Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Getting Around
Subway
Best for…
making a beeline across town - up or down - regardless of the above-
ground traffic situation.
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The New York subway's 660-mile system, run by the
Metropolitan Transportation
clock and easily the fastest and most reliable way to get around the city. It's also safer and
(a bit) cleaner than it used to be (and now has overly cheerful automated announcements on
some lines).
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New York's classic subway tokens now belong to the ages: today all buses and subways
use the yellow-and-blue MetroCard, which you can purchase or add value to at one of sev-
eral easy-to-use automated machines at any station. You can use cash or an ATM or credit
card. Just select 'Get new card' and follow the prompts. Tip: if you're not from the US,
when the machine asks for your zip code, enter 99999.
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The card itself costs $1. You then select one of two types of MetroCard. The 'pay-per-
ride' is $2.50 per ride, though the MTA tacks on a 5% bonus on MetroCards over $5. (Buy
a $20 card, and you'll receive $21 worth of credit). If you plan to use the subway quite a
bit, you can also buy an 'unlimited ride' card ($30 for a seven-day pass).
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It's a good idea to grab a free map, available from any attendant. When in doubt, ask
someone who looks like they know what they're doing. They may not, but subway confu-
sion (and consternation) is the great unifier in this diverse city. And if you're new to the un-
derground, never wear headphones when you're riding, as you might miss an important an-
nouncement about track changes or skipped stops.
