How to find your way around New York City

13.09.2023 - 17:37 / lonelyplanet.com

The time of year will definitely be a factor in how you choose to get around when you visit New York City – taking the subway in summer or opting to walk in the depths of winter can test your discomfort threshold. On the other hand, in the city that never sleeps, you can get anywhere, anytime, thanks to night-owl cabbies and trains that run around the clock. That's a boast not many other cities can make. 

Everyone thinks of yellow cabs and the subway when they think of NYC – and it's true that the extensive public transit system is a source of both pride and frustration for the city's millions of residents – but there are many more options for getting around. Buses, ferries and commuter trains complete the public transit system, and getting around on foot can be one of the most rewarding ways to explore. Some adventurous, patient souls even choose to get around by bike or car.

Best of all, public transit is inexpensive – combined with the many free things to do in NYC, this can help offset the cost of accommodation. Here's everything you need to know about getting around New York City.

With 25 routes covering more than 665 miles of track, the New York City subway system is a behemoth, welcoming 1.7 billion riders on an annual basis. It’s operated by the MTA and covers Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island, though the latter’s trains don’t connect to the other boroughs directly (you'll need to reach Staten Island by bus or ferry).

Unlike other major cities in the US, New York's subway trains run 24 hours a day, seven days a week. However, with the system’s advanced age – 28 stations date back to 1904, and signals from the 1930s are still in use today – it’s susceptible to delays and breakdowns. Construction is often scheduled for nights and weekends, so weekend subway travel can be challenging. Countdown clocks are in every station, telling you when the next train is coming.

To keep on top of service changes, anticipated or not, the MYmta app is frequently updated with information on each line, and it’s a handy tool for trip-planning in general, but Google Maps is even better for plotting a course, with integrated service info as well as details on stations, schedules, and the onboard experience. The MTA Twitter feed is also worth bookmarking for up-to-the-minute info on service disruptions and delays. 

Tips for taking the subway: Standing on the subway without holding onto something is a rookie mistake. If you’re not familiar with the way the trains stop and start, it’s a good way to wind up in a stranger’s lap. Do everyone a favor and hold on to a pole – or even better, grab a seat and enjoy the ride. If you're standing, take your backpack off your back to create more space for those