I can count on one hand the number of times I've driven in New York.
Shuttle and taxi to and from the airport on my first visits, taxi to and from the subway to see Miley's concert and a single uber on another occasion.
The rest of the time I got to know the city only using public transport, especially the metro. With stations on practically every corner, you can use it to visit all the tourist attractions and even neighborhoods further away from Manhattan, such as Queens and Brooklyn. Without a doubt, it is the quickest and cheapest way to tour the region.
Using this means of transportation Big Apple, however, may seem complicated at first glance. In the end, there are 27 different lines, some of which do not operate on weekends, and others still stop on different platforms or skip some stations after a certain time.
Fortunately, I can assure you from experience that it's not as difficult as it seems. Even though I live in a city that doesn't even have an underground transportation system, in just a few attempts I was able to understand how the system works. Subway of NYC practically without making a mistake. I'm sure you'll be able to do the same!
To help you, in this post I've gathered some tips on how to use the subway in New York, from how to buy a MetroCard to how not to get lost!
How much does the New York subway cost?
Each ride on the New York subway costs US$2.75. To be able to board, you need to purchase a individual ticket, sold only at vending machines at each station (in this case, the ticket costs US$3) or a metro card.
This second option is the best for those who will use this type of transport frequently. You can either purchase a card in the style pay-per-ride, where you enter a value and it is discounted with each use, or unlimited.
On all my trips I used the subway several times over several days, so it was financially worth it to buy unlimited for 7 days, for US$33 (US$32 + US$1 for the card). There is also a 30-day option for US$121. This card is also accepted to board buses and some trains.
For those who are going to use this type of transportation to the airport, it is important to note that the JFK AirTrain does not accept the unlimited ticket, only the pay-per-ride. The bus to LaGuardia accepts both types. Later on I will write a detailed post on the subject.
How to buy the MetroCard or recharge it?
The most common places to buy the card are inside stations, in staffed booths or at automatic machines. The former only accept payment in cash, while in the latter it is possible to pay with coins, notes or credit and debit cards (American). There is also a version mini of machines that only accept cards.
The menu is only available in English or Spanish (if I'm not mistaken), but it's super easy to use. Just choose between buying a new card or recharging, and in the second case choose an amount. O touch It's not the best, so I warn you that it may take a while to hit the desired keys.
According to the metro website, it is possible to choose the unlimited option and the option to load an amount onto the same card, but I was unable to do so. If you have a rechargeable one and are not finding the option to unlimited rides, I recommend starting the purchase again by choosing the option to purchase a new card.
If you are paying with an international credit card, just enter “99999” as the zip code. Do not enter “00000” or a zip code with more than five numbers or the operation will be invalid.
How to use the New York subway
Metro lines are identified by numbers (1-7) or letters (A, B, C…). The trains are divided between locations, which stop at all stations on the line, and Express, which make occasional stops. It is important to observe the signs on the platform, as some lines are only available at certain times..
To know which direction to take, just follow the signs for your destination neighborhood (Brooklyn or Queens, for example), or for uptown ou downtown if you go somewhere in Manhattan. In the first case, uptown means the number of streets will increase and the second it will decrease. If you are on 59th St. and want to go to 103rd St., for example, you should take the subway in the direction uptown.
This is basically the biggest trick to understanding the subway in New York. Knowing if you're going uptown ou downtown It's already half the battle, because even on the wrong line you will be going in the right direction, hahaha.
As with other systems around the world, there are stations that allow you to change lines for free. In this case, just follow the signs, as everything is very well signposted.
Another important detail is that some lines do not operate on weekends, or have different stops at a certain time, or even stop on different platforms.. As it is a very old system, it is also common to find parts undergoing maintenance every few days, causing you to have to change course.
If it is something recurring, it is usually written on the platform's signs, with the expressions “late nights” or “weekends”. If it is a one-off change, posters with information are spread along the walls. I already spent twenty minutes waiting for a train that wouldn't pass, so I recommend paying attention!
Seriously, there is no mystery to ride the subway in NYC, and if you're used to using this type of transport in another city, you'll definitely find your way in no time!
How not to get lost on the New York subway
This is definitely the part that seems most complicated. With so many lines and stations, how do you know how to get from one point to another, and not get lost along the way?
Those who follow the blog frequently already know my answer: use the Google Maps application on your cell phone. Just indicate where you are and enter your destination, and it will show you the best route using the metro. It not only tells you which line (or lines) to take, but where the station is, which direction pick up, how many stops to get to the location and even which street to take and the walking path after that.
There are other similar apps, but I like this one because it shows several options and how long each one will take. I already wrote a very complete post here on the blog explaining how to use app to plan trips and daily life in another country.
To use the app, the best option is to have internet while you are on the street, as this way you can find out where the nearest station is, when the next subway will stop... For this, my suggestion is to buy a travel chip, which will work while you are outside Brazil. Here on this page I've already explained a little more about this service, how to use the chip, how it helps you save (it's incredible) and how to choose the best chip for your adventure!
And these are the main tips for using the Subway in New York! In short:
- Buy a MetroCard – calculate whether it is worth purchasing an unlimited one or pay-per-ride.
- To know which direction to take, just follow the signs to uptown (street numbers increase), downtown (numbers decrease), Brooklyn or Queens.
- Use the app from Google Maps to find out the best way to get to your destination and not get lost.
It may seem complicated, but it is very simple and in just a few uses you will be an expert!
Remembering that the New York subway system is one of the largest and oldest in the world, and that it is under constant maintenance. Even so, stations and trains are often not the best maintained or have air conditioning, and there is nothing preventing people from falling onto the tracks. Be careful, be patient and never leave your belongings out of sight!
If you are going to or arriving from the airport with a lot of luggage, public transport may not be the best option, as there are several stairs and line changes.. If you have the budget, consider hiring a van service to drop you off at the door of your hotel! WePlann is a partner of the blog and offers both shared and private options.
Do you have any questions? Have you ever used the New York subway? Tell me in the comments! 🙂
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