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Subway New York: How does the subway work in New York?

April 6, 2025 Citie to Travel Comments Off

The subway in New York is the mode of transportation for millions of people who traverse the city every day. For tourists, it is the way to travel quickly, inexpensively and efficiently from one attraction to another. But how does the subway actually work? What should you pay attention to? And how do you pay for it? In this blog you will read everything you need to know to use the subway in New York without stress.

The New York subway: on the go 24/7

What makes New York’s subway system unique is that it runs 24/7. The network consists of nearly 500 stations across Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx and Staten Island. The subway lines are indicated by colors and numbers or letters, such as lines 1, 2, 3 or A, C, E.

When entering a station, you can clearly see whether the subway is heading Uptown (north) or Downtown (south). It is important to enter immediately on the right side; not every station offers a passage between platforms.

This is how you pay for the subway in New York

The New York subway system uses the modern OMNY system. With it, you can pay contactless by credit card, phone or a special OMNY card. Below we explain the three payment options.

1. Traveling with your credit card

The easiest way to pay is with a contactless credit card. You simply hold the card against the OMNY reader at the gate and you’re in. A ride costs $2.90 and there is no need to check out. Traveling on the New York subway is quick this way, and you can carry up to four people on one card (only the first one saves free rides, see below).

2. Pay with your phone or smartwatch

Do you have Apple Pay or Google Pay? Then you can also use your phone or smartwatch to access the New York subway. Make sure your credit card is linked and your device has enough battery.

Please note that a stable connection can help with payment processing.

3. Using the OMNY card

Do you prefer a physical card? Then the OMNY card is a convenient alternative. You buy this card at larger metro stations, drug stores or supermarkets around town. The card temporarily costs $1, but will increase to $5 in 2025. You can reload it with cash or a debit card. This also makes it easy to travel on the New York City subway.

What does subway travel cost in New York?

A single ride on the New York City subway costs $2.90. That fare applies regardless of distance. You can transfer to other subway lines along the way without paying again, as long as you stay within the system.

Free travel after 12 trips

A useful feature of OMNY is the “fare capping” system: if you make 12 rides within 7 days using the same payment method, all subsequent rides that week are free. So if you use the New York subway a lot in one week, you’ll travel after that 12th ride at no extra cost.

Important: Use the same card or phone for all rides. Only then will OMNY add up your rides.

How many people can travel on one means of payment?

You can travel with up to four people at a time through one gate, provided you scan the same card or phone multiple times. But: only the first traveler saves for free rides. Want everyone to take advantage of the 12-ride benefit? Then provide separate payment methods for each person.

Subway lines in New York

Each line of the New York subway has a color and is indicated by a letter or number. It is important to take the right line as well as check if you are taking a “local” (stops at every station) or “express” train (skips stations). Apps like Google Maps or the official MTA app will help you find the fastest route.

As an example, Line 1 is red and goes from The Bronx through Manhattan to southern Brooklyn. Line A (blue) goes from northern Manhattan all the way to Far Rockaway in Queens.

How do you make a transfer on the subway in New York?

As a tourist, transferring in a major subway system may seem complicated, but on the New York subway it’s actually quite easy – as long as you know what to look out for. Below we explain step by step how to transfer, and whether you have to pay extra to do so.

This is how to make a transfer on the New York subway

1. Stay in the station

When you get off the train and want to transfer, stay inside the station. Follow the signs with the color and letter or number of the line you want to transfer to. These hang clearly at the top of stairs or corridors.

2. Pay attention to direction

Always check that you are going in the right direction: Uptown (north) or Downtown (south). This is indicated at each stairway or platform.

3. Sometimes you have to cross the platform

In some older stations the platforms are separated from different directions. In that case, you have to cross via stairs or a tunnel. This costs nothing extra as long as you stay within the station.

4. Use transfer stations smartly

Major interchanges like Times Square, Atlantic Avenue or 59th Street-Columbus Circle make transferring extra easy. Here several lines converge and you often only need to change platforms.

Do you have to pay extra to switch?

No, transferring is free. Once you have checked in with your credit card, phone or OMNY card, you can transfer to another metro line within 2 hours without paying again. As long as you don’t leave the subway station (i.e. don’t exit through the gates), the system just counts this as one ride.

Tips for traveling by subway in New York

1. Use common sense: be alert to your belongings, especially in crowded carriages.

2. Get people out before you get in.

3. Stand right, walk left on escalators.

4. Do not make eye contact and be respectful to other travelers.

5. Plan your trip with an app so you know if there are any delays or works.

Is the subway in New York safe?

Many tourists wonder if traveling by subway in New York is safe. The short answer: yes, in general, the subway system is safe to use, even if you are in the city for the first time. Millions of people use it every day – from commuters to families with children to other travelers like you.

That said, as in any big city, it is important to remain vigilant. Here are some tips to make your subway ride in New York as safe as possible:

1. Avoid empty subway cars – Prefer to board a car where people are already seated, especially at night.

2. Take care of your belongings – Keep your bag close to you and don’t leave valuables lying around visibly.

3. Be aware of your surroundings – Wear earplugs rather than large headphones to keep you alert.

4. Use well-lit stations – Especially if you travel alone at night.

5. Follow your gut – Does something not feel right? Get off and wait for the next train or ask a staff member for help.

Police are also a regular presence at stations and on trains, and the MTA (the subway company) has security cameras in many locations. So traveling by subway in New York is perfectly fine, as long as you follow the usual safety rules.

For extra peace of mind, travel during the busier hours, between 7:00-10:00 a.m. and 4:00-7:00 p.m., when there are many travelers.

Conclusion

The New York subway is without a doubt the fastest and most efficient way to get around this impressive metropolis. Whether you’re on your way to Times Square, Central Park or a hidden neighborhood in Brooklyn, the subway will get you everywhere. Thanks to its contactless payment system, 24/7 service and clear structure, traveling is easy, even if you’re there for the first time.

For tourists, the New York subway is not only practical, but also an experience in itself. You travel among locals, taste the atmosphere of the city and get to know New York the way New Yorkers themselves do. With a little preparation and common sense, you will also travel safely and relaxed.

In short: get in, swipe your card or phone, and discover New York the way it should be done – via the subway.

Special offers for a city trip to New York

Are you going on a city break to New York and would like to visit some of the sights and attractions, take advantage of the offers below and save money on your admission tickets.