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- Wondering How The New York City Subway Works?
Summary
- There are plenty of New York subway tips, one of which is to stay away from the yellow area to avoid accidents and incidents on the subway platform.
- One of the things to know about the NYC subway is that the numbers and letters on the New York subway map are more important than the colors.
- Pay attention to signs, announcements, and the subway map to navigate the subway system effectively and avoid getting lost.
No one can dispute that New York City is one of the ultimate travel destinations in the US and is where many people's dreams come true. From the epic foodie neighborhoods in NYC to the city's museums, stores, and brands, many things in the Big Apple have left their imprint on the United States and worldwide, all of which are found in this concrete jungle.
More than 8 million people call New York City home, and around one-third of them were born outside the country. The city attracts between 60 and 70 million tourists a year due to its diversity and liveliness, earning it the title of "cultural center of the world." As exciting as that sounds, getting around may seem difficult for first-timers, especially when taking the subway. So, how does the NYC subway work, exactly?
The subway New York City offers is one of the busiest in the country, and it can be challenging for newcomers to navigate safely and seamlessly. Therefore, here are a number of NYC subway tips for a safe, successful vacation in what is easily the most famous city in America!
UPDATE: 2023/12/27 21:32 EST BY MARIA BOU INK
Wondering How The New York City Subway Works?
Taking public transport in NYC for the first time? No need to worry; here are a number of additional, updated, and useful tips and information on the NYC subway system
17 Stay Away From The Yellow Area
Purpose: For safety and to avoid any incidents
The yellow part of the subway seems obvious, doesn't it? Still, first-timers on New York’s subway would be shocked at how many passengers choose to disregard the line and stand in (or too close to) the yellow area at the edge of the subway station.
Sadly, after buying a New York subway pass for tourists, some unsavvy first-timers stand too close to the edge, which may result in a serious incident (some locals even do this, too). Therefore, passengers must keep their distance from the yellow area at all times, not only when a train is approaching the station.
16 Get Ready Well Before Your Intended Stop
Purpose: To avoid missing your stop
Distractions aboard the New York subway are commonplace. Characters on the train may be so interesting that first-time passengers could miss their stop, ranging from adorable Mariachi bands (sometimes too loud) to children selling candy to downright vibrant New Yorkers.
Have fun on the ride, but be mindful. During peak times, it is better to get ready and head near the train's doors before the intended stop to avoid missing it due to door closure. The doors don't stay open for long, after all, and trying to fight one's way through a crowded train during rush hour to exit is not a pleasant experience when riding the NYC subway for the first time!
15 Read The Signs To Find Your Train Station
Purpose: To avoid getting lost
Over 36 separate subway lines transport people between Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, and the Bronx. The majority of subways in NYC go below ground, as the name would imply. There are a few lines that cross above, though.
However, tourists will mostly be moving underground. The secret is to pay attention to the signs that identify the subway lines that each station serves and the direction in which each train is traveling.
14 Pay Attention To The Signs & Announcements For The Previous & Next Stations
Purpose: To know when to get off and reach the intended destination
Modern subways contain light-up graphics that show which station tourists are on the route for, but older trains will not. Travelers should not be afraid if they miss the graphics and station signs, though, because the conductor will always make clear which stop they are at and which station is coming up.
Passengers can also see signs for the station the train has just pulled into by looking out the window if they miss the announcement. Additionally, each train car contains a New York subway map spread of the full subway network, making it easier to learn how to use the subway in NYC, even as a newbie.
13 Follow The NYC Subway Map’s Numbers & Letters But Not The Colors
Purpose: To understand the subway map
Travelers pondering how to use the NYC subway as a tourist should take the map's letters and numbers into account (the colors aren't quite as important). Travelers may see the many lines on the NYC subway map in a variety of colors and counts; they should make sure they choose the appropriate subway line by letter or number since New Yorkers don't really refer to the train lines by their colors.
This is because, for example, despite the blue line showing lines A, C, and E, these train tracks ultimately diverged, and tourists can find themselves in an entirely different and even unintended location from where they started.
For more information, check out a guide to using the NYC subway and how to ride its trains.
12 Choose An Appropriate NYC MetroCard
Purpose: To get the most suitable card for tourists (not locals)
Two different NYC subway card types are available: an Unlimited Ride card and a normal Pay-Per-Ride card. If travelers buy the Unlimited 7-Day MetroCard, they can take the bus and metro as much as they choose and use the subway like a true New Yorker.
If tourists choose Pay-Per-Ride, they can utilize Tap-To-Pay instead of purchasing a MetroCard. They can touch their credit or debit card on the screen and even use their phone's wallet to pay.
- Costs: The cost of an Unlimited 7-Day MetroCard is $34, including a $1 card charge. Each subway ride costs $2.75 with a standard Pay-Per-Ride card, though travelers get one free transfer to a bus.
11 Check If Your Destination Is Uptown Or Downtown
Purpose: To select the right subway platform
So, how do tourists use the NYC subway without getting lost, even with all the maps and tips available? Well, one answer to this is that travelers must select the appropriate platform, which tends to be based on whether the train goes uptown or downtown.
Additionally, certain subway stations feature distinct entrances for uptown or downtown-bound trains. This implies that to go in the desired direction, travelers might need to cross the street. Entry to both uptown and downtown platforms is often available from each station door at express stations.
10 Know The Difference Between Red And Green Globes
Purpose: To understand the subway's operating hours
Travelers may notice that most subway stations in NYC feature either a red or a green globe. These were initially put in place to inform passengers which stations are open 24/7, referred to with a green globe, and which stations are closed at night, marked with a red globe. The red globes were also intended to indicate exit-only staircases.
However, most residents and tourists to New York City probably ignore these markings.
9 Change Your Train Line Using Pedestrian Tunnels
Purpose: To save money and time
Another mistake first-timers on the NYC subway system make is leaving one stop and going to another to catch a different train, incurring another fare. Some stations are connected to other stations via pedestrian tunnels; using those tunnels between the two stations can save travelers time and money.
Once someone heads down the subway, they shouldn't need to leave and enter another area; everything will be connected.
8 If You Need Help, Ask Someone!
Purpose: To get help from a local (or a conductor) in the know
Travelers who are unsure if they are standing on the right side of the platform or boarding the correct train shouldn't hesitate to ask someone. They might be astonished to learn that a lot of New Yorkers are pretty friendly, and some even like helping out tourists.
Travelers can also ask the conductor aboard the train, who often points at each station's black and white striped boards. It's always better to speak up and ask questions rather than to be stuck in the wrong subway car headed toward a completely different destination.
7 Avoid Staring At People In The Metro
Purpose: To avoid offending (and potentially angering) anyone
The New York City subway is typically one of the most fascinating places in the Big Apple for people watching; however, passengers should try to keep their eyes off others, for the most part. Looking without staring is usually fine; however, just like in most big cities around the world, gazing at someone for too long is a surefire way to offend them (and maybe even anger them).
Additionally, in New York, citizens normally keep calm when they see a famous person or an unusual character—the less attention someone brings to themselves, especially when new to the city, the better. Many long-time residents also claim that blending in helps keep them safe in NYC during their commutes.
6 Watch Your Valuables
Purpose: To avoid falling victim to pickpocketing
A useful piece of NYC subway advice is to safeguard valuables. Travelers should avoid putting their wallets and other valuable items in their back pockets. Pickpocketing can happen anywhere, so keeping one's guard up is essential when traveling not just the NYC subway but any public transportation. That also applies to electronics, like phones, tablets, headphones, speakers, and whatever else holds a high value.
As tempting as it is to get some work or study done on the subway using a laptop or tablet, it can be a super quick and easy target for thieves. Instead, it may be safer to do any work on a smartphone, holding it very tight or having a case with a connecting string/cable to one's pants/jacket/bag.
Don't forget that there are other ways to get around NYC besides the subway.
5 Download Games To Play
Purpose: To pass the time and stay entertained
One of the best ways to pass the time on the NYC subway is to play games on a phone. However, sometimes there might not be internet connectivity in the tunnels, so it's best to have a pre-downloaded game like Candy Crush, Angry Birds, Sudoku, or whatever one enjoys playing.
It is surprising just how much faster the time goes by on the subway when having a distraction (a good old-fashioned book or even a Kindle also works as well).
4 Remember That The NYC Subway Never Stops
Purpose: To reduce "last train" anxiety and relax
NYC is known as the city that never sleeps. Unsurprisingly, its extensive system of metro trains also never rests; the NYC Subway runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
The subway really is the easiest way to get around the Big Apple, and it's rare that someone ever needs to hurry to get the last train at one of the system's 493 stations. As such, travelers can ditch the notion of rushing around for fear of missing the last train (there are plenty, and there's always another train to get people home!).
Not all lines run through the night, though, so refer to the NYC subway's late-night service to see what's operational.
3 Never Forget To Pay The Subway Fare
Purpose: To avoid fines
The fares on the NYC Subway cost $2.75 for most riders (there are reduced fares for those 65 and older and certain other categories of people). People can pay using OMNY - the contactless fare payment system - or a MetroCard.
Both ways are simple and easy to use. Up to four riders can use the same payment method; just tap or swipe the appropriate number of times for each rider. Whatever the case, travelers must never forget to pay (or indeed try to fare dodge altogether), as this will incur penalties for fare evasion. In fact, those who enter the NYC subway system or ride buses without paying are subject to a $50 or $100 fine!
2 Bring Cleaning Wipes For The Seats
Purpose: To boost hygiene and reduce the risk of illness
Another good plan for riders of the New York City subway is to bring cleaning wipes. Before taking a seat on the subway, many native New Yorkers and visitors wipe down their seats before getting comfy. This is good practice whether there is an active COVID-19 outbreak or it's regular cold and flu season (the subway is a germ field and one of the easiest ways to get sick in NYC, with all the daily passengers that commute!).
Any standard disinfectant wipes, whether Clorox, Windex, or store-brand wipes, will do. The key is finding a product to kill bacteria and clean whatever dirt, oil, or debris could be on the seat. Luckily, most NYC subway cars feature plastic seating, which is easy to clean off between stops.
1 Bring Headphones To Listen To Music Or Stream Shows/Movies
Purpose: To reduce exposure to subway noise
For those who don't want to hear noise during their trip on the New York City subway, bringing a pair of headphones along for the ride for music or to watch a show or movie can be a lifesaver. Generally, it's normal to see New Yorkers in subways with their earbuds or headphones on while riding between subway lines/stops.
However, passengers don't want to be unaware of their surroundings for safety. For example, if the music playing through the headphones is too loud and someone can't hear an emergency alert or a problem in their subway car, headphones may pose an issue. As such, try to keep one ear open or have the volume turned down enough so that the subway noise is drowned out but without risking missing any issues or announcements.