What is the longest MTA train route?

Longest MTA Train Route: A Train vs S78 Bus

Understanding the transit network reveals significant differences in operational reach between subway lines and surface routes. Identifying the what is the longest mta train route helps riders navigate vast distances across multiple boroughs. Learn the specific length records of these essential city services to improve your daily travel efficiency.

What is the longest MTA train route?

The A train is officially the longest single subway line in the New York City MTA system. Spanning approximately 32.4 miles, ^[1] this line provides a direct, one-seat ride from Inwood at 207th Street in Manhattan to Far Rockaway-Mott Avenue in Queens. It connects four distinct boroughs, serving Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx via specific rush-hour shuttles.

Understanding Transit Superlatives

Questions about subway lengths often bring up confusion regarding the difference between a single line and total route networks. While the A train holds the record for length, the system contains various other longest nyc subway line superlatives and operational facts that help define the scale of New York City transit.

Subway Gaps and Surface Transit Comparisons

Beyond total line length, travelers often notice the sheer distance between specific stations. The longest mta subway run between the Howard Beach-JFK Airport and Broad Channel stations currently serves as the longest gap in the system, stretching about 3.5 to 3.7 miles across the waters of Jamaica Bay. This expansive stretch offers a stark contrast to the dense, frequent stops found within Manhattan.

If you look outside the subway tunnels toward surface transit, the records change significantly. The S78 local bus route in Staten Island holds the record for the longest bus route in nyc, covering 19.7 miles between the St. George Ferry Terminal and the Bricktown Mall. ^[3] Comparing these figures highlights how subway lines and bus routes serve very different geographic needs across the city.

Transit Record Comparison

A Train (Subway)

Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx

Approximately 32.4 miles

Longest single subway line

S78 Bus (Staten Island)

St. George Ferry to Bricktown Mall

Approximately 19.7 miles

Longest local bus route

Minh's Daily Commute Challenge

Minh, a 28-year-old IT professional living near the Inwood end of the A train, used to dread his hour-long commute to a job in southern Brooklyn. He was exhausted by the time he reached the office.

He initially tried taking local buses, but the transfers were a nightmare. He wasted nearly two hours each way and often arrived late due to unpredictable traffic.

He switched back to the A train but changed his routine. By boarding the train at 7:15 AM rather than 8:00 AM, he found a seat, avoided the peak crowd, and used the time to read or prepare for the day.

After one month, Minh felt significantly less stressed. His commute remains long, but the one-seat ride is a reliable, stress-free routine that has become his favorite part of the day.