How to Figure Out the NYC Subway System

The New York City subway system can be the cheapest and easiest way to travel through the city if you know how to use it. It can also be a nightmare if you don't know anything about how the system runs.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Print a copy of the NYC subway map to use as a reference.

1. 
    

   Decide how often you will need to use the subway. Buy a MetroCard at a kiosk in any subway station that suits your riding needs. It's ok if you underestimate how much you will be riding the subway, you can always reload your card.

2. When looking at a map of NYC, The Bronx is North, Queens is East, Brooklyn is South, and Manhattan is West. Know where you are in the city.

3. Decide where you want to go. Once you know where you want to go, determine which direction you want to head, (for example, if you are in Manhattan on 42nd St in Times Square and you want to go to 8th St to NYU, then you will want to find a subway taking you downtown).

4. Not all subway stations will take you directly where you want to go. You have to determine which station to get off at that will have a subway train that you can transfer to that will take you to your destination, (for example, if I was at Grand Central Station and I wanted to get to Broadway, I would want to take the 7 train to Time Sq and then transfer to a Q N or W train going uptown). Transferring to a different subway train does not cost extra if you do not exit the station.

Tips & Warnings

• In NYC, avenues generally run north and south and streets run east and west. If you're walking on an avenue, you'll know you are either heading north or south. While walking an avenue, if the side streets increase in number as you walk (ex. 42nd to 43rd), you'll know you're heading north; If they decrease, (ex. 60th to 59th) you'll know you're heading south.
• When in doubt, don't hesitate to ask a subway attendant for help.

Resources

• NYC Subway Map

[coot32]

on 8/21/2009 I will definatly remember this the next time i'm in ny

[newstime1999]

on 8/19/2009 Step 4 is important. You are right about the stations. Good job on article.

[itsmeoneandonly]

on 8/19/2009 I have read many eHows on the New York City subways, but this one is definitely the most straightforward. It is simply described in minimal steps which is refreshing. Great article. It helps immensely.

BTW. carrying a print out of the subway is a great tip!