Hi,
Never been to New York, planning a trip this december. Since we will be watching musicals around midtown and staying nearby midtown area, i have no idea how safe travelling in subways at night. is there like a general time when its considered riskier to travel using the subway? Thanks

John

John, subways are pretty safe at night. Most theaters are within walking distance to Midtown hotels. Where are you staying?

I ride the subways (4-5-6) at all hours, but most people feel comfortable up to midnight or so when they have plenty of company.

(Subway crime is virtually non-existent, but comfort levels vary.)

Most people who live here ride the subway late at night comfortably, it's the visitors that feel uncomfortable based on the perception it's not safe. The subways are safe even late at night (midnight and later) in all the areas of the city that you would want to be anyway. So don't worry about it, come, ride, enjoy!

If you are staying midtown and going to Musicals midtown- you aren't going to be needing the subways. After theater "traffic" is heavy and this is a city that never sleeps. Subways midtown probably won't take you where you want to go anyway- so if a distance you don't want to walk - just go with a cab. If doing some off Broadway- as others have mentioned- subways are safe- BUT most important is to know where you are and where you are going.

Thanks for all the responses! i'm staying in roosevelt hotel which is just a block form grand central station.
So subway runs 24 hours?

subway runs 24 hours, any you can take a subway (the shuttle) from times square to grand central, but it is a very easy walk also.

There is a conductor in one of the middle car of each subway train. Watch for him/her hanging out the window as the train pulls into the station and ride in that car if you feel it's uncomfortably late. It really IS all perception. The trains are well-traveled past midnight and safe.

It would cost about same amount of money for two people to take a cab across midtown as it would to take the subway. As others mentioned, it's also an easy walk. It takes about the same amount of time to walk as it does to take the subway.

Thanks for all the replies guys, Merry Christmas!

Subway for 2 is $4, which is about the same as a short cab ride. BUT . . . when traveling crosstown, subways are often quicker than taxis due to heavy traffic (particularly the shuttle from GC to Times Sq.).

If you are unfamiliar with the subway suggest you check a subway map before riding and with hotel staff or concierge, here is a link:http://www.mta.nyc.ny.us/nyct/maps/submap.htm

In my experience it is relatively easy to end up in areas or encounter people (e.g. panhandlers) that may not be to your liking on the subway.

The shuttle between Times Square and Grand Central doesn't operate between 12 midnight and 6 am. If you want to take that route, you have to ride the #7.

Cabs in New York are a super value. We usually have 2-3 in our party and find cabs to be about the same price or just a little more than the subway. It's a LOT nicer and (usually) faster as well.

I would just walk or take a crosstown bus, a cab afte a show can sometimes be difficult. Your hotel is a block from the 49/50 crosstown bus, if you buy a metrocard you can get a free transfer uptown or downtown after you get croostown.

If there is more than one of you especially, the subways and stations are safe at any time any of the places you will want to go (most of Manhattan).
I'll ride alone up to about midnight -- i.e. getting off train by midnight -- later depending on the stations.

So e.g. if you want to go downdown somewhere for a drink after a show by all means take the subway - then maybe take a taxi home, it's nice anyhow when you're tired. Have fun, don't worry, be happy.