Queens Route QM2 Bus Schedule: Times & Stops
Looking for the Queens QM2 bus schedule? The QM2 is an MTA express bus connecting Bay Terrace and Beechhurst in northeast Queens with Midtown Manhattan via the Cross Island Parkway, Whitestone Expressway, and Sixth Avenue.
Find the actual weekday and weekend timepoints, first and last departures, express fare, Midtown and Queens stops, QM32 differences, official route map, live arrivals, and detour guidance—all in one rider-friendly guide.
What Time Does the QM2 Bus Run?
The QM2 has weekday, Saturday, and Sunday service. On regular weekdays the first published Bay Terrace departure toward Midtown is 5:45 AM, while the first Midtown departure back toward Bay Terrace is 8:15 AM. Both directions also operate on weekends, generally about once per hour.
QM2 Weekday Bus Schedule: Queens to Midtown
These selected trips are from the September 6, 2026 MTA timetable. Each row describes the same QM2 journey across six major timepoints. Intermediate stops are not shown, and arrival times can vary with traffic.
| Bell Blvd / 23 Av | 166 St / Powells Cove | Whitestone Expwy / Linden Pl | E 34 St / 3 Av | 6 Av / W 35 St | E 57 St / Lexington |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5:45 AM | 5:55 AM | 6:10 AM | 6:33 AM | 6:38 AM | 6:49 AM |
| 6:00 AM | 6:10 AM | 6:25 AM | 6:48 AM | 6:53 AM | 7:04 AM |
| 6:15 AM | 6:25 AM | 6:40 AM | 7:11 AM | 7:16 AM | 7:27 AM |
| 6:30 AM | 6:42 AM | 6:58 AM | 7:29 AM | 7:34 AM | 7:50 AM |
| 7:00 AM | 7:12 AM | 7:28 AM | 7:59 AM | 8:04 AM | 8:20 AM |
| 7:30 AM | 7:42 AM | 7:58 AM | 8:39 AM | 8:44 AM | 9:02 AM |
| 8:00 AM | 8:12 AM | 8:28 AM | 9:09 AM | 9:14 AM | 9:31 AM |
| 9:00 AM | 9:10 AM | 9:24 AM | 10:03 AM | 10:08 AM | 10:28 AM |
| 10:00 AM | 10:10 AM | 10:24 AM | 10:55 AM | 11:00 AM | 11:20 AM |
| 12:00 PM | 12:10 PM | 12:24 PM | 12:55 PM | 1:00 PM | 1:17 PM |
| 3:00 PM | 3:11 PM | 3:25 PM | 4:01 PM | 4:06 PM | 4:25 PM |
| 6:00 PM | 6:11 PM | 6:25 PM | 7:01 PM | 7:06 PM | 7:22 PM |
| 9:00 PM | 9:10 PM | 9:21 PM | 9:47 PM | 9:52 PM | 10:06 PM |
Selected QM2 departures only, not a complete timetable. The weekday schedule also contains additional trips between several listed rows. Trips marked “32” in the official timetable operate as QM32 and have different Manhattan stops.
Weekday QM2: Midtown to Bay Terrace
| 6 Av / W 35 St | E 59 St / Lexington | Whitestone Expwy / Linden Pl | 212 St / 15 Av |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8:15 AM | 8:33 AM | 9:08 AM | 9:32 AM |
| 9:15 AM | 9:38 AM | 10:13 AM | 10:37 AM |
| 10:15 AM | 10:38 AM | 11:13 AM | 11:37 AM |
| 12:15 PM | 12:38 PM | 1:13 PM | 1:37 PM |
| 2:15 PM | 2:41 PM | 3:19 PM | 3:49 PM |
| 3:15 PM | 3:43 PM | 4:28 PM | 4:58 PM |
| 4:15 PM | 4:40 PM | 5:29 PM | 5:59 PM |
| 5:00 PM | 5:29 PM | 6:18 PM | 6:45 PM |
| 6:00 PM | 6:25 PM | 7:05 PM | 7:39 PM |
| 7:00 PM | 7:19 PM | 7:51 PM | 8:25 PM |
| 9:00 PM | 9:18 PM | 9:50 PM | 10:15 PM |
| 11:00 PM | 11:15 PM | 11:46 PM | 12:09 AM next day |
QM2 Weekend Bus Schedule
Bay Terrace to Midtown: first departure at 6:40 AM and last shown departure at 9:40 PM from Bell Blvd/23 Av.
Midtown to Bay Terrace: first departure at 9:10 AM and final departure at 12:10 AM the following day from 6 Av/W 35 St.
Bay Terrace to Midtown: first departure at 7:40 AM and last departure at 8:40 PM.
Midtown to Bay Terrace: first departure at 10:10 AM and final departure at 11:10 PM from 6 Av/W 35 St.
Weekend Departure Examples
| Service | First departure | Midday example | Last departure |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday → Midtown | 6:40 AM | 12:40 PM | 9:40 PM |
| Saturday → Bay Terrace | 9:10 AM | 1:10 PM | 12:10 AM next day |
| Sunday → Midtown | 7:40 AM | 12:40 PM | 8:40 PM |
| Sunday → Bay Terrace | 10:10 AM | 1:10 PM | 11:10 PM |
How Often Does the QM2 Bus Run?
These are MTA’s published average peak-direction headways for the redesigned service introduced in 2025 and reflected in the current schedule pattern. They are not guaranteed intervals between individual trips.
Chart bars illustrate relative frequency only; they are not operational measurements or live data. Peak-direction service is busiest, and the printed timetable should be used for exact departures.
How Long Does QM2 Take from Queens to Manhattan?
The trip depends heavily on which stops you use and traffic on the Cross Island Parkway, Whitestone Expressway, and approaches to Midtown.
These are scheduled examples, not live travel-time guarantees. Budget additional time for an appointment, work shift, flight connection, or other time-sensitive arrival.
QM2 Bus Stops: Bay Terrace to Midtown
The QM2 travels from northeast Queens through the Whitestone corridor to Manhattan. It operates as an express service rather than a local bus making stops throughout the entire road journey.
QM2 Simplified Route Diagram
This is a route-flow illustration, not a geographic street map or exact stop-by-stop sequence.
Major Stops Toward Midtown
- Bell Blvd / 23 Av
- 211 St / 23 Av
- 211 St / 18 Av
- 18 Av / 212 St
- 212 St / 15 Av
- Cross Island Pkwy / 212 St
- 166 St / Powells Cove Blvd
- Cross Island Pkwy / Clintonville St
- Whitestone Expwy / 20 Av
- Whitestone Expwy / Linden Pl
- E 34 St / 3 Av
- E 34 St / Park Av
- W 34 St / 5 Av
- 6 Av / W 35, 42, 44, 48 and 55 St
- E 57 St / Lexington Av
QM2 vs QM32: Which Express Bus Should You Board?
The MTA combines QM2 and QM32 information in the same timetable because they share much of the Queens corridor. However, the main difference is the Manhattan routing.
Use QM2 when traveling to the 34th Street and Sixth Avenue corridor, Midtown west of Third Avenue, and the 57th Street terminal area.
In the official timetable, an unmarked trip is QM2 unless another symbol indicates otherwise.
QM32 serves a Third Avenue Midtown pattern, including listed stops around E 39, E 43, E 48, and E 55 Streets.
Trips marked 32 on the combined QM2/QM32 timetable are QM32, not standard QM2 trips.
QM2 Express Bus Fare: How Much Does It Cost?
The QM2 is an MTA express bus. It uses the higher express-bus fare, not the standard local bus fare.
How to Pay on QM2
Have your contactless credit/debit card, OMNY card, smartphone, or wearable device ready.
Enter at the designated boarding door and follow the bus operator’s instructions.
Tap the OMNY reader using your selected supported payment method.
Use the same payment card or device for eligible transfers and fare-cap tracking.
Reduced fares and fare caps have conditions; check current MTA policy.
When Should You Arrive for the QM2?
Plan to be at your correct stop at least 5–10 minutes before the listed departure. For an unfamiliar stop, a weekend trip, or a time-sensitive appointment, allow 10–15 minutes plus any walking time.
How to Track the QM2 Bus Live
Scheduled departure means the time published in the official timetable. Predicted arrival uses available real-time vehicle information and can change with traffic, detours, and service conditions.
Use the official QM2 live route page.
Make sure you are viewing QM2 rather than QM20 or QM32.
Select Midtown 57 St or Bay Terrace Bell Blvd.
Tap your intersection or enter your stop code.
Review predicted arrival and service alerts before walking out.
QM2 Service Alerts and Temporary Stop Changes
The MTA’s QM2 live route page has published construction-related detour notices affecting parts of the Whitestone/Flushing corridor and Manhattan approach. Check the official alert immediately before your trip, as affected stops and dates can change.
An MTA alert describes a Queens-direction detour around 138th Street and Linden Place because of pump-station construction. The normal westbound stop at 31 Rd/138 St may be replaced by a temporary stop at 138 St/31 Rd while that notice is active.
Another MTA notice describes additional turns near Madison Avenue between East 58th and East 59th Streets. Even where stops are maintained, bus-arrival predictions may be less accurate during a detour.
Does QM2 Run on Holidays?
The MTA schedule identifies different service-day rules for particular holidays. Always check whether the holiday uses a Sunday, Saturday, or special timetable.
| Holiday | Timetable guidance |
|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Sunday schedule |
| Memorial Day | Sunday schedule |
| Independence Day | Saturday schedule |
| Labor Day | Sunday schedule |
| Thanksgiving Day | Sunday schedule |
| Christmas Day | Sunday schedule |
| Presidents Day | Special schedule published by MTA |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Special schedule published by MTA |
| Friday after Thanksgiving | Special schedule published by MTA |
The timetable advises riders to confirm actual route service for the holiday because agency notices and special arrangements may apply.
QM2 Bus Accessibility and Reduced Fares
MTA buses are designed to accommodate riders with disabilities. Check bus stop conditions and speak to the operator when you need boarding assistance.
Eligible seniors and riders with qualifying disabilities should confirm off-peak express-bus reduced-fare rules before traveling.
Access-A-Ride is a separate eligibility-based service, not the same as boarding a scheduled QM2 express bus.
10 Things to Check Before Riding the QM2
- Confirm you need QM2, not QM32 or QM20.
- Check whether you’re traveling to Midtown or Bay Terrace.
- Choose the right weekday, Saturday, or Sunday schedule.
- Look up your specific boarding stop and direction.
- Allow time for traffic on expressway approaches.
- Have OMNY or another currently accepted fare method ready.
- Check reduced-fare eligibility if applicable.
- Review live arrival estimates before leaving.
- Check for Manhattan or Queens detours.
- Confirm the last return trip before ending your journey.
QM2 Official Schedule, Fares and Live Tools
Official MTA schedule effective September 6, 2026. Includes weekday, weekend, stop lists, and holiday notes.
Open timetableRoute stop list, direction selector, predicted arrivals, and service alerts.
Open live QM2 informationCurrent express fare, OMNY payment and reduced-fare information.
Open MTA faresOfficial QM2 routing, stop, frequency and service-planning background.
Open QM2 route profileSubscribe to relevant MTA service updates and alerts.
Open alerts signupAccessible transit policies and rider assistance.
Open accessibility pageQueens QM2 Bus Schedule FAQs
What is the QM2 bus route in Queens?
The QM2 is an MTA express bus between Bay Terrace in northeast Queens and Midtown Manhattan via the Cross Island Parkway, Whitestone Expressway, and Sixth Avenue.
What time does the first QM2 bus leave Queens?
The first regular weekday departure from Bell Blvd/23 Av toward Midtown is 5:45 AM in the September 6, 2026 timetable. Saturday begins at 6:40 AM and Sunday at 7:40 AM.
What time is the last QM2 bus from Midtown?
The last regular weekday departure listed from 6 Av/W 35 St is 11:00 PM. Saturday’s final departure is 12:10 AM the following day, while Sunday ends at 11:10 PM. Holiday service may be different.
Does the QM2 bus run on Saturday and Sunday?
Yes. QM2 operates on both Saturday and Sunday, generally hourly, with later starting hours on Sunday than Saturday.
How much is the QM2 bus fare in 2026?
The regular MTA express bus fare is $7.25 per ride. Eligible reduced fares are subject to additional rules, including off-peak restrictions.
Can I use OMNY on the QM2?
Yes. MTA supports OMNY payment with compatible contactless cards, mobile wallets, wearables, and OMNY cards. Use the same payment method for eligible transfer or fare-cap benefits.
How long does the QM2 take from Bay Terrace to Midtown?
Scheduled examples range from about 56 minutes to 80 minutes for selected Bell Blvd/23 Av to E 57 St/Lexington trips. Exact travel time depends on departure, destination stop, road traffic, and service conditions.
What is the difference between QM2 and QM32?
Both routes serve the Bay Terrace–Midtown corridor, but QM2 serves the Sixth Avenue pattern and QM32 serves a Third Avenue pattern. Trips marked 32 in the combined MTA timetable operate as QM32.
Where can I track the QM2 bus live?
Use MTA Bus Time at bustime.mta.info and search QM2. Select your direction and stop to see available arrival estimates and service information.
Where can I download the official QM2 bus schedule?
The official MTA QM2/QM32 PDF is available at mta.info/schedules/bus/qm2. It includes the schedule effective September 6, 2026, selected stop lists, holiday guidance, and route information.