The NYC subway is dirty, confusing, old, rat infested and, at times, dangerous. If you are a tourist we strongly recommend taking the bus or using App based transportation. But if you are on a budget and have no other option you must take precautions.
While waiting, stand by the wall or in the middle of the platform. Never stand by the edge of the platform. Don’t be on your phone, try to look around and be aware of the people around you. Keep an eye on your children, hold hands if possible.
Don’t waste time trying to buy an Omny Card. Use your contactless enabled credit or debit card.
Download here the NYC subway map:
The Subway in Manhattan
We are going to concentrate on the touristic area of Manhattan. The red line (trains 1, 2 and 3) runs along Broadway on the Westside of Manhattan with the 1 train making all stops and the 2 and 3 train only making express stops and Times Square being the most important stop.
The green line runs along Lexington Avenue on the Eastside of Manhattan with the 6 train making all stops and the 4 and 5 making only express stops and Grand Central being the most important stop.
The S train or shuttle runs between Grand Central and Times Square and is the only way to transfer to the Eastside or Westside by subway.
Going to the Battery Park to take the Statue of Liberty Ferry
If your hotel is located on the Westside of Manhattan, take the 1 train and get off at the last stop SOUTH FERRY.
If your hotel is located on the Eastside, take the 4 or 5 trains and get off at Bowling Green. Pay attention since this station is not the last stop. The trains will run to Brooklyn after this stop.
Going to The World Trade Center, 9/11 memorial and museum and One World Observatory
From the Eastside take the 4 or 5 and get off at Fulton Street Station. From the Westside take the 1 train and get off at World Trade Center.
