Q29 Bus Route Guide: Schedule, Stops, Map, and Connections in Queens

The MTA Q29 bus is an essential north-south local transit route in Queens, New York, connecting Jackson Heights (82nd Street/Roosevelt Avenue) to Glendale (80th Street/Myrtle Avenue). Traversing Elmhurst, Maspeth, and Middle Village, the route offers crucial neighborhood access and transfers to the 7, E, F, M, and R subway lines.

Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) local bus routes in Queens operate under established public transit frameworks, requiring valid fare payment via OMNY or MetroCard prior to boarding or at the turnstile for linked subway transfers. Route patterns and frequencies are subject to standard NYC Transit operational adjustments during holidays and construction events.

Overview of the MTA Q29 Bus Corridor

The Q29 bus serves as a structural transit spine through central and western Queens, operating primarily along residential and commercial thoroughfares including 82nd Street, Calamus Avenue, Dry Harbor Road, and 80th Street. Managed by MTA New York City Transit, the route bridges northern Queens transit hubs with the quiet residential and shopping districts of southern Queens.

Starting at its northern terminus at 82nd Street and Roosevelt Avenue in Jackson Heights, the Q29 directly interfaces with the elevated 7 subway line. Moving south, it crosses major commercial corridors, including Broadway and Queens Boulevard in Elmhurst, providing access to healthcare centers like NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst and retail destinations like Queens Center Mall. Continuing south into Maspeth, Middle Village, and Glendale, the bus links neighborhoods that lack direct heavy-rail subway infrastructure, terminating near the Shops at Atlas Park and Myrtle Avenue.

1. Jackson Heights (82 St / Roosevelt Ave)
2. Elmhurst (Grand Ave / Queens Blvd)
3. Maspeth & Middle Village (Dry Harbor Rd)
4. Glendale (80 St / Myrtle Ave / Atlas Park)

(Operational Direction: Northbound to Jackson Heights; Southbound to Glendale)

Q29 Major Bus Stops and Key Transfer Points

Navigating the Q29 requires understanding its dual-direction routing and critical intersection points. The route intersects several major east-west arteries and major transit hubs.

Northbound: Glendale to Jackson Heights

When traveling northbound toward Jackson Heights, the Q29 originates at 80th Street and Myrtle Avenue in Glendale. It proceeds north along 80th Street, transitions across Cooper Avenue and Dry Harbor Road, cuts through Middle Village along Penelope Avenue and 84th Street, moves through Calamus Avenue into Elmhurst, and finishes along 82nd Street to Roosevelt Avenue.

Southbound: Jackson Heights to Glendale

Southbound buses depart from 82nd Street and Roosevelt Avenue, heading down 82nd Street through Elmhurst, using Kneeland Avenue and Calamus Avenue to reach 84th Street. The bus then travels via Dry Harbor Road and 80th Street into Glendale, terminating near Myrtle Avenue.

Key Route Connection Points

Operating Schedule, Frequency, and Travel Duration

The Q29 operates seven days a week, providing full-day service with adjusted intervals depending on peak commuting hours, weekends, and late-night periods.

Weekday Service Frequency

• Morning Peak (6:00 AM – 9:00 AM): Buses run every 8 to 12 minutes to accommodate commuters heading toward the 7, E, F, M, and R subway lines.
• Midday (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM): Service runs every 12 to 15 minutes.
• Evening Peak (4:00 PM – 7:00 PM): Service runs every 10 to 12 minutes.
• Late Night (11:00 PM – 5:00 AM): Service operates on a reduced schedule, running every 30 to 60 minutes.

Weekend Service Frequency

• Saturdays: Buses run every 15 to 20 minutes throughout the day, adjusting to 30-minute headways late at night.
• Sundays: Service operates at 15 to 20-minute intervals during midday and evening hours.

Estimated Travel Times

• Jackson Heights (82nd St/Roosevelt Ave) to Grand Ave/Queens Blvd: Approximately 10 to 15 minutes depending on street traffic along 82nd Street.
• Grand Ave/Queens Blvd to Middle Village (Metropolitan Ave): Approximately 12 to 18 minutes.
• Middle Village to Glendale (80th St/Myrtle Ave): Approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
• Full Route Duration (Terminal to Terminal): Approximately 35 to 55 minutes during normal traffic conditions. Severe rush-hour congestion on Queens Boulevard or 82nd Street can increase total trip times.

Fares, Payment Methods, and OMNY Integration

Riding the Q29 bus requires adherence to the standard MTA fare structure. Modern fare collection relies primarily on contactless payments alongside traditional MetroCards.

Current Fare Rates & Payment Options

• Base Fare: $2.90 for standard local bus service.
• Reduced Fare: $1.45 for eligible senior citizens (65+) and riders with qualifying disabilities.
• OMNY Contactless Payment: Riders can tap a contactless credit/debit card, smartphone (Apple Pay, Google Wallet), or OMNY Card at the reader located at the front door of the bus.
• MetroCard: Standard Pay-Per-Value or Unlimited-Ride MetroCards remain accepted at the farebox near the driver.

OMNY features automatic weekly fare capping. Once a rider completes 12 paid trips using the same payment method or card within a Monday-to-Sunday rolling window, all subsequent rides on MTA buses and subways for the remainder of that week are free.

Free Transfer Rules

Riders utilizing OMNY or a Pay-Per-Value MetroCard automatically receive one free transfer within a 2-hour window of their initial tap:

1. Bus to Subway: Tap on the Q29 bus, then tap into the subway (e.g., at 82nd St 7 station or Grand Ave–Newtown E/F/M/R station) within 120 minutes without being charged a second fare.
2. Subway to Bus: Tap into the subway system, exit at a station along the Q29 line, and tap onto the Q29 bus within 120 minutes.
3. Bus to Bus: Transfer seamlessly between the Q29 and intersecting local bus lines (such as the Q38, Q47, Q54, Q55, Q59, or Q60).

Practical Advice for Commuters and Alternate Options

Riding public buses in densely populated Queens neighborhoods requires strategic planning, particularly during weather events or peak hours.

Optimization Tips for Q29 Riders

• Use Real-Time Tracking: Rely on MTA Bus Time (accessible via web or mobile app) using the specific bus stop code or searching "Q29" to track live vehicle locations and avoid extended waits along un sheltered stops on 80th Street or Calamus Avenue.
• Be Mindful of School Hours: The Q29 passes near multiple primary and secondary educational institutions in Elmhurst and Middle Village. Expect higher passenger volume and localized delays between 7:30 AM – 8:30 AM and 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM on school days.
• Boarding Protocols: Have your OMNY contactless card, device, or MetroCard ready before the bus arrives. Enter through the front door and step toward the rear of the bus to allow smooth passenger movement.

Alternative Travel Routes

If the Q29 experiences delays or service disruptions, consider these local transit alternatives depending on your destination:

• For Jackson Heights to Elmhurst: Take the 7 train to 74th St–Broadway or use the Q32 bus along Roosevelt Avenue.
• For Middle Village to Glendale: Take the Q38 bus, which loops through Middle Village and connects to Queens Center Mall, or the Q55 bus running east-west along Myrtle Avenue.
• For Direct Manhattan Access from Glendale/Middle Village: Use the M train from Middle Village–Metropolitan Avenue station or catch express buses QM24 or QM25 along Metropolitan Avenue or Myrtle Avenue.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Q29 bus connect directly to the subway?

Yes, the Q29 connects directly to the 7 train at the 82nd St–Jackson Heights station and to the E, F, M, and R trains at the Grand Ave–Newtown station on Queens Boulevard.

The northbound terminus sits directly beneath the 82nd Street 7 train elevated structure. Additionally, the bus stops within immediate walking distance of the Grand Ave–Newtown underground subway entrances along Queens Boulevard and Broadway.

How far is the Q29 stop from the Shops at Atlas Park?

The Q29 terminates at 80th Street and Myrtle Avenue, which is less than a two-block walk from the main entrance of the Shops at Atlas Park in Glendale.

Riders can disembark at 80th Street and Cooper Avenue or 80th Street and Myrtle Avenue to easily reach the outdoor shopping center, movie theater, and surrounding dining establishments.

Can I use OMNY tap-to-pay on the Q29 bus?

Yes, all MTA local buses, including the Q29, are equipped with digital OMNY readers at both the front and rear doors.

You can tap any contactless credit card, debit card, smart wearable, or mobile wallet on the front door OMNY reader when boarding to pay your fare instantly.

Is the Q29 bus accessible for wheelchairs and strollers?

Yes, all MTA NYC Transit buses operating on the Q29 line are 100% accessible low-floor buses equipped with entrance ramps and dedicated wheelchair securement areas.

Passengers requiring the ramp can request the driver to kneel the bus and lower the ramp at any designated bus stop. Strollers must be folded prior to boarding or parked securely in open seating areas without blocking the main aisle.

What should I do if I leave an item on the Q29 bus?

If you leave a personal item on a Q29 bus, submit a report online via the official MTA Lost and Found portal detailing the date, time, bus fleet number (if known), and route.

Buses on the Q29 line return to their home depot at the end of their shifts, where lost items are routinely collected, logged, and transferred to the MTA Central Lost Property Office at the 34th St–Penn Station complex.

Strategic Transit Planning for Queens Commuters

The Q29 bus remains an indispensable transportation link for residents and visitors navigating between Jackson Heights, Elmhurst, Maspeth, Middle Village, and Glendale. By leveraging digital real-time tracking tools, taking full advantage of OMNY fare capping, and planning transfers at key subway hubs like 82nd Street and Grand Avenue–Newtown, commuters can ensure efficient, hassle-free travel across central Queens. Keep updated on planned service alerts via official MTA transit notifications before beginning your journey.