How to take the NYC subway
Taking the subway in New York City is not as hard (or scary) as it looks! Here are few tips to navigate it like a pro.
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Instructions
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Buy a Metrocard. The last time I checked subway rides were 2 dollars one way but they go up periodically. I am old enough to remember when they were 1 dollar.
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You need to know one of two things: Uptown or Downtown. The uptown 6 for example will take you in the opposite direction of the downtown 6!
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If you need to get somewhere, know what street it is on. And the crosstreet. Not every train stops on every street, but if you can get close enough you can walk the rest. For streets like 42nd or other big streets, it's helpful if you know the crosstreets.
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One train will not go to your destination sometimes and you will need to transfer. Transfers are free. You will need to know Uptown/Downtown. This is important. For example to get to 23rd street from Canarsie, Brooklyn, you'd take the L train to 14th Street Union Square, then transfer to the UPTOWN 6.
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Get a train map. If you don't want to look like a tourist, they have them inside the train cars also. Don't be afraid to look over a New Yorker's head if they are sitting down. We are used to this by everyone, New Yorkers, tourists. etc.
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Know if your train is a local or express! If it is local that means it will stop at every stop, express will not. You don't want to miss your stop. Some trains have both local and express trains. There are signs over the train stations but you can always ask someone.
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If you are confused and the train map isn't helping, ask someone. Most New Yorkers know the subway system better than they know their own kids!! Ok, maybe not their kids, but at least their pets!
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Tips & Warnings
If you get lost, don't worry, you'll figure out the subway in no time
If you accidentally get on an uptown and you meant to go downtown, ask someone where you can catch the downtown. Just get off that stop, walk over to the correct train across from the train you're on.
The subway is not glamorous, but it works! It gets a bad rap sometimes for safety, but I've never had a bad experience and I took the subway for 6 years!
Stand clear of the closing doors!
Even though I find the subway to be fairly safe, there are still things I do for safety especially if it's late or you're alone!
Be alert of your surroundings. Don't pull out money, valuables, etc. Don't stand to close to the edge of the platform and if you're not comfortable with someone near you on the platform or train car, don't hesitate to move!
