General Information » Getting Around » Subway

The New York Subway is one of the largest underground train systems in the world, and is used by billions of people each year. It is safe, easy to navigate (once you get the hang of it), and it can be pretty entertaining, thanks to a large variety of ‘travelling’ musicians, poets and artists riding along with you, hoping for a bit of spare change. Even if there is no entertainment, a ride on the subway is a great way to get up close with the people of New York, who are an eclectic bunch!

The subway connects all the boroughs except for Staten Island. The PATH (Port Authority Trans-Hudson Railroad) subway system links New York to neighbouring New Jersey. The network may seem confusing to a newcomer at first, but before long you’ll get to know the ins and outs of how to make your way around in the quickest possible time. See the subway map on the inside back cover.

To ride the subway, all you need to do is get yourself a ticket. Every subway station has a ticket office or a vending machine - the vending machines are a quick way to get your subway pass: you just pop in the amount required (some machines give change), follow the instructions on screen, and you’ll get a plastic card with a magnetic strip that you can just swipe at the turnstiles. A one-way ride (no matter what distance) costs $2, but you can get a one-day pass giving you unlimited rides for $7. A seven-day unlimited ride pass costs $24 and a 30 day unlimited ride pass costs $76. Reduced fares are available for people over 65 and those with certain disabilities.