What to Know When Using the NY Subway
The New York subway is actually quite simple once you get the hang of it
While using the NY subway may seem confusing to first-time NYC tourists, it's actually quite simple once you get the hang of it. Each NY subway station features an easy-to-use NYC subway map, explaining all of the NY subway routes and schedules. Also, NY subway stations are easy to find, especially in Midtown Manhattan, where there is a subway station seemingly every couple of blocks. Here are a few more tips if you're planning on using the NYC subway during your next vacation in NYC.
- Get Familiar With the NYC Subway Map: While it's reasonable for NYC tourists to be able to figure out the NYC subway map schedule on the spot, we recommend using our simple NYC subway map to get acquainted with the different NYC subway routes. Also, if you don't want to be caught with a hand-held subway map in public, there are now smart phone applications to help you navigate the NYC subway system.
- Buying a Metrocard: Buying a MetroCard: MetroCards, or MTA tickets, ARE NOT SOLD ONLINE AND CAN BE PURCHASED at MetroCard vending machines, on MetroCard busses and vans, at Subway Station booths and at select neighborhood merchants.. The NYC subway ticket is called a Metrocard. There are a few different types of Metrocards. The first is a SingleRide Card, which is good for just one subway ride and costs $2.25. The second option is a Pay-Per-Ride Card, which allows NYC subway commuters to put anywhere from $4.50- $100 on one card. Finally, an Unlimited Ride Card, which is good for one month and is only recommended for travelers making an extended stay in NYC. The Metrocard is also used on NYC busses.
New York subway Metrocards can be found at all NY subway stations, and purchase options include automated vending machines (located outside most NY subway stations), subway station booths, and local NY vendors.
- Make Sure You're On the Right Side of the Station: Many NYC tourists have taken an extended ride on the NYC subway because they were on the wrong side of the station. Use the NYC subway map and make sure you're traveling in the right direction before stepping on a NYC subway car.
- Know Your Final Destination: The best way to figure out which station you hope to get off on is by knowing your destination address ahead of time. While some NYC subway stations make your exit point obvious - such as 42nd St-Times Square and 161st-Yankee Stadium - we recommend knowing your get-off point before you ride the NY subway.
- Safety First: While NYC subway crime rates have dropped dramatically over the last two decades, it's still best to use precaution when riding the NY subway.
For starters, avoid riding the New York City subway alone during after hours. Also, never enter an empty subway car, as you never know who might enter the car after you. Keep your purse close to you at all times, and put your wallet in your front pocket to avoid the risk of pickpocketting. Finally, don't stand too close to the subway tracks - in fact, it is recommended that commuters remain in the designated waiting areas at all NYC subway stations.
Click here for more New York City safety tips!
