Overview
The New York City Subway is a massive rapid transit system serving four of the city's five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. As one of the world's oldest and busiest systems, it operates 24/7 every day of the year (barring emergencies). For a visitor, the subway provides an extensive network of routes that can reach almost any part of the city. You can navigate the system by entering through various stations, where you will find both local and express services depending on the specific line.
The network
The transit infrastructure in the region is comprised of several distinct systems:
- New York City Subway: The primary rapid transit system featuring 25 routes (services) across a vast network of tracks.
- Long Island Rail Road (LIRR): A commuter rail system that provides fast connections from hubs like Jamaica to Manhattan.
- NJ Transit: Provides rail and bus services from New Jersey, including connections to New York Penn Station.
- PATH: A transit system providing rail connections between New Jersey and lower Manhattan/New Jersey hubs.
- Metro-North Railroad: A commuter rail service serving the northern suburbs and the Bronx.
- MTA Select Bus Service (SBS): Specialized bus routes, such as the M60-SBS and Q70-SBS, which provide high-frequency connections to major transit hubs.
Tickets & fares
Fares vary depending on the specific mode of transport you choose. Please note that all prices are approximate and subject to change.
- Subway and Select Bus Service: A standard fare is approximately $2.90.
- JFK AirTrain: Costs approximately $8.50 to reach the Jamaica subway and LIRR stations.
- LIRR: Tickets are priced based on the specific route; for example, a trip from Jamaica to Penn Station may be faster but requires a specific ticket.
- NJ Transit Rail: A train from Newark to New York Penn Station costs approximately $16.80.
- NJ Transit Bus: The #62 bus offers a lower fare of approximately $1.80 (exact change required).
- PATH: A ride on the PATH system costs approximately $3.
- Metro-North: Off-peak fares are approximately $9.75, while peak fares are approximately $12.75.
- Special Offers: The Q70-SBS LaGuardia Link is currently offered free of charge as of late 2022.
From the airport
Depending on your point of entry, there are several ways to reach the heart of the city:
- John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): You can take a taxi for a flat fare of $70 to Manhattan. Alternatively, you can take the JFK AirTrain ($8.50) to Jamaica station and transfer to the subway or the LIRR (which takes about 20-25 minutes to reach Penn Station).
- Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR): You can take a taxi for $50-$70, or use NJ Transit rail ($16.80) to New York Penn Station. A more economical option is the NJ Transit #62 bus to Newark Penn Station, followed by a PATH train into Manhattan.
- LaGuardia Airport (LGA): There is no direct rail connection; you can take a taxi or rideshare ($40-$45) or use MTA Select Bus Service routes like the M60-SBS or Q70-SBS to reach various hubs.
- Westchester County Airport (HPN): You can take the Bee-Line Bus #12 to the White Plains Metro-North station, then take a Metro-North train into Manhattan.
- Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP): A shuttle bus ($5) connects you to the Ronkonkoma Long Island Railroad station, where you can catch a train to Manhattan.
Etiquette & customs
While specific behavioral rules like "standing on the right" are not detailed in the source material, it is important to note that some lines feature express and local services. Local trains stop at every station, while express trains skip certain stops to move faster through the system. When using commuter rails like the LIRR or Metro-North, be aware that trains can become extremely crowded during rush hours.
Official links
For specific journey planning and real-time information, you may consult the following resources:
Always double-check your train's local or express status before boarding to ensure it stops at your intended destination.