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Welcome to New York City, where the subway isn’t just a mode of transportation; it’s a cultural experience. And aside from walking, it’s the cheapest way to get around the city. If you’re new to the city or planning your visit, mastering the subway system can seem daunting. But fear not! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about taking the subway in NYC, from understanding fares to distinguishing between local and express stops. Let’s dive in!
Understanding Subway Fares
For most riders on subways and buses, a single ride costs $2.90. Up to three children under 44 inches tall ride for free when they’re with a fare-paying adult.
Do I need a Metro Card?

MetroCards cost $1. All cards except for the Single Ride card are refillable. You no longer need a Metro Card to ride the subway. All subway stations and buses are now equipped with OMNY, which is the subway’s contactless payment system. You don’t need to create an account or download any type of app to use it. You can use any card equipped with tap-to-pay technology.
You can also set up contactless payment on your phone and use your phone to tap the OMNY payment systems when riding the subway or the bus.
Another benefit to using OMNY is that it caps your weekly fares at $34 (12 trips) when you tap the same card or device for every ride and you can ride the rest of the week for free. This is the same cost as a 7-day unlimited MetroCard. A 30-day unlimited MetroCard costs $132.
Safety Tips on the Subway
Safety is paramount on the subway. Always stay aware of your surroundings, especially late at night. Keep your belongings secure, and if a car is empty or feels unsafe, trust your instincts and choose another. If a subway car is empty, there’s usually a reason, a reason you don’t want to know about.
Be sure to stay back from the edge of the tracks and know who is around you when waiting on the platform. If you feel uncomfortable, keep walking, you’re like to find an area on the platform where you feel safe.
Peak Hours: When the Subway is Most Crowded
The subway can get incredibly crowded during peak hours, typically 7-9 AM and 5-7 PM on weekdays. If you prefer a less crowded experience, try to travel outside these times. Not only will you have a more comfortable ride, but you’ll also avoid the rush of commuters.
Navigating Stations and Transfers
Not all subway stations are connected underground, which is a crucial detail for new riders. Sometimes, you’ll need to exit one station and walk to another to make a transfer. This is common in areas where different lines serve adjacent but separate stations. Always check your route in advance to see if it requires exiting the station to transfer. Most transfers are free as long as you are using the same MetroCard or tap-to-pay payment method.
You’ll also need to pay attention to this when starting your journey, for example, if you want to head downtown and you accidentally swipe in to go uptown, you’ll have to exit the station find the downtown entrance, and swipe your card again.
Local vs. Express Stops: Know the Difference
The NYC subway system features both local and express services. Local trains stop at every station along their route, while express trains skip certain stations to provide faster travel times.
Sometimes on the weekends, an express line will make local stops. Pay attention to the subway map: If a station has a white dot, it’s a local stop; if it has a white bar, it’s served by express trains too. Knowing the difference can save you time or prevent you from missing your stop. Also, pay attention to posted signs. You will know if your route is being changed due to construction and can plan accordingly.
The New York City subway is a lifeline for millions of residents and visitors. With these tips on fares, safety, crowded times, station transfers, and the difference between local and express stops, you’re well on your way to mastering one of the world’s most famous urban transit systems. Remember, every New Yorker was once a first-time subway rider – with a little patience and practice, you’ll be navigating the city like a local in no time.
By understanding the basics and preparing yourself for the journey ahead, you’ll find that the subway is not just a convenience, but a gateway to the vast, vibrant life of New York City.