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 largest rapid transit systems in the world. It opened on 27 October 1904 and today serves 472 stations on 245 route miles (394 km) of track. It runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, which makes it one of very few big subway systems that never closes.
How to Pay
The best way to pay is with the OMNY: faster boarding, no queue at the machine, and usually a discount on fares. The MetroCard has been retired. How to pay for the New York subway with OMNY in 2026: the $3.00 fare, the $35 seven-day cap, OMNY cards, reduced fares and tips for visitors.
All payment options: OMNY: tap a contactless bank card, phone or watch · OMNY card (reusable, sold at stores and station machines) · Reduced-fare OMNY (seniors and riders with disabilities).
💡 Tap the same card or phone for every ride. Once you have paid $35 within seven days of your first tap, the rest of your subway and local bus rides in that seven-day period are free.
Peak hours: No peak pricing. The same $3.00 fare applies 24 hours a day.
Getting from the Airport to New York
How to get from JFK Airport to Manhattan by AirTrain and subway: the cheapest option at $11.75 in total, with route choices, journey times and tips for every terminal. Journey time: About 50–65 min via Jamaica (E, J or Z) / 60–75 min via Howard Beach (A). Estimated fare: $3.00 subway + $8.75 AirTrain = $11.75 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: OMNY 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. The same $3.00 fare applies 24 hours a day 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 a contactless bank card, phone or watch, or an OMNY card, on the reader at the turnstile. Each ride costs $3.00. The MetroCard has been retired, so OMNY is now the way to pay.
Does the New York Subway run 24 hours?
Yes. The subway runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Late at night trains come less often (roughly every 20 minutes) and some services change route, so check the service notices on the platform.
How much is the subway fare in New York?
A ride costs $3.00, whatever the distance or time of day. With OMNY you never pay more than $35 in any seven-day period: once you reach that, further rides in the same seven days are free.
How do I get from JFK Airport to Manhattan?
Take the AirTrain from your terminal to Jamaica station and change to the E, J or Z, or ride the AirTrain to Howard Beach for the A train. The total cost is $11.75 ($8.75 AirTrain plus $3.00 subway) and the trip to Midtown takes about an hour.
What is the difference between local and express trains?
Express trains skip local stations and run much faster over longer distances. On the Lexington Avenue line, for example, the 4 and 5 are express and the 6 is local. The sign on each train shows whether it is running express or local.
Is the NYC Subway safe for tourists?
Millions of people use the subway safely every day. Late at night, ride in a carriage with other passengers, keep valuables out of sight, and wait near the middle of the platform, where the conductor usually stops.
Can I use my credit card on the NYC Subway?
Yes. Any contactless Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Discover card works at OMNY readers, as do Apple Pay, Google Pay and Samsung Pay. Use the same card or device every time so your rides count towards the seven-day cap.
Can I still use a MetroCard?
No. The MetroCard was retired at the end of 2025 and can no longer be bought or refilled. Use OMNY with a contactless card, a phone, or a reusable OMNY card instead.
Fare Guide
See the full New York City Subway ticket prices guide for all fares, the OMNY discount, and payment options.
Source: Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and Wikipedia. Information is for general guidance, so verify with the operator before travel.