How the NYC Subway Works

Making this was fun because there is so much to sift through. I heart NYC. I hope this is helpful! I know this is a resource I know i wish i had when i first lived in NYC. I love reading through all your comments so please keep letting me know your thoughts!

I lived in New York City for five years and I swear that subway system is made to confuse tourists...especially when there’s construction (which is always) and the trains start running on another line 🤣😂

Haha loved the little throwback clip saying "This is a Bronx bound 9 train" which hasn't existed since 2005

The way you said "if you're interested in going to staten island.....?" 😂😭 love it

The only subway system more difficult and confusing than NYC was Tokyo. Their subway is owned by different companies and was nothing like I have ever experienced

Disclaimer, I am a current MTA employee. To add to your info: -Metrocards can only be swiped 4 times per station. If you have more than 4 people to swipe in get more than one card. -if you are still lost or need bus information the booth agents are specifically trained to answer those questions. -Metrocard machines will only allow you to use a credit card twice per 24hours. So don't use them to buy single rides or you will get frustrated wondering why your card doesn't work. -Metrocard machines can only give $9 change maximum so you can't use a $50 or $20 bill to buy a single ride. -express trains do not usually run late at night. -subways are closed between 1am and 5am due to Coronavirus so expect to take a bus during those times. -read any posted notices on subway platforms carefully because there is always track work or other construction going on which changes train schedules and stops. Ask a station agent for assistance. Hope this helps.

I was born in and worked in NYC most of my life. No stranger to the subways. Excellent video. Nicely done. Yeah, don't be afraid to ask someone. NYC residents may seem scary to foriegners but they are actually nice people and happy to help for the most part. Avoid the ones talking to themselves...lol

This is very helpful information. When I first moved to NYC, I was so intimidated by the subway system until I downloaded the MTA and bus tracker apps. I tried to take the bus everywhere (because I’m a scenic person and love being above ground), but realized that certain destinations were impossible to get to without using the subway train. I caught on really quickly and was able to get around with ease after a while.

The subway map hasn't been updated in ages for the simple fact that the map features labels of nearby destinations. When there was worse crime in the subways during the 70's and 80's, having a map show what's outside a particular station was helpful to escape potential danger.

"Uptown" and "Downtown" are all in relation to Manhattan.

1:38 “The yellow line is the N,Q, & R.” W: Am I a joke to you?

I visit NYC a few times a year and always use the subway. Sometimes it can be confusing on the weekends when some lines stop running or skip part of their route. You should probably do an update since the MTA is phasing out the Metro cards.

I just visited NYC last month for the first time while road tripping and I already miss it so much :( I thought I was only going to stay for two days and ended up staying for five because I loved it so much. It’s so easy to get around with the subway and so much to see. Honestly, it’s been the highlight of my trip, which I was not expecting. I can’t wait to go back.

@4:11, if after entering the train station and paying your fare, you discover that the train is going in the opposite direction than what you intended, don’t exit the station. Board the train (going in the wrong direction) and get off at the next express stop where you can cross over (underground) to switch directions and thereby avoid paying two fares.

One thing I recall from New York, the people were very nice and understanding if you find the subway confusing. Plenty of people not only told me which subway to get, but tips to get wherever faster and easier (like which tracks are local or express). Just dont stand in the middle of the sidewalk to take pictures. Then they aren't so nice xD

4:31 Also, usually the train usually will announce the next borough when moving through them. So if your train, for example, is a 4 train going to Woodlawn which is in the Bronx, if you are in Brooklyn it will say “Manhattan-bound” and in Manhattan “Bronx bound”. If you are in the borough that the final destination is in, it will just say the name of the final destination, like “Woodlawn bound”. This can be confusing but becomes useful once you know which borough you are going to.

I live in NJ and occasionally go into the city. I swear I have to relearn everything every time because it's confusing to anyone that isn't a local. While this is helpful, in reality it will just take time and trial/error to get used to it.

As a fellow New Yorker, this was a beautifully explained video! ✅ One thing (03:46) was extremely helpful to know is about finding the station that goes in the right direction. It's happened to me where I entered a local train stop but in the wrong direction. PRO TIP: Instead of getting out the wrong station, going to the right station, and paying the fare again, ride until you get to an express stop and then switch platforms and go the right direction! 😊

After watching this I'm never going to complain about the London Underground. 😆

lmfao lived in nyc my whole life. i didn’t know that it actually confused people until watching this. i’ve seen other people say it but generally u can just ask people. if u get bad vibes from someone just ignore them, trust me there are more people coming.