How to Ride the NYC Subway Like a Local: Tips for Visitors Staying in Manhattan

Subway Entrance in New York City,with a freshly painted blue wall in the background

How to Ride the NYC Subway Like a Local

Tips for Visitors Staying in Manhattan

September 30, 2025

Planning a trip to New York City? Whether you’re staying at Walker Hotel Tribeca or Walker Hotel Greenwich Village, chances are you’ll want to explore every corner of Manhattan (and maybe Brooklyn, too). The fastest, most affordable, and most authentic way to get around is the NYC subway.

This NYC subway guide for tourists will help you navigate like a local, avoid rookie mistakes, and experience the city the way New Yorkers do every day.

NYC Subway Basics: What Every Visitor Should Know

  1. Pay with OMNY or MetroCard. The easiest way to ride the subway in New York is with OMNY, the city’s contactless payment system. Simply tap your phone, smartwatch, or credit card at the turnstile. The older yellow MetroCard is still available, but most locals have switched to OMNY.
  2. Download a Subway App While Google Maps works fine, the best NYC subway apps are Citymapper and Transit App. They’ll give you real-time service updates and reroute suggestions.
  3. Learn the Difference Between Local and Express Trains Express trains skip stops and are ideal if you’re traveling long distances. Just double-check that your stop is on the express route before boarding.

Insider NYC Subway Tips for Tourists

  • Stand clear of the doors. Always move into the center of the car. Blocking the doors is a sure way to get called out.
    Check entrances carefully. Many stations have separate uptown and downtown entrances.Read the signs before you swipe.
    Plan around nights and weekends. Service changes are common. Always check the MTA Service Status before heading out.
    Avoid empty subway cars. If one is empty during rush hour, there’s a reason —usually no air conditioning or something worse.
    Keep valuables close. Crowded trains are prime pickpocket spots. Keep your bag in front of you and your phone tucked away.
    Bring headphones. You may get lucky with live music, but sometimes it’s better to control your own soundtrack.

  • NYC Subway Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts

    Do let riders exit before you board.
    Do move down inside the car so others can get on.
    Don’t hold the doors open — it delays the whole train.
    Don’t panic if you’re unsure where to go. Locals can be blunt, but most will point you in the right direction.

    Why Take the Subway in New York City?

  • Besides being budget-friendly ($2.90 per ride), the subway is part of the New York experience. You’ll ride alongside artists, professionals, families, and students — a true cross-section of the city. It’s often faster than cabs or rideshares, especially when traffic is gridlocked.
  • So whether you’re traveling from Walker Hotel Tribeca up to Central Park or from Walker Hotel Greenwich Village over to Brooklyn, the subway is the most efficient way to explore. By the end of your stay, you might even be giving directions like a local.

  • Helpful subway resources

  • NYC Subway Map
  • MTA Service Status Updates
  • Citymapper

    Staying at Walker Hotels puts you in the heart of Manhattan with easy access to multiple subway lines. Book your stay today and discover New York City the way locals do — one subway ride at a time.