The New York subway is the most popular mode of transportation among New Yorkers. Traveling by subway in New York is fast, safe and convenient and it runs 24/7. The New York subway is also one of the cheapest ways to explore the city and travel from A to B.
How should you travel by subway in New York?
The subway, better known in New York as the subway, is safe and very convenient as a means of transportation. To travel by subway, go to the nearest subway station. (subway) At the entrance it is clearly indicated which direction the subway goes; either north (Uptown and Queens) or south (Downtown and Brooklyn).
To get to the platform of the subway, you must first go through entrance gates. These gates open when you swipe your MetroCard through the designated slot, or place your contactless payment device (OMNY) on the screen. note that the gates are fairly narrow, so keep that in mind if you plan to travel with luggage.
How do you pay for the subway in New York?
Currently, you can still pay with the well-known yellow subway card in New York, but since 2022 New York is implementing a new payment system that system is called OMNY. And as of 2023, it is already possible to make contactless payments with the OMNY system. And New York’s yellow subway map is scheduled to disappear in 2024. And you can only pay contactless via the OMNY system.
How the OMNY system works
On the subway’s entrance gates, you will see a screen since 2022. Allows you to make contactless payments using your credit card, smartphone or watch. There is also a rechargeable subway card that can currently be purchased for $1.You can buy the OMNY rechargeable subway card at vending machines at the subway station or larger drug stores. You can charge the cards and thus use them contactless at the familiar gate at any subway station. The “Pay-Per-Ride” fare with the OMNY system will be $2.90 per ride. And you can use one OMNY card/payment method with up to 4 people.
Discounts for traveling with OMNY
If you take the subway 12 times within seven days, you will not pay extra money from the thirteenth ride. But this this only applies to one person and only if you use the same type of payment method per trip. If you want discounts for more than one person, you need to have your own payment method for each person.
The Subway Lines in New York
Subway lines in New York are color-coded and each line can be divided into letters (A, B, C, etc.) and numbers (1, 2, 3, etc.) depending on the direction. Be sure to pay attention to whether you are going in the right direction when you walk into the subway station. You often cannot walk indoors from one track to another.
Tips for using the subway in New York
For subway travel, it is wise to observe the basic rules below.
- When walking up or down the escalator, always use the left side. Otherwise, stand to the right to make it easier for other passengers to pass through.
- Don’t stare at people on the subway or on platforms.
- In the subway, always let people get off before going in.
- Give up your seat to people who need it (the elderly, pregnant women, the disabled, etc.).
- Do not take up other seats with your belongings.
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 button below to view and save New York’s subway map.
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New York Advantage Passes
Want to save money when visiting sights and attractions in New york? Then buy a benefit pass. Whether you plan to visit New York for a week, a month or even longer, it is almost always worth buying a New York Pass. Even if you only see a few attractions, it can save you money, especially if you are visiting new York for the first time and want to see everything. Which benefit pass is best for you depends on the length of your stay in New York, the number of attractions you want to visit.
