Planning can be difficult. There are a few major hub stations, including Penn Station, Atlantic Terminal, and Grand Central, where you can transfer to virtually any line as well as connect to above-ground commuter trains. If you are new to NYC or are touring, it is best to use something like Google or HERE maps to plan your route. Late-night service is more limited than service during daylight hours.
Unlike other systems, the New York City subway does not have elevators installed in all stations. You may need to find a station that is accessible if you have strollers, luggage, or wheelchairs.
Tickets are sold according to how much money you put on them. If you do not have sufficient fare, you can refill the Metro Card at ticket machines. Many stations also allow you to tap your debit card or mobile phone to enter.
If you are in a wheelchair, have a station attendant help you. They will open the emergency exit to allow you to pass through after paying.
Train service is typically broken up into express and local. The inside tracks are usually for express trains while the outside tracks are for local trains. Other trains run express at certain times of day, these trains are usually designated with a diamond. A train that runs express on one line may run local on another line. For example, the 2 (Van Cortlandt Park—242nd Street/Flatbush Avenue—Brooklyn College) train runs express on the Seventh Avenue Line, but runs local on the Eastern Parkway Line.
Do not stand in the doorway for long, or try to walk through the doors as they are closing. Be particularly careful about rushing bikes through doorways. Jammed doorways can hold up the train for you and your fellow passengers, and also prevent additional trains from arriving at the station. Federal law requires the seats closest to the doors be made available for the elderly, pregnant women, and handicapped people upon request. Please yield these seats to those in need of them. If there are other vacant seats, use them so that you won’t need to vacate your seat on demand. Seating is limited, and some cars may be standing room only. Mind your belongings. Keep them off the seat next to you. Do not lean against the train doors or move between cars while the train is in motion.
Keep in mind that doors open on different sides at different stations. Small stations will have one platform that services two trains, one going in either direction. Large stations may have two or three platforms in one area, or may have platforms for different lines spaced wide apart. If you miss getting off at your designated station, stay calm and get off at the next station, then ride a train in the opposite direction.
Some stations only allow exit at certain turnstiles. These will have stairs or escalators that go right up to street level.
