How to Ride the NYC Subway

Consult a subway map, which is available for free at subway station booths. You can also view the map online (see Resources list). Locate on the map your departure and destination stations. Identify the color and/or number of the line(s) that connect the two. If you must take more than one line, identify the transfer station at which you will need to change trains to switch lines.

Pay attention to the color of the dot representing a station on the map. Black dots denote stations that receive only local trains, those that make every stop along the line. Stations marked with white dots receive both local and express service; express trains stop only at select stations on a line. If you're in doubt about which service to use or if you are traveling a short distance, choose a local train.

Obtain a MetroCard, which is the way you pay your subway fare. You can purchase one at subway station booths, MetroCard vending machines and participating neighborhood merchants. The New York Subway fare is fixed regardless of the distance you travel.

Arrive at your departure station. Make your way to the turnstiles and slide your MetroCard through the slot at the top of a turnstile. Once the screen reads "GO", walk through.

Read the signs posted throughout the station to find out which platform your train will arrive at. The signs will tell you which train stops at each platform and whether the train is going Uptown or Downtown or is Brooklyn-bound. Once you arrive at the correct platform, stand behind the painted warning strip as you wait for the train.

Board the train once the disembarking passengers have had a chance to exit the train. You can take a seat or remain standing while holding onto a rail. Listen as the conductor announces each stop to make sure you do not miss yours.

Exit the train once it arrives at your destination station. Follow the signs pointing to the exit. This time you will not need to slide your MetroCard to walk through the turnstile.