MTA Bx7 Bus Schedule 2026: Complete Route Map, Stops, And Real-Time Bronx-Manhattan Transit Guide

Note: This guide details the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Bx7 bus route operating between Riverdale, Bronx, and Washington Heights, Manhattan.

Navigating the transit corridor between the northwest Bronx and Upper Manhattan requires a clear understanding of the Bx7 bus schedule. As a vital artery of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Regional Bus Operations, the Bx7 provides essential north-south connectivity. It links residential Riverdale and Kingsbridge to major commercial hubs, rapid transit lines, and medical complexes in Inwood, Fort George, and Washington Heights.

Whether you are a daily commuter heading to the Columbia University Irving Medical Center, a student traveling to Manhattan College, or a visitor exploring the scenic parks of northern Manhattan, this operational guide provides verified schedules, stop-by-stop transfer points, real-time tracking solutions, and transit strategies tailored for the 2026 travel landscape.

Bx7 Route Overview and Geographic Corridor

The Bx7 route serves as a structural bridge between the Bronx and Manhattan, operating primarily along Riverdale Avenue and Broadway.

Northern Terminal: Riverdale, Bronx

The northern terminus of the Bx7 is located at West 263rd Street and Riverdale Avenue, adjacent to the College of Mount Saint Vincent. This terminal serves the high-density residential areas of North Riverdale. It offers an alternative to the Metro-North Railroad for commuters traveling down the West Side of the Bronx.

Southern Terminal: Washington Heights, Manhattan

The southern terminus is positioned at West 168th Street and Broadway in Manhattan. This location is directly adjacent to the 168th Street Subway Station (serving the 1, A, and C trains) and the sprawling New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Irving Medical Center complex.

[Riverdale: W 263rd St & Riverdale Ave] │ (Riverdale Avenue) │ [Spuyten Duyvil / Kingsbridge: W 231st St] ── (Transfer to Subway 1) │ (Broadway Bridge) │ [Inwood: W 207th St & Broadway] ───────────── (Transfer to Subway A, 1) │ (Broadway) │ [Washington Heights: W 168th St & Broadway] ── (Transfer to Subway 1, A, C)

Bx7 Bus Schedule and Frequency Analysis for 2026

The Bx7 operates daily, providing continuous service with adjusted headways depending on the time of day and day of the week. The MTA optimizes these frequencies to align with peak commuting patterns, reducing congestion along the Broadway corridor.

Headway Frequency Breakdown

Operational Note: While the Bx7 operates 24 hours a day, overnight service between 1:30 AM and 4:30 AM features reduced headways of approximately 30 to 45 minutes. Commuters traveling during these deep-night hours should consult the live MTA BusTime tracking feed to avoid prolonged waiting times in variable weather conditions.

Complete Bx7 Key Stops and Transfer Points

To maximize your transit efficiency, it is crucial to know where the Bx7 intersects with other local bus lines, select bus service (SBS) routes, and the New York City Subway system. The table below highlights the critical junctions along the Bx7 route from north to south.

Real-Time Tracking, Fares, and Digital Integration

The days of relying solely on printed schedule timetables are long gone. Navigating the Bx7 route in 2026 relies on digital tools and automated ticketing infrastructure.

Tracking the Bx7 via MTA BusTime and GTFS Data

The MTA publishes live bus location data using the General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS) real-time standard. This allows riders to track any Bx7 bus with down-to-the-second accuracy. To check the status of your bus:

1. MTA BusTime Portal: Visit the official MTA BusTime website and enter "Bx7" or text the 6-digit bus stop code (found on the blue bus stop sign) to 511123 for immediate text arrival predictions.
2. Integrated Mobile Apps: Utilize applications such as the official MYmta App, Transit App, or Google Maps. These platforms display live vehicle locations, passenger capacity indicators, and active detour notifications.

2026 Fare Structure and Payment Options

The fare for a local MTA bus ride, including the Bx7, is $2.90 (subject to standard regulatory adjustments).

• OMNY (One Metro New York): Commuters pay by tapping a contactless credit/debit card, smartphone wallet (Apple Pay, Google Wallet), or a physical OMNY card against the reader at the bus door.
• MetroCard: Traditional magnetic strip MetroCards are still accepted in designated legacy slots but are phased out from primary promotion.
• Transfer Policy: Paying with OMNY or MetroCard provides one free transfer within two hours of your initial swipe. This includes transfers from the Bx7 to the Subway (1, A, or C), or to intersecting local bus routes (such as the Bx9, Bx12 SBS, or M100). Note that transfers to Express buses (BxM series) require an additional step-up fare.

Strategic Travel Analysis: Pros, Cons, and Route Alternatives

To make informed choices during peak commuting windows, analyze the structural advantages and limitations of relying on the Bx7 route.

Pros of the Bx7

• Direct Interborough Access: It provides a seamless, single-seat ride from the outer edges of Riverdale straight into the heart of Upper Manhattan without requiring a train transfer.
• Subway Alternative during Outages: When the Broadway-Seventh Avenue Line (1 train) or Eighth Avenue Line (A train) suffers weekend maintenance or signal failures, the Bx7 serves as a highly reliable above-ground alternative.
• Scenic and Accessible: Unlike subterranean subway stations, the Bx7 offers scenic views of the Henry Hudson Parkway corridor, Spuyten Duyvil, and northern Manhattan parks. It is fully ADA-accessible with low-floor boarding ramps.

Cons of the Bx7

• Broadway Congestion: The stretch of Broadway between West 207th Street and West 168th Street is notorious for heavy commercial traffic, double-parked delivery vehicles, and pedestrian density, which can delay bus run times.
• Bridge Delays: Crossing the Broadway Bridge over the Harlem River Ship Canal can occasionally subject the Bx7 to unpredictable delays during bridge openings or arterial road work.

Service Alternatives: Bx7 vs. Bx20 vs. Subway

When to take the Bx20: The Bx20 shares a significant portion of the Bx7's route but diverts to serve parts of Spuyten Duyvil and terminates at West 246th Street. If you are heading to central Riverdale and see a Bx20 arrive first, take it as an identical option up to West 231st Street.

When to take the Subway: If you are at West 231st Street and need to get to West 168th Street as fast as possible, skip the Bx7. Walk upstairs to the elevated 1 Train platform. The subway bypasses street traffic and reduces transit time by up to 20 minutes during rush-hour traffic windows. Use the Bx7 if your destination is a specific mid-block location on Broadway that is far from a subway portal.

Troubleshooting and Navigating Service Disruptions

MTA bus routes routinely face temporary adjustments due to road construction, utility repairs, and community events. To minimize transit delays along the Bx7 route, keep these troubleshooting rules in mind:

• Construction Detours on Broadway: The MTA frequently detours buses to alternate avenues (such as Tenth Avenue or Fort Washington Avenue) during major water main replacements or road repaving. Always check the "Alerts" tab on the MYmta app before starting your journey.
• Winter Weather Adjustments: Riverdale is characterized by steep hilly terrain (especially along West 231st Street, West 239th Street, and Riverdale Avenue). During severe snowstorms or icy conditions, the Bx7 may operate on a modified "Winter Weather Detour," sticking strictly to major flat arterials and bypassing local side streets.
• Lost and Found Protocol: If you leave an item on a Bx7 bus, file a report immediately via the online MTA Lost and Found portal. You will need to provide the specific bus vehicle number (a 4-digit code printed on the interior front and exterior sides of the bus) and the exact time of travel to help dispatchers locate the vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the standard fare for the Bx7 bus in 2026?

The standard fare for the Bx7 local bus is $2.90. This fare can be paid via contactless methods using the OMNY system or by using a standard MetroCard.

Does the Bx7 bus run 24 hours a day?

Yes, the Bx7 operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, late-night service (between 1:30 AM and 4:30 AM) operates at a reduced frequency of approximately every 30 to 45 minutes, compared to the frequent 8-to-12-minute service offered during daytime peak hours.

Where can I transfer from the Bx7 to the NYC subway?

The Bx7 provides direct transfer access to the subway at several key stations. These include the 1 train at West 231st Street and West 225th Street in the Bronx, the A train at West 207th Street in Inwood, and the 1, A, and C trains at the West 168th Street terminal in Washington Heights.

How do I track the Bx7 bus in real-time?

You can track the Bx7 bus in real-time by using the MTA BusTime portal online, texting your 6-digit bus stop code to 511123, or using GPS-enabled transit applications such as the MYmta App or Transit App. These tools display the exact location of buses and provide live arrival predictions.

Is the Bx7 bus wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all MTA buses operating on the Bx7 route are fully ADA-compliant. They feature low-floor entryways, automatic boarding ramps, and designated interior securement areas for passengers using wheelchairs or mobility devices.