Honestly, standing on the corner of Riverdale Avenue while a biting wind whips off the Hudson is a rite of passage for Bronx commuters. You're looking at your watch, then the empty street, then your phone. We’ve all been there. If you rely on the bxm1 express bus schedule, you know that "scheduled" is sometimes a strong word in a city where double-parked delivery trucks and surprise sinkholes exist.
Getting from Riverdale to East Midtown shouldn't feel like a tactical mission. Yet, between the shift to OMNY and the constant tweaks to the MTA timetable, it kinda does. This isn't just about knowing when the bus leaves; it’s about knowing how to actually catch it without losing your mind.
The Reality of the BxM1 Express Bus Schedule Right Now
Let's look at the hard numbers. As of early 2026, the BxM1 is running a pretty standard weekday service, but the "standard" has shifted a bit since the fare hikes went into effect on January 4th.
The first trip out of Riverdale (specifically W 261st St and Riverdale Ave) typically kicks off around 5:30 AM. It’s a quiet, dark ride that early. If you’re a night owl or working the late shift, you’ve got options until about 11:15 PM for the Manhattan-bound trek. On the flip side, if you're heading home from the city, the buses start rolling out of East 33rd St at 6:45 AM and keep going until roughly 11:40 PM.
But here is the thing.
The bxm1 express bus schedule isn't a single line on a map. It’s a bifurcated beast. Some trips go via Inwood; some skip it to save time. If you’re boarding at Broadway and W 207th St, you need to be eagle-eyed about which version of the BxM1 is approaching. Missing that distinction is the difference between being home for dinner and wandering around Upper Manhattan wondering where you went wrong.
Weekday vs. "Special" Days
The MTA loves a holiday schedule. You’ll see "Reduced Weekday Service" for things like Martin Luther King Jr. Day or the day after Thanksgiving. On those days, don't expect the usual 10-to-15-minute peak frequency. It drops. You’ll be waiting 20 or 30 minutes, which feels like an eternity when the temperature is hovering around freezing.
- Monday through Friday: Peak service every 10–15 minutes.
- Saturday: Generally every 30–60 minutes (6:45 AM to 11:15 PM).
- Sunday: Hourly service is the norm (8:30 AM to 9:30 PM).
Where Does It Actually Stop?
In the Bronx, the route is a lifeline for the Riverdale community. It snakes through Riverdale Ave, hits Henry Hudson Parkway, and does a little dance through Spuyten Duyvil before crossing the bridge.
Once it hits Manhattan, it's a straight shot down the East Side.
Southbound (To East Midtown)
It starts at W 261st St and makes its way down Lexington Avenue. The big stops? 96th, 86th, 70th, and all the way down to 34th Street. If you’re trying to hit the Upper East Side museums or a midtown office, this is your golden ticket.
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Northbound (To Riverdale)
The return trip is a different animal. You catch it on 3rd Avenue. It starts at E 33rd St and heads north, hitting those same major cross-streets (42nd, 57th, 86th) before jumping onto the highway.
Pro tip: The 3rd Ave stops can get crowded. If you’re boarding at 57th St during rush hour, don't be surprised if the bus is already "standing room only."
The $7.25 Question: Fares and OMNY
We have to talk about the money. Since the 2026 fare increase, a single ride on the BxM1 costs $7.25. Yes, it’s pricey. It’s a luxury compared to the subway, but you’re paying for a padded seat and (usually) working AC/heat.
The MTA has officially moved away from the physical MetroCard. It’s all OMNY now. You tap your phone, your watch, or an OMNY card. The "Express Bus Plus" unlimited is gone, replaced by a rolling 7-day fare cap. Once you spend $67 in a 7-day period using the same device, the rest of your rides—including the BxM1—are free for the remainder of that week.
It’s actually a better deal for heavy commuters than the old system, but it requires you to be consistent with what you tap. Switch from your Apple Watch to your physical card halfway through the week? You’ve just reset your progress toward that free ride. Sorta annoying, right?
Why the Schedule Frequently Lies
Traffic is the great equalizer. The bxm1 express bus schedule assumes a world where the Henry Hudson Parkway isn't a parking lot.
We know better.
If there’s an accident on the George Washington Bridge, the "Express" part of the BxM1 becomes a suggestion. This is why the paper timetables are essentially historical artifacts. You absolutely need the MTA Bus Time app or a real-time tracker like TransSee.
The app uses GPS data to tell you exactly where the bus is. If it says "approaching," you run. If it says "1.2 miles away," you have time to grab a coffee, but don't linger. The "miles away" metric is way more reliable than the "minutes away" estimate, which doesn't always account for that one delivery truck blocking the lane on 3rd Ave.
Common Misconceptions About the BxM1
People think the BxM1 and BxM2 are interchangeable. They aren't. While they both serve Riverdale, the BxM2 heads to the West Side of Manhattan (7th and 6th Avenues). If you end up on a BxM2 when you need to be at Grand Central, you’re looking at a long walk or a messy transfer.
Another myth? That express buses don't run on weekends. They do! The BxM1 has a surprisingly decent weekend schedule, though it’s much more spread out. It’s great for a Sunday brunch in the city without having to deal with the 1 train or the crowded Metro-North.
Making Your Commute Suck Less
Look, the BxM1 is one of the best ways to get into the city if you live in the North Bronx. It’s cleaner than the subway and drops you right in the heart of the East Side.
To actually master the bxm1 express bus schedule, stop looking at the clock and start looking at the map. Use the real-time tracking. Keep an eye on the "Service Alerts" on the MTA website, especially during snowstorms.
If you're a regular, set up your OMNY account to auto-reload. There is nothing more stressful than tapping your phone and seeing that red "Insufficient Funds" light while twenty grumpy commuters are behind you in line.
Your Next Move
Check the live status of the next bus on the MTA Bus Time portal right now. If you haven't yet, register your OMNY card online to track your progress toward the $67 weekly cap. It’s the easiest way to ensure you aren't overpaying for your daily grind.