S79 route and direction

S79-SBS operates in two principal directions. One direction runs toward Bay Ridge 86 St Station; the other runs toward Staten Island Mall via Hylan Boulevard. Always read the destination sign and select the correct direction in MTA Bus Time before walking to the stop.

Direction	Route context	What to check
To Bay Ridge 86 St	Staten Island Mall through Hylan Boulevard and across the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge	Correct Bay Ridge destination and the current stop closest to 86 St
To Staten Island Mall	Bay Ridge 86 St through the bridge and Hylan Boulevard corridor	Correct Staten Island destination and the current stop near your final destination

The MTA timetable highlights key timepoints rather than every stop. Use the live route tool for the exact stop sequence, arrival estimates and any active detour.

Key areas and stops along the corridor

The route’s published corridor includes important Staten Island and Brooklyn travel points. These are planning landmarks, not a replacement for the official stop list:

• Staten Island Mall: the Staten Island terminal near Marsh Avenue and Ring Road.
• Richmond Avenue and Eltingville: an important Staten Island transfer and local-destination area.
• Hylan Boulevard: the main Staten Island corridor served by the route, with multiple stops.
• Verrazano-Narrows Bridge: the cross-borough connection between Staten Island and Brooklyn.
• Bay Ridge 86 St: the Brooklyn terminal area and connection point near 86th Street.

Stop names can be shortened or displayed differently in different MTA tools. Search by the intersection or stop code when possible, and confirm which side of the road serves your direction.

Select Bus Service boarding and payment

S79 is Select Bus Service, so boarding and payment can differ from an ordinary local bus. Follow the instructions posted at the stop and use the current MTA fare guidance. The MTA’s S79 timetable lists tap-and-go payment with a contactless credit or debit card, smartphone, wearable device or OMNY Card; it also documents other accepted options and transfer rules.

For current pricing and reduced-fare eligibility, check the MTA fares and tolls page. At the time of this editorial review, the MTA lists $3 for most local, limited and Select Bus Service buses, but the official page should be treated as the final source.

S79 schedule and live arrival information

Do not use a copied timetable as a live arrival tool. Open the official MTA S79-SBS schedule for timetable details and use MTA Bus Time for current stop arrivals. The MTA notes that timetables are subject to change and that traffic and weather can affect running time.

• Check the service date, weekday or weekend pattern, and holiday notes.
• Confirm the direction before selecting an arrival.
• Allow extra time for bridge traffic, weather and special events.
• Recheck the route if you are connecting to a train, airport service or appointment.

Connections and trip planning

S79 is useful for cross-borough journeys between Staten Island and Bay Ridge. When planning a longer trip, compare the S79 with nearby local buses, subway connections and other MTA services in the official trip planner. The best transfer can depend on the time of day, accessibility needs, traffic, bridge conditions and service alerts.

For broader New York planning, see the New York City bus guide. You can also compare the related M15 SBS guide, Bx12 SBS guide, Q44 SBS guide and B46 Brooklyn guide.

Accessibility and rider considerations

Review the MTA accessibility resources before travelling if you need accessible boarding, assistance or reduced-fare information. Check the current stop and service conditions because construction, weather or a temporary detour may affect the most convenient boarding point.

S79 passenger tips

• Search for S79-SBS, not only “S79,” in the live MTA tool.
• Confirm whether the bus is heading to Bay Ridge 86 St or Staten Island Mall.
• Arrive at the marked stop and check the destination sign.
• Keep your payment method ready before boarding.
• Allow extra time for Verrazano-Narrows Bridge traffic.
• Check MTA alerts during severe weather, road work and major events.
• Report outdated information through the BusUpdate corrections page.

Editorial note: BusUpdate is independent and is not operated by the MTA. Route patterns, stop locations, schedules, fares and payment policies can change. Confirm the live details with the official operator before departure.