New York City Subways

New York City's subway system is one of the things most likely to cause anxiety for first-time and even repeat visitors to the city. Tourists may have heard that it's confusing (somewhat true), dangerous (almost entirely false), dirty (yes, but not as bad as you might think) or filled with rats (only in the middle of the night). But hassles and aspersions aside, the subway is the best, fastest and cheapest way to navigate New York City: so much so that if you're ever late anywhere, the best excuse you can offer is "I took a cab."

The New York City subway system connects four boroughs (a ferry goes to Staten Island which has both a bus and an above-ground rail system). Payment is via MetroCard (tokens were phased out ages ago). The basic fare is $2 and includes a free transfer to the bus system (sometimes useful for getting "cross town"). You can reduce your fare by buying an unlimited card (available for 1 day, 1 week, 2 weeks or 30 days). Metrocards are available in pre-set denominations at some convenience stores, but mostly you buy them via machine (cash, debit or credit) within the subway system.

The subway map is posted in all stations and you can request a free-one at the booths (we frequently still call them "token booths" even though they no longer sell tokens) within the system. You will notice that the trains are given letter or number designations and are frequently grouped by color. For example the 1/2/3 trains are all indicated with red symbols.

Despite this color grouping a native New Yorker will never ever refer to a train by color. If you do so you will look like a tourist, which, even though you are one, is not something you actually want to do. The origin of the color grouping relates to the time when the New York City subway was actually run by multiple companies such as the IRT (Interborough Rapid Transit) or the BMT (Brooklyn-Manhattan Transit). It should be noted that some older New Yorkers will still refer to the lines with these abbreviations.

In Manhattan the 4/5/6 trains navigate the East Side, while the 1/2/3 and A/C/E trains navigate the West Side. The S or Shuttle joins Times Square and Grand Central while the F/V, N/R/Q/W and the 7 all cut across the the island diagonally at some point on their journeys. Because of the shape of Manhattan island most trains converge or at least stop very close to each other once you get to the Wall Street area.

When riding the subway expect it to very crowded before 9am and from 5pm - 7pm. If you can avoid bringing luggage or strollers on the subway at these hours you will be a much happier person. The subway is busy, but not intolerable throughout the day and well into the evening.

While the subway runs 24/7, it is important to remember that the age of the New York City subway system (it opened in 1904) creates a need for constant repairs and improvements, which sometimes reroute or close lines between midnight and 5am or on the weekends. Always read the signs on the platform about upcoming schedule changes.

Because New York City never sleeps, the subway is rarely empty, and while some people will tell you it's not safe at all hours, I've traveled alone on the subway at every conceivable hour my whole life and have never had a problem

The age of the subway system also means that the platforms are not heated or air-conditioned, however, the trains are. Additionally, the subway system is only partially accessible for people with disabilities. Not all stations have elevators and some transfer points within the system require the use of stairs. Accessible stations are indicated on the subway map. If you're in a wheelchair, unless you are traveling between two major stations, you're probably better off on the bus system (exact change or MetroCard).

Crime is not rampant in the subway, although you should be aware of purse, chain and wallet snatchers particularly on the 4/5/6, which is a crowded line that serves several wealthy neighborhoods in Manhattan. You are far more likely to deal with unwanted touching -- both the innocuous kind due to crowds the kind involving inappropriate behavior. The good news is that subway passengers look out for each other and the system is well policed so inappropriate behavior is rarely allowed to continue for long.

Be aware that because of fears of terrorism the police presence in the subway does include random bag searches, usually at the entrances to stations (the search points are constantly rotated). If you encounter a bag search and do not wish to comply, that's perfectly legal, just go back up the stairs and try a different entrance of that station or walk up to the next one.

If you have sensitive hearing, be aware that the system can be extremely loud and some people, particularly musicians, may prefer to wear ear-plugs within it.

There is no reason to fear the New York City subway system. Follow the signs, stay out of the way of crowds while trying to figure out a map (and don't stop in the middle of staircases!) and you'll do just fine. To play your subway route in advance and to see how long it should take visit HopStop.com.