If you’re visiting The Big Apple then you can appreciate how expensive this town is. From your hotel bill to your restaurant meals, the city is not cheap by any stretch of the imagination. Transportation is one way you can save some money.
For NYC tourists there is no need to rack up a big taxi bill. Even though our yellow cabs are king above ground, the trains are the queen of the underground. The London Metro may be older, the Shanghai Metro might be bigger and the DC train system might be cleaner but no system has the personality of the city that never sleeps. The New York City subway is majestic.
Here’s what you need to know to be subway savvy in New York:
1. Plan your route in advance.
Sure, maps are available in a crunch from any token booth but you should have a plan. There are several ways to pre-route your trip. The NYC subway site gives you comprehensive information but Hop Stop is a much more concise way to go.
Just go to HopStop.com and plug in your current address and the address of the location that you’re trying to get to. The site will reveal your recommended route and the amount of time that it will take to get their. It will also easily show you as many alternate routes as you need.
2. Get a MetroCard.
Luckily you missed the days of the token system. When I was a kid the coin ruled the subway. Now it’s all about the MetroCard.
You can buy this credit card-sized plastic device in any subway or from many local merchants. Purchasing your card from the machine is much more efficient than dealing with the overwhelmed token booth clerk. Then you swipe and go.
You will also get a free transfer to any city bus. The subway fare changes often but you can find out here what the current cost is. Infants ride free.
3. Go for it!
Anything can happen in the subway and it usually does. The subway is not as scary as the movies may show you but there is a diverse group of characters. You’ll find street performers, sleeping leaners, loud music players, bootleg merchants and more. Keep your eyes wide open and your wits about you. Most New Yorkers are kind and love to help a confused tourist.
Common sense makes the underground the ’round. Food is illegal as is walking between the cars. Be sure to give you seat to the pregnant and elderly to build up good subway karma. Now you’re living like a New Yawker!
Happy travels.
More from this Contributor
The Lifestyle Passionista’s Bombshell Walking Tour of NYC
Girlfriends’ Travel Guide to Berlin: Why Not Do a Girlfriends Getaway in Berlin, Germany?
How to Throw a Goddess Party: The Lifestyle Passionista’s Guide to Celebrating You
Date Night in Harlem: A Lifestyle Passionista Guide to a Good Time