Is the New York subway safe?

Wondering if the New York subway is dangerous? Here's what you need to know, backed by facts and statistics!

To get around New York City efficiently, the New York subway is your fastest and most affordable option. But is it safe?

Stay aware, but don’t worry

Like any major city worldwide, New York has its risks. You shouldn’t wear expensive jewelry, leave your iPhone on the seat, or ignore your surroundings.
Tip: don’t tempt pickpockets and keep an eye on your belongings, camera, and phone. Use the New York subway the same way you’d use public transit at home. You’ll find that the subway is quite safe, day or night.

The New York subway runs 24/7, and nighttime is no more risky than daytime. You’ll quickly notice you’re never alone on the trains.
As a visitor, you’ll naturally stick to the main lines and the safest neighborhoods in New York. Unless you’re deliberately heading to a remote terminus at 3 am, you’ll stay in well-traveled areas with plenty of people around.
If you’re a woman traveling alone and want extra reassurance, ride in the front car where the operator is. That said, violent incidents in Manhattan’s subway are genuinely rare. You can ride the subway comfortably, whether it’s day or night.

Over the past several years, New York City has significantly enhanced subway security compared to the 1980s and 1990s. Today there are nearly 5,000 surveillance cameras throughout the system, and you’ll regularly see police officers at station entrances. Times Square and Union Square even have small police stations inside the stations.
Don’t hesitate to approach New Yorkers if you need help. There’s genuine solidarity among riders, and New Yorkers are always ready to assist.

To put your mind at ease, here’s a comparison between the New York and Paris subways. In Paris, there were 52,204 thefts and assaults in the metro in 2021, according to official crime statistics.
In New York, the police recorded fewer than 1,120 incidents (thefts, assaults, murders, or sexual assaults) in the subway in 2023. While direct comparison is tricky because each country classifies crimes differently, the picture is clear. More importantly, the trend in New York is sharply downward: in 1990, there were nearly 17,500 assaults—almost 15 times higher than today. New York City’s security policies have clearly worked.
Bottom line: ride the subway with normal awareness and you’ll have no problems in New York. 🙂