Urban rail works differently in each U.S. city. The New York Subway uses letters or numbers for train services. Trains sharing a color may have different stops, so read the service symbol and direction together.
Letters and numbers matter more than color
Map colors group services sharing a major Manhattan corridor. Match the symbol at the entrance, platform, and front of the train to your planned service.
Read Uptown and Downtown
In Manhattan, Uptown generally means northbound and Downtown means southbound. Signs may instead name a borough or terminal. Some entrances serve only one direction.
Know Local and Express
Local trains stop at every station in a section; express trains skip some. Confirm your service stops at your destination and follow station notices during service changes.
Learn a New York route
Note the service symbol, boarding station, transfer, and destination, then review and type the stations in order.
- Use the letter or number, not color alone
- Check Uptown, Downtown, or borough direction
- Check Local or Express stops