Moving to New York comes with a learning curve. You’ll get lost. You’ll miss your stop. You’ll board a train that was allegedly “running local” but somehow skipped half the stations. And it’s all a part of the fun (kind of).

But if you want to skip some of the confusion and start feeling like you actually live here, there are a few essentials that make navigating the city a heck of a lot easier. We’re talking subway tips, smart payment options, and real-time transit apps you’ll use daily.

Below, we’ve rounded up practical tips for how to get around NYC like a local – that means without asking a stranger or standing helplessly in front of a MetroCard machine that’s permanently out of service.

1.  Ditch the MetroCard and Tap with OMNY

The era of swiping is on its way out (at the Subway, at least). OMNY is the MTA’s tap-to-pay system, and it works with most credit cards, phones, and smartwatches. No app required, no lines, no digging through your bag for a bent MetroCard.

If you’re commuting often, you’ll also get the weekly fare cap. Once you take 12 paid rides in a 7-day period, the rest of your rides that week are free. The system keeps track for you, no need to buy a separate unlimited pass.

2.  Download a Subway App That Doesn’t Lie

You’ll want a real-time subway app, not just a static map. Citymapper and Transit are two of the best for NYC. Both will tell you when the next train or bus is coming, where to stand for the fastest transfer, and if there’s a delay that could ruin your commute.

Pro tip: Turn on notifications for the subway lines you use the most. That way, if the B train is having a meltdown again, you’ll know before you’re already underground.

3.  Use the Bus

NYC buses are underrated, especially when the trains are down or your trip is more crosstown than uptown. Bus time trackers are built into most subway apps and give real-time updates, so you don’t stand around guessing if a bus is coming or if it already passed two minutes ago.

And yes, OMNY works on buses, too. Just tap and go.

4.  Watch for the Right Train Entrance

Some stations have separate entrances for uptown and downtown. If you swipe in on the wrong side, you’ll have to leave and pay again. It’s not always obvious (eyes on you, 14th St). A good subway app like the ones about will usually tell you, but so will signs outside most stations. Just look before you tap.

5.  Know When to Travel (and When to Wait)

Rush hour is real. Weekday mornings between 7:30-9:30 a.m. and evenings from 5:00-7:00 p.m. can get hectic, especially on the 4/5/6 and L trains. If you’re not on a strict schedule, aim for mid-morning or mid-afternoon rides.

And if it’s pouring rain, consider staying put unless you absolutely have to move. Delays pile up, stations get restless, and the platforms can turn into some of the world’s grimiest water parks.

A Few More Quick NYC Transit Tips

●      Free transfers: You can switch between subways and buses (or two buses) for free within 2 hours of your first tap.

●      Express vs local trains: Double-check the train letter or number. If you're not paying attention, you might fly past your stop without meaning to.

●      Back of the train = less crowded: Especially during peak hours. The front cars are almost always more packed.

●      Exit strategies matter: Apps like Exit Strategy or Citymapper will tell you which train car to board for the fastest exit or connection.

●      Subway WiFi is real now: Most stations have free Wi-Fi. Just connect to TransitWirelessWiFi to get directions or text a friend you're running late.

Getting Around Takes Practice, But You’ll Get There

Being new to NYC means making mistakes, missing your stop, and learning to laugh when Google Maps lies to you. It’s all part of settling into the city. But once you’ve got the basics down, the entire city opens up – subway rats and all.

Want more than transit tips? Check out our other posts on the New York City lifestyle, apartment hacks, and furniture rentals that make moving to NYC way easier than it sounds.