Route Q53 Bus Schedule: Times, Stops & Map
Looking for the Q53 bus schedule? The Q53-SBS is a New York City MTA Select Bus Service route connecting Woodside and Rockaway Park, Queens.
It travels via Broadway, Queens Boulevard, Woodhaven Boulevard and Cross Bay Boulevard, ending near Beach 116th Street / Rockaway Beach Boulevard.
This rider guide includes actual Q53 timetable examples, weekday and weekend service, 23 stops in each direction, OMNY payment instructions, subway connections, the official route map, live arrival tracking and current stop-change guidance.
What Is the Q53-SBS Bus?
The Q53-SBS is a limited-stop Select Bus Service connecting Woodside–61st Street with Rockaway Park–Beach 116th Street in Queens.
It operates throughout the day and overnight, with more frequent service during busy periods and longer intervals during late-night hours.
Board a bus displaying SELECT BUS WOODSIDE.
Use this direction for trips north toward Woodhaven, Elmhurst and Woodside.
Board a bus displaying SELECT BUS ROCKAWAY PARK BEACH 116 ST.
Use this direction for trips south toward Howard Beach, Broad Channel and Rockaway Park.
Open the MTA timetable, select your direction and stop, then check live Bus Time predictions.
Official Q53 Bus TimeQ53 Bus Schedule Guide
Q53 Bus Schedule: First Bus, Last Bus and Frequency
The Q53-SBS operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This means there is no ordinary daily shutdown of the route, but overnight buses arrive much less frequently than daytime service.
Approximately every 6–12 minutes across busy timetable periods, varying by direction and time.
Many scheduled departures are approximately 10–12 minutes apart.
Saturday and Sunday timetables commonly show roughly 12–20-minute departure intervals, depending on the period.
Service generally continues at much wider intervals, with some hourly departures.
Q53-SBS Weekday Bus Times: Both Directions
These examples use rows marked 53 in the official MTA Q52/Q53 timetable. All times are Eastern Time and refer to scheduled timepoints, not real-time arrivals.
Southbound: Woodside to Rockaway Park
This direction starts at Roosevelt Avenue/61st Street and ends at Beach 116th Street/Rockaway Beach Boulevard.
| Roosevelt Av / 61 St | Hoffman Dr / Woodhaven Blvd | Woodhaven Blvd / Jamaica Av | Cross Bay Blvd / W 17 Rd | Beach 116 St |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5:40 AM | 5:53 AM | 6:10 AM | 6:31 AM | 6:42 AM |
| 6:29 AM | 6:42 AM | 7:02 AM | 7:26 AM | 7:37 AM |
| 7:06 AM | 7:24 AM | 7:44 AM | 8:08 AM | 8:19 AM |
Northbound: Rockaway Park to Woodside
This direction starts at Beach 116th Street and ends at 61st Street/Roosevelt Avenue.
| Beach 116 St | Cross Bay Blvd / E 16 Rd | Woodhaven Blvd / Jamaica Av | Queens Blvd / 59 Av | 61 St / Roosevelt Av |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5:30 AM | 5:40 AM | 6:00 AM | 6:18 AM | 6:37 AM |
| 6:06 AM | 6:17 AM | 6:40 AM | 6:58 AM | 7:17 AM |
| 7:01 AM | 7:12 AM | 7:35 AM | 7:53 AM | 8:12 AM |
Q53 Saturday and Sunday Bus Schedule
Q53-SBS operates on both Saturdays and Sundays. Weekend service includes daytime journeys and overnight trips, but departure intervals may differ from weekdays.
Saturday: Woodside to Rockaway Park
| Woodside / Roosevelt Av | Hoffman Dr | Jamaica Av | Cross Bay / W 17 Rd | Beach 116 St |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | 7:16 AM | 7:33 AM | 7:53 AM | 8:03 AM |
| 9:00 AM | 9:16 AM | 9:34 AM | 9:56 AM | 10:06 AM |
Sunday: Woodside to Rockaway Park
| Woodside / Roosevelt Av | Hoffman Dr | Jamaica Av | Cross Bay / W 17 Rd | Beach 116 St |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5:36 AM | 5:59 AM | 6:17 AM | 6:39 AM | 6:50 AM |
| 8:00 AM | 8:23 AM | 8:41 AM | 9:03 AM | 9:14 AM |
MTA Holiday Schedule Rules
| Holiday | Typical MTA Q53 schedule type |
|---|---|
| New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas | Sunday schedule |
| Independence Day | Saturday schedule |
| Presidents Day | Saturday schedule |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Friday after Thanksgiving | Reduced weekday schedule |
Holiday patterns are based on MTA’s published timetable notes. Special service changes may override normal patterns, so verify on the travel date.
Q53 Bus Stops: All 23 Stops in Both Directions
The MTA currently lists 23 stops in each direction. These stops follow the official Q53-SBS stopping pattern, not the more frequent local stops used by other buses.
Woodside → Beach 116th Street
- Roosevelt Av / 61 St
- Broadway / 75 St
- Broadway / 78 St
- Broadway / Whitney Av
- Broadway / Queens Blvd
- Hoffman Dr / Woodhaven Blvd
- Woodhaven Blvd / Penelope Av
- Woodhaven Blvd / Metropolitan Av
- Woodhaven Blvd / Myrtle Av
- Woodhaven Blvd / Jamaica Av
- Woodhaven Blvd / 91 Av
- Woodhaven Blvd / 101 Av
- Cross Bay Blvd / Liberty Av
- Cross Bay Blvd / Pitkin Av
- Cross Bay Blvd / 157 Av
- Cross Bay Blvd / 163 Av
- Cross Bay Blvd / Wildlife Refuge
- Cross Bay Blvd / Noel Rd
- Cross Bay Blvd / W 17 Rd
- Rockaway Beach Blvd / Beach 96 St
- Rockaway Beach Blvd / Beach 102 St
- Rockaway Beach Blvd / Beach 108 St
- Beach 116 St / Rockaway Beach Blvd
Beach 116th Street → Woodside
- Beach 116 St / Rockaway Beach Blvd
- Rockaway Beach Blvd / Beach 108 St
- Rockaway Beach Blvd / Beach 102 St
- Rockaway Beach Blvd / Beach 96 St
- Cross Bay Blvd / E 16 Rd
- Cross Bay Blvd / Noel Rd
- Cross Bay Blvd / Wildlife Refuge
- Cross Bay Blvd / 163 Av
- Cross Bay Blvd / 157 Av
- Cross Bay Blvd / Pitkin Av
- Cross Bay Blvd / Liberty Av
- Woodhaven Blvd / 101 Av
- Woodhaven Blvd / 91 Av
- Woodhaven Blvd / Jamaica Av
- Woodhaven Blvd / Myrtle Av
- Woodhaven Blvd / Polo Pl
- Woodhaven Blvd / Everton St
- Queens Blvd / 59 Av
- Broadway / Justice Av
- Broadway / Whitney Av
- Broadway / 78 St
- Broadway / 75 St
- 61 St / Roosevelt Av
Q53-SBS Bus Route Map: Woodside to Rockaway Park
Q53 travels across Queens from Woodside through the Woodhaven Boulevard and Cross Bay Boulevard corridors, then across the Jamaica Bay area toward Rockaway Park.
Woodside Terminal Map
The Woodside end of Route Q53 is near Roosevelt Avenue/61st Street, a major transfer area for subway and Long Island Rail Road services.
Geographic orientation near Woodside terminal only. This embedded map is not the full Q53 bus route or a live service map.
Q53-SBS Subway Transfers and Important Destinations
The Q53 is especially useful because it connects multiple Queens communities with subway and rail transfer points along its north–south corridor.
7 subway and nearby Long Island Rail Road at Woodside.
Useful for trips toward Midtown Manhattan, Flushing and regional rail destinations.
Connections to the Queens Boulevard subway corridor in Elmhurst.
Check the precise station entrance and the relevant E, F, M or R service pattern for your trip.
Connection near the Woodhaven Boulevard station on the J/Z Jamaica Line.
Verify train service by time and day.
Connection near Rockaway Boulevard station on the A subway corridor.
Temporary bus-stop relocation may affect walking directions.
Possible connections to A service and Rockaway Park Shuttle service through the surrounding transit network.
Check MTA directions for the correct walking route and shuttle operation.
Connections near Rockaway Park–Beach 116 St subway station and Rockaway Beach destinations.
Useful for reaching the western Rockaway peninsula.
Traveling to LaGuardia Airport?
The Q53 does not go directly to LaGuardia Airport. From the Woodside area, riders can check the fare-free Q70 LaGuardia Link for the airport connection, subject to current routing and stop locations.
For a different LaGuardia option via Manhattan and Astoria, see our M60-SBS Bus Schedule and LaGuardia Airport Guide.
Traveling to JFK Airport?
The Q53 does not enter JFK Airport terminals. Use the MTA trip planner to connect with an appropriate subway or bus service and the airport’s required onward connection. AirTrain JFK may involve a separate fare.
Q53 Bus Fare: OMNY, Cash, MetroCard and Transfers
The Q53-SBS is charged the regular MTA local/Select Bus Service fare, not the higher express bus fare.
Adult fare using an accepted payment method.
For eligible seniors and riders with qualifying disabilities.
Qualifying subway and local/SBS bus trips using the same payment method.
Eligible bus-to-bus and bus-to-subway transfers using the same fare payment method.
How to Pay Before or When Boarding Q53-SBS
There are two important payment procedures depending on whether you use OMNY or the temporarily accepted MetroCard/cash system.
Pay With OMNY
- Prepare your contactless debit/credit card, phone, wearable or OMNY Card.
- Wait until the Q53 bus stops and opens its doors.
- Board through any available passenger door.
- Tap the OMNY reader at the door you use.
- Keep using the same card or device for eligible transfers.
Cash or Valid MetroCard
- Find the SBS fare-payment kiosk at the bus stop.
- Insert exact-change coins or use an accepted existing MetroCard.
- Obtain the printed proof-of-payment receipt.
- Keep the receipt with you during the bus trip.
- If paying cash and needing a transfer, follow the MTA’s front-door receipt procedure.
How a Normal OMNY Trip Works
Use an accepted OMNY payment method.
Enter through any available door.
Hold your card or device at the OMNY reader.
Check your destination and prepare to exit.
Use the same method when transferring.
Q52-SBS vs Q53-SBS: What Is the Difference?
Both buses use the Woodhaven Boulevard/Cross Bay Boulevard Select Bus Service corridor, but their endpoints and some stops are different.
| Feature | Q53-SBS | Q52-SBS |
|---|---|---|
| Northern terminal | Woodside / Roosevelt Av / 61 St | Elmhurst / Hoffman Dr–Woodhaven Blvd area |
| Southern terminal | Rockaway Park / Beach 116 St | Arverne / Beach 54–51 St area |
| Shared corridor | Woodhaven and Cross Bay Boulevards | Woodhaven and Cross Bay Boulevards |
| Woodside terminal | Yes | No |
| Beach 116 St | Yes | Not its terminal |
| Fare class | Regular MTA Select Bus Service fare | Regular MTA Select Bus Service fare |
Scheduled Time vs Live Q53 Bus Arrival
Scheduled time is the bus’s planned arrival from the official timetable. Live arrival is an updated prediction calculated from available real-time vehicle information.
Traffic, events, road closures, bus delays, dispatching changes, weather or GPS interruptions can change the live prediction.
Use the official MTA tracker.
Search the complete route code.
Select Rockaway Park or Woodside.
Choose the exact posted stop.
Review predictions and route alerts.
Check Q53 arrivals using its route page, directions, stop names and live bus information.
Open Q53 Bus TimeProvides a list of Q53 stops in both directions and vehicle-arrival information.
Open Classic Bus TimeUse the MTA app for route planning, subway connections, arrival estimates and service notices.
MTA App InformationCheck detours, temporary boarding locations and planned service changes before traveling.
MTA Service ChangesQ53-SBS Service Alerts and Temporary Stop Changes
The MTA Bus Time route page currently identifies a temporary stop change affecting the southbound Q52-SBS and Q53-SBS near Cross Bay Boulevard and Liberty Avenue.
Do not assume the original sign or shelter is still the active boarding location.
This published relocation notice refers specifically to southbound service.
Real-time bus predictions may be inaccurate near an active detour or stop relocation.
Other Conditions That Can Affect Q53
Strong wind, coastal flooding or severe weather can disrupt travel across the bay corridor.
Woodhaven and Cross Bay Boulevard road work may move stops or change traffic flow.
Parades, festivals and seasonal gatherings near Beach 116th Street can create temporary routing changes.
Station construction or elevator outages can affect how riders connect between the bus and subway.
Taking the Q53 Bus to Rockaway Beach
The Q53-SBS is a useful transit option for reaching western Rockaway Beach and Rockaway Park from central and northern Queens.
Which Q53 Stop Is Best for the Beach?
Useful for reaching destinations near Rockaway Beach Boulevard and the Beach 90s.
Useful for nearby Rockaway Beach access and local businesses.
Final Q53 stop near Rockaway Park’s shopping streets, subway station and beach access areas.
Q53 Bus Accessibility, Strollers and Rider Assistance
MTA states that all New York City buses are accessible to riders using wheelchairs. Accessible boarding depends on the vehicle, bus stop and surrounding sidewalk conditions.
Accessible MTA buses can accommodate riders using mobility devices, subject to equipment operation and available space.
Priority spaces should remain available for riders who need them, in accordance with MTA rules.
Some local and SBS buses have designated stroller areas. Follow posted space and folding rules.
Check subway elevators, ramp access, curb placement and temporary stop locations before traveling.
How to Ride Q53-SBS: Step-by-Step
Use the official Q53 stop list or MTA Bus Time.
Choose Woodside or Rockaway Park.
Use OMNY or accepted kiosk payment.
Enter through an available door and validate fare.
Request your stop and exit safely.
Q53 Bus Not Coming, Wrong Stop or Payment Problem?
| Problem | Possible cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| No Q53 on the tracker | Vehicle data unavailable or next trip farther away. | Check the scheduled timetable and official alerts. |
| Bus goes to the wrong Rockaway terminal | You boarded Q52 rather than Q53. | Confirm the complete route label and headsign before boarding. |
| Your normal stop is closed | Construction or temporary relocation. | Find the officially designated replacement boarding point. |
| Bus is late in heavy traffic | Congestion along Woodhaven or Cross Bay Boulevard. | Recheck Bus Time and allow more time for onward connections. |
| OMNY transfer is not applied | Different payment cards or devices were used. | Use the same card or device for eligible transfers and check MTA payment support if needed. |
| You paid at the kiosk but lost the receipt | Proof-of-payment ticket misplaced. | Keep all kiosk receipts until the ride is complete and follow MTA fare-inspection rules. |
| You missed an overnight Q53 | Longer nighttime intervals. | Check the next scheduled departure and nearby MTA transit alternatives. |
Q53 Bus Boarding Checklist
- Confirm the complete Q53-SBS route label.
- Choose Woodside-bound or Rockaway Park-bound service.
- Open the current official timetable.
- Read only rows marked 53 in the combined Q52/Q53 PDF.
- Check weekday, Saturday, Sunday or holiday service.
- Confirm the correct stop and direction.
- Review the planned departure time.
- Check the live prediction in MTA Bus Time.
- Prepare OMNY or accepted payment.
- Use the same payment method for transfers.
- Check construction and stop-relocation notices.
- Allow extra time for coastal weather or beach crowds.
- Plan your return journey before leaving.
- Confirm subway connection availability if transferring.
Official Q53 Bus Schedule, Map, Fare and Tracking Sources
These MTA resources are the primary sources for route timing, stopping patterns, fares and service changes.
Complete published weekday, Saturday, Sunday and holiday timetables for both routes.
Open Official TimetableRoute directions, current stop list, estimated arrivals and service notices.
Track Q53 LiveFull route stop sequences for Rockaway Park-bound and Woodside-bound service.
View Official Q53 StopsCurrent standard fare, reduced fare, OMNY payment, transfers and fare capping.
Check MTA FaresSelect Bus Service boarding, payment, transfers, accessibility and nighttime riding rules.
Official Boarding GuideTemporary detours, route changes, construction and other service disruptions.
Check Service AlertsQueens bus network and stop locations, including major transfer corridors.
Open Official Transit MapsSystem-wide rider help, trip planning, contact information and current announcements.
Visit MTAQ53 Bus Schedule FAQs
What is the Q53 bus schedule?
The Q53-SBS is the MTA Select Bus Service route connecting Woodside–61st Street with Rockaway Park–Beach 116th Street. It operates on weekdays, Saturdays, Sundays and overnight, with service intervals varying throughout the day.
Does the Q53 bus run 24 hours?
Yes. Q53-SBS operates 24 hours a day. Overnight trips are less frequent than peak-hour and midday buses, so check the official timetable for the exact departure.
Where does the Q53 bus start and end?
One terminal is Roosevelt Avenue/61st Street in Woodside, Queens. The other terminal is Beach 116th Street/Rockaway Beach Boulevard in Rockaway Park.
How much is the Q53 bus fare in 2026?
The standard Q53 Select Bus Service fare is $3.00. Eligible seniors and riders with qualifying disabilities pay a reduced fare of $1.50.
Can I pay for Q53 with OMNY?
Yes. Board through any available door and tap the OMNY reader using an accepted contactless card, device or OMNY Card. No paper SBS receipt is required when paying with OMNY.
Can I still pay cash on Q53-SBS?
During the MTA’s 2026 payment transition, accepted exact-change coins may be used at SBS sidewalk payment kiosks before boarding. Keep the printed receipt and verify the MTA’s latest acceptance rules.
What is the difference between Q52 and Q53?
The two Select Bus Service routes share portions of Woodhaven and Cross Bay Boulevards. Q53 operates between Woodside and Rockaway Park–Beach 116th Street. Q52 serves different terminals in Elmhurst and Arverne.
How many stops does Q53 have?
The MTA Bus Time route listing currently shows 23 stops toward Rockaway Park and 23 stops toward Woodside. Stop locations can change during detours or construction.
Does Q53 stop at Woodside–61st Street?
Yes. The northern terminal is near Roosevelt Avenue/61st Street, with access to Woodside subway and Long Island Rail Road connections.
Does Q53 go to Rockaway Beach?
Yes. Q53-SBS serves several Rockaway Beach Boulevard stops and terminates at Beach 116th Street in Rockaway Park, near western Rockaway Beach destinations.
How long does Q53 take from Woodside to Rockaway Park?
Selected weekday full-route timetables show scheduled travel times around 62–73 minutes. Actual duration can be shorter or longer depending on traffic, direction, stops and the departure period.
Does Q53 run on Saturday and Sunday?
Yes. Q53 operates on Saturdays and Sundays, including overnight service. Weekend timetables differ from weekday timetables.
How can I track Q53 live?
Use official MTA Bus Time, search Q53-SBS, choose Woodside or Rockaway Park direction, then select your exact bus stop to view available arrival predictions.
Is Q53 an express bus?
No. Q53 is Select Bus Service, which uses limited stops and all-door boarding. It charges the regular MTA local/Select Bus Service fare, not the higher express bus fare.
Can I request a special nighttime drop-off on Q53?
No. The MTA’s late-night Request-A-Stop program does not apply to Select Bus Service routes. Q53 riders should use designated stops even when traveling overnight.
Does Q53 go directly to JFK or LaGuardia Airport?
No. Q53 does not directly serve airport passenger terminals. Riders must use an appropriate subway, airport bus or other onward connection.
About This Q53 Bus Schedule Guide
BusSchedule.us is an independent transit information website. It is not operated by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority or MTA Bus Company.
Information reviewed: October 9, 2026.
The timetable examples in this guide are selected rows from the official MTA combined Q52/Q53 schedule, filtered to trips marked 53. MTA timetable PDFs can be revised, so check the effective date printed on the currently downloaded copy.
Actual buses, fare rules, stop locations, service alerts and real-time arrival predictions may change. This article does not guarantee that a particular bus will arrive at a particular time.