Does the New York Subway run all night?

Question

Especially on New Year's Eve?

Why does everyone think it's so dangerous? Is this just a myth (a bit like most cities), or is it really ill advised to travel on the subway late at night?

Answer 1

The subway runs 24/7. I take the train after midnight very often - they're very safe -the trains are so crowded, they're standing room only. I try to avoid the trains in the late afternoon when the schools let out - some of those kids are really wild when they all get together. With all the pushing and shoving and throwing things, I hate the afternoon trains.

Answer 2

I have no idea why people think it is so dangerous after midnight.

Midnight is actually very early in this city!!

The subway runs 24/7 - although some late nights there is reduced service, or they do track work. But there are always signs around so you know what to do.

I mean, I wouldn't sit and count your hundred dollar bills into piles of 20...but if you are a reasonably aware person, you will be totally safe. If you feel nervous, ride in the middle of the train in the car with the conductor. Avoid the ends of the trains which are usually pretty empty late at night.

Answer 3

Yeah they run all night. Sometimes less often if it's really late or on the weekend. They're more dangerous at night just like the street is more dangerous at night. The point is that there are less people around so someone may be more apt to start a problem with you because there are less witnesses. That's pretty much it. I used to work weird hours and I took the train from Manhattan back to Brooklyn every night at 3am for years. I've had problems on the street while walking from the train to my apartment before at night but it never involved the subway.

Answer 4

A number of lines do, yes. Because of the size of the city, a number of lines have double tracks in each direction: one for express and one for local services.

This allows maintenance to be carried out overnight, on one set of tracks, while the trains run on the other (and explains why so few cities are able to operate a service round the clock).

I've never had a problem using a late night service. I think part of the Subway's reputation comes from the gritty image of 80s New York, popularised in filim and television. Basically, use your common sense. If it's busy, and you're in a nice bit of Manhattan, you'll be fine. An empty station in a dodgy bit of the Bronx won't be quite so safe.

Answer 5

I've visited NYC three times in the last two years and always used the subway for all my trips around Manhattan. The latest I have travelled on it was around 1am but was really surprised by the amount of people still on it - it really is a 24 hour city. It totally depends on where abouts you are in the city, also the police prescence continues all night in the tourist spots. Just don't go too far north or south late at nite. :o)

Answer 6

NYC is the sole city contained in the international with a subway that under no circumstances closes. The A prepare does run all evening. i replaced into in DC at present and had to attend Saturday morning for the subway doorways to be unlocked at 7 AM

Answer 7

The subways runs 24 hours a day. On New Year's Eve there are often extra trains and sometimes the MTA lets you ride for free to encourage people not to drive.

You can ride the train at any hour of the night. In fact, in Manhattan the trains are often VERY crowded well after midnight. On New Years Eve they will definitely be packed.

If you are concerned about safety you should ride in the conductor's car which is the sixth car (in the middle of the train).

Any man who tells you that he does not ride the subway after midnight is scared of his own shadow. Even my girlfriend rides the train at 2 or 3am on weekends.

Answer 8

My boyfirend has lived in the City all of his life and he does not travel the subway after midnight - he'd rather take a cab or a car service. The trains are usually very empty at those hours, so if somebody wanted to do something, there wouldn't be a lot of peiople around to stop them.

Answer 9

From what I've heard, yes but you really wouldn't want to be on it in the middle of the night!

EDIT- This is from a female perspective, really. Assuming I was travelling alone- never a good idea late at night, but on empty carraiges with drunk people around, it's especially bad.

Answer 10

it runs all night, the trains will be more full than usual on NYE.
If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, move to the first car on the train, where the driver sits, or in the middle were the conductor works. you will see him/her with there head out of the window at the station.