr|ex.|except}}<br />nights
! style="width:40px;text-align:center" | late<br />nights
! style="width:40px;text-align:center" | rush<br />peak
|-
| rowspan=4 | [[IND Eighth Avenue Line]] (full line)
| [[Inwood–207th Street (IND Eighth Avenue Line)|Inwood–207th Street]]
| [[168th Street (IND Eighth Avenue Line)|168th Street]]
| all
| rowspan=2 style="background:gray" | &nbsp;
| rowspan=6 | &nbsp;
| rowspan=2  style="background:gray" | &nbsp;
| style="background:gray" | &nbsp;
| rowspan=2  style="background:gray" | &nbsp;
|-
| rowspan=2 | [[163rd Street–Amsterdam Avenue (IND Eighth Avenue Line)|163rd Street–Amsterdam Avenue]]
| rowspan=2 | [[Canal Street (IND Eighth Avenue Line)|Canal Street]]
| express
| &nbsp;
|-
| local
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
| rowspan=2 style="background:gray" | &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
| [[Chambers Street (IND Eighth Avenue Line)|Chambers Street]]
| [[High Street (IND Eighth Avenue Line)|High Street]]
| all
| rowspan=2 style="background:gray" | &nbsp;
| rowspan=2 style="background:gray" | &nbsp;
| rowspan=2 style="background:gray" | &nbsp;
|-
| rowspan=5 | [[IND Fulton Street Line]] (full line)
| rowspan=2 | [[Jay Street–MetroTech (IND Fulton Street Line)|Jay Street–MetroTech]]
| rowspan=2 | [[Shepherd Avenue (IND Fulton Street Line)|Shepherd Avenue]]
| express
| &nbsp;
|-
| local
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
| rowspan=3 style="background:gray" | &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center" | [[Euclid Avenue (IND Fulton Street Line)|Euclid Avenue]]
| all
| rowspan=3 style="background:gray" | &nbsp;
| rowspan=3 style="background:gray" | &nbsp;
| rowspan=2 style="background:gray" | &nbsp;
| rowspan=2 style="background:gray" | &nbsp;
|-
| [[Grant Avenue (IND Fulton Street Line)|Grant Avenue]]
| [[Rockaway Boulevard (IND Fulton Street Line)|Rockaway Boulevard]]
| rowspan=3 | local
|-
| [[104th Street (IND Fulton Street Line)|104th Street]]
| [[Ozone Park–Lefferts Boulevard (IND Fulton Street Line)|Ozone Park–Lefferts Boulevard]]
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
|-
| rowspan=4 | [[IND Rockaway Line]] (full line)
| [[Aqueduct Racetrack (IND Rockaway Line)|Aqueduct Racetrack]]
| [[Howard Beach–JFK Airport (IND Rockaway Line)|Howard Beach–JFK Airport]]
| rowspan=4 | &nbsp;
| rowspan=4 | &nbsp;
| rowspan=3 style="background:gray" | &nbsp;
| rowspan=3 style="background:gray" | &nbsp;
| rowspan=2 style="background:gray" | &nbsp;
|-
| colspan=2 style="text-align:center" | [[Broad Channel (IND Rockaway Line)|Broad Channel]]
| rowspan=3| all
|-
| [[Beach 67th Street (IND Rockaway Line)|Beach 67th Street]]
| [[Far Rockaway–Mott Avenue (IND Rockaway Line)|Far Rockaway–Mott Avenue]]
| style="background:#ddffdd;" | Most trains
|-
| [[Beach 90th Street (IND Rockaway Line)|Beach 90th Street]]
| [[Rockaway Park–Beach 116th Street (IND Rockaway Line)|Rockaway Park–Beach 116th Street]]
| &nbsp;
| &nbsp;
| style="background:yellow" | Limited service
|}

=== Stations ===
For a more detailed station listing, see the articles on the lines listed above.<ref name="timetable"/>

For clarity, the A{{'s}} branches are shown separately in the following table. The leftmost column shows the Lefferts Boulevard service; the second column shows the Far Rockaway service; and the third column shows the Rockaway Park service.

{{NYCS service legend
| alltimes = show
| allexceptnights = show
| nightsonly = show
| nightsweekends =
| weekdaysonly = show
| allexceptrush =
| allexceptweekdays =
| dailyexceptrush =
| rushonly =
| rushpeak =
| closed = show
| custom_icon_1 = rushonly
| custom_text_1 = Stops rush hours only (limited service)
| custom_icon_2 = rushpeak
| custom_text_2 = Stops rush hours/weekdays in the peak direction only
}}
{| class="wikitable collapsible" style="font-size:90%" summary="Service information for the A train and its stations, including service times, ADA-accessibility, subway transfers, and non-subway connections."
! width=3% | [[File:NYCS-bull-trans-A-Std.svg|20px|A service to Lefferts Boulevard]]<br>{{abbr|Lef.|Lefferts Boulevard service}}
! width=3% | [[File:NYCS-bull-trans-A-Std.svg|20px|A service to Far Rockaway]]<br>{{abbr|FR|Far Rockaway service}}
! width=3% | [[File:NYCS-bull-trans-A-Std.svg|20px|A service to Rockaway Park]]<br>{{abbr|RP|Rockaway Park service}}
! width=28% | Stations
! width=3% | {{Access icon}}
! width=36% | Subway transfers
! width=30% | Connections/Other Notes
|-
| colspan=7 style="font-weight:bold; text-align:center" | [[Manhattan]]
|-
| colspan=7 style="font-weight:bold; text-align:center" | [[IND Eighth Avenue Line|Eighth Avenue Line]]
|-
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|allexceptnights}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|rushpeak}}&nbsp;↑{{efn|Northbound trains from Rockaway Park end at 207th Street, but southbound trains to Rockaway Park begin at either Dyckman or 168th Streets|name=rock-park}}
| {{stl|NYCS|Inwood–207th Street}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{Access icon}}
|
| [[Bx12 SBS (New York City bus)|Bx12 Select Bus Service]]<br>All northbound a.m. rush hour trains from Rockaway Park terminate at this station
|-
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|allexceptnights}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|rushpeak}}
| {{stl|NYCS|Dyckman Street|Eighth}}
|
|
| Some peak-direction rush hour trips to/from Brooklyn and Queens begin or end their runs at this station{{efn|Trains terminate at this station during the a.m. rush and originate at this station during the p.m. rush|name=peak}}
|-
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|allexceptnights}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|rushpeak}}
| {{stl|NYCS|190th Street}}
| style="text-align:center" | [[File:Aiga elevator.svg|20px|alt=Elevator access to mezzanine only]]
|
|
|-
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|allexceptnights}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|rushpeak}}
| {{stl|NYCS|181st Street|Eighth}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{Access icon}}
|
|
|-
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|allexceptnights}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|rushpeak}}
| {{stl|NYCS|175th Street}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{Access icon}}
|
| [[George Washington Bridge Bus Station]]
|-
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|allexceptnights}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|rushpeak}}
| {{stl|NYCS|168th Street|Eighth}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{Access icon}}
| {{NYCS Eighth north|time=show|exclude=A}}<br>{{NYCS Broadway-Seventh north|time=show}} ([[IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line]])
| Some peak-direction rush hour trips to/from Brooklyn and Queens begin or end their runs at this station{{efn|Trains terminate at this station during the a.m. rush and originate at this station during the p.m. rush|name=peak}}
|-
| align=center |  <nowiki>|</nowiki>
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|nightsonly}}
| align=center |  <nowiki>|</nowiki>
| {{stl|NYCS|163rd Street–Amsterdam Avenue}}
|
|
|
|-
| align=center |  <nowiki>|</nowiki>
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|nightsonly}}
| align=center |  <nowiki>|</nowiki>
| {{stl|NYCS|155th Street|Eighth}}
|
|
| [[Bx6 SBS (New York City bus)|Bx6 Select Bus Service]]
|-
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|allexceptnights}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|rushpeak}}
| {{stl|NYCS|145th Street|Eighth}}
|
| {{NYCS Eighth north|time=show|exclude=A}}<br>{{NYCS Concourse south|time=show}} ([[IND Concourse Line]])
|
|-
| align=center |  <nowiki>|</nowiki>
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|nightsonly}}
| align=center |  <nowiki>|</nowiki>
| {{stl|NYCS|135th Street|Eighth}}
|
|
|
|-
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|allexceptnights}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|rushpeak}}
| {{stl|NYCS|125th Street|Eighth}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{Access icon}}
| {{NYCS Eighth center|time=show|exclude=A}}
| [[M60 SBS (New York City bus)|M60 Select Bus Service]] to [[LaGuardia Airport]]
|-
| align=center |  <nowiki>|</nowiki>
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|nightsonly}}
| align=center |  <nowiki>|</nowiki>
| {{stl|NYCS|116th Street|Eighth}}
|
|
|
|-
| align=center |  <nowiki>|</nowiki>
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|nightsonly}}
| align=center |  <nowiki>|</nowiki>
| {{stl|NYCS|Cathedral Parkway–110th Street|Eighth}}
|
|
|
|-
| align=center |  <nowiki>|</nowiki>
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|nightsonly}}
| align=center |  <nowiki>|</nowiki>
| {{stl|NYCS|103rd Street|Eighth}}
|
|
|
|-
| align=center |  <nowiki>|</nowiki>
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|nightsonly}}
| align=center |  <nowiki>|</nowiki>
| {{stl|NYCS|96th Street|Eighth}}
|
|
|
|-
| align=center |  <nowiki>|</nowiki>
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|nightsonly}}
| align=center |  <nowiki>|</nowiki>
| {{stl|NYCS|86th Street|Eighth}}
|
|
| [[M86 SBS (New York City bus)|M86 Select Bus Service]]
|-
| align=center |  <nowiki>|</nowiki>
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|nightsonly}}
| align=center |  <nowiki>|</nowiki>
| {{stl|NYCS|81st Street–Museum of Natural History}}
|
|
| [[M79 SBS (New York City bus)|M79 Select Bus Service]]
|-
| align=center |  <nowiki>|</nowiki>
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|nightsonly}}
| align=center |  <nowiki>|</nowiki>
| {{stl|NYCS|72nd Street|Eighth}}
|
|
|
|-
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|allexceptnights}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|rushpeak}}
| {{stl|NYCS|59th Street–Columbus Circle|Eighth}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{Access icon}}
| {{NYCS Eighth center|time=show|exclude=A}}<br>{{NYCS Broadway-Seventh local|time=show}} ([[IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line]])
|
|-
| align=center |  <nowiki>|</nowiki>
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|nightsonly}}
| align=center |  <nowiki>|</nowiki>
| {{stl|NYCS|50th Street|Eighth}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{Access icon}}&nbsp;↓
| {{NYCS Queens 53rd west|time=show}} ([[IND Queens Boulevard Line]])
| Station is [[Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990|ADA-accessible]] in the southbound direction only.
|-
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|allexceptnights}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|rushpeak}}
| {{stl|NYCS|42nd Street–Port Authority Bus Terminal}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{Access icon}}
| {{NYCS Eighth south|time=show|exclude=A}}<br>{{NYCS Broadway-Seventh|time=show}} ([[IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line]])<br>{{NYCS Flushing south|time=show}} ([[IRT Flushing Line]])<br>{{NYCS Broadway|time=show}} ([[BMT Broadway Line]])<br>{{NYCS 42nd|time=show}} ([[42nd Street Shuttle]])<br>at [[Times Square–42nd Street station|Times Square–42nd Street]]<br />{{NYCS Sixth|time=show}} ([[IND Sixth Avenue Line]] at {{stl|NYCS|42nd Street–Bryant Park}}, daytime only)
| [[Port Authority Bus Terminal]]<br>[[M34A (New York City bus)|M34A Select Bus Service]]
|-
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|allexceptnights}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|rushpeak}}
| {{stl|NYCS|34th Street–Penn Station|Eighth}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{Access icon}}
| {{NYCS Eighth south|time=show|exclude=A}}
| [[M34 (New York City bus)|M34/M34A Select Bus Service]]<br>[[Amtrak]], [[Long Island Rail Road|LIRR]], [[New Jersey Transit|NJ Transit]] at [[Pennsylvania Station (New York City)|Pennsylvania Station]]
|-
| align=center |  <nowiki>|</nowiki>
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|nightsonly}}
| align=center |  <nowiki>|</nowiki>
| {{stl|NYCS|23rd Street|Eighth}}
|
| {{NYCS Eighth south local night|time=show|exclude=A}}
| [[M23 SBS (New York City bus)|M23 Select Bus Service]]
|-
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|allexceptnights}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|rushpeak}}
| {{stl|NYCS|14th Street|Eighth}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{Access icon}}
| {{NYCS Eighth south|time=show|exclude=A}}<br>{{NYCS Canarsie|time=show}} ([[BMT Canarsie Line]] at {{stl|NYCS|Eighth Avenue|Canarsie}})
| [[M14 SBS (New York City bus)|M14A/D Select Bus Service]]
|-
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|allexceptnights}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|rushpeak}}
| {{stl|NYCS|West Fourth Street–Washington Square}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{Access icon}}
| {{NYCS Eighth south|time=show|exclude=A}}<br>{{NYCS Sixth|time=show}} ([[IND Sixth Avenue Line]])
| [[Port Authority Trans-Hudson|PATH]] at {{stl|PATH|Ninth Street}}
|-
| align=center |  <nowiki>|</nowiki>
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|nightsonly}}
| align=center |  <nowiki>|</nowiki>
| {{stl|NYCS|Spring Street|Eighth}}
|
| {{NYCS Eighth south local night|time=show|exclude=A}}
|
|-
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|allexceptnights}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|rushpeak}}
| {{stl|NYCS|Canal Street|Eighth}}
|
| {{NYCS Eighth south|time=show|exclude=A}}
|
|-
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|allexceptnights}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|rushpeak}}
| {{stl|NYCS|Chambers Street|Eighth}}
| style="text-align:center" | [[File:Aiga elevator.svg|20px|alt=Elevator access to mezzanine only]]
| {{NYCS Eighth far south express|time=show|exclude=A}}<br>{{NYCS Eighth far south local|time=show}} (at {{stl|NYCS|World Trade Center}}){{efn|Chambers Street–World Trade Center are actually counted as two separate stations by the MTA. E trains terminate at World Trade Center while {{NYCS trains|Eighth far south express|time=nolink}} have through service at Chambers Street.<ref>{{cite web |title=Station Complexes |url=http://web.mta.info/developers/data/nyct/subway/Stations.csv |website=mta.info |publisher=Metropolitan Transportation Authority |access-date=May 26, 2020 |date=May 28, 2019 |archive-date=May 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200522121304/http://web.mta.info/developers/data/nyct/subway/Stations.csv |url-status=live }}</ref>|name=World Trade Center terminal}}<br>{{NYCS Broadway-Seventh Brooklyn|time=show}} ([[IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line]] at {{stl|NYCS|Park Place|Broadway-Seventh}})<br>{{NYCS Broadway south|time=show}} ([[BMT Broadway Line]] at {{stl|NYCS|Cortlandt Street}})
| [[Port Authority Trans-Hudson|PATH]] at {{stl|PATH|World Trade Center}}
|-
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|allexceptnights}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|rushpeak}}
| {{stl|NYCS|Fulton Street|Eighth}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{Access icon}}
| {{NYCS Eighth Cranberry|time=show|exclude=A}}<br>{{NYCS Broadway-Seventh Brooklyn|time=show}} ([[IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line]])<br>{{NYCS Lexington south|time=show}} ([[IRT Lexington Avenue Line]])<br>{{NYCS Nassau south|time=show}} ([[BMT Nassau Street Line]])
| [[Port Authority Trans-Hudson|PATH]] at {{stl|PATH|World Trade Center}}
|-
| colspan=7 style="font-weight:bold; text-align:center" | [[Brooklyn]]
|-
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|allexceptnights}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|rushpeak}}
| {{stl|NYCS|High Street}}
|
| {{NYCS Eighth Cranberry|time=show|exclude=A}}
| {{Ferry icon}} '''[[NYC Ferry]]''': East River and South Brooklyn routes (at Old Fulton Street and Furman Street)
|-
| colspan=7 style="font-weight:bold; text-align:center" | [[IND Fulton Street Line|Fulton Street Line]]
|-
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|allexceptnights}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|rushpeak}}
| {{stl|NYCS|Jay Street–MetroTech|Eighth}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{Access icon}}
| {{NYCS Eighth Cranberry|time=show|exclude=A}} {{NYCS Sixth Rutgers|time=show}}<br>{{NYCS Fourth north|time=show}} ([[BMT Fourth Avenue Line]])
|
|-
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|allexceptnights}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|rushpeak}}
| {{stl|NYCS|Hoyt–Schermerhorn Streets}}
| style="text-align:center" | [[File:Aiga elevator.svg|20px|alt=Elevator access to mezzanine only]]
| {{NYCS Fulton|time=show|exclude=A}}<br>{{NYCS Crosstown|time=show}} ([[IND Crosstown Line]])
|
|-
| align=center |  <nowiki>|</nowiki>
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|nightsonly}}
| align=center |  <nowiki>|</nowiki>
| {{stl|NYCS|Lafayette Avenue}}
|
|
|
|-
| align=center |  <nowiki>|</nowiki>
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|nightsonly}}
| align=center |  <nowiki>|</nowiki>
| {{stl|NYCS|Clinton–Washington Avenues|Fulton}}
|
|
|
|-
| align=center |  <nowiki>|</nowiki>
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|nightsonly}}
| align=center |  <nowiki>|</nowiki>
| {{stl|NYCS|Franklin Avenue|Fulton}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{Access icon}}
| {{NYCS Franklin|time=show}} ([[BMT Franklin Avenue Line]])
|
|-
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|allexceptnights}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|rushpeak}}
| {{stl|NYCS|Nostrand Avenue|Fulton}}
|
| {{NYCS Fulton|time=show|exclude=A}}
|  [[Select Bus Service#B44|B44 Select Bus Service]], [[Long Island Rail Road|LIRR]] [[Atlantic Branch]] at {{stl|LIRR|Nostrand Avenue}}
|-
| align=center |  <nowiki>|</nowiki>
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|nightsonly}}
| align=center |  <nowiki>|</nowiki>
| {{stl|NYCS|Kingston–Throop Avenues}}
|
|
| [[B15 (New York City bus)|B15]] bus to [[John F. Kennedy International Airport|JFK Int'l Airport]]
|-
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|allexceptnights}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|rushpeak}}
| {{stl|NYCS|Utica Avenue}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{Access icon}}
| {{NYCS Fulton|time=show|exclude=A}}
| [[B46 SBS (New York City bus)|B46 Select Bus Service]]
|-
| align=center |  <nowiki>|</nowiki>
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|nightsonly}}
| align=center |  <nowiki>|</nowiki>
| {{stl|NYCS|Ralph Avenue}}
|
|
|
|-
| align=center |  <nowiki>|</nowiki>
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|nightsonly}}
| align=center |  <nowiki>|</nowiki>
| {{stl|NYCS|Rockaway Avenue|Fulton}}
|
|
|
|-
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|allexceptnights}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|rushpeak}}
| {{stl|NYCS|Broadway Junction|Fulton}}
|
| {{NYCS Fulton|time=show|exclude=A}}<br>{{NYCS Jamaica center|time=show}} ([[BMT Jamaica Line]])<br>{{NYCS Canarsie|time=show}} ([[BMT Canarsie Line]])
|
|-
| align=center |  <nowiki>|</nowiki>
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|nightsonly}}
| align=center |  <nowiki>|</nowiki>
| {{stl|NYCS|Liberty Avenue}}
|
|
|
|-
| align=center |  <nowiki>|</nowiki>
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|nightsonly}}
| align=center |  <nowiki>|</nowiki>
| {{stl|NYCS|Van Siclen Avenue|Fulton}}
|
|
|
|-
| align=center |  <nowiki>|</nowiki>
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|nightsonly}}
| align=center |  <nowiki>|</nowiki>
| {{stl|NYCS|Shepherd Avenue}}
|
|
|
|-
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|rushpeak}}
| {{stl|NYCS|Euclid Avenue}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{Access icon}}
| {{NYCS Fulton|time=show|exclude=A}}
| Northern terminal for the late night Lefferts Boulevard Shuttle, one evening trip from Far Rockaway, and three morning trips to Far Rockaway
|-
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|rushpeak}}
| {{stl|NYCS|Grant Avenue|Fulton}}
|
|
|
|-
| colspan=7 style="text-align:center" | [[Queens]]
|-
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|rushpeak}}
| {{stl|NYCS|80th Street}}
|
|
|
|-
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|rushpeak}}
| {{stl|NYCS|88th Street}}
|
|
|
|-
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|rushpeak}}
| {{stl|NYCS|Rockaway Boulevard}}
|
|
| [[Woodhaven and Cross Bay Boulevards buses|Q52/Q53 Select Bus Service]]
|-
| colspan=7 style="font-weight:bold; text-align:center" | Services to Lefferts Boulevard and The Rockaways split
|-
| colspan=7 style="background:#808080" |
|-
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| rowspan=3 {{N/A}}
| rowspan=3 {{N/A}}
| {{stl|NYCS|104th Street|Fulton}}
|
|
|
|-
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| {{stl|NYCS|111th Street|Fulton}}
|
|
|
|-
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| {{stl|NYCS|Ozone Park–Lefferts Boulevard}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{Access icon}}
|
| [[Q10 (New York City bus)|Q10]] bus to [[John F. Kennedy International Airport|JFK Airport]]
|-
| colspan=7 style="background:#808080" |
|-
| colspan=7 style="font-weight:bold; text-align:center" | [[IND Rockaway Line|Rockaway Line]]
|-
| rowspan=4 {{N/A}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}&nbsp;↑
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|rushpeak}}&nbsp;↑
| {{stl|NYCS|Aqueduct Racetrack}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{Access icon}}&nbsp;↑
|
| Station serves northbound trains only
|-
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|rushpeak}}
| {{stl|NYCS|Aqueduct–North Conduit Avenue}}
|
|
|
|-
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|rushpeak}}
| {{stl|NYCS|Howard Beach–JFK Airport}} {{rint|air|link=JFK Airport}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{Access icon}}
|
| [[AirTrain JFK]]
|-
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|rushpeak}}
| {{stl|NYCS|Broad Channel}}
|
| {{NYCS Rockaway south|time=show|exclude=A}} ([[Rockaway Park Shuttle]])
| [[Woodhaven and Cross Bay Boulevards buses|Q52/Q53 Select Bus Service]]
|-
| colspan=7 style="font-weight:bold; text-align:center" | Services to Far Rockaway and Rockaway Park split
|-
| colspan=7 style="background:#808080" |
|-
| colspan=7 style="font-weight:bold; text-align:center" | [[IND Rockaway Line|Far Rockaway Branch]]
|-
| rowspan=6 {{N/A}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| rowspan=6 {{N/A}}
| {{stl|NYCS|Beach 67th Street}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{Access icon}}
|
| [[Woodhaven and Cross Bay Boulevards buses|Q52 Select Bus Service]]
|-
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| {{stl|NYCS|Beach 60th Street}}
|
|
| [[Woodhaven and Cross Bay Boulevards buses|Q52 Select Bus Service]]
|-
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| {{stl|NYCS|Beach 44th Street}}
|
|
|
|-
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| {{stl|NYCS|Beach 36th Street}}
|
|
|
|-
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| {{stl|NYCS|Beach 25th Street}}
|
|
|
|-
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|alltimes}}
| {{stl|NYCS|Far Rockaway–Mott Avenue}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{Access icon}}
|
| [[Long Island Rail Road|LIRR]] [[Far Rockaway Branch]] at {{stl|LIRR|Far Rockaway}}
|-
| colspan=7 style="background:#808080" |
|-
| colspan=7 style="text-align:center" |'''[[IND Rockaway Line|Rockaway Park Branch]]''' (rush hour service only)
|-
| rowspan=4 {{N/A}}
| rowspan=4 {{N/A}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|rushpeak}}
| {{stl|NYCS|Beach 90th Street}}
|
| {{NYCS Rockaway Park|time=show|exclude=A}} ([[Rockaway Park Shuttle]])
| [[Woodhaven and Cross Bay Boulevards buses|Q52 Select Bus Service]]
|-
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|rushpeak}}
| {{stl|NYCS|Beach 98th Street}}
|
| {{NYCS Rockaway Park|time=show|exclude=A}} ([[Rockaway Park Shuttle]])
| [[Woodhaven and Cross Bay Boulevards buses|Q53 Select Bus Service]]
|-
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|rushpeak}}
| {{stl|NYCS|Beach 105th Street}}
|
| {{NYCS Rockaway Park|time=show|exclude=A}} ([[Rockaway Park Shuttle]])
|[[Woodhaven and Cross Bay Boulevards buses|Q53 Select Bus Service]]
|-
| style="text-align:center" | {{NYCS SSI|rushpeak}}
| {{stl|NYCS|Rockaway Park–Beach 116th Street}}
| style="text-align:center" | {{Access icon}}
| {{NYCS Rockaway Park|time=show|exclude=A}} ([[Rockaway Park Shuttle]])
| [[Woodhaven and Cross Bay Boulevards buses|Q53 Select Bus Service]]<br>  {{Ferry icon}} '''[[NYC Ferry]]''': East River and South Brooklyn routes (on Beach Channel Drive and Beach 108th Street)
|}

== In popular culture ==
[[Take the "A" Train|"Take the 'A' Train"]] is a [[jazz standard]] by [[Billy Strayhorn]], referring to the A train, going at that time from eastern Brooklyn up into Harlem and northern Manhattan. It became the signature tune of [[Duke Ellington]] and often opened the shows of [[Ella Fitzgerald]].<ref name="NYTimes-NextStopATrain- 2008">{{cite web|last1=Cohen|first1=Billie|title=The A Train|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/02/realestate/02comm.html|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 14, 2015|date=January 2, 2008|archive-date=January 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170104091057/http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/02/realestate/02comm.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The A train is mentioned by [[Azealia Banks]] in her song "[[212 (song)|212]]".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Mlynar |first=Phillip |date=June 7, 2012 |title=Azealia Banks Says She Was Not Discovered By Diplo |url=https://www.mtv.com/news/5wimh0/azealia-banks-interview |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230427233529/https://www.mtv.com/news/5wimh0/azealia-banks-interview |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 27, 2023 |access-date=June 5, 2024 |work=[[MTV]]}}</ref>

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{Reflist|30em}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category|A (New York City Subway service)}}
* [http://web.mta.info/nyct/service/aline.htm MTA NYC Transit – A Eighth Avenue Express]
* {{NYCS const|traintime|A}}
* {{NYCS const|timetable|A}}
* MTA NYC Transit – [http://web.mta.info/nyct/service/AC_LineReview.htm A C Line Review]
** [http://web.mta.info/nyct/service/pdf/AC_LineReview.pdf Main Document]

{{NYCS navbox}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:A (New York City Subway Service)}}
[[Category:Independent Subway System|#]]
[[Category:New York City Subway services]]