I've been looking over a transit map trying to figure things out and I was hoping you guys could let me know if I've got it. I live in a suburban area and this is so new to me!

We are staying on 58th b/t 8th and 9th. So it looks like there is a big connection at the Columbus Circle. But it also looks like according to this map http://www.mta.nyc.ny.us/nyct/maps/submap.htm
E is local and I can't get it at Columbus I need to walk down to 50th? So if I was going to the village from my hotel I would take E "downtown" and get off at W. 4th?

Or I could take 1 downtown from Columbus Circle and get off at Christopher St?

What else do I need to know about riding the subway in Manhattan? Should it be safe to ride the subway at 8 or 9pm at night to dinner?


Thanks for your help!

Yes, you can get the E at Columbus Circle. On the map, when there's a white dot at a station, it means the Express trains stop there as well as the local trains. The local trains make all stops.

To go to the Village, you can certainly take the A,C or E train to W. 4th. You can also take the 1,9 to Christopher.

The subway is quite safe at all hours, particularly in Manhattan. It's the main form of transportation in a city that never sleeps, so you will have a lot of company at 8 or 9 p.m.

Keep your wits about you as you would in any big city, and enjoy the ride.

Hi

My wife and I went to NYC in July and we used the subway all the time. We bought a MetroCard and took the subway even after midnight and we felt safe. I have posted a trip report with pictures and link on my personal homepage www.gardkarlsen.com Maybe you can find some useful information there.

Regards
Gard
Stavanger, Norway

Marci, do you realize the map you have is "clickable"? If you run your cursor over a stop, it shows what trains stop there. If you click on the stop, it shows the train lines and each stop they make. By doing this you will find the E train does not stop at Colombus Circle but at 7th ave and 53rd stop. I'm can't imagine why you'd do that when, in addition to the Col. Circle stop, there's also a stop at 57th & 7th and the F stops at 57th & 8th. So you have tons of options within a short walk.

I assume you realize the village is a large area and anything south of 14th st and north of Houston (pronounced How'sten) is considered the village. So in addition to the 2 stops you mention, you could also use the N or R and get out at 8th st. which is considered very central. If you wanted to be further east, you could change trains at Union Square/14th st. Changing trains is free.

I would certainly use the train to dinner. If it gets late when you're going home and you're traveling alone, I personally prefer a bus or cab late at night but plenty of people use the train.

The trains runs 24/7 and in Manhattan are safe at all hours. Most lines in Manhattan you get a train every 5 minutes or less at rush hour, a little less frequently during the day and early evening - but less frequently late at night - you may have to wait 15 or even 20 minutes for a particular train.

However, in the small hours we usually cab - just because trains bcome significantly less frequent after about midnight or so- unless there's something special going on - when they add extras.

I'd suggest you pick up a good map that has a street map and a NYC subway map. I live here and I still need to on occassion look at the subway map if heading somewhere I normally don't travel to.

From your hotel, the easiest and fastest way to the Village is to take Duke Ellington's advice - "Take the A Train." The A is the "8th Avenue Express" and it's only about 5 stops to West 4th.

In terms of riding after 9, I've never had a problem. Crime does happen on the subway but for the most part, it is petty theft like pickpockets and it can happen at any time. Like in any major city, make sure you keep wallets in the front pocket in a crowd and keep your purse closed and be aware of those around you.

The biggest crime that happens on the subway are thieves who offer to "swipe" their card for a discounted fare. These people are thieves who've either stolen their card or stealing services. Please don't patronize them.

NY residents generally get a bad rap. Most would gladly help you find your way if you have a question.

Enjoy.

"Yes, you can get the E at Columbus Circle."

What planet do you live on? The "E" turns down 53rd Street and goes to Queens, AND IT ALWAYS HAS SINCE IT WAS DESIGNATED IN 1967. It has never, ever, ever stopped at Columbus Circle. Never, ever.

Marci 77, this is not a very complicated task, despite the efforts of posters here to make it one. Don't worry about their "too much information" postings.

From Columbus Circle, you can take the Downtown "A", "B", "C", or "D" to West 4th Street. It doesn't matter which train you take. Express vs. Local makes virtually no difference on this journey.

Or, you can take the Downtown "1" or "9" to Christopher Street, but this will put you further into the West Village. It's a difference of a few blocks from the West 4th St. Station.

The end.

Ryan....yes, it is a great town and the people are wonderful.

Any questions....the subway folks help you...or other passengers. Don't hesitate to ask.

My trip to NYC was awesome (March 04).