cindyk612

Okay, I feel like an idiot asking this ?, but I am doing it anyway because I can't seem to find the information I'm looking for anywhere else. Please give me very simple, easy-to-understand advice on how to figure out how to find the right train (correct platform?) once we get into a subway station. I've hopstopped all my directions, but now I'm nervous about knowing what to do once we get into the station. If my directions say, "take the N train from 49 street station heading downtown/to coney island" what Exactly do we look for and do? Is there more than one N train? We've ridden the metra from Chicago subburbs into the city, but that was as easy as getting on at the only station available and getting off at the end of the route. We are from a very, very small midwest town (population 280--I'm not kidding) and we drive everywhere we need to go. Thanks for calming my anxieties. Cindy

TwoFatFeet

The platform and the signs aboveground by the stairs will say what direction the train is going in. You can also ask someone, they'll help you. Don't be afraid of NYers, they get a bad rap

kgh8m

There will only be 2 N trains - one going in each direction. There may be multiple different other trains, as you may be at a station with other lines that run through as well.

When you go into a station, follow the signs for your train number/letter AND the direction it's going (you should check the subway map and note the last station on the line in the direction you're headed). Subway maps are posted throughout the stations.

If you are on a platform that multiple lines use, check the signs on the front and sides of the train when it pulls into the station to ensure you're getting on the right train.

Finally, certain stations feature lines that are running express (i.e., they have fewer stops, so they run faster). If you get on one of these, they'll only stop at the express line stations, not all stations on the line. You can tell these stations on the subway map. Until you're used to the subway, just stick to the local, non-express lines.

Ryan

To make things a bit more interesting for you, many stations only provide access to the train in one direction. Before heading down into the station, just note whether the sign says uptown or downtown. Uptown anything north of you heading towards the Bronx, Downtown anything south of you heading towards Brooklyn. (To make things even more complicated, Queens can be either uptown or downtown of you.)

As stated, just ask a local. When it comes to the subway, we're very happy to show off our knowledge.

Centralparkgirl

First - get a free subway map from the person in the booth in any subway station.

N train downtown/Coney Island - simply means the N is heading downtown and terminating in Coney Island (in Brooklyn). This will make a lot of sense when you see it on the subway map.

TwoFatFeet is right - ask NYers if you're in doubt - we help visitors all the time.

Cindy, you will be fine. Enjoy your visit.

Aduchamp1

If NY'ers know one thig it is the subways in Manhattan.

I understand you are nervous, but what are you nervous about?

The worst thing is you take the train in the wrong direction. This is not a problem.

If you are at 49th Street on the N and wish to go south, the next correct stop in that direction is 42nd. If by some chance you make a mistake the next worng stop will be 57th Street. Just get off and walk over to the N heading downtown/Brooklyn. And ask someone.

Always look at the next correct stop to see if you are going in the right direction.

MFNYC

when it says "downtown/coney island" it is referring to the direction and the final destination when travelling in that direction. Naturally downtown means the street numbers decrease and uptown, they increase (it is less straight-foward in the outer burroughs because there are some street names instead of numbers).

Subway stations are named after the street that they are on, and sometimes combine with the general location (42nd St/Times Sq or 14th St/Union Sq).

There are also locals and expresses but they have different letters or number, for example 4/5/6 are all the same line (lexington Av line also green line on subway maps), but 4/5 is express and 6 is local. So if hopstop says take the 6, you need not worry about getting on an express by mistake (unless you get on a 4 or 5) because all 6s are local. Also the express and local are on different sides of the platform (sometimes separate platforms, but generally expresses run in the middle tracks, and locals run along the wall). There are overhead signs indicating which trains are stopping on a ceratin side of the platform.

There are times though, where there is construction which is usually weekends or in the middle of the night. At those times, trains may be rerouted. There will be signs in the station and down on the platform. Weekly services advisories by line can be found here: http://www.mta.info/nyct/service/subsrvno.htm

ellenem

The 49th St Station for the N train is one with access in only one direction once you descend below street level.
This is true of many stations at which only "local" trains stop. The sign on the stairs at street level will show whether it is "Uptown and Queens" or "Downtown and Brooklyn."

cindyk612

Thank you so much everyone for your help. I think the main thing I'm nervous about is getting down into the station and not knowing what I'm doing; standing around getting in everyone's way while I'm trying to figure out what to do and where to go. Thanks for the reassurances that simply asking someone is okay. Once you go downstairs into the station is the area quite large?

starrs

If you know if you are heading uptown or downtown (even better the end points of the train) you will be fine.

Definitely ask. No one minds. I asked a question almost every time I used the subway last week. Sometimes about the train (both going in the same direction, one a local and one an express - Does this stop at xxth street? One time someone told me wrong, so I did what a previous poster said to do. Got off at the next stop and walked up and over and got on the next train going south until I got to my stop.

I also asked when exiting a station. If I wasn't sure in which direction to start walking, I stood to the side, made eye contact with someone and asked in which direction was x street. If you know the cross streets of where you are trying to get to, someone is going to tell you how to get there.

Everyone was very nice - and have always been. Just don't stop in the middle of the sidewalk and gawk

gb944

Don't worry about making mistakes. Quite a few people have been caught getting on the wrong train or one going in the wrong direction. The only thing lost is a little bit of time and some embarrassment to yourself (but nobody else has to know.)

The waiting areas for the trains can be quite large, and some not nearly so large, but there will be plenty of space for you to stand around or be confused, without anyone else taking notice.

gb944

Actually, the point just made about knowing which way to go when you exit the subway is a good one. I carry a small compass with me to help me get my bearings when coming out of the ground. Also, keep aware that the sun typically is in the south sky (at least in NYC), so the shadows of the buildings will help to establish north and south.

There was a program some time ago to paint compass roses at the top of the stairs of the subway stations, and I saw a few, but not very many.

humanone

One more piece of advice: avoid subways and busses at rush hour- the beginning and end of the work day. When I describe the Subway to my friends here in California I say "if you don't push your way onto the subway or bus, you'll never ever get on"; but that applies only to rush hour. Taking the bus takes so much longer, that its always best to go by subway. And...New Yorkers are wonderfullyy helpful warm chatty people; they just don't start off with the same etiquette that you might be used to,(such as excuse me and hello) and they love to give advice (like the coffee woman at the airport who lovingly scolded my husband for taking his coffee black instead of putting in some nutritional milk).

claire_bluesky

I have an awful sense of direction and without dh, I'd be lost.

Dh has a very good sense of direction yet on our last trip to NYC, we were all tired and we missed a stop, plus we also walked about five minutes in the wrong direction once we got to the street. It happens to most everyone. When I'm alone, I'm always asking for directions. I'm not shy about it and people seem happy to assist.

The worst that can happen is that you will lose a little time. If you have to be somewhere (like the theatre) and get lost, go up to the street and take a taxi. Have a great trip!

Colette

cindy.....the above posters have given excellent advice......I never used a bus or cab the entire time I was in NY.....you save both $$$ and time that way......so use the trains, and like people said, don't be afraid to ask questions.....people were very friendly and helpful to me when I asked. Being a solo female traveler, I chose not to use the trains after 9pm.....I didn't want to be lost or looking lost late at night by myself. Other than that, I felt very safe on the subways. Have fun!

sobster

Not sure if this was mentioned. The stations for the trains gong downtown are on the west side of the ave. and n/ bound on the east side of the ave.

bellastarr

Hi cindy,
You've had lots of good advice and encouragement above.
Here's a link to the NY mta site, where you will find printable maps and service advisories. Check the list of service advisories for any that might affect the N train.

And as others have said-feel free to ask NYers, even at the entrance to a subway station before you go down the steps to make sure you're headed in the right direction-we do like to help visitors.
I just gave a whole slew of suggestions to a starry-eyed couple of young ladies from Belfast, Ireland this morning who happened to sit next to me in the coffee shop. Thier enthusiasm was infectious!

Bear in mind that, although you might not notice it at first glance-while you are from a small town- in NYC every block is also like a small town too.

Enjoy you time in NYC!

cindyk612

Once again, thanks so much for the excellent advice. I feel much better about venturing down into the subways now. I'm sure we'll be fine. If we do get lost--no biggie, we plan on getting a week long card and we've not overbooked our itinerary so time should not be a factor. We're coming on Tuesday-I can't wait!