New York City(NYC) Public Transportation System – A to Z

Travelling in and around New York City can certainly be a little overwhelming. This article is meant to clear out the blur and anxiety within you, whilst travelling or navigating NYC’s public transportation.

New York City is a well-connected city between all its five boroughs. NYC has three main types of transport systems – Subway, Bus and Ferry. The other sub-transport system includes yellow cabs, Uber & Lyft, and bikes (citibike)

Disclaimer: If you’re new to New York City (NYC) or visiting for the first time, and you consider yourself to be a human, you’ll most likely get lost at least once. It’s just part and parcel of the game. If you happen to go a little off-track, there is absolutely nothing wrong with you and also remember that you are not the only one. NYC doesn’t even spare its locals from getting lost in the city. It’s just the way New York qualifies you as a traveller.

Always keep in mind that you are never too far from support or assistance within the MTA or public transportation system in New York City.

New York Subway System

The New York Subway System is undoubtedly the fastest, cost-effective and most efficient way to navigate through the city.

The subway system of NYC runs 24/7 for all 365 days. It has 27 different lines and 472 stations.

Subways go by letters and numbers but not colours. Colours are of no importance as they only represent the related trains that run along some of the same tracks.

At first glance, the New York Subway System could certainly be a little intimidating for first-timers. Let me handhold you and help you navigate the NYC Subway System. I guarantee you that after reading this article/blog, you will ride the NYC Subway like a native New Yorker.

Let me start with one of the most important things to observe in New York: remember that the trains follow the direction of the traffic.

Express Train Vs Local Train Service

The NYC subway system has an express train service and a local train service. An express train skips stations along the way to provide a faster service, whereas the local train stops at every station. Local and express lines often use different tracks altogether. Make sure you are standing on the right platform for the train you want to catch.

Crosstown Trains

Crosstown trains are the trains that cross Manhattan in the east-west direction, along the streets. The crosstown trains run on the 59^th, 53^rd, 42^nd, and 14^th streets.

Times Square and Grand Central Stations

These are two major subway stations on Manhattan’s 42nd Street. Times Square Station will provide you access to trains operating along Manhattan’s western portion, while Grand Central Station would grant you access to all trains travelling along Manhattan’s eastern side.

Pro-tip – There is a subway shuttle on 42nd street connecting Times Square Station and Grand Central Station. It’s called the 42nd Street Shuttle, also known as Grand Central/Times Square Shuttle.

Two important things to keep in mind while entering the New York subway –

1. At the entrance and exit of every subway station, you would see a lamp post. These lampposts have coloured balls placed on the top. The colour would indicate if that subway station is open or closed. Green means open, whereas red indicates temporarily shut. A red lamp post could also suggest that the station is exit-only.
2. Some subway stations, in particular downtown Manhattan, there are specific entrances for specific unidirectional trains. There might be one entrance designated for all downtown trains, whereas a separate entrance for all uptown trains, immediately across the street or a block away. Hence, when you are entering the subway way station, make sure to confirm that the direction of the train matches your destination.  

Pro-Tip – As I have stated before, remember that the trains follow the direction of the traffic.

NYC Metro Card

A MetroCard is your passport to the New York City subway system. To ride the subway, you must first obtain a MetroCard. Once you have a MetroCard, you can use it on local bus transportation as well. Here’s a beginner’s guide to the New York Metro Card!

Where Can I Buy a MetroCard?

• You could easily buy a Metro Card at the vending machines located at the subway stations.
• MetroCards are up for sale at the ticketing booths located at the subway stations.
• Merchants across NYC (newsstands, grocery stores, etc.) displaying MetroCard signage in their windows sell select types of MetroCards.
• A new MetroCard costs $1.

How Can I Pay for my MetroCard?

• At MetroCard vending machines – Cash, ATM cards and Credit cards are accepted. (if paying in cash, make sure to have exact change. The vending machines can return only $9 in change and do so only with dollar coins.)
• When you pay with your credit card, the machine will ask you for your ZIP code. For foreigners with foreign addresses, enter 99999 as your ZIP code. If you do not enter your ZIP code, the machine will restrict you from going past this point of purchase.
• Subway Station Booths accept cash only.

How to Buy a MetroCard in NYC?

Allow me to help you buy your first metro card at the vending machine.

Just follow these simple steps – click on start > select your language > click on MetroCard > select get new card > then as per your requirement, choose between Regular MetroCard / Unlimited Ride (tip – choose Unlimited Ride only if your stay in NYC is for four days or more.) > if you select regular > add value based on the number of times you would need to use the metro card > select the mode of payment (Cash, ATM Card or Credit Card) > Post payment, you shall see your MetroCard sticking out of the vending machine.

Make sure to take your MetroCard before you leave the kiosk. That’s it, you’re all set to explore New York – New York. 

Types of MetroCards and Their Cost

1. Regular MetroCard (Pay-Per-Ride) – With a Regular MetroCard, you can pay as you go (pay-per-ride). You can add value to your card as and when required. The cost per swipe is $2.75, which is deducted at the beginning of every trip. The minimum balance for a new MetroCard is $5.50.
2. Unlimited Ride – If you are in NYC for four days or more, I recommend you to select the option of Unlimited Ride. If you are in the city for less than four days, getting a Regular MetroCard would be your best bet. In the Unlimited Ride, you would have 3 Options to select from:
   1. 7-Day Pass – will cost you $33 (+ $1 fee for New MetroCard)
   2. 30-Day Pass – will cost you $127 (+ $1 fee for New MetroCard)
   3. Express Bus 7-Day – will cost you $62 (+ $1 fee for New MetroCard)
3. Single Ride – As the name suggests, this card can only be used/swiped once. The cost for a single ride MetroCard is $3. Single Ride Cards are not refillable.  

A quick summary about Subway Fares:

• Riding the subway costs $2.75.
• A new MetroCard would cost you $1. You can top-up all MetroCards except for the Single Ride Card.
• When accompanied by a fare-paying adult, up to 3 children (under 3 feet 7 inches tall), ride the subway for free.
• An Unlimited MetroCard could save you money if you’re staying for a longer duration in NYC.

Important Tips:

1. The easiest way to navigate the city is by using the Citymapper app. It allows you to take a glance at all possible modes of transport available (subway’s, trains, ferries, cars, biking, walking) under one roof. It simplifies your life by estimating the cost and time required to reach your desired location. It’s a useful tool that lets you decide how to get around the city without losing your precious time. 
2. Avoid the rush hours, from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and then from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., for a hassle-free commute on the NYC subway.
3. If you have an unlimited ride MetroCard, remember that you can’t swipe within 18min of your last swipe. You can only swipe again after the completion of 18min.