Route QM5 Bus Schedule: Times, Stops & Map

by
2026 MTA Express Bus · Glen Oaks–Midtown Manhattan

Route QM5 Bus Schedule: Times, Stops & Map

The QM5 is an MTA express bus connecting Glen Oaks in eastern Queens with Midtown Manhattan via Fresh Meadows, Oakland Gardens, Union Turnpike, Horace Harding Expressway and Sixth Avenue. It operates on weekdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

The regular QM5 express fare is $7.25. Weekday service starts as early as 5:00 AM from Glen Oaks toward Midtown, while the first weekday Midtown-to-Glen Oaks departure is listed at 8:45 AM. Weekend service starts later and generally operates hourly.

This guide covers official departure examples, first and last trips, direction-specific stops, route maps, super-express variations, OMNY payments, reduced fares, accessibility, MTA Bus Time and practical instructions for reading the combined QM1/QM31/QM5/QM35 timetable.

First & Last Bus Departure Times Stops & Map Live Tracking
Operator MTA Bus Company
Route QM5 Express
Adult fare $7.25
Service days Seven days
Official PDF Effective August 31, 2025
Quick schedule answer

What Time Does the QM5 Bus Start and Stop?

The QM5 operates seven days a week. The first weekday bus from Glen Oaks toward Midtown departs at 5:00 AM. The first weekday Midtown departure toward Glen Oaks is at 8:45 AM.

Day Direction First terminal departure Last terminal departure
Monday–Friday Glen Oaks → Midtown 5:00 AM 9:00 PM
Monday–Friday Midtown → Glen Oaks 8:45 AM 12:00 AM
Saturday Glen Oaks → Midtown 6:30 AM 9:30 PM
Saturday Midtown → Glen Oaks 9:00 AM 12:00 AM
Sunday Glen Oaks → Midtown 7:30 AM 8:30 PM
Sunday Midtown → Glen Oaks 10:00 AM 11:00 PM
These are departure times from the starting terminal. A bus leaving Union Turnpike/260th Street at 5:00 AM reaches Fresh Meadows and Manhattan later. Likewise, a bus leaving Sixth Avenue/W 37th Street at 8:45 AM reaches Union Turnpike and Glen Oaks later.

These operating spans are from the official QM1/QM31/QM5/QM35 combined MTA timetable, effective August 31, 2025. Always check the current MTA route listing and alerts for any later changes.

Critical timetable explanation

QM5 vs QM1, QM31 and QM35: Read the PDF Symbols Carefully

One of the biggest sources of confusion is the combined QM1/QM31/QM5/QM35 timetable. It contains multiple services on related Queens–Midtown corridors.

Unmarked trip QM5 A departure with no route-number note is regular QM5 service in this combined timetable.
Marked “1” QM1 Fresh Meadows express service with its own route pattern.
Marked “31” QM31 The Third Avenue variant serving the Fresh Meadows corridor.
Marked “35” QM35 Glen Oaks express service using the Third Avenue Manhattan pattern.
Never copy every row as “QM5.” Trips marked 1, 31 or 35 operate as those other routes. The symbol SX means super-express, which may bypass normal stops. Match the route number and destination sign before boarding.

What Does “SX” Mean?

In the MTA timetable, SX identifies super-express trips. These have a different stopping pattern designed for longer-distance travel, so a super-express bus may skip intermediate stops served by an ordinary QM5.

For example, the official combined timetable includes selected super-express trips from Midtown. Do not assume an SX departure will stop at every Union Turnpike or Manhattan intersection in the ordinary QM5 list.

QM5 vs QM35: The Manhattan Difference

QM5 mainly uses the Sixth Avenue Midtown pattern. QM35 serves the related Glen Oaks corridor but uses a Third Avenue Manhattan pattern. Check which avenue is closest to your destination before selecting a departure.

For an overview of Queens route prefixes, express services, stop-level tracking and MTA schedule symbols, read our MTA bus schedule and NYC express-route guide.

QM5 Rider Guide

Selected official weekday trips

QM5 Weekday Bus Schedule: Glen Oaks to Midtown

The following weekday trips are selected from the official MTA timetable. Each row follows the same QM5 bus through major timepoints.

Glen Oaks 260 St/Union Tpke Springfield Blvd/Horace Harding 188 St/64 Av Union Tpke/Main St 6 Av/W 37 St E 57 St/Lexington
5:00 AM 5:12 AM 5:20 AM 5:34 AM 5:59 AM 6:09 AM
5:20 AM 5:32 AM 5:40 AM 5:54 AM 6:19 AM 6:29 AM
5:35 AM 5:47 AM 5:55 AM 6:10 AM 6:35 AM 6:45 AM
5:50 AM 6:02 AM Not listed 6:22 AM 6:47 AM 6:57 AM
6:05 AM 6:20 AM Not listed 6:40 AM 7:05 AM 7:15 AM
6:20 AM 6:35 AM Not listed 6:55 AM 7:20 AM 7:30 AM

These are selected departures, not the complete weekday schedule. The PDF includes additional QM5 trips, QM1/QM31/QM35 rows and super-express departures. A blank or unlisted timepoint should not be treated as a guaranteed stop.

QM5 Weekday Schedule: Midtown to Glen Oaks

For the return trip, use the eastbound timetable. The first regular weekday QM5 departure from Sixth Avenue/W 37th Street is listed at 8:45 AM.

6 Av/W 37 St E 57 St/Lexington Union Tpke/Main St 188 St/64 Av Union Tpke/260 St
8:45 AM 8:55 AM 9:30 AM 9:45 AM 10:05 AM
9:45 AM 9:55 AM 10:30 AM 10:45 AM 11:05 AM
12:45 PM 12:55 PM 1:30 PM 1:45 PM 2:05 PM
3:15 PM 3:25 PM 4:00 PM 4:15 PM 4:35 PM
5:05 PM 5:15 PM 5:50 PM 6:00 PM 6:20 PM
Important direction detail Midtown-bound and Queens-bound trips are not always served from exactly the same Manhattan curb. Check the current MTA stop map and the bus headsign before choosing a return boarding point.

How Long Does the QM5 Take?

Early morning to Midtown 69 min 5:00–6:09 AM, Glen Oaks to E 57 St/Lexington.
Morning to Sixth Avenue 59 min 5:00–5:59 AM, Glen Oaks to 6 Av/W 37 St.
Midtown to Glen Oaks 80 min Selected 8:45–10:05 AM return journey.

Full-route running time commonly varies between approximately 60 and 90 minutes, with some trips taking longer in heavy traffic. These examples are scheduled durations, not guaranteed real-time travel times.

For time-sensitive trips, use the official MTA Trip Planner to compare your complete origin-to-destination journey.

Saturday and Sunday service

QM5 Weekend Bus Schedule

The QM5 operates on both Saturday and Sunday. Unlike weekday commute periods, the published weekend timetable is generally hourly.

Saturday

Glen Oaks → Midtown: 6:30 AM to 9:30 PM.

Midtown → Glen Oaks: 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM.

Most terminal departures are approximately 60 minutes apart.

Sunday

Glen Oaks → Midtown: 7:30 AM to 8:30 PM.

Midtown → Glen Oaks: 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM.

Service is generally hourly, with later first buses than Saturday.

Selected Weekend Departure Examples

Service First terminal departure Midday example Last terminal departure
Saturday to Midtown 6:30 AM 12:30 PM 9:30 PM
Saturday to Glen Oaks 9:00 AM 12:00 PM 12:00 AM
Sunday to Midtown 7:30 AM 12:30 PM 8:30 PM
Sunday to Glen Oaks 10:00 AM 1:00 PM 11:00 PM
Weekend planning tip An hourly service means missing one departure can add about an hour to your journey. Check the next two scheduled QM5 buses when planning a medical appointment, family visit, theater performance or return trip from Manhattan.

QM5 Holiday Service

The MTA timetable identifies different holiday patterns:

  • Sunday schedule: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
  • Saturday schedule: Independence Day.
  • Special schedule: Presidents Day and certain other holidays or holiday periods when announced by MTA.
  • Other days: usually weekday service unless an agency notice says otherwise.

Check MTA’s date-specific holiday and service-change information instead of assuming a normal weekday schedule.

Bus frequency by time of day

How Often Does the QM5 Express Bus Run?

QM5 frequency depends on direction and time of day. Weekday peak periods have more frequent departures, while weekday midday and weekend service generally have wider intervals.

Weekday peak 10–20 min
Weekday midday ≈60 min
Weekend ≈60 min

The bar length indicates relative frequency rather than a live service measurement. The current official schedule determines individual departures, and some nearby trips in the combined PDF belong to QM1, QM31 or QM35 instead of QM5.

Why Is QM5 More Frequent During Commute Hours?

QM5 connects residential neighborhoods in eastern Queens to employment centers in Midtown. Demand is concentrated in the morning toward Manhattan and in the afternoon toward Queens, so more buses are scheduled during those periods.

Does QM5 Run Every 10 Minutes All Day?

No. The 10-minute intervals apply only to selected busy periods and departure sequences. Off-peak and weekend intervals are often much longer.

Don’t assume a shared timetable row is another QM5. A departure placed 10 minutes after a QM5 could be QM1, QM31 or QM35. Read the route symbol or check the current MTA Bus Time display.
CSS route-flow diagram

QM5 Route Map: Glen Oaks, Fresh Meadows and Midtown

The QM5 travels through eastern Queens using Little Neck Parkway, Horace Harding Expressway, Springfield Boulevard, 73rd Avenue, 188th Street and Union Turnpike before reaching Midtown Manhattan.

Queens to Midtown — simplified route flow
1 Glen Oaks
260th Street
2 Little Neck / Douglaston
3 Oakland Gardens
4 Fresh Meadows
188th Street
5 Union Turnpike
6 Midtown
34th / 6th
7 East 57th
Lexington

This route-flow illustration is not a geographic street map and does not show actual travel distances. The official MTA map is the source for precise stops and directions.

Major Areas Served by QM5

Glen Oaks and Little Neck

Union Turnpike, 260th Street, Little Neck Parkway, Douglaston Parkway and the Horace Harding Expressway area.

Oakland Gardens and Fresh Meadows

Springfield Boulevard, 73rd Avenue, 188th Street and Union Turnpike.

Midtown Manhattan

East 34th Street, Sixth Avenue, East 57th Street, Madison Avenue and Lexington Avenue.

How to View the Official QM5 Map

  1. Open MTA Bus Time for Route QM5.
  2. Choose the direction toward Glen Oaks or Midtown.
  3. Open the current route map and stop listing.
  4. Locate your intersection or nearby landmark.
  5. Check the actual stop on the correct side of the street.
  6. Select that stop to see available upcoming arrival information.

For a door-to-door plan that includes the walk to an express stop, our Google Maps public-transit directions and stop-finding guide explains how to compare transit options, walking distances and departure information. Always verify any temporary QM5 stop change with the MTA.

Direction-specific current MTA stops

QM5 Stops Toward Glen Oaks

The Queens-bound QM5 travels from Midtown through Kew Gardens and Fresh Meadows toward Glen Oaks. The current official MTA Bus Time listing includes the following stops in route order.

Midtown and Union Turnpike

  1. 6 Av / W 37 St
  2. 6 Av / W 42 St
  3. 6 Av / W 45 St
  4. 6 Av / W 49 St
  5. 6 Av / W 55 St
  6. E 57 St / Madison Av
  7. E 57 St / Lexington Av
  8. Union Tpke / Main St
  9. Union Tpke / 150 St
  10. Union Tpke / Parsons Blvd
  11. Union Tpke / 164 St
  12. Union Tpke / 168 St
  13. Union Tpke / Utopia Pkwy
  14. Union Tpke / Chevy Chase St
  15. 188 St / 73 Av
  16. 188 St / 69 Av
  17. 188 St / 64 Av

Oakland Gardens, Douglaston and Glen Oaks

  1. 73 Av / 192 St
  2. 73 Av / 197 St
  3. 73 Av / 210 St
  4. 73 Av / 213 St
  5. 73 Av / Bell Blvd
  6. 73 Av / 220 St
  7. Springfield Blvd / 69 Av
  8. Springfield Blvd / 67 Av
  9. Springfield Blvd / Horace Harding Expwy S
  10. Horace Harding Expwy / Cloverdale Blvd
  11. Horace Harding Expwy / 231 St
  12. Douglaston Pkwy / 65 Av
  13. Douglaston Pkwy / Douglaston Plaza
  14. Horace Harding Expwy / Marathon Pkwy
  15. Horace Harding Expwy / Little Neck Pkwy
  16. Little Neck Pkwy / 58 Av
  17. Little Neck Pkwy / 61 Av
  18. Little Neck Pkwy / Cullman Av
  19. 260 St / Little Neck Pkwy
  20. 260 St / 74 Av
  21. Union Tpke / 260 St

QM5 Stops Toward Midtown Manhattan

The Manhattan-bound direction uses several different intersections and streets in Queens, so don’t automatically reverse the Glen Oaks-bound list.

Glen Oaks Through Fresh Meadows

  1. 260 St / Union Tpke
  2. 260 St / 74 Av
  3. 260 St / Little Neck Pkwy
  4. Little Neck Pkwy / 255 St
  5. Little Neck Pkwy / 61 Av
  6. Little Neck Pkwy / 58 Av
  7. Horace Harding Expy / Little Neck Pkwy
  8. Horace Harding Expwy / Marathon Pkwy
  9. Douglaston Pkwy / 61 Av
  10. Douglaston Pkwy / 65 Av
  11. West Alley Rd / 233 St
  12. Horace Harding Expwy / Cloverdale Blvd
  13. Springfield Blvd / Horace Harding Expwy South
  14. Springfield Blvd / 67 Av
  15. Springfield Blvd / 73 Av
  16. 73 Av / Bell Blvd
  17. 73 Av / 213 St
  18. 73 Av / 210 St
  19. 73 Av / 198 St
  20. 73 Av / 193 St
  21. 188 St / 64 Av
  22. 188 St / 186 Ln
  23. 188 St / 73 Av

Union Turnpike to Midtown

  1. Union Tpke / 187 St
  2. Union Tpke / Utopia Pkwy
  3. Union Tpke / 168 St
  4. Union Tpke / 164 St
  5. Union Tpke / Parsons Blvd
  6. Union Tpke / 150 St
  7. Union Tpke / Main St
  8. E 34 St / 3 Av
  9. E 34 St / Park Av
  10. W 34 St / 5 Av
  11. 6 Av / W 37 St
  12. 6 Av / W 42 St
  13. 6 Av / W 45 St
  14. 6 Av / W 49 St
  15. 6 Av / W 55 St
  16. E 57 St / Madison Av
  17. E 57 St / Lexington Av
Why the two directions differ One-way streets, intersection locations and expressway connections mean the Midtown-bound boarding stop may not be directly across from the Glen Oaks-bound stop. Check the specific stop name and direction in MTA Bus Time.

Find Your Exact Stop Code

  1. Open the MTA QM5 stop list.
  2. Select the correct direction.
  3. Find the intersection closest to your location.
  4. Tap the stop to check its available stop code and predictions.
  5. Compare the stop code with the physical bus-stop sign.
  6. Save the stop for future commute checks.
2026 express-bus fares

How Much Is the QM5 Express Bus Fare?

The MTA increased the standard express-bus fare from $7.00 to $7.25 effective January 4, 2026. QM5 uses this express fare rather than the regular $3.00 local-bus fare.

Standard express fare $7.25 One-way adult fare.
Reduced express fare $3.60 Eligible riders outside weekday peak periods.
Local bus / subway $3.00 For comparison; not the QM5 fare.
Express weekly fare cap $67 Under the applicable OMNY express-bus fare-capping rules.

Who Qualifies for the $3.60 Reduced Express Fare?

The reduced express fare is available to qualifying seniors and riders with eligible disabilities, subject to MTA rules and accepted identification or fare products.

The MTA timetable states that reduced express fares are available outside weekday peak periods of 6:00–10:00 AM and 3:00–7:00 PM.

Peak-hour restriction Do not assume the reduced express fare applies during weekday morning or afternoon peaks. Qualifying reduced-fare riders should check the current eligibility and time restrictions before boarding.

Does the QM5 Cost More Than a Subway?

Yes. A standard QM5 fare costs $7.25, compared with the regular $3.00 local-bus/subway fare. The QM5 offers a direct interborough express journey from neighborhoods without nearby subway stations, which may reduce transfers for some commuters.

The cheaper option is not always the quickest or most convenient. Compare total fare, walking time, transfers and traffic before choosing.

Official reference: MTA 2026 express-bus fares and payment rules.

OMNY and fare payment

How to Pay on the QM5 Bus

OMNY Card

  1. Check that your OMNY card has enough value.
  2. Have it ready as the QM5 approaches.
  3. Board at the designated entrance.
  4. Tap the OMNY reader.
  5. Wait for the accepted-payment confirmation.

Contactless Bank Card or Device

  1. Prepare an eligible contactless credit/debit card.
  2. Alternatively, use a supported phone or wearable wallet.
  3. Tap the reader when boarding.
  4. Use the same payment method for qualifying transfers and fare-capping benefits.

Reduced-Fare OMNY

  1. Confirm your eligibility for reduced fare.
  2. Check off-peak express-bus restrictions.
  3. Use your qualifying reduced-fare payment method.
  4. Verify the correct fare was charged.

Cash and Old MetroCards

MTA has been transitioning from MetroCard to OMNY. MetroCard sales ended in 2025, and acceptance rules can change during the transition.

Do not rely on an outdated PDF that describes MetroCard or cash as the preferred current payment method. Confirm today’s accepted express-bus payment options before travel.

Transfer tip QM5 uses the express fare. A transfer from a local bus or subway may require an additional payment equal to the difference between the express fare and the previously paid fare, subject to OMNY’s eligibility and transfer rules.

Open OMNY’s official payment information for card management, accepted payment methods and fare-capping rules.

Real-time bus information

How to Track QM5 Bus Arrivals Live

Use MTA Bus Time to check available predicted arrivals, vehicle locations and route alerts. Be sure to select QM5 rather than QM1, QM31 or QM35.

1 Open Bus Time Search the official MTA QM5 route.
2 Select QM5 Do not confuse it with another QM route.
3 Choose direction Midtown or Glen Oaks.
4 Select your stop Match the exact intersection.
5 Check again Recheck arrivals and active alerts.

Open the official MTA QM5 live tracker.

Scheduled vs Real-Time Arrival

Scheduled time is the planned timetable. Real-time arrival is a prediction based on available vehicle information.

Why your live prediction may be missing A vehicle may be out of GPS range, delayed, at a terminal or affected by a detour. The absence of a live prediction does not automatically prove the whole QM5 service has been canceled.

Text Your Stop Code

MTA Bus Time offers text-based stop predictions. Where supported, send your stop code to 511123. Get the actual stop code from the bus-stop sign or official Bus Time listing.

Open the mobile-friendly QM5 stop list.

Choosing the correct Queens express bus

QM5, QM35, QM1 and QM31: Which Express Bus Should You Ride?

These routes share portions of the eastern Queens network, but they do not necessarily serve the same Manhattan streets or every Queens stop.

Route Main role Important difference
QM5 Glen Oaks–Midtown Express Sixth Avenue Manhattan route pattern.
QM35 Glen Oaks–Midtown Express Third Avenue Manhattan route pattern.
QM1 Fresh Meadows–Midtown Express Shorter Queens coverage and its own schedule symbols.
QM31 Fresh Meadows–Midtown Express Third Avenue Manhattan pattern.
QM5 SX Selected super-express trips Not all ordinary stops are served; check the exact trip.

Another Northeast Queens Express Route: QM2

If you are traveling from northeast Queens but your origin is closer to Bay Terrace, Beechhurst or the Whitestone corridor, QM2 may be more useful than QM5. Our Queens QM2 express bus schedule and Midtown stop guide explains its separate route, weekday and weekend departures, and differences from QM32.

Do not assume that two express buses ending in Midtown share the same Queens stops. Compare both the boarding location and Manhattan destination before selecting the route.

Subway and local bus connections

QM5 Connections in Queens and Midtown Manhattan

Union Turnpike Corridor

Connect with local Queens bus services including Q46 where route patterns and stops align. Check the exact transfer stop and direction.

Midtown 34th Street

Access nearby subway stations and rail connections, including the 34th Street/Herald Square area, depending on your QM5 stop.

Midtown 57th Street

Convenient for destinations near Madison Avenue, Lexington Avenue and nearby subway stations.

QM5 vs Subway: How to Compare the Trip

  1. Enter your full origin and destination in the trip planner.
  2. Compare the direct QM5 express journey with a local bus plus subway option.
  3. Check the difference between the $7.25 express fare and the regular $3.00 local/subway fare.
  4. Include walking time, transfer waiting and traffic conditions.
  5. Check current MTA service alerts for all required routes.
  6. Select the trip that best matches your schedule, budget and accessibility requirements.

For general help reading stop IDs, transfers, timetable timepoints and live predictions across different agencies, our transit bus schedule and stop-navigation guide explains the process step by step.

Accessibility and reduced-fare planning

Is the QM5 Express Bus Wheelchair Accessible?

MTA’s express buses provide accessible-transportation features, but the specific boarding location and accessible route to the stop should also be checked before traveling.

Accessible boarding

Ask the operator about the bus’s ramp or lift and the appropriate boarding procedure for your mobility device.

Priority and securement

Accessible buses provide designated accommodation for customers using wheelchairs and other qualifying mobility devices.

Reduced express fare

Qualifying riders should verify the $3.60 off-peak fare and weekday peak restrictions before boarding.

Accessible QM5 Trip-Planning Steps

  1. Open the official QM5 stop list.
  2. Find the boarding stop and destination direction.
  3. Check that the sidewalk and boarding location are accessible.
  4. Review any temporary stop relocations or construction alerts.
  5. Check accessibility at connecting subway stations if transferring.
  6. Confirm reduced-fare eligibility and payment method.
  7. Allow additional time for boarding assistance and transfers.
Access-A-Ride is a separate service. MTA Access-A-Ride is an eligibility-based paratransit program. It is not the same as boarding a regularly scheduled QM5 express bus.

Official reference: MTA accessibility and rider assistance.

Current and temporary service changes

QM5 Delays, Detours and Midtown Stop Changes

QM5 can be affected by traffic on Queens expressways, Manhattan construction, major public events and bridge or tunnel detours. These changes may alter travel time or temporarily move a boarding stop.

2026 NYC Marathon Example

MTA Bus Time published a special detour notice affecting QM5 and other Queens express routes during the 2026 New York City Marathon. Queens-bound buses were routed toward the Queens Midtown Tunnel via Second Avenue instead of their usual approach.

The alert noted possible delays and warned that bus arrival predictions could be unavailable or inaccurate while the detour was active.

This was a dated event-related advisory. The 2026 marathon was held on November 1, 2026. Do not treat that detour as permanent or necessarily active after the event. Check today’s MTA QM5 alerts for the current routing and stop status.

How to Check a QM5 Detour

  1. Open MTA service alerts.
  2. Search for QM5 or select the bus service category.
  3. Check the date and travel direction.
  4. Read whether a stop is skipped, relocated or temporarily closed.
  5. Locate the replacement stop, if one is listed.
  6. Check MTA Bus Time for available arrivals.
  7. Allow extra time for a bridge or tunnel detour.

Traffic and weather can affect running time even when there is no formal service alert.

Official timetable walkthrough

How to Find the Correct QM5 Departure on the MTA Website

  1. Open the official timetable. Visit MTA’s combined QM1/QM31/QM5/QM35 schedule.
  2. Confirm the schedule’s effective date. The verified PDF is marked August 31, 2025. Check for newer published revisions.
  3. Choose the travel day. Open Weekdays, Saturdays or Sundays.
  4. Select the direction. Use “to Midtown” or “to Fresh Meadows/Glen Oaks.”
  5. Check the route-symbol column. Use an unmarked row for regular QM5. Do not confuse it with 1, 31, 35 or SX.
  6. Find your nearest timepoint. The PDF includes major stops rather than every bus stop.
  7. Read one trip across. Follow the same bus through its scheduled departure and destination timepoints.
  8. Open MTA Bus Time. Search QM5 and find your actual boarding intersection.
  9. Read current service alerts. Check detours, canceled stops and event-related travel changes.
  10. Prepare the express fare. Use an accepted payment method and reach the correct stop ahead of departure.
Most useful daily shortcut After confirming your normal commute, save the QM5 stop code or MTA Bus Time stop page. On future trips, you can check the approaching vehicle without reopening the full eight-page PDF.
Official PDF and update dates

Where to Download the QM5 Bus Schedule PDF

MTA’s official QM5 timetable is published together with QM1, QM31 and QM35. The version verified for this guide is effective August 31, 2025.

Combined QM1/QM31/QM5/QM35 Timetable

Weekday, Saturday and Sunday schedule tables, timepoints, stop lists, route symbols, holiday notes and payment guidance.

Open official combined QM5 PDF
QM5 Route Profile

Queens Bus Network Redesign document detailing the routing, removed stops, super-express service and planned frequency changes.

Open official QM5 route profile

How to Know Whether a QM5 PDF Is Current

  1. Look for the effective date printed on the timetable.
  2. Confirm the route name is Glen Oaks–Fresh Meadows–Midtown Express.
  3. Check whether the document reflects the June 29/August 31, 2025 Queens Bus Network Redesign changes.
  4. Check MTA’s current schedule directory for a more recent publication.
  5. Use MTA Bus Time for stop-level information and live arrivals.
  6. Review alerts for temporary routing or stop changes.
Timetable date vs publication date An article published in 2026 may still cite an official timetable effective in 2025 if it remains the published timetable for that route. The important requirement is that the timetable is valid for the actual travel date, not merely that its PDF filename contains 2026.
Local commuter advice

Six Practical Tips for Riding the QM5

1. Check Whether Your Bus Is QM5 or QM35

Both routes serve Glen Oaks and parts of eastern Queens, but their Midtown street patterns differ. If you need Sixth Avenue, verify the headsign and timetable rather than boarding a Third Avenue variant by mistake.

2. Read the Super-Express Symbol

Some QM5 super-express trips skip regular stops. If the timetable shows SX, check that the departure actually serves your intended boarding and alighting intersections.

3. Allow a Traffic Buffer in Midtown

A bus traveling through Midtown can be delayed by congestion and street events. For an important appointment, plan a slightly earlier trip instead of relying on the exact scheduled arrival minute.

4. Check the Return Stop Before Leaving

Manhattan-bound and Queens-bound stops may be on different streets or intersections. Save your return stop before walking to your destination.

5. Have the Express Fare Ready

QM5 costs $7.25, not the $3.00 local fare. If you use a reduced fare, verify that your travel time is eligible for the off-peak express discount.

6. Weekend Trips Need More Planning

QM5 is generally hourly on Saturdays and Sundays. Missing the bus can create a long wait, particularly after an evening event or when traveling far from a subway station.

Before boarding

QM5 Express Bus Checklist

  • Confirm you need QM5, not QM1, QM31 or QM35.
  • Check Glen Oaks or Midtown direction.
  • Select the correct weekday or weekend timetable.
  • Look for SX or another route symbol.
  • Find the exact boarding intersection.
  • Prepare the $7.25 express fare or eligible discount.
  • Check MTA Bus Time for available arrivals.
  • Read active detours or stop-closure alerts.
  • Allow extra time for traffic and transfers.
  • Confirm the last return bus before leaving.
Official sources and verification

Official QM5 Schedule, Route Map, Fares and Live Arrivals

MTA Combined QM5 Timetable

Official QM1/QM31/QM5/QM35 schedule, effective August 31, 2025.

Open official timetable
MTA Bus Time — QM5

Current stop lists, route directions, vehicle predictions and relevant alerts.

Track QM5 live
MTA Classic Bus Time

Mobile-friendly stop listing and stop-code lookup.

View QM5 stop list
QM5 Route Profile

Queens Bus Network Redesign routing, stop changes and service-frequency planning.

Read official route profile
MTA Fare Information

Current express-bus base fare, reduced fares, OMNY and transfer rules.

Check official fares
OMNY

Accepted payment methods, card information and fare-capping guidance.

Open OMNY information
MTA Service Alerts

Current disruptions, planned work, events and temporary bus-stop changes.

Check active alerts
MTA Accessibility

Accessible travel guidance, rider assistance and paratransit information.

Read accessibility guidance
Research reviewed November 3, 2026. Schedule examples come from MTA’s combined QM1/QM31/QM5/QM35 timetable effective August 31, 2025. The $7.25 fare reflects the MTA’s January 2026 fare change. Temporary alerts, timetable changes and live arrivals should always be checked directly with the MTA for your travel date.

Independent-site disclosure: BusSchedule.us is not affiliated with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. This article does not operate buses, sell official tickets, control fares or guarantee arrival predictions.

Frequently asked questions

QM5 Bus Schedule FAQs

1. Where does the QM5 express bus go?

QM5 connects Glen Oaks in eastern Queens with Midtown Manhattan, traveling through the Little Neck, Oakland Gardens, Fresh Meadows and Union Turnpike corridors before serving Midtown Sixth Avenue and East 57th Street.

2. What time does QM5 start on weekdays?

The first regular weekday QM5 departs Glen Oaks toward Midtown at 5:00 AM. The first regular weekday departure from Midtown toward Glen Oaks is listed at 8:45 AM. Intermediate stops have different times.

3. What time is the last QM5 bus?

The official weekday schedule lists the last Glen Oaks-to-Midtown departure at 9:00 PM and the last Midtown-to-Glen Oaks departure at 12:00 AM. Weekend final departures differ.

4. Does QM5 operate on Saturdays and Sundays?

Yes. QM5 operates on both Saturdays and Sundays, generally about once per hour. Saturday service from Glen Oaks starts at 6:30 AM and Sunday service starts at 7:30 AM.

5. How much is the QM5 bus fare in 2026?

The regular MTA express-bus fare is $7.25. Qualifying reduced-fare riders may pay $3.60 during eligible off-peak periods under MTA rules.

6. Can I use OMNY on QM5?

Yes. QM5 accepts supported OMNY payment methods, including eligible contactless bank cards, mobile wallets and OMNY cards.

7. What is the difference between QM5 and QM35?

QM5 uses a Sixth Avenue Midtown pattern, while QM35 follows a Third Avenue Manhattan pattern. Both serve portions of the Glen Oaks and Fresh Meadows corridors, but their stop patterns are not identical.

8. How long does the QM5 take from Glen Oaks to Midtown?

Selected published weekday trips take approximately 59 minutes from Glen Oaks to Sixth Avenue/W 37th Street and around 69 minutes to East 57th Street/Lexington Avenue. Other trips may take longer because of traffic and schedule differences.

9. How do I track QM5 live arrivals?

Open MTA Bus Time, search QM5, choose Glen Oaks or Midtown direction, and select your stop to view available vehicle arrival predictions and current alerts.

10. Where can I download the official QM5 timetable?

MTA publishes QM5 in a combined QM1/QM31/QM5/QM35 timetable at mta.info/schedules/bus/qm1. The verified PDF is effective August 31, 2025. Unmarked rows are QM5, while numbers 1, 31 and 35 identify other routes and SX identifies super-express service.

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