Hey! If you’re in New York City and feeling totally lost about which subway lines to take, don’t stress. We’ve picked out the easiest routes that hit the top tourist spots. No fancy talk—just simple directions so you can hop on 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
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
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
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
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.
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