Tips and Tricks for Navigating the NYC Subway
Get Around NYC Quickly and Cheaply by Riding the Subway
Nov 7, 2009
Navigating the subway for the first time can be daunting and scary, but it is an essential and cost-effective means of transportation within the city. With technology being what it is today, there is no need to be caught unprepared when attempting to get from Point A to Point B.
New York City Hopstop
When Mapquest first launched, it was revolutionary. No longer did people have to give visitors directions, because they could use Mapquest to find exact routes depending on their starting point. Hopstop.com does essentially the same thing, but with the subway system. The site will give subway directions when given a starting and ending point, including train transfers, estimated travel time, and consideration of construction. Hopstop also gives the option to plan out a multiple-stop trip, and when your intinerary is finished you can print it along with corresponding maps.
iTrans NYC Subway iPhone App
Looking for a way to map your route on the go? The iTrans NYC Subway application is available for download to the iPhone or iPod Touch for $1.99 in the iTunes store. The app features a map of the entire subway system on the screen (no more big, fold-up paper maps!). The nice thing about this app is that it doesn't always require an internet connection to provide information. With an internet connection, the app can provide directions similar to Hopstop using street addresses. Without connection, it can provide the quickest route from one station to the next and the time of the next train using only the clock function in the device.
Local vs. Express Trains
One of the most difficult things about riding the subway is determining which trains will take you where you need to go. Local trains stop at more stations, and therefore take a longer amount of time to complete a route. Express trains stop at a more select number of stations in order to make the trip faster. There are a number of popular stations that are always included on Express lines, such as Times Square, Herald Square, Penn Station and Grand Central.
Tips for Riding the Subway
Riding the subway is by far the cheapest way to travel the city, and it can save a lot of time if planned out correctly. Try to plan your route ahead of time and be aware of pricing options. A one-way ride is $2.25, but there are also Unlimited passes available in time increments of 1-day ($8.25), 7-day ($27), 14-day ($51.50), and 30-day ($89).
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