10 things to know to use the New York subway properly

The subway is the most convenient way to get around New York. Here are my 10 tips to use it like a local.

1/ Know the Difference Between “Local” and “Express”

New York’s subway has two types of trains: “Local trains” stop at every station, while “Express trains” stop only at major stations, saving you significant time on longer trips.
On the New York subway map, it’s easy to tell them apart. Stations marked with a white circle serve both Local and Express trains, while stations marked with a black circle serve Local trains only. You’ll find a subway map on the page dedicated to the New York subway.
When you’re on a platform that serves both types of trains, look for “Local” and “Express” signs at the bottom of the stairs. After a few trips, you’ll have this system down.

The other key thing to know for navigating the subway with ease: the difference between “Uptown” and “Downtown”. You’ll see these directions in the subway corridors, and they tell you which way the trains are heading: “Uptown” trains go north, while “Downtown” trains head toward the southern tip of Manhattan, the Financial District. Again, you’ll get used to this quickly.

Want to stay out late? Don’t worry about missing the last train. The subway runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in New York. That said, service is less frequent in the middle of the night than during rush hours.

You can buy single tickets or multi-day passes at the ticket windows inside the subway stations. However, you’ll need solid English skills—the booth attendant won’t go out of their way to help. Add in the intercom static, and you might hear something like: “That’s Zzz… orty Crrr… bucks… Crrrr ?”
Tip: use the ticket machines instead. It’s much simpler. To see how easy it is to buy a subway ticket with these machines, watch this video where you can learn how to buy a subway ticket in New York.

If you’re in New York for a week, you’ll need to use the new contactless payment system OMNY. This system replaced the old MetroCard, which was phased out on December 31, 2025.
The OMNY system uses the same fares and works on the same principle as the MetroCard. The difference is how you pay. This time, you use your bank card, phone, smartwatch, or a physical OMNY card to store your transit pass. Just tap your card on an OMNY reader to open the turnstile and pay for your trip. After 12 trips, the fare caps out and you don’t pay for additional trips that week. Convenient.

Since OMNY also covers the bus network, take advantage of it. Mix up your transportation and don’t rely only on the subway. While the subway is fast, buses let you see neighborhoods you might not otherwise explore on foot.
Try crossing Central Park by bus—it gives you a different perspective on the park.

Use your subway ticket for a bonus experience: a ride on an aerial tramway. Your OMNY card works on the Roosevelt Island Tramway, a cable car that spans the East River to reach Roosevelt Island.
It’s worth the detour. The view of Midtown is lovely, and the experience feels surprisingly alpine.

Always carry a light sweater or jacket if you visit New York in July or August. Subway cars are air-conditioned intensely to remove humidity, but passengers often feel like they’re riding in freezers.
The platforms, meanwhile, aren’t air-conditioned and can become ovens at certain stations. You’ll sweat on the platform, then shiver in the car—an uncomfortable cycle. A sweater or jacket lets you manage the temperature swings easily.

Free WiFi has been rolled out across New York’s subway stations. Service is already available in most major Manhattan stations.
To connect, open your WiFi settings and select the TRANSITWIRELESSWIFI network. You’ll then reach a login page where you can start browsing.

If your OMNY card isn’t working, don’t jump the turnstile—you could be fined. If there’s a problem with your card, go to the booth and show it to an attendant. They’ll resolve it quickly. See this article on 10 things not to do in New York.