Top NYC Subway Lines for Tourists

If you’re visiting NYC for the first time, you don’t need to learn the entire subway system.
Most tourists can get almost everywhere using just a few lines: A/C/E, 1/2/3, N/Q/R/W, and the 7 train.
These lines cover Midtown, Times Square, Central Park, Lower Manhattan, and easy routes to Brooklyn.

If New York City’s subway map feels overwhelming at first, that’s completely normal.
We’ve picked out the simplest routes that hit the main sights — no complicated transfers, no overthinking.
Just the lines tourists actually use to get around and start exploring right away.

1. The 7 (Purple Line)

Key Stops: Hudson Yards (34th St.), Times Square (42nd St.), Grand Central (42nd St.), and Citi Field (Flushing–Main St.)
Why It’s Great:
Hudson Yards (Edge observation deck, High Line)
Times Square
Grand Central (iconic terminal)
Quick ride to Mets games at Citi Field

Tip: During weekday rush hours, the 7 train can be extremely crowded — mid-day and evenings are much more comfortable.

2. The A/C/E (Blue Lines)

Key Stops: Columbus Circle (59th St.), Times Square (42nd St.), Penn Station (34th St.), World Trade Center (E)
Why It’s Great:
Direct to Times Square and Penn Station (Amtrak hub)
Easy access to 9/11 Memorial and One World Observatory (E line)
The A train goes to Brooklyn (DUMBO, great skyline views) and even Rockaway Beach

Tip: The A train is fast, but always check if it’s running express — especially late at night or on weekends.

3. The 1/2/3 (Red Lines)

Key Stops: Upper West Side (72nd St.), Times Square (42nd St.), Penn Station (34th St.), Wall Street area (2/3)
Why It’s Great:
Fast travel between Midtown and Lower Manhattan
Near Lincoln Center, American Museum of Natural History, Central Park
2/3 lines are express for quicker trips

4. The N/Q/R/W (Yellow Lines)

Key Stops: Times Square (42nd St.), Herald Square (34th St.), Union Square (14th St.), Canal Street
Why It’s Great:
Union Square (busy market, local shops)
Herald Square (Macy’s, shopping)
Chinatown (Canal St.)
Astoria (N/W) for fantastic Greek food and nightlife

Tip: These lines are great for Midtown and Downtown, but weekend service changes are common — check directions before entering the station.

5. The B/D/F/M (Orange Lines)

Key Stops: Rockefeller Center (47–50th St.), Herald Square (34th St.), Bryant Park (42nd St.)
Why It’s Great:
Perfect for midtown landmarks like Radio City Music Hall, Top of the Rock
F train heads straight to Coney Island (boardwalk, rides, Nathan’s hot dogs)

6. The 4/5/6 (Green Lines)

Key Stops: Grand Central (42nd St.), Union Square (14th St.), Brooklyn Bridge–City Hall, Upper East Side (86th St.)
Why It’s Great:
Serves the East Side, including the Met (a short walk from 86th St.)
Express trains (4,5) can speed up your trip
Grand Central is a classic NYC must-see

Best subway lines by travel style

Best subway line if you hate transfers:
A / C / E

Best line if you’re staying near Times Square:
1 / 2 / 3 or N / Q / R / W

Best line for first-time visitors:
A / C / E

Best line for museums and Central Park:
1 / 2 / 3 and 4 / 5 / 6

Best line for Brooklyn day trips:
A or F

Helpful Tips

Know Uptown vs. Downtown: Always check signs for the direction you need.
Have Your Fare Ready: Whether using a MetroCard or tapping with OMNY, be prepared so you don’t slow down at the turnstile.
Avoid Rush Hour: If possible, dodge the crowd on weekdays around 7–9 AM and 4–7 PM.
Use a Map or App: Grab a free paper map or try apps like Google Maps or Citymapper for real-time info.
Stand Aside: Let people exit the train before you step on, and keep clear of the doors once inside.

The Easiest Way to Save on NYC’s Must-See Attractions

If you’re planning to visit more than two major attractions, CityPASS is usually the simplest way to save money without locking yourself into a strict schedule.
You can choose attractions as you go, skip some ticket lines, and avoid paying full price at each entrance.

👉 Check current CityPASS options for NYC

FAQ

Do tourists need to learn all NYC subway lines?
No. Most visitors only end up using a small group of lines that run frequently and stop near major attractions. Learning everything usually creates more confusion than confidence.

What is the easiest subway line for first-time visitors?
For most first-timers, the A/C/E and 1/2/3 lines are the easiest to understand because they run through Midtown, Times Square, and straight down Manhattan with fewer complicated turns.

Is the NYC subway hard to use for tourists?
Not really. The system looks overwhelming on the map, but once you’re underground, signs are clear and trains run often. The biggest challenge isn’t the subway — it’s overthinking it.

Which subway lines cover the most tourist attractions?
A/C/E, 1/2/3, N/Q/R/W, and the 7 train together reach most places tourists visit, including Midtown landmarks, Central Park, Lower Manhattan, and popular Brooklyn areas.

Do tourists need express trains to get around faster?
Usually no. Local trains are easier for visitors and stop more frequently. Express trains are helpful, but only if you’re already comfortable with the system.