72 St (Q) is a station in Manhattan of the NYC subway system. According to MTA public data, an estimated 571,394 riders used this station in 2026-08 (about 18,432 per day on average) — ranking #36 out of 428 stations system-wide, and #28 within Manhattan. This guide explains what that rank actually means, how it compares to the borough average, and how to use this statistic when planning your trip.
72 St (Q) ranks #36 system-wide
Among the 428 NYC subway stations in the MTA public data, 72 St (Q) ranked #36 by estimated monthly ridership for 2026-08. That puts it in the top 20% of all NYC subway stations by ridership.
Within Manhattan, it ranks #28 out of 123 stations. The system-wide rank and the borough rank can feel quite different, since the number of stations and overall ridership levels vary a lot by borough.
Monthly total vs. daily average: which one matters?
72 St (Q)'s total monthly ridership for 2026-08 is about 571,394, and dividing that by the 31 days actually recorded gives a daily average of about 18,432.
All 31 days were recorded without gaps for this station, so both the monthly total and the daily average are fairly reliable here.
How does it compare to the Manhattan average?
The average monthly ridership across all Manhattan stations is about 483,676. 72 St (Q) (about 571,394) is about 18% higher than that.
Since ridership here is above the borough average, it is worth keeping in mind that the platform and trains may be relatively crowded during rush hour or weekend outing times.
This rank does not directly mean crowding
High ridership means a lot of people pass through this station, but since that is spread across all 24 hours, it is not exactly the same as crowding at any single moment. Some stations peak sharply during rush hour, while others near tourist sites are used evenly throughout the day.
This data is a monthly total aggregated by station, not an hour-by-hour breakdown. If you want to know actual crowding at a specific time, use this rank as a reference, but also factor in the situation on the day of your visit.
How to use this statistic when planning your trip
If you plan to pass through or transfer at a higher-ranked station (one with more riders), it is worth allowing extra time during rush hour. Conversely, lower-ranked stations are likely quieter, but may have longer intervals between trains, so check the train schedule as well.
This statistic is a useful reference for gauging which stations are "popular." First-time visitors can also keep in mind that stations with higher ridership tend to have better facilities and transfer routes.
Remember that this figure is an estimate
This ridership figure is an estimate the MTA calculates from payment data such as MetroCard and OMNY, and may differ from an exact turnstile count. It is also a snapshot for 2026-08, so it could change in following months due to seasonality, events, or construction.
For real-time crowding or the status of a specific train, prioritize official MTA guidance or the situation on the ground over this statistic. The rank and figures in this article are best used as a reference for understanding general usage trends.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the monthly ridership of 72 St (Q)?
About 571,394 riders (estimated) as of 2026-08, or about 18,432 per day on average.
What is 72 St (Q)'s rank in the NYC subway system?
#36 out of 428 stations system-wide, and #28 within Manhattan.
Is this ridership figure an exact measured count?
No. It is an estimate the MTA calculates from payment data, and may differ from the exact turnstile count.
If the rank is high, is it crowded right now?
Not necessarily. This rank is based on the total for an entire month and does not guarantee real-time crowding at any specific time.
Does 72 St (Q) have higher ridership than the Manhattan average?
About 18% higher than the Manhattan average.
Sources and usage notes
This aggregates MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority) public hourly ridership data at the station level. The reference period is 2026-08, and these figures are estimates based on payment data. Real-time crowding should be checked separately.