Smith-9th Street Station
Experience breathtaking NYC skyline views from the tallest elevated subway station in the US. A free, iconic photo spot.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour and city lights glow.
Smith-9th Street Station
Best Time
Golden hour and city lights glow.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience breathtaking NYC skyline views from the tallest elevated subway station in the US. A free, iconic photo spot.
"This subway has fantastic views. It feels like a proper tourist experience for free."
🎯 Northbound Platform Views
Head to the northbound platform for the best unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline.
🚶♀️ Be Ready for Stairs
This station is not accessible for strollers or wheelchairs due to numerous stairs.
Quick Facts
Rating
3.9 · 124 reviews
Type
Subway Station
Website
mta.infoHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Skyline Views
Northbound platform
Panoramic vistas of the Manhattan skyline, especially stunning at sunset and night.
Tallest Elevated Station
Stand atop the highest elevated subway station in the US, offering a unique perspective.
Gowanus Canal & Drawbridge
Below the station
Observe the industrial charm of the Gowanus Canal and the operational drawbridge below.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Elevated Views & Accessibility
Best Time for Photos
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Northbound Platform Views
Head to the northbound platform for the best unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline.
🚶♀️ Be Ready for Stairs
This station is not accessible for strollers or wheelchairs due to numerous stairs.
📸 Capture the Cityscape
Bring your camera for incredible photo ops, especially during twilight and at night.
🚇 F & G Lines Only
Only the F and G subway lines stop at this station.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Northbound Platform Views
Head to the northbound platform for the best unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline.
🚶♀️ Be Ready for Stairs
This station is not accessible for strollers or wheelchairs due to numerous stairs.
📸 Capture the Cityscape
Bring your camera for incredible photo ops, especially during twilight and at night.
🚇 F & G Lines Only
Only the F and G subway lines stop at this station.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the incredible, free views of the Manhattan skyline from the tallest elevated subway station in the country. Many appreciate the unique perspective and photo opportunities, especially at sunset and night. However, the station's lack of accessibility due to numerous stairs is a significant drawback for families with strollers or those with mobility issues.
"Good place to get views of the NYC Subway with the Manhattan skyline in the background... if you get the NB side of the tracks. The other side, well there's a big fence between the tracks as one can see from my 8/2021 photos. Please be careful though!"
Joe K.
"This subway has fantastic views. It feels like a proper tourist experience for free. The only issue I had with this place is that there are a lot of stairs to go up and down. My friend and I had to carry a stroller for a lady because this station is inaccessible for strollers and wheelchairs, etc
Would recommend coming here, but the station could use some upgrades"
Adam N-A
"My friends, staff and I have been to this place years ago and had a wonderful experience. This is because the station is a tall station and below is a drawbridge and the views from the station was wonderful because can see the lower Manhattan from here. The F and G trains stops here at all times."
Jonathan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Smith-9th Street Station is served by the F and G subway lines. You can take the F train towards Jamaica-179th Street or the G train towards Court Square.
Unfortunately, Smith-9th Street Station is not accessible for strollers or wheelchairs due to a significant number of stairs.
To get the best views of the Manhattan skyline, aim for the northbound platform.
Yes, the IKEA Brooklyn store is located nearby, and a shuttle bus passes right in front of the station.
Only the F and G subway lines stop at Smith-9th Street Station.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Smith-9th Street Station is a regular subway station. You can use your MetroCard or OMNY to pay for your fare on the F or G lines.
There are no entrance fees to access Smith-9th Street Station. It's a free public transit station offering great views.
Smith-9th Street Station operates 24/7 as it is part of the New York City Subway system. However, train service frequency may vary.
Yes, you can exit the train at Smith-9th Street Station to enjoy the views. Just be mindful of the station's accessibility limitations.
The northbound platform offers the most iconic views of the Manhattan skyline.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunset and nighttime offer the most dramatic lighting for capturing the Manhattan skyline.
Generally, photography is allowed in NYC subway stations for personal use. However, avoid using tripods that obstruct passage and be respectful of other passengers.
You can capture wide-angle shots of the Manhattan skyline, train approaching the station, and the industrial landscape of Gowanus.
While the views are great, be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure. The northbound platform offers the best views.
Yes, you can photograph the F and G trains as they arrive and depart from the station.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit