Ride the NYC Subway like a pro (tips from a local)
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- čas přidán 5. 06. 2024
- It can be tricky to learn how to ride the NYC Subway like a pro. Avoid every possible sh*t situation about riding the subway using these tips from an NYC local. I truly wish I knew these before trying to blindly figure out the public transportation system, so consider me that one friend who can help you out here. This is a New York City public transportation guide, that will show you how to use the subway in NYC. If you've ever wondered if the subways are safe now or if you should stay away, stay tuned, these subway tips from a local will help you out.
Resource Material | new.mta.info/fares
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 the basics of navigating NYC using the subways
3:10 all things buying a Metrocard
6:19 subway tips I WISH I KNEW before moving here!!
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As a non-native New Yorker who has lived here nearly 10 years now, these tips are great! (And I wished I'd known them when we moved here!) I have a few to add: If you have a kid in a stroller, or are in a wheelchair, or just have big honking luggage you'd rather not drag up the Subway steps, look for the little blue square signs on the subway with a wheelchair symbol - it is what indicates where the elevator is (or at least an accessible ramp). There are hardly ever (maybe never?) actual signs that say elevator. Most of the stops are not wheelchair accessible at all though. One way to check is to check off "accessible" when looking up directions on Google maps under the search options. Be aware they elevators often break down though so it's not always reliable, and don't count on it. Also, I don't know if it still works this way, but before when you try to refill an expired card using the Metrocard kiosks, it used to transfer your balance and you didn't have to pay the $1 new card fee. Maybe they dropped that program though, haven't tried it recently. Also - it's good to have just a little on your card if you take the bus frequently - a few times I've boarded a bus and the Omni reader is not functioning so they require the Metrocard (Or have the exact change on you). Especially in the outer boroughs where the bus stops can be a mile or more away from the nearest Metrocard kiosk.
Omg you just shared so many amazing gems!!! Thank you!!
idk why i'm watching this as a native new yorker who rides the subway everyday, but everything you said was accurate.
We watched just to make sure she was accurate. And she was. But the more I listened the more I was like there tourists won’t have a chance 😂
Riding in the same subway car as the conductor is an excellent way to stay safe.
Amazing advice!
@@distantnative2478dey got blippies
Really?
Is that because riffraff don’t go to the front car?
Here's my subway pro-tip: Switch to using your phone instead of a metro card. If you're a tourist, it assures that you won't overpay for rides you don't end up using. But here's the best part. As a local, when you hit the number of trips where an unlimited subway card would have been cheaper than individually paying, it upgrades you automatically. Meaning your remaining trips for that week are free!
It's a good idea to have an emergency metro card in your wallet in case your phone dies or you lose it, but start defaulting to paying with your phone.
I love this! I think im gonna make a sequel to this video and credit you for this tip. I use my phone too and it’s been great
This is the most intimidating aspect of my future move to NYC. These tips are wonderfully helpful, thank you!! 🥰
Ah im so glad they were helpful! Lmk if you have any additional questions at any point 💖
This was so helpful in preparation for my move! Thank you for coming through with great tips as always!
I’m so glad it was helpful for ya! 😊
Great vid, it saved the day and helped me understand the subway system in NY, thank you 😉
While I knew 99% of your content I chose to watch just in case of learning anything new. I think you did a marvelous, comprehensive job. Plus, you're very pleasing to look at. Which has nothing to do with your presentation. I just thought it was worth mentioning.
I'm from CT and I used to come into town for visits on weekends but it has been a super long time since the 9/11. Never really had trouble with the subway lines, and thanks for your tips.
Great video, humorous and helpful. Stay safe
Thanks!! Hoping to go to the city next Tuesday and I needed this
Fantastic tips!!! Thank you…very helpful.
I wish I knew all this when I went to NYC!!!! This is so helpful!
Perfect information thank you I love your video.
I'm sure this has already been covered in the comments but just in case - the subways (and buses) are now $2.90. Still an incredible bargain! I've been in Manhattan for almost 20 years and although the subway system is not perfect, it is still the best way to get around the city. 8:10 is hysterical.
Wow I wish I had this video when I first moved here haha. NYC subways are so complex at first but afterwards its so easy.
You're so right! Once you get the hang of it, super easy 🙂
LOVE the "Help People Out" tip👌🏽
I've known some super-smart, nice-looking wholesome women in my day. It heartens me to see they are still out there, doing what they do best: Making the world a better place. Thanks!
these are SUCH good tips - you CLEARLY are a pro !! part of me wishes i had to ride the subway everyday to commute because i feel like it's very ~main character~ hahah 🥰
WHOA you're so right it absolutely is so main character hahah. That explains why I listen to movie soundtracks when I ride lol
The other day I saw a man smoke crack and then take dump on the seat on the 3 train
Thanks very helpful information for me as tourist. 👍🙏🌹
If you use the same card/device on OMNY 12 times in a week, the rest of your rides are free for that week.
Yesss!! Also funny because a weekly unlimited card is only worth it if you ride over 12x a week. Interesting strategy by the mta lol
@@ChelseaCallahan It looks like the MTA considers a "week" to be Monday to Sunday. On their website, they write, "We've also introduced a new weekly fare cap, which lets you cash in on your taps with OMNY. Take 12 paid trips in a week on the same device or card starting Monday, and ride free through Sunday, every week, automatically." This seems a lot better deal for visitors who might not take 12 rides on their visit, since 12 rides add up to exactly $33. I set up on of my credit cards in my Apple wallet as "Transit" on both my iPhone and Apple watch. When the card is designated as such, you can just tap and go without double clicking and opening the card on phone or watch. It was very convenient to just tap my watch on the OMNY reader, and it worked even through several layers of clothing.
I just watched your most recent video, walking through the West Village. Then, while browsing, I came across this - the first video I ever saw of yours. I must admit, I didn't subscribe until a year later, but I should have known better! 🙂
Great knowledge transfer!
I love that your accent comes out at 10:02 😅
OMG thanks for these tips! I'm moving there in less than 2 months and the past few times I've visited I just heavily relied on my friends living there and google maps 😂
Ahhh 2 months so exciting!! I’m convinced there’s no New Yorker who has completely figured out the subways. You’re gonna do great 🙂
@@ChelseaCallahan thank you! I have my flight booked and everything.. I'm staying in an airbnb first to look for apartments but honestly my next step is finding a job 😳 your videos have been super helpful!
Thanks for the help!
Thanks for the tips, Chelsea. I saw some of your videos and I really liked them because you were in the situation I'll be. Currently I live in Poughkeepsie, I just started my own painting company and I'm planning on moving to NYC. Have no friends or family, but I do have two little chihuahuas that are the other half of my heart. I'm using an app to find places to live and the good thing is that I can look for places that accept dogs and have parking spots since I'll need to bring my car to carry my tools to work. I'm planning on having back up money, and trying to imagine how difficult would be for me if I get hired to paint an apartment in Manhattan for example. Where to park, how to move my tools without someone trying to steal something while I'm moving the stuff from my car to the job site, etc. I'm not planning on moving asap but it'll happen sooner than later. I did a research and seems like Astoria is a good place to live but I'm open to options since the rent is about the same around NYC. It's scary and exciting at the same time moving to a new place, without friends or family but I've living like thing for the past 13 years but I know I'll do fine as usual. In one of your videos you seemed kinda sad when you said you were alone, and I know that feeling. But right now we have social media. You can video call your family and friends if you feel lonely. You aren't alone and for what I saw on your videos seems like you are a smart and strong woman. You been though a lot and you still there, fighting. Don't underestimate yourself. I know you can do it 😉. I'll subscribe and I hope to see you walking around NYC. If you ever see a Mexican man walking two chihuahuas, that might be me so make sure you say hi if you see me first 😁
Thank you so much for this comment. Your story and positive attitude is inspiring and contagious!! If I see you walking your chihuahuas I will definitely say hi! Best of luck to you on your nyc Journey 🙂
Making my move to NYC tomorrow, thank you for the tips!
Great tips! I love using my Apple watch to pay at the turnstiles. One wave of my hand across the Omni screen, Jedi-style, and I'm in. So easy! 😀 However, sometimes I also tap my credit card if for some reason my watch is being moody that morning, LOL. I haven't used an actual Metro card to swipe in for over 2 years now. If an Omni NY reader says "Metro Card Only" - I simply moved over to the next turnstile where it DOES work. I also only use the bus maybe 2 or 3 times in a year. 90% of the time the Omni reader worked. But on the rare occasion it did not, the bus driver always waved me through.
My smooth pace wins the Race!!❤😊
very nice video, thanks for share the tips there, enjoy your time...👍👋👌
thank you! glad it was helpful.
@@ChelseaCallahan you are welcome Chelsea....👍👋👌
Great video Chelsea! I’m wondering if is worth it to buy clothing in second hand stores in NYC? Like winter clothing for example which can be expensive.
Hi Samai! Yes there are so many second hand stores with some real gems here! Totally worth it.
Yes! I particularly recommend Goodwill (national 2ndHand store / charity) for having good winter clothing, and good prices. There are several, but in Manhattan I recommend the one near (subway stop) 34th St Penn Station, and in Brooklyn the one near Atlantic Barclay Center. Both of these are major subway hubs so they'll be easy to get to. Also, searching on a map for second hand or thrift clothing stores will turn up tons in any part of NYC. Happy thrifting! 😃
Tip: Don't listen to music. I know people think having earbuds in says "I don't want to be bothered, please don't talk to me.", but it also says "I'm not paying attention to my surroundings, please mug me."
You can have them on, just at a moderate volume.
Tip: Keep earbuds in, because the peddlers are WAY more likely to leave you alone. And when 60% of people are listening to music, earbuds are not going to make you a target
This is crazy helpful im coming to visit in 2 weeks and im from Chicago we use the 'L' and its only colors and all the lines shape out in the form of a L
I bought a Metro Card as a tourist and when I got to 'zip code' I was lucky as a subway employee was nearby and he told me to just hit enter (i.e. put nothing in zip code) and that worked.
I've been buying MetroCards for a decade and never was asked for a zip code
I have to manspread for awhile because I took your advice and bought a tazer but accidentally zapped my junk. Besides that, good tips though.
You should talk about the PATH train. Tourists might jump on the PATH train to NJ not knowing/thinking it's the regular subway
Unless you want to get to American Dream mall in NJ. Board PATH toward Hoboken PATH station. Take the NJ TRANSIT train to Secaucus Junction Station, a quick 10 minute train ride. NJ Transit's Main-Bergen County Line and Pascack Valley Lines run service between Hoboken Terminal and Secaucus Junction Station. Follow rideshare signs to the lower level and connect with rideshare for a quick 10 minute ride to American Dream.
Lots of good tips. As a native NYCer I never realized how complicated it can be.
I also recommend wearing sneakers or comfy shoes, which aid if you have to stand or take a detour route.
Looking for the zebra striped conductor bar is key to being sure you are with the conductor (or motorman when in One Person Train Operation). I know that because I used to board the 4 train at Burnside Avenue and the 6 train at 86 Street with my family when going to 77 Street Lenox Hill Hospital to a local church at East 80 Street. We'd often use the transfer stairway from the 4 train to get to the upper level using one of the two middle stairways and it was almost always where the conductor was. The exit at 77 Street was also in the middle as well.
It is like this because of the fact that the Interborough Rapid Transit (the first of three rapid transit railroads) often had exits that were at the front/end of the platform owing to them originally operating about five to six cars per train before eventually extending the platforms to accommodate ten car trains. When many of the platforms were extended, the exits at the front/end of many of the platforms became the middle exits since they were designed in mind for the conductor to notice when passengers are rushing to their train. Some terminals that have central exit/entry points do not have theirs in the middle, though.
Hey Chelsea. You can also trade in your old metro card for a new one in the machine.
I believe the lag on an unlimited card is 18 minutes; therefore, unlimited cards can’t be used by more than 1 person.
Also, uptown and downtown are fine for Brooklyn, Manhattan, and The Bronx, but traveling to Queens can be tricky. For starters, there’s no service between The Bronx and Queens, and no downtown-bound trains enter Queens from Manhattan. To reach Queens, you need to travel uptown on the E, F, N, R, or W. However, the M uses Manhattan to reach its two terminals in different parts of Queens so the desired terminal dictates the direction of travel within Manhattan. The G runs “railroad north/south” between Brooklyn and Queens but doesn’t travel in Manhattan, and the 7 has its western terminal in Manhattan and travels east to reach Queens; these trains are either “Queens-bound” or “Brooklyn/Manhattan-bound.”
Like the idea of the emergency fare-just remember to adjust it when fares increase. Time was, people kept an emergency dime so they could use a pay phone to call someone for a ride; with pay phones gone, this is the new equivalent…although you could also use your smartphone to summon a Lyft or Uber. :-)
7:07 is me every time I get on the train lol
You actually can use an unlimited card at a different station within 15 minutes. What you can't do is swipe twice at the same station in 15 minutes.
Ah! Thanks for sharing!
I have done the 99999 and it works 🙂
Ahhh!!!!! Awesome!!
I was never asked for a zip code on my MTA card. I was there on February and going on November again for some tech conferences and travelling. I just have a question, why does not the MTA card works to take the Airtrains to EWR or JFK airports? thinking about that, La Guardia is the best option with that, it does not requires Airtrains and the bus is even free right? Thanks for that!
Born in New York... Live in North Dakota. I have a number of expired metro cards, and if a saee a New York license plate in a parking lot, I leave a metro card under the wiper.
love this!
FARGO!!! I lived there for a while. I love it there!
I am catching the greyhound bus from Florida to New York. I don’t know where I’m gonna end up at once. I finally get to New York but can I catch the subway/train from the New York greyhound bus station? Is there a train station nearby walking distance from the ny greyhound bus station?
Love the 99999 zip tip 👍🏽
Great video but I gotta speak up for the F train! I have lived off the F train for the last 12 to 13 years and it’s great! Not perfect but I love the F train. The R train is ultimate trash, tho.
Haha I love this!! Oh man when the W was down for the omicron wave... that R train was pure trash. Maybe I'll give the F train another chance
@@ChelseaCallahan of course if you do give the F train another chance that’ll be the moment it decides to “experience delays” and leave you stranded somewhere. 🤣🤣 thanks for your work on your videos. Really enjoying them!
8:02 "scan your MetroCard just right - not too fast, not too slow" - like in Among Us? lol
The 4 train does say "this is a North bound Express train" or southbound 4 Express train
They should pay you for "Smooth pace, win the race!" 😋
What’s your favorite app for navigating the subway underground? Is City Mapper a good idea for offline directions?
I haven't found an app that gives offline directions, but I screenshot wherever city mapper tells me to go ahead of time so I know my stops! You get service at every stop but nothing in the tunnels. But yes city mapper is the way to go!!
Quick question, it's been several years since last trip to NYC and obviously subway payments have changed, I will be traveling with a couple teens, is it possible to use wireless phone pay at the turnstiles for multiple people such as select 4 tickets before scanning?
You'd have to scan 4 times.
Regarding food, are you able to eat a protein bar on the actual train or do you have to do it on the platform
Protein bar is cool!! But eating hot food usually doesn’t go over well
Also just out of curiosity I did look this up and you can swipe someone in with an unlimited MetroCard as long as you don't charge for it.
The 99999 thing worked gladly 🙌🏽
As a kid in 1950's Brooklyn, the subway ride (token) cost fifteen cents. Same as a slice of pizza. The trains were cleaner, ran more timely and ya met a better class of people and rats. Welcome to Fun City.
i miss ur vlogs already!
more to come! 🙂
Lololol. "I hate the F train". YMMV. I've been on the F in Brooklyn for years, no different than others.
Idk man there’s something off about the F train 😅 can’t trust it lol
Hi, are you allowed to use 2 person same metro card? 🙂
Yes two people are allowed to use the same metro card but since the price increase its gonna cost you $5.80
Im going to New York in a few day. I coming with my 2 kids , 9 years and 15 years.
For 7 days. Can you help me.
Do I need to buy (3 metro card ) 1 for each. Or I can Only buy 1 unlimited card and used for me and my kids? Im confuse with that.
One for each! Each unlimited card gets one swipe every 15 minutes
I have no clue if your going to even see this question but i was wondering how man months rent do i have to pay to rent a sublet. Everywhere i look doesn't tell me lol
It depends on the sublet and how many month the people already living there need to fill! when starting a sublet I usually only needed to pay a refundable deposit (the amount of one months rent) and the first month's rent! But you only have to pay one month at a time :) I hope this helps!
@@ChelseaCallahan thank you SOOOO much yeah that helps a lot 💙💙💙💙
Does a single train ticket include transfers?
If you buy the single ride ticket (which is $3) you cannot get a transfer! People only really buy the single ride if they don't want to put the $5.50 minimum on a regular card, but with a regular card you can transfer from subway to bus, bus to subway, and bus to bus within two hours of your swipe 🙂 This gets so confusing so I'm sorry if none of that makes sense! lol
I heard there’s a phone app now, I would use the phone with unlimited monthly preferably
What state are you originally from just out of curiosity?
Oregon!
I'm starting to see everyone with the key to the emergency gates. Now where's mine ?
Always let the people OFF the train before you get on... unless you're looking for a fight 😊
You should do a part 2! FYI, if your Metrocard is expired for less than 1 year, you can exchange it at the machines.
I consider myself a Queens local as I live and work in Queens, so I rarely take the subway. I always have a hard time figuring out which subway exit to use (NE? NW?) and which direction to head toward after exiting. Got any tips?
Also, I know this is usually very specific to certain trains, but I've seen people choose certain subway cars so that they're closer to the exit or transfer when they get out of the car. I would consider that an expert local tip.
You brought up so many good points!! I think there will be a part 2 in the future! To be honest I am a mess when it comes to which direction to exit a subway, but I am gonna take some time to learn it if I make a follow up video. Navigating in Queen is THE HARDEST haha. Thanks for this comment!
I have done the expired card option. They mail me a new card with the money.
Great content! I wouldn’t say scan people in. That is stealing! Maybe a penny tax for people to apply for a subway card for people in need.
Thanks!! I don’t feel bad for swiping ppl in because the subway is so expensive for shit service 😃
@@ChelseaCallahan $2.75 to get across all of Manhattan (or beyond) is honestly pretty cheap. The service isn't the best, but it's a 120-year old system that runs 24/7. Calling it "shit service" given the constraints of reality is harsh, and encouraging fare evasion only contributes to the problem. If someone actually financially needs help, that's one thing, but swiping in randos who can probably afford it isn't paying it forward, it's just making it unfair for everybody else
Don't forget the bulletproof vest
Sadly so
so, it is a complete desaster all in all?
Pretty much
Onetime I was in a subway car alone it was perfectly clean then I look at a window and It look like a dinosaur or a massive bird took a poop and it was oozing down the window I think it was dry
Charming
Tip no. 1 Sneak in without paying
Pretty much yeah
*shuttle bus* --> LMAO!!!
the thumbnail is at fulton st 😭
Yes
When your metro card expires you just put it in the machine and it just gives you a new MetroCard with the same money
Yep!
My 30 Day-Unlimited Metrocard got kidnapped by an Autogate.
Me living in Utah watching this: 👁👄👁
Riding the subway is easy here you just gotta be able to jump high enough lmao
So true lol
if you really from NYC you know the mta is free
You’re not wrong
I’m too uncoordinated to hop :(
How will they continue to operate in the long run losing so much every year?
In zipcode I use 00000
Are you a native NYer or a transplant??!!
Transplant of 5 years!
How many mice do you see in the subway?
There is no shortage of rats!
@@ChelseaCallahan Ever gotten one as a pet?
Tip #1: Just hop
I need more arm strength lol
Swipe not too fast, not to slow... I've played Among Us young lady.
If you have any tips to add, leave a comment!! Check out my NYC Advice playlist if you're new to my channel (tips to help you move here & live here in general)! I am always adding to it. Thanks everyone! 🍎🗽 czcams.com/play/PLuR-6QF6WOR06JeJtuJr84nV_RmqZ-Kgr.html
You don't need to add a zip code at all. Just wait like 10 seconds and it moves on without getting a zip code from you.
ide
idontunderstand
Yea I missed an announcement. The guy on the speaker sounded like he spoke with a sausage in his mouth, so I couldn't make out anything he said.
🤣🤣🤣
COME UP FOR AIR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DON'T OVER-EDIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
calm down lol
NY Metro system is 20 yrs too old.. Swipe card are you kidding me ? Thats 90s tech..
Everything is so confusing..
now I scan my phone using apple pay it's much easier
Sorry I have to, as you put it, "Manspread."
Men are built differently. We can't help it. So just get over it.
Funny joke. That’s what she said
WHY DO YOU LAUGH TO YOURSELF????????????
local pro tip: If you ever find yourself going wrong direction, you don't need to wait to get to an express stop to change direction to avoid paying the fare twice. All you need to doo is,; when you get off at a local stop, to change direction you need to climb down into the subway tracks and walk across and climb up onto a platform on the opposite side, easy
Why is she wearing a mask?
Talking about me like I’m not here? This was filmed in 2021
@@ChelseaCallahan why were you wearing a mask at that time? I never wore a mask.
A true pro jumps the turnstile, you missed this tip. It should be free anyways.
I am simply not coordinated enough 😅 but yeah always nice to open the emergency exit to let ppl in too
They do that in Washington, DC.
Low life
What the hell?
What’s up NY train guy
@@ChelseaCallahan Hi, Sorry I did not mean to be rude, I'm just a bit confused as to what it means to "how to ride the subway"
@@nytrainguy just tips to be safe and not get lost 😊
This girl doesn’t even know what she’s talking about saying this from NYC native
Yeah I’m definitely not an NYC native! Im from Oregon
What you moved here a week and then created this video. Poor advise
A week?!? Where did you get that information 🧐
Did you even listen to the video at all, 🤦