How to Navigate the NYC Subway

The New York Subway is one of the key things to experience on your trips and it can seem daunting but it doesn’t need to be, it’s surprisingly easy and to make it easier, Apple maps and Google maps give you a full public transport step-by-step to your destination, so it’s hard to go wrong!  I’m going to try and give my own best step-to-step guide to the Subway and give you some top tips to keep you safe.

Subway entrances look a little something like the above, they are simply stairs going underground with a sign above of the Subway name and trains that run from that station.  They aren’t the most obvious entrances, especially compared to stations in London which have massive underground signs but they are dotted around everywhere, so it’s highly likely that you’re right around the corner from one wherever you go.  If you’re using Apple/Google maps it will tell you which line (sometimes it gives more than one option), that you need to take so make sure you check the sign at the entrance that your letter is up there.  The letters represent the train and route you’ll be taking and are shown in different coloured shapes.  The meaning of those shapes isn’t particularly important so just focus on the letter (and colour if you’re forgetful like me).

First thing to know when entering the subway is that it’s either going Uptown or Downtown so try to use your maps as much as possible to get your bearings so that you always know which way you’re heading.  It’s pretty easy with the block layout of the city to have a rough idea of which direction you’re going, I promise takes less than a day to get used to! When entering the subway there will be signs for the uptown and downtown platforms so before heading in, have a rough idea of which way you’re heading to stay in the flow of traffic.

On entering the subway, you will be welcomed by various turnstiles, basically revolving bars and doors that are released after your metrocard or debit card is tapped.  You can either get yourself a metro card and top it up throughout your trip or to make your life a little easier you can just use your contactless debit card/Apple or Google pay to pay for the subway each time you get on.  On average it was about $2.85 per trip but again, Google or Apple maps give you an estimated cost depending on the route you’re taking.

Follow the signs in the station to take you to the platform that your train will be going from, this is where knowing the letter is important!  One platform will have trains of different letters but usually the same coloured shape so keep and eye on the screens to know when your train is arriving.  Remember, a lot of lines will do similar stops so you may have a few options for lines to take.  They usually come in 5/10 minute intervals so there’s never much waiting around.

From our experience, the subway’s were no where near as busy as we’d feared they’d be!  The odd stop, like 42^nd street (Times Square) and the 9/11 museum were a bit busier but nothing like the chaos that the London Underground can be at Christmas time (if you know, you know).  There was only once or twice that we didn’t get a seat but within a stop or two someone has moved so you can pinch theirs, definitely nothing like the craziness that I envisioned.