How to ride the NYC subway, tips for visitors
The New York City subway is an essential and easy way to get around the city. Visitors may find the world’s largest subway intimidating but hopefully, these tips will help you navigate the amazing system.
Absolutely take the subway during your visit.
Nearly 3.6 million people ride the NYC subway every day for a reason. There is no faster, cheaper or more efficient way to get around New York City.
Taking the subway will allow you to make the most of your time in New York City.
The number 7 train started running in 1915.
Use Google Maps to navigate the subway system
While the printed NYC subway map is iconic, printed on everything from t-shirts to coffee mugs, Google Maps is a more efficient tool.
The subway runs 24 hours a day so there are often maintenance changes, particularly on the weekend.
Google Maps will keep you updated on any changes and steer you in the right direction.
How do I pay for the subway?
The easiest way to pay for a subway ride is to tap your credit card or phone. Each subway trip costs $2.90 and conveniently includes one bus transfer.
If you prefer using a MetroCard or ONMY card you can purchase one at the machines inside every subway station. (Note - NYC is phasing out the MetroCard to the ONMY card)
You’ll always get the best deal price with tap to pay since there is a seven-day cap. If you spend $34 within seven days, you’ll ride free for the rest of the cap period.
Important note for international visitors
The Metro card machine will ask for your zip code. If your credit card was issued outside the United States, simply press the # key to proceed.
Just tap your credit card or phone to pay for a subway ride.
What’s uptown and what’s downtown?
Many cities call the city's central core “downtown” but Manhattan is a thin island that’s only about 2 miles wide and about 13 miles (20km) long so most subway lines run north to south.
So this generally means that south is “downtown” and north is “uptown”.
If you are in Times Square and want to go to the World Trade Center then you want to go “downtown”. If you are in Greenwich Village and want to go to Central Park then you want to go “uptown”.
Most of the larger subway stations enable you to access both the uptown and downtown tracks from any entrance.
If you see “downtown” at the entrance and you want to go “uptown” then cross the street and you’ll see an uptown entrance. This tends to happen at smaller stations.
Should I take the express or local train?
If you are looking at the official NYC subway map you’ll see each station labeled with a black or white dot.
Black dots show that only local trains stop there while white dots indicate that both express and local trains stop at the station.
Express trains are wonderful for people who commute to work from the outer boroughs, saving them time every day.
If you are only in NYC for a few days it’s probably best to play it safe and stick with local trains.
Staying safe on the subway
Any crime that happens in the subway makes the news but statistically, the NYC subway is very safe.
A little common sense and staying aware of your surroundings can help make your trip a safe one.
Keep your valuables hidden and secure. Just like anywhere keep your wallet and your passport zipped away from pickpockets.
Stay away from the edge of the platform as you wait for the train.
The subway is crowded all day and night, so staying near other people will help keep you safe.
Unless it’s the middle of the night, if a car is empty there is probably a good reason; just walk a few feet to another car.
If you feel uncomfortable on a train switch cars at the next station.
Use the numbers and letters, not the colors
Many subway systems use colors to label the various lines. Since New York’s subway system is more extensive than all the others, you need to follow the train’s number or letter instead of just the color
When in doubt, ask
While New Yorkers have a reputation for always being in a rush, most will happily show off their deep knowledge of the subway if you ask a question. You will be genuinely surprised how helpful New Yorkers can be.
If you want to talk to a train crew member there is an interesting way to find one. Honestly, I have been riding the New York subway for decades and never knew about the black and white striped "Zebra Board" on the station wallThe train conductor is required to point to a thin black and white board on the wall.
The safety method originated in Japan during the 1900s and was adopted by the NYC subway system. It ensures that the doors are aligned properly and the conductor is paying attention.
The conductor will stick their head out of the train at this location so it’s a perfect spot for a quick question.
There are also manned booths at most subway stations but they are before the pay turnstiles.
Use pedestrian tunnels to transfer between train lines
Many of the large stations have tunnels that will allow you to transfer to lines blocks away without having to pay for another ride.
Some of these, indicated by a black line on the subway map, are in the World Trade Center and Times Square areas.
The map below shows transfer tunnels in the World Trade Center area.
Black lines indicating pedestrian tunnels between stations.
Subway etiquette
These are a few tips that might help you avoid any nasty looks while riding the subway:
Take off your backpack when getting on the train.
Don't put your bag on the seat next to you.
Move into the car to let others get on board.
I hope these tips helped, the subway will speed up your trips and is absolutely the best way to get around New York City.
The subway station in Times Square.
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