NYC Subway Routes List by Line (A, B, C, D)

NYC Subway Routes - NYC's subway system is one of the busiest and largest rapid transit systems in the world. The NYC subway is a network of tunnels owned by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and run by them that connects all of the boroughs, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, The Bronx, and Staten Island via the Staten Island Railway. There are 472 stations, 28 lines, and more than 3.5 million riders per day on the subway in NYC, making it essential to know the subway routes for every New Yorker and tourist.

From commuting to work, walking around neighborhoods, to getting to a major landmark, this all-encompassing NYC subway guide will take you through each subway line, the MTA subway map, fare payment methods, and tips on how to navigate NYC’s subway system like a pro.

NYC Subway Routes 

All NYC subway routes are broken down by color group. These groups are the essential pieces to decipher the MTA subway map efficiently.

Blue Lines — A, C, E

The longest subway line in NYC is the A train that extends more than 31 miles. It has rapid service in Manhattan and is a major link to JFK Airport (through the AirTrain at Howard Beach or Jamaica).

Orange Lines — B, D, F, M

One of the longest trains on the system, the F train serves far Queens and runs through the heart of Manhattan to southern Brooklyn. B and M trains are not operating on weekends, so please refer to the train timetables.

Green Lines — J, Z, L, G

The only subway train in NYC that takes no bus to Manhattan is the G train. It serves as a direct link between Queens and Brooklyn and is vital for the people of Greenpoint, Williamsbu,,rg and Park Slope. The L train is the primary transportation route in Williamsburg and is frequently dubbed the ‘hipster highway.

Red Lines — 1, 2, 3

1, 2, and 3 trains run on the West Side of Manhattan. The 2 and 3 are fast trains, that do not stop at as many local stations as the 1 train. These are important links between Harlem, the Upper West Side, and the middle and lower Manhattan.

Green Lines — 4, 5, 6

The 4, 5, and 6 trains operate along the Lexington Avenue subway trunk line in New York'sEast Side,e, one of the world's densest. There are 6 local stops at all stations and 4 and 5 are express. The 6 train is the best for the Upper East Side and Grand Central Terminal.

Purple Lines — 7

The 7 train is known as the 'International Express' because it runs through some of the world's most culturally diverse neighborhoods: Jackson Heights, Woodside, Flushin,,g and Long Island City. It connects Queens to Midtown Manhattan's Hudson Yards.

Yellow Lines — N, Q, R, W

The Broadway Line is shared by the N, Q, R and W trains in Manhattan. The Q train will run on the newest subway line added to the NYC subway network in 2017, the Second Avenue Subway.

Gray Line — S (Shuttle Trains)

The S shuttles are short connector routes that link key transfer stations. The 42nd Street Shuttle is one of the most used routes in the system, shuttling millions of riders between Times Square and Grand Central every year.

Express vs Local Trains: What's the Difference?

It is important to know the difference between express and local subway trains when traveling on the NYC subway.

• Local Trains — Get off at each stop on their path. Best for short trips or if wanting a certain stop not covered by the express train.
• Express Trains — Skip the stations and stop only at the major stations. Best for longer trips when speed is more important than seeing every stop.

The MTA subway map uses a closed circle to designate an express stop and an open circle to designate a local (only) stop. Express hubs are found at: 59 St-Columbus Circle, 42 St-Port Authority, 34 St-Penn Station, Fulton Center, Atlantic Av-Barclays Center, and Jay St-MetroTech.

Pro tip: If both an express and a local train are coming to the same destination, ride the express and change at the next common stop for the local train. This can help you save a lot of commuting time during rush hour.

How to Read the NYC Subway Map Route

The MTA subway map can look overwhelming at first, but once you understand the color-coding and symbols, it becomes easy to navigate. Here is what each element means:

• Color = Trunk Line: All trains in the same color share a major section of track (e.g., all yellow trains run through Manhattan on Broadway).
• Letter/Number = Service: The specific train and its route. Two trains with the same color are not on the same route.
• Filled Circle = Express Stop: Major stations where express trains stop.
• Open Circle = Local Stop: Only local trains stop here.
• Transfer Symbol: Where you can switch between lines.
• Bold Station Name = Key destination or major hub.

You can access the official MTA subway map at mta.info or download it on the MYmta app. Google Maps and Citymapper are also excellent tools for real-time navigation on NYC subway routes.

NYC Subway Fare & Payment Methods

As of 2024, the standard NYC subway fare is $2.90 per ride. There are two primary ways to pay:

MetroCard

The MetroCard is a magnetic swipe card available at subway station vending machines. You can load it with a set dollar amount (pay-per-ride) or purchase an unlimited ride pass. Options include:

• 7-Day Unlimited: $34
• 30-Day Unlimited: $132
• Single Ride: $3.25 (slightly higher than regular fare)

OMNY (Open Metro New York)

The MTA uses its contactless payment system called OMNY. Tap your credit/debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay right on the OMNY reader at the turnstile. No card needed. OMNY also has a fare-capping option: For the next 12 rides in7 daysn, the rest of the rides are free for the rest of the week — automatically.

The MTA is soon replacing the MetroCard with the OMNY system, meaning contactless payment will be the way of the future when it comes to paying subway fare in NYC.

NYC Subway Hours & Late Night Service

Unlike most subway systems in the world, the NYC subway runs 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — including holidays. This makes it uniquely useful for late-night travel.

However, overnight service (roughly 12 AM to 5 AM) is reduced:

• Fewer trains run, with longer wait times (every 20–30 minutes on some lines).
• Some express lines run local overnight.
• Some stations close or are bypass-only during overnight maintenance.
• Expect service changes, track work, and rerouting on weekends and nights.

Please consult the MTA Service Status page (mta.info) or the MYmta app before traveling late at night or on weekends. Periodic service changes are also made routinely by the MTA to maintain services; this can greatly impact your daily routine.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many subway lines does NYC have?

There are 28 subway lines in operation in New York City (also called services or subway routes), with 472 stations. These are designated by letters (A-Z) and numbers (1-7) and shuttle services (S).

Which NYC subway line goes to JFK Airport?

A train runs to either Howard Beach or Jamaica station to JFK airport via the AirTrain. The E train also runs through Jamaica to Jamaica Station, where one can take the AirTrain. Expect to travel 60-90 minutes from Midtown Manhattan to JFK by subway.

What is the fastest NYC subway route in Manhattan?

Some of the fastest express trains in Manhattan are the 4, 5, and 6 trains on the Lexington Avenue line, and the 2 and 3 trains on the Seventh Avenue line. A train is the quickest way for East toWilliamsburgFlushingYork's Eastto travel down the West Side.

What is the difference between a letter and a number subway line?

Most numbered lines (1–7) run lines to Manhattan, The Bronx, and select areas of Queens and Brooklyn, whereas the lettered lines (A–Z) serve a large number of boroughs. Each has the same color-coded trunk line system.