subway trip planner new york

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• New York City travel guide

New York City trip planner

Nycmoov.com is a free mapping and route planning service for getting around New York City. You can find the fastest route and compare trips in all modes of transport such as subway, metro, bus , ferry, bike, pedestrian, and car for all over New York City. You can also get in real time the subway and bus schedule as well as the alerts published by MTA.

">Getting around New York City

Trip planner, schedule & map, stations near me.

MTA subway trains, buses, metro and rails trains, and ferries

About the public transport in New York City

The New York City Subway is a metropolitan transportation system serving New York City in the United States. All public transportation infrastructure is owned by the City of New York, which has transferred the operation of the network to the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) .

With more than 5 million riders per weekday, the subway is the busiest means of public transport in the New York megalopolis. It has 425 stations with 472 stops on 24 lines spread over 236 miles, making it the world leader in terms of the number of lines and stations served. The lines are almost exclusively underground in Manhattan, while they are mostly overhead in the rest of the city.

The bus networks, the Metro-North Railroad, the Staten Island Railway and the Long Island Rail Road are also managed by MTA.

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RealMap.NYC

The real-time nyc subway map app.

RealMap.NYC is a real-time map of New York City subway service. The app provides up-to-the-minute views of the subway map based on data provided by the MTA NYCT and PANYNJ PATH. Tapping on a station shows real-time train departure times and elevator/escalator status. You can also view maps of scheduled service for any day/time combination and text descriptions of service changes.

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NYC Public Transportation

Getting Around New York City: Guide to Public Transportation

Everything you need to know to get around New York City

Wikipedia Commons

The easiest, most affordable way to get around New York City is by public transportation. New York City mass transit generally falls into two categories: buses and subways. The city has 36 subway lines (that go to 472 stations) and 5,725 buses that can take you anywhere you want to go. Once you know how to use them, you'll find them efficient, reliable, and easy. The only problem is you must learn the system.

This guide will tell you everything you need to know about navigating your way around New York City's public transportation. You'll feel like a local in no time, maybe even venturing to far away places you never thought you would.

Watch Now: Riding the Subway in New York City

How to ride the new york city subway.

Most visitors will find themselves wanting to get around the city by subways. Subways serve most of Manhattan and the outer boroughs very well, and they take you directly to many popular tourist destinations.

• Before you ride the New York City subway you need to buy a MetroCard. You will swipe this card every time you enter a subway station at the turnstiles. MetroCards cost $1 to purchase. Once you buy your MetroCard you can add money to it.
• MetroCards may be purchased and refilled at subway station booths, MetroCard vending machines, and at  other vendors . You can use cash, credit, or debit cards to make your purchase.
• New York City subway fares are $2.75 per trip. For visitors staying more than a couple of days you can buy a one week unlimited MetroCard for $33 or an unlimited monthly MetroCard for $127.00. People who are 65 or older or who have qualifying disabilities can get a reduced fare, which is half price. You must see an attendant at a station to purchase one.
• Because New York City has so many subway lines, it's impossible to memorize them all. Even locals have to look up directions on occasion. The best way to plan your trip is to consult Google Maps or the MTA website . There are also a variety of apps that you can download before your trip to easily look up subway directions. You simply type in your point of origin and your destination, and the app will tell you the route.
• New York City has some subways that run express. Your trip planning app will tell you exactly which line to take. If it tells you to take the 1, for example, don't get on the 2 or 3 even though it looks like it's going in the same direction. Those trains are express and won't stop at the station you need.
• The New York City subway operates 24 hours a day, but service is more sporadic between midnight and 6 am and on weekends. If you're traveling on the weekends or late at night, you should be aware of service interruptions that might impact your trip. Taking a few minutes to review the planned service changes can save you a ton of hassle. Trip Planning apps like Google Maps are aware of these disruptions and can help you plan your route.
• In every station there is an information booth where you can press the green button and talk to an attendant. If you are confused or need help it's a great tool to use.
• MTA has a list of accessible subway stations on its website.

Other Transit Options

Subways serve most of Manhattan and the outer boroughs very well, but in those areas where the subway service is not ideal there are buses, trains, bikes, and boats that can take you where you need to go.

New York City Buses

The city has around 5,000 buses, and you'll find they are particularly helpful when you need to travel to the far east or west portions of Manhattan.

New York City bus fare is $2.75 per trip. Be aware that buses only accept MetroCards or exact fare in coins—drivers cannot make change. There are also some buses along major routes in Manhattan & the Bronx that have you pay your fare before you board to speed the process of boarding. It's called "Select Bus Service" and the kiosk for pre-paying your fare is usually very obvious and easy to use.

Google Maps and MTA Trip Planner can tell you the best buses to take (and whether you should take one instead of the subway.) You can also look up New York City Bus schedules.

The NYC Ferry Service

In the past few years New York City has launched new ferry services taking commuters and visitors to Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, & Bronx. Ferries are particularly advisable if you are traveling to places along the water (perhaps you are going from the South Street Seaport to Brooklyn Bridge park.)

The ferries are fun to ride because they offer incredible views and refreshments on board (even local wine and beer!) During warmer seasons you can sit on the outer decks and enjoy the sunshine. They are also relatively inexpensive at $2.75 a ticket. You can look up routes and ticket information on the website.

Railroad Services

If you need to get to the suburbs or areas around New York City you might need to take railroads. Metro North trains take you to Connecticut and Westchester. They leave from Grand Central Station.

Long Island Railroad takes you into Manhattan, and New Jersey Transit takes you to New Jersey. Both train services leave from Penn Station. Google Maps will tell you which service to take.

All train services are reliable and run frequently, but they can get crowded at rush hour. Sometimes it's standing room only during morning and evening commutes. Avoid those times (8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.) if possible.

Taxis and Ride Shares

Many New Yorkers prefer to take taxis or private cars, especially late in the evening when subway service is more sporadic. Yellow taxis are the iconic New York City cars. You can flag them down when you need them. If you are in Brooklyn or another outer borough, the taxis are green.

New York City has a variety of ride-sharing apps. Uber and Lyft allow you to book a private car or share a car with passengers traveling in a similar direction. Both are reliable services and usually arrive very quickly.

One of the best ways to get around New York City is by Citi Bike, New York's bike share system. There are stations in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens & Jersey City where you can unlock a bike with your credit card and return it when you get to your destination. Download the Citi Bike app to find the docking stations closest to your location.

While many parts of the city have bike paths, be careful when riding bikes in the city. Lanes can get congested, and sometimes bike paths are close to speeding cars. Accidents happen regularly so vigilance is key.

Rental Cars

While New York City has ample car rental places, it's not advisable. It's difficult to drive in New York City. There is usually heavy traffic, and taxis are used to swirling in and out of lanes. Parking a car can also be difficult especially in Manhattan.

Tips for Getting Around New York City

• If you are traveling around Manhattan during the day, a subway is your best option.
• Between midnight and 6 am and on weekends check trip planning apps to determine how to travel to your destination. Routes and lines get changed during those times.
• Buses are your best option if you are traveling from East to West across the city.
• If it's a pleasant day try to rent a bike or ride a NYC ferry. You will see more of the city and have fun.
• NYC has many ride sharing options. If you are in a hurry choose a private car. If you have time and want to meet new people order a shared car. You never know who you will meet!
• Driving is tough in the city. It's also hard to park. Avoid a rental car if possible.

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Which NYC Subway App is Best?

As someone who has taken the NYC subway for decades, I love all the subway apps that make taking public transportation in the city easier, even though I know the system already!

For those new to taking the subway and buses, these apps can help you make sense of it all.

These apps will also make your travel more efficient, saving you time which you can then use to enjoy the city's sights and join one of our  free NYC tours !

In this post, we go over several of the best apps for both iOS and Android, most of which are free and include trip planners.

With trip planners, you don't need anything other than an itinerary of where you want to go!

Before we get to the app list, you may find these other posts below helpful.

• Navigating the New York Subway  
• Which MetroCard is Right for You?
• Which Hop-on, Hop-Off Bus is Best?
• Getting Around NYC  
• Where to Find Free Wi-Fi in New York
• Definitive Guide to Things to Do in NYC

After trying many apps, we've narrowed the list down to nine. These are apps that my fellow tour guides and I use.

At the bottom of the post, we've included the opinions from members of our NYC Travel Tips Facebook group.

Our Facebook group of more than 240,000 members consists of locals, frequent visitors to NYC, and newcomers to the city.

There's no need to join the group to read the comments and recommendations. So take a look at our group for more ideas!

Before we continue, would you like the option of a 1-hour subway tutorial tour?

Well, we have the tour for you.

Let Free Tours by Foot NYC, teach you the ins and outs of the system in just 60 minutes.

GOOGLE MAPS

Free  -  iPhone, iPad & Android

Google Maps is one of the top navigation apps not just for NYC but around the world. It's my go-to app in NYC as it offers the easiest and most comprehensive trip planner feature.

• Trip Planner provides Point A to Point B directions by multiple modes of transport including driving, walking, subway, bus, bike and other local transit systems such as the Long Island Railroad.
• Real-time updates show estimated time of arrival, delays, and much more.
• Allows for multi-stop trips with the Add a Stop option.
• Customize the app to offer directions based on your preferences.
• Offers a voice feature that speaks step-by-step instructions to get where you are going.
• Has offline capability for some functions.

Using the Trip Planner

Here are a few screenshots of a trip from Times Square to the iconic Charging Bull of Wall Street and instructions to use the Trip Planner.

Screenshot 1

Enter your starting location in the top box. By default, the app uses your current location, designated by a blue dot.

Click on the blue button "Directions" and enter your destination.

Choose the mode of transportation you want by tapping on the icon. For this example, we chose the subway train icon for public transportation routes.

Screenshot 2

If you want to set any preferences, such as fewer transfers versus less walking, choose the "Options" function by pressing the three dots to the right of the box at the top that has your starting point.

Screenshot 3  

The app offers a few routes with travel time, distance to/from subway stations, and other important information like delays, frequency, and even how busy the subway is.

Choose the route you want and detailed instructions are provided.

One great feature

This app is ideal for tourists because you don't need to know the addresses of major attractions.

Want to go to the Empire State Building? Just start typing in E-M-P and the app uses auto-prediction to provide you with a choice of possible destinations, with Empire State Building coming up first.

TIP: If you are going to the Empire State Building, see our post with all the information you need, including how to save money on tickets.

Free   -  iPhone, iPad & Android.

Transit is very similar to Google Maps with an interface that is easier to read. If you are looking for a simple but accurate trip planner, Transit is for you.

One thing we love about Transit is that it includes nearly every mode of transportation in NYC and the surrounding areas.

Not only do you get the New York City public transportation information, but also commuter and light rail systems for New Jersey and Long Island.

This app also includes all the ferry services , the Roosevelt Island tram , and NYC's bike-share program, Citibike . A bike path map is also available.

By the way, NYC is quite bike-friendly so consider renting a bike to see the city in a new light.

• Shows you subway lines, bus lines, rideshares like Uber and Lyft, ferries, and other modes of transport nearest your current location.
• Displays real-time status.
• Trip planner is simple to use. You can customize what modes of transport are displayed and included in routing. For example, if you know you will never take the bus, unselect BUS and this app won't show you bus options.
• Available in English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, Portuguese and Dutch.
• Watch this video for a quick introduction to the app.

You can set it to alert you when you are nearing your destination, which is perfect for those unfamiliar with the city or are prone to falling asleep on subways after a long day of walking around the city!

On the main screen, tap the search bar. In the screenshots above the starting point is Times Square.

Then enter your destination. You can use an address, type in an attraction, select a point on the map, or even pull up an address from your phone's contacts.

If you want to set any preferences, such as modes of transportation you want to use, press the "Options" icon (shown in the purple circle on the image above).

Screenshot 3

Close the Options screen and see the results. Choose the travel directions that suit you best.

TIP: In some cities, it is possible to purchase your tickets through this app. This feature is not available in NYC. Read our post Which MetroCard is Right for You? to learn how to buy your tickets.

NEW YORK SUBWAY MTA MAP

Free -  Android , iPhone , iPad, and Apple Watch ; VIP versions available for a fee.

Just to be clear - this is not the official New York City Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) app, though it does include the official maps.

When the New York Subway MTA Map by Mapway first became available, it was a nice addition to the world of subway apps. Unfortunately, it now has ads.

Still, it's an app to consider as it is a fairly straightforward app with many of the same features as other apps.

Its user interface is not complicated but not as user-friendly as Google Maps or Citymapper. 

• The easy-to-use route planner will get you from A to B on the subway.
• Uses the official MTA map of the New York Subway.
• Works offline.
• Countdown Clocks for each subway station to check when the next train is due.
• Service Status information about delays or changes with alerts sent straight to your phone.
• Search for a particular subway station or find the nearest station to your current location.
• Uber integration allows you to book a taxi within seconds and continue your journey after using the New York Subway.

Great feature

It offers information about out-of-service elevators and escalators. This is very important if you are traveling with a lot of luggage or a baby stroller. If you need an accessible station this app will find you one.

The trip planner in this app is very basic and requires that you input your departure point.

It does not default to your current location, so I prefer the other apps.

It does, however, have a neat feature. It has a dropdown menu of Points of Interest (major tourist attractions and locations) such as the Brooklyn Bridge and Central Park, so you don't need to know the addresses.

TIP: Speaking of luggage, if you are looking for storage locations, read  Where to Store Luggage in New York City ?

Free -  iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and Android.

The app is constantly expanding to cities throughout the world, so keep an eye on this app, it is literally going places.

It also has some great features even fancier apps do not. You can use their homepage from your computer as it has the same functions as the app does.

• Suggests Point A to Point B trip routes with travel time and ETA including all modes of transport (bus, subway, train, ferry, taxi (Uber, Lyft, yellow cab), car share, bike share, and walking.
• Real-time departures. Subway line status and real-time disruption and delay alerts.
• Uber integration. Bike routing and live bike share info. Constant updates. 
• Shows which train car is the best spot to be riding in to be closest to your train exit or transfer walkway (This is such a New Yorker thing! Always rushing!)
• Transit maps that can be accessed offline (Official NYC subway map, Manhattan bus map, Brooklyn bus map, Queens bus map).
• It has an alert function to let you know when you have reached your station.

Great feature 

It lets you choose your language! English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, and more!

NYC TRANSIT: MTA SUBWAY AND BUS

Free - iPhone and Apple Watch , premium paid version available

This app has all the bells and whistles of other apps with a clean and simple look. 

One downside is that it is available only for iPhone and Apple Watch, with no Android version expected yet.

• Live bus and train times, see bus and train locations in real-time.
• Schedule alarms and get reminders before your bus or train arrives.
• Service alerts for delays and route changes.
• Saves favorite stops and stations.
• Live directions with route options (fastest, trains only, buses only, walking, etc.).
• Both live and offline route maps.
• Get off alerts and live countdowns for the arrival of buses and trains.

Choose your own format for arrival time (Countdown, ETA, 12-hour clock, 24-hour clock). And, for overseas travelers, you can set distance as U.S. miles/yards, U.K. miles/meters, and Metric km/meters. (screenshot 3).

This operates like the other trip planners in this post. It has auto-prediction when you start to type in the name of an attraction, shop, etc.

The coolest feature is for those of us who take the buses. The maps clearly indicate with red arrows which direction the bus route on a particular street is heading. (screenshot 2).

Knowing the bus stop isn't always enough. You've got to know if you are waiting on the right side of the street!

MY TRANSIT: MTA SUBWAY & BUS

Free - Android | Coming soon to iPhone

This highly popular app offers all you would want from a transit app.

Though it’s not available in iOS yet, it should be soon. 

• Real-time arrivals, schedules and live transit status.
• Detailed alerts and notifications about transit changes and disruptions.
• Trip planner that includes Subway, Bus, Rail, Ferry, and Walking.
• Collection of officially licensed, high-resolution transit maps for all modes of transport.

App has a crisp, pleasing user interface for easy viewing.

Essentially the same process as the other apps in this post.

$2.99    iPhone, iPad, iPod touch.

Many tourists and locals alike have learned the hard way that not all subway stations have a crossover walkway to go in the opposite direction.

If you want to go uptown and enter the station thinking that once you are in the station and paid your fare you can find the uptown platform, be warned -- there are some stations in the city without a crossover option.

This means that once you've swiped your MetroCard and see you are on the downtown platform, the only way to get to the uptown platform that you need is to exit the station, cross the street and pay again to enter!

Even if you have an unlimited card, once you have swiped it, you cannot swipe again for 18 minutes.

KickMap will spare you the frustration and save you money by telling you in advance which stations have crossovers and which do not. 

• NYC subway map works underground without an internet connection (connection only needed to look up street addresses and get live transit alerts)
• Directions without an internet connection are displayed right on the map
• Pop-up Google street map - Press any station for 3 seconds to see the local area
• Built-in Compass - Helps with an orientation at street-level
• GPS Locator - Shows closest subway stations
• Transit Alerts - Push notifications of delays for only the lines you choose
• Shows over 350 NYC Neighborhoods and Parks

24-hour Day/Night maps - Automatically switch maps at 11 pm and 6 am

EXIT STRATEGY

$3.99   iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Android, and BlackBerry.

For people visiting New York, you may be surprised to find out that our subway stations are quite long and offer multiple exits.

Leaving the station at the wrong exit can leave you blocks from your intended destination.

Exit Strategy tells you exactly where on the platform you should board the train so that when you arrive at your destination stop – voila – the desired exit is right there!

This app is one of my favorites, especially on rainy days!

One feature that I adore that you will too, is the offline Manhattan street map.

You'd think after a lifetime here in the Big Apple one would know every street in this town! Easier said than done!

• Shows exit locations for all 469 subway stops in NYC.
• Neighborhood maps show subway exits/entrances at street level. 
• Zoomable, scrollable and interactive MTA subway map and Manhattan street map. 
• MTA bus maps for all five boroughs.

Time-saver and saves you some unnecessary walking which is good for the weary traveler! 

$3.99 a month ad-free for iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch and Android or free with in-app purchases.

Moovit is a “one-stop-shop” app that provides step-by-step directions of the optimal route from Point A to Point B within New York City, New Jersey and Connecticut.

It includes these modes of transportation: subway, bus, train, ferry, bike, rideshares, and even electric scooters!

Moovit provides real-time arrival information and will notify you if there are delays, service updates and more. 

The app even provides real-time crowdedness - so you can avoid being squashed in a subway car!

The downside is that the free version has ads for in-app purchases which can disrupt your transit planning.

• Real-time arrivals and real-time alerts. Receive service alerts such as emergency or unexpected disruptions, and delays.
• Step-by-step transit directions including the walking distance from where you are to the closest station.
• Receive get-off alerts as you near your stop. 
• Save favorite lines, stations, and places.
• Use maps view to see all stations and lines on the subway or bus map.
• Maps are available in PDF for when you’re offline, or underground on the subway.

Great Feature

Includes every form of transportation except your car!

TIPS FROM LOCALS AND TRAVELERS

As I noted at the beginning of this post, my fellow tour guides and I use some of the apps in this post and we each have our favorites.

However, we like to share suggestions from members of our New York Travel Tips Facebook group so you can hear what other locals and visitors to NYC have to say.

Overall, visitors to NYC were pretty happy with Google Maps. 

That may be because many people are already familiar with Google Maps from where they live and they can jump right in and navigate the app right away.

These travelers tried other apps and preferred Google Maps to move around the city and subway system.

This return visitor to NYC always uses Google Maps.

Since many of you may be familiar with Google Maps, let’s see what our Facebook group members say about apps you may not have heard of.

After Google Maps, Citymapper was most frequently mentioned.

The Citymapper feature that was most appreciated was that the app tells you which exit to get you closer to your destination and even where on the train to stand to be closest to that exit.

Locals also give Citymapper the thumbs up!

Here’s a group member who combined the best of both worlds: Citymapper for riding the subway and Google Maps for exploring on foot.

A few of the other apps in this post were recommended, but in the end, it comes down to what people are most comfortable with, interface-wise. If it is too complicated for you to look at, try another!

Since it is free to download apps, why not try a few and see which you prefer.

If you have more questions about NYC subway apps (or anything else about NYC) that we haven't covered here, check out our New York Travel Tips Facebook group!

And please do let our Facebook group members know which app worked for you!

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About The Author

Courtney Shapiro

North america, united kingdom & ireland, middle east & india, asia & oceania.

Guide to New York City Subway – Maps & Cards

Home | Travel | North America | United States | New York | NYC | Guide to New York City Subway – Maps & Cards

The New York City subway is the best way to get around the Big Apple. It’s no secret that traffic in NYC is a nightmare, so you’ll save yourself the headache if you opt for public transportation.

While the NYC subway system can seem complicated at first, it’s actually the easiest way to navigate the city. If you want to get the full experience and enjoy all the top attractions in New York , take the subway (or as locals call it, the train).

In this guide, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about using the different NYC subway lines , the fare, how to pay, and tips on subway safety and etiquette. You’ll also learn how to read the New York City subway map , so you can travel just about anywhere without any problems.

Before we begin, keep in mind that this article is specifically about the subway. If you want information about NYC’s airport shuttles and transfers , or an overview of New York’s transportation network , check out our guides on those topics.

How the NYC subway works

The New York subway opened in 1904, and as the number of daily commuters grew, so did the number of train lines. Today, there are over 20 subway lines in NYC , which you can identify by color, letter, and number. This network of lines connects the boroughs of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and The Bronx. Staten Island is the only NYC borough that isn’t connected via the subway.

This guide is divided into sections to help you learn how to use the subway in NYC :

New York City subway maps

Subway fares in New York City

New York City subway schedule

NYC subway lines

Tips for using the subway in NYC

New york subway app, new york city subway map.

To start, let’s take a look at a map of the NYC subway to see how the different lines interconnect and travel throughout the city. You can download this map or pick up a paper map at a New York City subway station or tourism office.

Notice that the last stop on each line doesn’t indicate which direction the train is traveling. It’s important to understand that some lines go north (Uptown), while others go south (Downtown). If you look at the name of the last stop or the district the train goes to, you can orient yourself and figure out which direction the line is traveling.

It also helps to familiarize yourself with some New York City maps so you can better determine which NYC subway routes you need to take .

Again, taking the subway in NYC will allow you to quickly move around the city, and it’s a cheap form of transportation. If you’re going to take several trains during your visit, I recommend getting the NYC MetroCard , which you can buy at the station and recharge if needed. This way, a one-way ride will cost $2.75 rather than the $3 for a single-ticket purchase.

The MetroCard is currently being phased out and replaced with OMNY, a contactless form of payment. Through 2023, you can use either method of payment. Speaking of cards, you may also be interested in getting a New York tourist card , especially if you plan on visiting the city’s main attractions.

Using the NYC MetroCard

The New York City MetroCard is easy to use, and it works on the city’s trains and buses. All you have to do is swipe the card through the card reader at any subway station, or at the card reader next to the bus driver.

The MetroCard costs $1, and you can buy it at an NYC subway station kiosk or customer service window. You can pay by card and reload the MetroCard with more money if you’re going to need any additional subway fare.

You’ll save money with the MetroCard since it reduces the one-way fare from $3 to $2.75. For longer stays in the city, you can pay $33 for unlimited subway rides for a week, or $127 for unlimited trips for a month. This New York City subway card works for all lines and most local buses, so you’ll be able to get around quickly.

Keep in mind that if you’re paying for your subway rides one by one, you can share the MetroCard with up to 4 people. However, if you opt for unlimited weekly or monthly trips, you can’t share your card with anyone. When you buy your MetroCard (or reload it), just indicate which option you prefer. For example, you can choose unlimited rides for one week, or load the card with $10 for several individual rides at $2.75 each.

Finally, be aware that the MetroCard is being phased out and replaced with OMNY. Throughout 2023, both New York City subway passes are valid and in use.

OMNY, a new way to pay for the NYC subway

By early 2024, OMNY will be the primary New York City subway card . It’s more of a virtual card since it’s a contactless form of payment that you can access via your smartphone or smartwatch.

One of the main advantages of OMNY is that it has a fare-capping system. So, while rides will still cost $2.75 each, the maximum you’ll spend in a week is $33, which is equivalent to 12 rides. Any additional trips you take will essentially be free. This system works on a weekly basis, starting on Monday and ending on Sunday.

OMNY is designed to be an easier and cheaper way to use the NYC subway . Like the MetroCard, OMNY can be shared with up to 4 people, but only for up to 12 trips. A key difference is that OMNY doesn’t offer a monthly pass like the MetroCard does.

One of the most common concerns about the New York City subway is the subway schedule and hours of operation. The NYC subway is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week .

While the NYC subway hours are 24/7, the frequency of the trains varies. During the day, the trains typically arrive every 2-5 minutes, although it could be every 5-10 minutes depending on the line. At night, the time between trains can be up to 10-20 minutes. You can look at the countdown clocks at the station to see how much longer until the next train arrives, as well as which direction it’s heading.

Another thing to keep in mind is that some NYC subway routes go to less touristy areas that can be more dangerous at night. If you plan on exploring the city after dark, I recommend reading our guide to visiting NYC at night to find some safe attractions and activities .

New York has 24 subway lines and 472 stations throughout Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and The Bronx. Staten Island is the only NYC borough that doesn’t have a subway line, although it does have a train, bus, and ferry.

Each subway line in NYC is indicated with a number or letter, as well as a color. These indicators will help you identify the different trains and routes across the city. Remember that different trains can travel on the same track and stop at the same station, so it’s important to pay attention to the numbers, letters, and colors.

To find out which direction the train is going, there are some indicators you can look for. Check if the line says Uptown (north) or Downtown (south), or if it lists which borough it goes to. You can also look at the name of the last stop, and that can let you know which direction it’s going.

This is especially important because you want to be sure you’re using the correct subway station entrance. Even if you have identified the right line, you need to make sure it’s going in the direction you want. Otherwise, you’ll be wasting your New York City subway fare .

The loudspeakers inside each New York City subway station will announce the arrival of the next train. There are also loudspeakers and screens inside the train that will announce the next stop. However, I recommend staying alert and paying attention to your surroundings since the subway can get crowded and noisy, which can drown out the announcements .

Hopefully, the NYC subway system feels less like a mystery now. Below, I’m sharing some tips that will make taking the subway in NYC less stressful.

How to know which way the NYC subway is going

Before boarding the New York City subway , remember to check which direction the train is going. Look at the signs at the station’s entrance or inside the train to see whether it’s going Uptown (north) or Downtown (south), or if it’s going to Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, or The Bronx. You can also determine the direction by looking at the name of the last stop.

My recommendation is to first check the information at the subway station entrance since some NYC subway lines only travel in one direction. If you enter one of these stations and discover it’s going in the opposite direction you want, you’ll have to exit that station and enter another one, wasting your subway fare.

Once you’re on the train, keep an eye out for the signs and listen for the loudspeaker announcements so you get off at the correct stop.

Where to find the NYC subway line number or letter

As you enter a New York City subway station , you’ll see signs indicating the numbers, letters, and colors of the trains that pass through that station. The number or letter of the next train is usually announced over the station’s loudspeaker (for example, Line 1), although if there is a lot of noise, you might not hear it.

As the train approaches, you’ll be able to see the number or letter on the front and sides of the train. In my experience, it’s easier to use the numbers and letters as a guide, rather than the colors since multiple lines can share the same color.

Local and express trains on the New York City subway

Another thing to keep in mind is that there are local and express trains. Local trains stop at all NYC subway stations , while express trains only stop at the most important ones.

The express train is very useful for traveling long distances in a shorter time, although you should make sure that it stops where you want to go. You can find this information on the New York City subway map since express trains are marked with a white dot, while local trains have a black dot.

Using connections and transfers on the NYC subway

Depending on where you’re going, you may have to make a transfer within the NYC subway system . This isn’t as complicated as it sounds, especially if you use Google Maps. This app can show you the fastest NYC subway route , including transfers.

All subway stations have free Wi-Fi, so you should be able to connect to Google Maps. However, if you need mobile data in the U.S., I recommend the Holafly eSIM card . You can learn more about this service in our Holafly review .

Other tips for navigating the NYC subway system

The best way to avoid delays, crowds, and other problems is to avoid rush hour. The busiest NYC subway hours are from 7:00 – 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 – 7:00 p.m. During these hours, there are tons of people, mostly commuters, and very crowded trains, so you could end up waiting in line to board.

If you can, avoid these rush hours, especially if you’re new to the subway and get overwhelmed by crowds. Also, don’t be afraid to ask for help if you’re not sure whether you’re on the right platform.

Another thing I want to stress is that everyone gets lost at some point. We’ve had times when we’ve confused one line with another, even in our own city! If this happens to you, stay calm, get off the train, and consult your New York City subway map to find a route to your destination .

I mentioned that Google Maps is a convenient app for the New York subway since it can show you the most convenient way to get from one place to another, even if you need a connection or transfer.

While there is no specific NYC subway app, there are some other applications that you might find useful. MyTransit NYC Subway, Bus, Rail is available on Google Play and can show you different maps of New York’s public transportation network. If you have an iPhone, a good alternative is New York Subway MTA Map and Route Planner .

Is the NYC subway safe?

Even though some people believe the New York City subway is dangerous, the reality is that it’s similar to public transportation in any big city. In other words, it’s important to be sensible and use common sense while you’re riding the subway. This means staying alert and keeping your personal belongings close.

Also, there are some neighborhoods that are known to be rougher than others. For example, The Bronx is an area that I only recommend visiting during the day, perhaps with an NYC contrasts tour . In general, the subway is used by locals and tourists on a daily basis, so you should be fine. We’ve used the subway several times during our visits to the Big Apple, and we’ve never had any trouble.

FAQs – New York City subway

If you still have concerns about riding the subway in New York City , here are the answers to some commonly asked questions:

Is the NYC subway wheelchair accessible?

Most New York City subway stations only have stairs, so it can be difficult for people with reduced mobility. If you’re using a wheelchair, I recommend taking the bus or checking this link to find the subway stations that have ADA ramps or lifts.

Can you bring a dog onto the New York City subway?

You can bring a dog on the NYC subway if it’s in a carrier.

Does the NYC subway go to all New York neighborhoods?

You can take the NYC subway to different neighborhoods in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and The Bronx. Staten Island is the only borough that isn’t accessible by subway.

Do you need a MetroCard to use the New York City subway?

Yes, it is now required for all passengers to have a New York City MetroCard to ride the subway. You can also use OMNY, which is expected to replace the MetroCard by 2024.

Are there several NYC subway lines at the same station?

Yes, you can access several different NYC subway lines on the same platform, although it varies depending on which station you go to.

Is the NYC subway 24 hours?

Yes, the New York City subway runs 24/7, except in the case of accidents or construction.

Yes, New York’s subway is just as safe as any other large city. In other words, you will be fine as long as you keep your personal belongings close, and you avoid certain neighborhoods at night.

Are there any NYC subway lines to avoid?

It’s safe to take any NYC subway line during the day, although you should avoid the rougher neighborhoods at night.

Does the New York City subway run on time?

In general, the NYC subway runs smoothly, so you can expect your train to be on time. During the day, trains arrive every 5 minutes or so, although certain ones can take up to 10 minutes. In the overnight hours, the frequency between trains is longer, about 10-20 minutes. You can see all this information on the countdown clocks at every station.

Can kids use the NYC subway for free?

Kids under 3 feet 6 inches can ride the New York City subway for free when accompanied by an adult. Anyone over this height must pay the regular fare.

That’s it for this guide to the NYC subway . I hope this cleared up any confusion or doubts you had about how to use the subway in NYC . If you have any other questions, leave me a comment below, and I’ll be happy to help.

Have an amazing time in the city that never sleeps!

Ascen Aynat

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New York Subway MTA Map 4+

Mta map and nyc transit app, mapway limited.

• #47 in Navigation
• 4.6 • 101.4K Ratings
• Offers In-App Purchases

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Description.

New York Subway uses the official MTA subway map and includes a helpful transit route planner. With over 12 million downloads worldwide this NYC subway map is free to download and will help you navigate around New York using the subway system. Features: Official MTA maps of the New York Subway. Including all 5 NYC boroughs - Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx and Staten Island. Easy-to-use transit route planner to get you from A to B on the subway. Works offline for help even without an internet connection. Service Status from MTA shows live information about delays with alerts sent straight to your phone.* Countdown Clocks for each subway station to check when the next train is due. Search for any subway station on the map or find the nearest station to your location from anywhere in New York. Plan routes to Points of Interest including Empire State Building, New York Botanical Garden and Times Square. Favorite your routes for quick access when on the move. Favorite your Home and Work stations for up to date station, line and route information E & E Alerts show any out of service elevators and escalators as well as an estimate for when they will return to service. Travel Guide VIP Features: Did you know that not all of the subway operates 24 hours a day? Get first and last train times for every day of the week.** Enhance your route planner with tips on the best car to board to be nearest the exit or platform when you’re changing service.** Advertising helps fund the development of this app, but you can help us out by going Ad-Free. Mapway make transit apps for cities all around the world with over 55 million downloads. If you’re visiting London, Paris or Berlin make sure you check out our other apps available to download for free. Plan. Route. Relax. *Whilst we endeavor that service status notifications are delivered in a timely manner we can’t guarantee this 100% of the time. There may be occasions when this isn’t available due to technical reasons outside of our control. **Available for most, but not all stations. New York Subway VIP available as an in-app subscription: $3.99 monthly or $9.99 annually, or as a one-off purchase of $23.99. Cancel at any time, for any reason. Payment will be charged to your iTunes Account at confirmation of purchase. Subscription automatically renews unless auto-renew is turned off at least 24-hours before the end of the current period. Your account will be charged for renewal within 24-hours prior to the end of the current period, at the cost of your chosen price tier. Subscriptions can be managed and auto-renewal may be turned off by going to Account Settings in your iTunes Account. Any unused portion of a free trial period, if offered, will be forfeited when a subscription to that publication is purchased, where applicable. Read our terms in full at https://www.mapway.com/terms-conditions/

Version 5.3.0

Thank you for downloading the app. We regularly update the app to make it better for you. This update includes some bug fixes and performance improvements. To make sure you don’t miss a thing, just keep your updates turned on. Got a question? Tap Support in the About section in the app.

Ratings and Reviews

101.4K Ratings

Great help for visitors

As out of Towners visiting NJ and NYC from out of state we were very thankful for the great service we experienced with NYC METRO. We purchased tickets in the Port Authority and with visitor info maps were able to quickly find routes, determine arrival times, etc. Sometimes it was difficult to know if we were in the right side of the platform, but after a few close calls we learned to see where the line ran and looked for those stops. Other riders were kind when we asked questions. The trains were usually very prompt. We didn't wait long at any time of day or night. When a car was full, we could easily wait for another. Having connections to the NJ bus and centrally located stops made our travels easy and saved some on our walking. In late night returns and after large entertainment events, I was grateful to see an obvious police presence. On the trains I was impressed with how clean the cars were, comfortable and well sir-conditioned on hot muggy days. Many cars had boards displaying the line and upcoming stops. Other riders were polite, helpful to each other. Looking forward to my next visit. K B.

Developer Response ,

We're happy to see you had a great time in NYC. We hope the app helped you get around. 😊

Missing important info

Good map that’s available offline. It’s very useful. I used to have notifications on but it became useless as there are only a few timeframes for notification that you can choose (I find that I get way too many for way too long...even though you only need it just 1 hr before you leave) and the notification itself is not specific about what the change in service is. Not helpful. And I found out that throughout using this app over a couple of years, it doesn’t let you know any weekend service changes - such as trains not running at all or skipping certain stations. This is a different type of notification aside from the usual incident/delay type of service change and it’s somehow hard to know unless you go to a specific page on the MTA website or go to the station to see notice flyers stuck on the wall. I dunno... but I get really annoyed when I go take the train and the train station itself is shut down at the same time it shows “good service” on this app. Now I have to either walk to another line/station and/or rearrange my whole transportation so I’m probably gonna be late for 30 mins.. Hopefully in the future this app can include such important info so we don’t get the run around from MTA so much as we do now.

Thank you so much for your review, we really value our users feedback. If you would like assistance with notifications this may be something we can help you with, simply email [email protected] All your other comments have been passed on to the development team and hopefully these are things we can improve upon. Thanks again.

You’ll miss your train

If you’ve ever used the NYC subway, you know that figuring out what train to take and where to transfer can often require split second decisions, and when you can’t get the info you need in time to make that decision, it will often result in you being severely delayed. This app used to be great for getting the information you need quickly, but now they have included ads that take the whole screen and cannot be skipped for up to 30 seconds. These ads usually come up when you’re just bringing up the app and need the info you’re looking for immediately, which has often resulted in me missing trains and getting delayed for over 30 mins because I can’t skip out of the ads. I usually can’t be bothered to leave reviews, but I feel like it’s my civic duty here to tell people to avoid this app and save yourself the frustration. There are other apps with maps which are better, such as the one named “NY Subway” which still has pop up ads but can be quickly clicked out of so you can get the info you’re looking for in time.

App Privacy

The developer, Mapway Limited , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

Data Used to Track You

The following data may be used to track you across apps and websites owned by other companies:

• Identifiers

Data Linked to You

The following data may be collected and linked to your identity:

Data Not Linked to You

The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:

• Diagnostics

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

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English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Traditional Chinese

• VIP Yearly + Free Trial $9.99
• VIP Monthly $3.99
• VIP Yearly $9.99
• VIP Lifetime $25.99
• Remove Ads Yearly $7.99
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Some in‑app purchases, including subscriptions, may be shareable with your family group when family sharing is enabled., more by this developer.

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How Well Do You Know the N.Y.C. Subway?

By Ana Ley June 18, 2024

The New York City subway is arguably the most famous transit network in America. How well do you know it? Take our quiz to find out.

What is the average speed of the subway?

17 miles per hour.

10 miles per hour.

25 miles per hour.

38 miles per hour.

Which animal have public officials not found in the subway system?

A flamingo.

Which New York politician avoided a loss of street cred by never being seen or admitting to struggling with a MetroCard at a subway turnstile?

Hillary Clinton.

George Pataki.

Andrew Cuomo.

Michael Bloomberg.

Rank these subway lines from most to least reliable, according to the most recent on-time performance rates:

What's the most common item that falls on the tracks and M.T.A. staff have to retrieve?

Engagement rings.

Wallets and IDs.

Cellphones.

New York City has more subway riders than anywhere else in the country. Which American city has the next busiest subway system, by number of annual trips?

Washington, D.C.

Philadelphia.

Which of these dogs is not allowed on the subway?

A large dog inside an IKEA bag.

A dog inside a stroller.

A small dog on a leash.

A medium size dog inside a pet carrier.

If the subway’s tracks were lined up from end to end, including portions that are used to store and maintain trains but do not carry riders, how far would they stretch?

Rank these busy subway stations from most to least heavily used, in that order:

Times Square.

Grand Central-42nd Street.

34th Street/Herald Square.

14th Street/Union Square.

How many surveillance cameras are in the subway's stations and train cars?

An earlier version of this quiz incorrectly identified the subway system with the second-most riders in the United States. It is in Washington, D.C., not Chicago.

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What It Costs: Luis Rivera Jr., who sells barbecue in the Bronx, began his business with a sauce. Here’s why his brisket sandwich now goes for $13.50 .

Sunday Routine : Regina Rocke, a sauna master who lives in Harlem, spends her Sundays  making snowballs for her classes, snuggling with her cats, working on her towel dances and texting with her fiancée nonstop.