Traveling by Subway in New York: Useful Tips and Info
Published on 30 January 2024,. Last updated on 31 May 2025,
New York Info
The subway in New York is the most popular mode of transportation among locals and tourists alike. Every day, about 5.4 million people use the subway. During your stay, it’s often the fastest and cheapest way to get around the city. But how does the system work, and how do you pay for a ride? In this blog, we explain everything step by step so you can travel the subway in New York with ease.
Why Using the Subway in New York Is So Convenient
The subway runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s one of the cheapest and fastest ways to get around New York City. You avoid traffic jams, expensive taxis, and long walks.
How the Subway in New York Works
To travel by subway, head to the nearest subway station. At the entrance, signs clearly show the direction of the trains: Uptown/Queens (north) or Downtown/Brooklyn (south).
Before boarding, you must pass through the turnstiles. These open when you pay using OMNY, the contactless payment system. You can pay with a credit card, phone, smartwatch, or an OMNY card.
Note: The turnstiles are quite narrow, so keep that in mind if you have luggage.
How to Pay for the Subway in New York
In the past, you paid with the yellow MetroCard. Since 2022, this has been gradually replaced by OMNY. And as of 2025, you can no longer use the MetroCard. Make sure you’re ready and switch to OMNY before your trip.
3 Ways to Pay with OMNY
1. Use a Credit Card
A credit card is almost essential in New York. You can’t use most European debit cards. Luckily, your credit card works fine for subway travel. Tap it on the OMNY screen at the gate. Each ride costs $2.90. No need to check out.
Good to know: you can travel with up to 4 people on one credit card.
2. Use Your Phone or Smartwatch
Prefer to use your phone or smartwatch? No problem. Make sure your credit card is linked to Apple Pay or Google Pay. This way you can pay contactless at the gates.
The rechargeable OMNY card is similar to the old MetroCard, but easier to use. You hold it close to the screen of the access gate and can travel immediately. The card is rechargeable and works completely contactless.
How much does the OMNY card cost?
From 2025, the OMNY card will cost $5. You pay this amount once when purchasing the card.
Where do you buy the card?
The OMNY card is available for purchase at various locations in New York:
1. Large subway stations (OMNY machines)
2. Drugstores like CVS and Walgreens
3. Supermarkets
4. 4. Other authorized points of sale
You can top it up using cash or a credit card.
Subway Fares and Discounts
Single Ride Cost
A one-way subway ride costs $2.90 for everyone.
Free Rides After 12 Trips
Do you always use the same payment method? Then you benefit from a nice discount: after 12 paid rides within 7 days, you travel for free on the subway in New York for the rest of that week.
Please note: this only works if you do all journeys with the same payment method. Do you alternate between card and phone? Then the system does not count this as one series.
How Many People Can Use One Payment Method?
You can travel with up to four people at the same time using one payment method (e.g. credit card). However, the free trips after 12 trips only apply to the first account. Do you want everyone to benefit? Then make sure that each person uses their own payment method, or link one credit card to multiple devices such as a phone and watch.
The New York Subway Lines Explained
Subway lines are color-coded and marked with letters (A, B, C…) and numbers (1, 2, 3…). Always check if you’re entering in the right direction. Sometimes, you can’t switch directions once inside.
The New York Subway Map
Subway maps (New York subway map) are available at all stations or you can ask at the ticket office for a free map showing all lines. Or click the link below to view and save the New York subway map to your phone or computer.
Traveling by Subway in New York: Useful Tips and Info
The subway in New York is the most popular mode of transportation among locals and tourists alike. Every day, about 5.4 million people use the subway. During your stay, it’s often the fastest and cheapest way to get around the city. But how does the system work, and how do you pay for a ride? In this blog, we explain everything step by step so you can travel the subway in New York with ease.
Why Using the Subway in New York Is So Convenient
The subway runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It’s one of the cheapest and fastest ways to get around New York City. You avoid traffic jams, expensive taxis, and long walks.
How the Subway in New York Works
To travel by subway, head to the nearest subway station. At the entrance, signs clearly show the direction of the trains: Uptown/Queens (north) or Downtown/Brooklyn (south).
Before boarding, you must pass through the turnstiles. These open when you pay using OMNY, the contactless payment system. You can pay with a credit card, phone, smartwatch, or an OMNY card.
Note: The turnstiles are quite narrow, so keep that in mind if you have luggage.
How to Pay for the Subway in New York
In the past, you paid with the yellow MetroCard. Since 2022, this has been gradually replaced by OMNY. And as of 2025, you can no longer use the MetroCard. Make sure you’re ready and switch to OMNY before your trip.
3 Ways to Pay with OMNY
1. Use a Credit Card
A credit card is almost essential in New York. You can’t use most European debit cards. Luckily, your credit card works fine for subway travel. Tap it on the OMNY screen at the gate. Each ride costs $2.90. No need to check out.
Good to know: you can travel with up to 4 people on one credit card.
2. Use Your Phone or Smartwatch
Prefer to use your phone or smartwatch? No problem. Make sure your credit card is linked to Apple Pay or Google Pay. This way you can pay contactless at the gates.
A good internet connection is useful, so consider an American eSIM with a data bundle for your trip.
3. Use an OMNY Card
The rechargeable OMNY card is similar to the old MetroCard, but easier to use. You hold it close to the screen of the access gate and can travel immediately. The card is rechargeable and works completely contactless.
How much does the OMNY card cost?
From 2025, the OMNY card will cost $5. You pay this amount once when purchasing the card.
Where do you buy the card?
The OMNY card is available for purchase at various locations in New York:
1. Large subway stations (OMNY machines)
2. Drugstores like CVS and Walgreens
3. Supermarkets
4. 4. Other authorized points of sale
You can top it up using cash or a credit card.
Subway Fares and Discounts
Single Ride Cost
A one-way subway ride costs $2.90 for everyone.
Free Rides After 12 Trips
Do you always use the same payment method? Then you benefit from a nice discount: after 12 paid rides within 7 days, you travel for free on the subway in New York for the rest of that week.
Please note: this only works if you do all journeys with the same payment method. Do you alternate between card and phone? Then the system does not count this as one series.
How Many People Can Use One Payment Method?
You can travel with up to four people at the same time using one payment method (e.g. credit card). However, the free trips after 12 trips only apply to the first account. Do you want everyone to benefit? Then make sure that each person uses their own payment method, or link one credit card to multiple devices such as a phone and watch.
The New York Subway Lines Explained
Subway lines are color-coded and marked with letters (A, B, C…) and numbers (1, 2, 3…). Always check if you’re entering in the right direction. Sometimes, you can’t switch directions once inside.
The New York Subway Map
Subway maps (New York subway map) are available at all stations or you can ask at the ticket office for a free map showing all lines. Or click the link below to view and save the New York subway map to your phone or computer.
Our Experience with the Subway in New York
We found using the subway in New York easy, fast, and affordable. The OMNY system makes everything simple. No tickets, no waiting—just tap and go.
Even for first-time visitors, the system is easy to follow. Signs are clear, and stations are well marked.
Tip: Use a subway app or Google Maps to see routes and times quickly.
Our 5 practical tips for traveling by subway in New York
Based on our experience, we would like to share these 5 useful tips:
1. Always use the same payment method. This way, you can unlock free rides after 12 trips.
2. Avoid peak hours It’s less crowded and more comfortable.
3. Download a subway app. You’ll get real-time route info and service updates.
4. Choose the correct entrance. Not all stations allow switching directions inside.
5. Plan ahead. Some subway lines don’t stop at every station late at night.
Edward and Raziye
Authors New York Info
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