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1/ Distinguish between “Local” and “Express”
- In New York, there are two types of subway: “Local trains” which stop at all stations and “Express trains”, which only stop at main stationssaving a lot of time on long journeys.
- On the New York subway map, it is very easy to tell the difference: the stations indicated by a white circle accommodate both types of trains, “Local trains” and “Express trains”, while the stations indicated by a black circle only accommodate “Local trains”. You will find a subway map on this page dedicated to the New York subway.
When you’re on the platform of a metro station that receives both types of trains, just look for the “Local” and “Express” signs at the bottom of the stairs. After a few trips, you will quickly understand this very practical system!
2/ Distinguish between “Uptown” and “Dowtown”
This is the other info you need to know to navigate almost with your eyes closed: the difference between “Uptown” and “Downtown”. This indication that you will find in the corridors of the metro indicates the direction of the trains: trains going “Uptown” head north while trains going “Downtown” head towards the southern tip of Manhattan, the Financial District. Once again, you will get used to it very quickly!
3/ The metro operates 24 hours a day
- If you want to extend your evening, there’s no need to watch your watch for fear of missing the last metro! In New York, the subways run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week! However, in the middle of the night, the frequencies are much lower than during peak hours.
4/ Where to buy your ticket?
- You can buy your single tickets or metro cards valid for several days directly at the counters located in the metro. But it is better to have a good command of English because the metro attendant will not make any effort to help you. Add to that the sizzle of the intercom and you might get a response like, “That’s Zzz… orty Crrr… bucks… Crrrr?” »
- My advice: buy your tickets at the vending machines. It’s much simpler, especially since it is possible to select French as the language! To realize how easy it is to buy a subway ticket with automatons, I invite you to watch this video shot by Smain which explains how to buy a subway ticket in New York.
5/ Opt for the MetroCard 7-Day
- If you’re in New York for a week, buy the MetroCard 7-Day right away, the subway and bus card valid for 7 days. For $33, it’s the best option for unlimited subway and bus rides, even for short trips.
- Good to know: you can buy your MetroCard the day of your arrival but only activate it the next day. A trick that allows you to gain a day of validity 😉
6/ Also use the bus
- The MetroCard also giving you access to the bus network, take advantage of it! I advise you to vary the means of transport and not only use the metro. Certainly the metro is a fast means of transport but the bus will allow you to take a look at neighborhoods where you will not necessarily walk.
- I also advise you to test a crossing of Central Park by bus: it will give you another overview of the park.
7/ The subway ticket is valid for Roosevelt Island
- Take advantage of your metro card to treat yourself to a short ride in the… cable car. Subway tickets and subscriptions are also valid for the Roosevelt Island Tramwaya cable car that spans an arm of the East River to reach Roosevelt Island.
- I advise you to take this little detour because the view of Midtown is nice and this alpine experience surprising! A little more and we would expect to come across skiers 🙂
8/ Keep your MetroCard
- Your MetroCard is valid for one year after its date of issue. If you ever come back to New York during the year or if you know a friend who is leaving for New York just after you, know that it will be possible to recharge the MetroCard and save the price of the card, or $1. It’s symbolic but always good to know!
- On the New York forum, I also know that many New York fans keep their MetroCard as a souvenir in their wallet. A little piece of New York always nearby!
9/ Take advantage of free WiFi
- Free WiFi internet access has been widely deployed in all New York subway stations. The system is already available at major Manhattan stations.
- To connect to the network, open your WiFi settings and select the TRANSITWIRELESSWIFI network. You will then arrive on a home page where you can start the connection.
10/ Never step over the gates
- If your MetroCard has a problem and does not pass, Above all, do not step over the small portico because you would be at fault and risk a fine. If there is a problem with your card, simply go to the counter where you can present your card. The problem will be quickly solved. See this article on 10 things not to do in New York.
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