Subways in New York

[Tizzi247]

Hi, I'm going to NYC in a couple of weeks - are the subways easy to use?

[johnlambert]

yes

[jno]

erm... not all that easy, as there are often express trains and stopping trains operating on the same lines. Do check before boarding, just in case the train whizzes through your station and drops you somewhere a mile further on. But once you're on the right one, as in London, it's quicker and simpler to get around than catching a bus at street level.

[mushroom25]

http://www.mta.info/nyct/subway/howto_sub.htm contains lots of useful stuff on the subways

a map of the system can be seen at http://www.mta.info/nyct/maps/submap.htm

[Tizzi247]

Thank you all for your replies.

[JonnoGenie]

Local and Express trains do not use the same platform. They use either side, and are marked on the side.

Same as local and 'Limited' buses are marked on the front.

You can get a train and bus ride within two hours on a transfer. Or two bus rides. For $2.

Buy an MTA card.

Once you've got the hang of it, the subway is simpler than the London Tube. Though the buses are more pleasant.

[Tizzi247]

Much appreciated Jonno