Visiting New York by subway
To visit New York, several means of transportation are available to you: taxi, skateboard, bicycle, or even horse-drawn carriage! However, the New York City subway remains the best practical and financially accessible option. Here's an overview of how it operates.
Purchase your transit pass to take the New York City subway
First and foremost, you should purchase your New York MetroCard. There are several types of tickets that grant you access to the subway. You can buy single-ride tickets or get a card that is valid for multiple days. Whichever option you choose, you can make your purchase directly at the subway stations, either at the ticket booths or at the automated machines available in multiple languages!
Subway map: all the advantages
The Regular MetroCard or Pay-Per-Ride is a card with a rechargeable balance (between $5.50 and $100) that allows you to pay only for the trips you take. It costs $2.75 per ride instead of $3, and you can use it for up to 4 people by swiping it multiple times through the turnstiles.
If you're staying approximately a week, we recommend getting the Unlimited Ride MetroCard for $31. It becomes cost-effective after 13 trips, and it activates on your first use. Therefore, you can purchase it the day before to save some time.
Note: Children under 112 cm travel for free, regardless of age.
New York: a vast subway network accessible 24 hours a day
The New York City subway system has 425 stations spread across 24 lines, totaling 380 kilometers of tracks. Good news for night owls: all New York City public transportation networks operate 24/7! Generally, each subway line is identified by a color and a letter, as in any typical subway system.
Distinguish between the "Local" and "Express" subway lines.
The New York City subway system has a few unique features. Some trains stop at every station; these are called "Local Trains." Others, however, only stop at major stations, which significantly cuts down travel time on longer routes. These are the "Express Trains." Stations marked with a white circle on the maps accommodate both types of trains. Conversely, stations marked with a black circle are only served by Local Trains. The type of train is indicated on each platform at the station.
Differentiating North and South
To know which direction to take your subway, it's important to understand the difference between "Uptown" and "Downtown." If you're heading north in New York City, take a train going "Uptown." Conversely, if you're heading south, board a train going "Downtown."
One drawback of the New York City subway is that it primarily serves the north-south axis. Generally, stations are far apart from each other on the east-west axis. Therefore, make sure you don't have too much walking before starting your journey.
Use the New York City subway's WiFi network to find your way back
Of course, the New York City subway map is displayed in all subway stations. However, if you have any doubts, know that free wifi has gradually been rolled out throughout the entire New York City subway system. To use it, simply select the network TRANSITWIRELESSWIFI, a handy tool for finding your way, navigating a map, or even locating your next destination to visit.
Use your MetroCard to take the cable car
Lastly, know that your subway card is valid for traveling to Roosevelt Island, a place accessible only by tram. The Roosevelt Island Tramway cabin crosses over the East River, providing you with an incredible view of Midtown.
Your MetroCard is valid for one year. If you plan to return to New York within the year, you can keep it and simply reload it when you come back. Otherwise, it will always be a valuable memento of your time in the Big Apple!
The New York subway allows you to enjoy the city's buzz in safety, as each subway car is equipped with two security cameras. However, be cautious of subway rides in the summer, as despite the air conditioning on the trains, the temperature in the stations can quickly become oppressive.
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