Traveling on the MTA Subway in NYC
How Much New York City's Underground Costs and How Safe You'll Be
From the Bronx to Brooklyn, Manhattan to Queens - you've a lot of ground to cover when in New York. Is the NYC subway the answer? How much does it cost? How safe is it?
New York's subway is, if you'll forgive the oxymoron, a breath of fresh air when compared to other underground trains in the world. The cost of travel is undeniably cheap, the service is air conditioned and operates across the city 24 hours a day. It's also far safer than you think. If your first instinct is to hail a taxi when visiting NYC, it's worth investigating what's beneath your feet.
How Much Does it Cost?
If you're scarred by the likes of the London Underground where even a single ticket between stations in Zone 1 can cost $8, you're in for a pleasant surprise. New York's subway has no zones. From Woodlawn at the northern border of the Bronx to Coney Island and the Atlantic Ocean - a trip of some 30 kilometres - is just $2.
Whether you make a single trip on the subway, or several every day for a month, you'll need a Metrocard. These tickets are bought before you travel from vending machines in the stations. Most will accept cash or credit cards. Think about how often you're likely to use the subway before purchasing a Metrocard as there are big savings to be made.
If you intend to make very occasional journeys, consider buying a pay-per-ride card. Pay between $4 and $80 for your Metrocard, and you'll pay the standard $2 per ride. If you spend more than $10 you'll receive a 20% in bonus fares.
If you're only in the city for a day or two, a one day unlimited pass costs $7. If you're visiting for any longer than four or five days, then a seven-day pass is a must at just $24. A month long pass is $76 and insured against loss when bought with a credit card.
An extra benefit of your Metrocard is it can be used for travelling on local bus routes too.
Are You Safe on the Subway?
Forget whatever horror stories you've heard, because going underground is far safer than you think. It's certainly true that 30 years ago even local people would fear traveling on the subway. Fortunately New York is a transformed city with regards to the crime statistics, so while assaults and pick-pocketing still occurs, the numbers of incidents are very small when you consider up to four million people travel on the subway system every day.
As in any city, remember the basics; avoid traveling alone late at night, keep your wallet or purse secure and don't carry valuables or large amounts of cash in plain sight.
Where Can You Find a Map?
Nearly all guidebooks to New York have a copy of the official MTA Subway map inside. Otherwise you can ask for a map at any manned subway kiosk (not all stations have attendants after recent budget cuts), although these are A1 size and may break the will of even experienced map folders.
Remember when planning your journey that these maps are not geographically correct; for example, Staten Island is nearly three times the size of Manhattan, not half the size. Don't use the maps to judge distances between streets and avenues or you may find yourself with a longer walk than planned.
