Getting Started on the New York City Subway
The New York City Subway is the fastest and most affordable way to get around New York. The network covers 472 stations across 28 lines and 394 km of track, connecting the city's key neighbourhoods, transport hubs, and attractions. Around ~3.5 million journeys are made every day.
The New York City Subway is one of the world's largest and most complex rapid transit systems. Opened on 27 October 1904, it now operates 472 stations across 245 route miles (394 km) of track, running 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — one of the very few subway systems in the world that never closes.
How to Pay
The best way to pay is with the MetroCard & OMNY — faster boarding, no queue at the machine, and usually a discount on fares. Everything about paying for the NYC Subway in 2026 — OMNY tap-to-pay, MetroCard types, weekly caps, and whether you still need a MetroCard.
All payment options: OMNY (contactless Visa/Mastercard/Amex/phone) · MetroCard (being phased out) · 7-day Unlimited MetroCard · 30-day Unlimited MetroCard.
💡 OMNY auto-caps at 12 rides per week (Mon–Sun) — all further rides that week are free. Tap your contactless card or phone; no MetroCard needed.
Peak hours: No peak pricing — flat $2.90 fare at all times, 24/7.
Getting from the Airport to New York
Step-by-step guide to reaching JFK Airport by subway and AirTrain — the cheapest option from Manhattan at $11.40 total, with route options, journey times, and terminal tips. Journey time: ~60–75 min (A train via Howard Beach) / ~50–65 min (E, J or Z via Jamaica). Estimated fare: $2.90 subway + $8.50 AirTrain = $11.40 total.
Full airport connection guide →
Key Stations
These are the most important and useful stations on the New York City Subway for visitors:
Lines Overview
Essential Tips for Visitors
- Get a transit card — MetroCard & OMNY Guide is faster and cheaper than single-use tickets.
- Always tap in and out — tap your card at both entry and exit barriers to correctly calculate the fare and avoid overpaying.
- Travel off-peak — No peak pricing — flat $2.90 fare at all times, 24/7 are the busiest times. Fares may be lower off-peak.
- Download the official app — real-time service status, route planning, and fare information from Metropolitan Transportation Authority.
- Check operating hours — verify first and last train times before late-evening travel.
- Airport connection — see the airport guide for the fastest and cheapest way to/from the airport.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I pay for the NYC Subway?
Tap your contactless Visa, Mastercard, Amex card or phone (Apple Pay/Google Pay) with OMNY at any turnstile — $2.90 per ride. OMNY automatically caps your fare at 12 rides per Mon–Sun week, so rides 13 onwards are free. MetroCards still work at all stations but are being phased out.
Does the New York Subway run 24 hours?
Yes — the NYC Subway runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. It is one of the only metro systems in the world that never closes. Night services are less frequent (trains every 20–30 min overnight vs every 2–5 min at peak).
What is the subway fare in New York?
A single ride costs $2.90 with OMNY or MetroCard. There is no zone system or peak pricing — the fare is the same no matter how far you travel or what time you ride. A 7-day Unlimited MetroCard costs $34 and is worth it if you take more than 12 rides in a week.
How do I get from JFK Airport to Manhattan?
Take the AirTrain from your terminal to Jamaica station ($8.50), then board the E, J, or Z subway to Manhattan ($2.90). Total journey to Midtown is about 60–75 minutes and costs $11.40. Alternatively, take the AirTrain to Howard Beach and board the A train (slower but good for Lower Manhattan).
What is the difference between local and express trains?
Express trains (marked with a ◆ diamond on maps and signage) skip local stops and run significantly faster. For example, the 4 and 5 are express on the Lexington Avenue line while the 6 is local. Always check the service indicator above the platform before boarding.
Is the NYC Subway safe for tourists?
The subway is generally safe and used by millions of New Yorkers daily. Avoid empty carriages late at night, stay near the conductor car (usually the middle of the train), and be aware of your surroundings. Keep your phone out of sight in crowded stations.
Can I use my credit card on the NYC Subway?
Yes — any contactless Visa, Mastercard, or Amex card taps directly at OMNY turnstiles. No MetroCard or pre-purchase needed. Apple Pay and Google Pay also work. OMNY applies the weekly 12-ride cap automatically across all your taps on the same card.
How many subway lines does New York City have?
The NYC Subway has 28 services (lettered and numbered lines) operating over a network of 472 stations and 394 km of track. Multiple services often share the same tracks — coloured line groups indicate which trunk corridor they run on.
Fare Guide
See the full New York City Subway ticket prices guide for all fares, the MetroCard & OMNY Guide discount, and payment options.
Source: Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and Wikipedia. Information is for general guidance — verify with the operator before travel.