If you’re going to do all of your traveling an Manhattan then here’s some
additional pointers… the 4,5,and 6 trains (the “green” lines) run along the
east side of Manhattan while the A, C, E, 1,2, and 3 trains run along the west
side. If you’re not sure which side your destination is on, check the address
or directions. Trains that run along the east side run where the avenues are
numbered the lowest, for example First Avenue
through Fifth Avenue. This
is where all the famous avenues and shops are. This is where you’ll find the
well known Madison and Lexington Avenues, as well as Tiffany’s and
Bloomingdales. Trains that run alongside the west side of the city run where
the avenues are numbered the highest, for example Seventh through 11th Avenues.
This is where you’ll find the World Trade
Center, Greenwich
Village, Lincoln Center,
the Port Authority and the Jacob Javits
Convention Center. The B, D, F, N,
R, V and W trains run right up the middle until they hit Central
Park. So how do you know when to get off the train at your stop?
Well, train conductors usually make announcements and they’re usually clear
enough so you'll know what the next stop is along the line, but it’s still best
to through the train windows and see what stop you’re pulling into.
The map
Every manned station booth stocks the most up-to-date version of the subway
map. These maps are absolutely free and contain a wealth of information to help
you get to where you’re going. It’s a great idea to consult one of these maps
before and during your trip so that you’ll have a good idea what direction you
need to go and how to ultimately get to your destination. Every subway car also
has two maps posted inside on either side of the car. The newest subway cars,
like the ones on the L train, have colorful strip maps that show the stops
along the line. They also have electronic strip maps with digital readouts of
the upcoming stops with an electronic voice that announces the current stop and
the next station.