Getting Started With My Trip Plan
So today I needed to hit up 26 Bleecker St for a meetup downtown. Pulled out my phone and started figuring how to get there without wasting half my life stuck underground. First thing I did was check which subways actually go near that area. Saw two main options popping up: the 6 train or F train.
Testing the Subway Routes
Hopped on the 6 train at 33rd Street around 10am thinking it’d be smooth sailing. Bad call – got packed like sardines before Union Square. When we hit Bleecker station finally, squeezed my way out onto Lafayette Street. Took me a hot minute to realize 26 Bleecker wasn’t right there. Had to walk two blocks west past all those overpriced bakeries before spotting the building.
Next day tried the F train from Bryant Park thinking it’d be better. Took it downtown to Broadway-Lafayette stop. Less crowded but had to switch to the downtown platform which was annoying. Came out of the station into chaos – construction everywhere blocking sidewalks. Had to walk east on Bleecker Street dodging delivery bikes for about five minutes. Took longer than expected but got me right to the doorstep.
Playing With Bus Options
Decided to try buses since walking in that area sucks. Grabbed the M55 heading downtown from Times Square. Easy ride at first until we hit Houston Street traffic. Seriously sat there for like fifteen minutes watching pedestrians walk faster than our bus. Got off at Mott Street and wandered around lost until I saw the big flower shop near 26 Bleecker.
Later I took the M21 crosstown on Houston Street. Way better! Got off right at Lafayette, just half block north of the spot. Only problem? Waited twenty minutes for the damn bus to show up. Driver said something about schedule changes but honestly couldn’t understand him.
What Actually Worked
- Best subway move: F train to Broadway-Lafayette then walk east if you don’t mind stairs
- Smart bus choice: M21 if you’re coming from west side and have time to kill
- Pro tip: Don’t trust the Bleecker Street subway exit signs – they put you blocks away from actual Bleecker businesses
Final verdict? Subway beats bus for speed unless it’s late night. Bring comfy shoes though – every route involves some annoying walking through crowds. Wish I knew about that stupid flower shop landmark sooner, saved me so much confusion!
