Subway—New York's Lifeline
The Subway System
The New York Subway is the backbone of the city: 472 stations, 27 lines, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Yes, it's noisy, sometimes dirty, and a furnace in the summer—but it gets you everywhere for $2.90. Without the subway, New York wouldn't be New York.
Payment
- OMNY (Contactless): Simply pay with a contactless credit card, Apple Pay, or Google Pay at the turnstile. $2.90 per ride. Daily cap: After 12 rides in 7 days, the rest of the week is free (= automatic 7-day pass for $34).
- MetroCard: Buy the yellow card ($1 deposit) at machines. 7-Day Unlimited Ride: $34—unlimited subway and buses for 7 days. Worth it after 12 rides. Single ride: $2.90.
Subway Tips
- Uptown vs. Downtown: "Uptown" = heading north (higher street numbers), "Downtown" = heading south (lower numbers). Check at the entrance if you're on the right side—many stations have separate entrances for Uptown and Downtown!
- Express vs. Local: Express trains (red or white circle) skip stations—faster, but only for experienced users. Local trains (green circle) stop everywhere.
- At Night: The subway runs 24 hours—but at night, fewer trains run and wait times are longer. Wait on the platforms in the yellow-marked "Off-Hours Waiting Areas" (by the camera).
- Apps: Google Maps or Citymapper (the best app for NYC Transit!) for real-time schedules and routes.
Achtung
On the subway: Keep valuables secure, especially in crowded trains during rush hour. Don't hold your phone unsecured in your hand—"phone snatching" (grabbing the phone before the door closes) happens. Stand at the edge of the platform and watch for the approaching train, not directly at the edge. And: The subway is air-conditioned—outside 35°C, inside 18°C. A light jacket for the temperature shock!
