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| If you’re female, is it safe to ride the NYC subway alone at night? |
How safe is the New York City subway?
You’re out carousing in New York City later than expected and you’d have to walk a few blocks to catch a taxi to get back home, but the train entrance is only ten feet away from where you’re standing…..
You’re in Midtown after seeing a Broadway show and eating a late-night dinner. It’s almost midnight. A taxi ride from Hell’s Kitchen to Central Harlem will cost at least $25 without traffic whereas a MetroCard swipe is a mere $2.75…..
It’s raining and there’s not a vacant cab in sight. Uber is a 20-minute wait with a gouged price. Without spending your grocery money, riding the train might be your only option to get home….
If you live in New York City, or you travel to the city often, each of the scenarios mentioned above has probably happened to you or someone you’ve met. I know women who ride the subway everywhere and at any hour, fearlessly. I also know people who avoid going underground like the plague. I lie somewhere in the middle.
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| During daylight…no problem. But when I ride the subway alone late at night, I play by certain rules. |
If you’re not a seasoned New Yorker, how do you know when riding the New York subway is safe, and when it’s not? Is there a cut-off time? Generally, the subway is extremely safe, but that doesn’t mean crime can’t happen. In saying that, I believe in being smart and trusting your gut, which does an awesome job of telling the truth in most situations. Don’t feel paranoid or embarrassed because you decide to cab it or leave the subway station. On the flip side, don’t feel that the New York subway is “sketchy” because it’s underground and smells bad. In most cases, the subway is a safer mode of transportation than driving.
If you’re a gal riding alone after dark, (and I’m not referring to 7 p.m. in wintertime), read on for my suggestions to play it safe on those late nights underground. Although most of what I mention may seem like common sense to veteran straphangers, I hope to shed some light for newbie New Yorkers and inexperienced subway riders.
Use the busiest subway entrances and exits.
Most subway stations have more than one entrance and exit. If you ride a train line regularly, you know what I’m referring to. Main entries tend to be the most traveled. (For example, the 1 train’s 86th Street entrance is always busy, but the 87th Street stairs are quieter.) Even if the walk above ground is a little longer, use the busiest stairs when you’re traveling alone.
Wait with the station agent.
If you get down to the platform and find few people, wait by the station agent, or just inside the turnstiles within the agent’s view. Don’t wander to the end of the platform if you’re flying solo on a late night out, especially if there’s no one else waiting for a train.
Weird vibe in an empty station at a late hour? Exit the station.
If you feel uncomfortable after you enter the station for whatever reason (even after you’ve swiped your card), leave. Rely on your gut and find another way home.
Ride in the first subway car or the middle car with the conductor.
The first few cars of the train tend to be the most crowded. If you’re traveling after midnight, try and ride in the first car (adjacent to the train operator) or the middle car, (where the conductor rides) and not the rear cars, since they probably have fewer riders.
Bad energy? Empty subway car? Change cars or get off.
If you choose a car with a bad energy (people are bickering, an insane person is screaming, there are few people riding in the car, an odd individual is staring directly at you and only you), or everyone has exited leaving the car empty, move to the next car if you feel comfortable doing so, or get off the train.
Walk with purpose.
This point applies to walking the streets and taking the subway but always try and appear as if you know where you’re going and have an agenda. Criminals tend to take advantage of those who look lost or insecure.
Keep the volume low.
I always wear headphones when I ride public transit alone, but in late-night hours, I keep the music volume lower, so I’m a little more aware of my surroundings.
Avoid the bewitching hours.
I am a firm believer that nothing good happens when you’re out galavanting between the hours of 2 a.m. and 5 a.m. – anywhere. Of course, there will be those rare occasions when you have a late-night event or weekend party, and holidays like New Year’s Eve warrant later hours. If you work in the medical field or the hospitality industry, you may have to be out late or overnight and be traveling at odd hours too. But if you are female and find yourself out in the city alone at 3 a.m. for whatever reason, be smart and be safe. And try, if you can, to plan ahead as often as possible.
Above all, remember –– safety is in numbers.
Most nights of the week and even late-night, you’ll find it challenging to secure a seat on the New York subway. So the bottom line is, the more people around you in a city like New York, whether you’re walking the streets, waiting, riding, or exiting a train, the less likely you will be a victim. Certain train lines and certain stops stay busy almost around the clock while other lines and stops won’t be as active as the hours get later. If you ever have a doubt, it’s better to be safe than sorry and spend that extra $20 on yellow transit.
Also, the NYC subway has come a long way! And songs for a New York City commute.
Discover New York City Pocket Parks
A New Zealander in New York
The NYC Subway Then and Now: We’ve Come a Long Way
6 Things That Are Hard to Do in NYC, but Easy Elsewhere
djny10003 says
The most common cause of injury in the subway? Falling down the stairs. Hold onto the railing, or least keep your hand near it, as you descend, especially if you’re wearing high heels and have a few drinks under your belt.
Tracy Kaler says
Good advice! I always hold on because I am super clumsy. Even if I wear flats, I practically spill every time. 🙂 I am not good on the stairs, so I move carefully.
Nicole Harris says
Good advice. I feel safe riding the subway at night with my boyfriend, but I would never ride past 11 p.m. alone. There’s too many scary situations waiting to happen. Always stay near people and never be scared to take a taxi if you feel unsafe!
-Nicole
Meet Me in Midtown
Tracy Kaler says
Hi Nicole! I think that’s a good cut-off time if you’re traveling alone. Recently, I rode the train at midnight on a weeknight, but it was a beautiful night and the streets were packed, so the train was busy. I was not worried at all. Had I gone in the station and felt uncomfortable, I would have left immediately and grabbed a cab.
djny10003 says
Another thing I’ve noticed over the years: walking down the sidewalk at night, I find that when I (a fast-walking white male) pass a woman going in the same direction, she will often get closer to the building side of the sidewalk, rather than the street side, so I could conceivably pin her against the wall (but don’t). I think walking on the street side would be safer, right?
Tracy Kaler says
That is a good point!
Phil Holtberg says
Great post Tracey. This should be handed out to every woman who takes the subways on a daily basis.
Tracy Kaler says
Thank you, Phil. I think there are plenty of newbie NYC females who don’t follow the rules, so hopefully I’ll shed a little light.
Claire Marie says
This makes me feel more confident about taking the subway on my own. Thanks Tracey!
Tracy Kaler says
Hi Claire! I am glad I could help. Take the NYC subway. Be alert. Be cautious. And follow your gut. if you don’t feel right for whatever reason (that rarely, if ever happens), catch a cab. Enjoy NYC.
Jennifer Santee says
Hi Tracy, I’m visiting NYC this coming Fall and I am a little apprehensive about riding the Subway from Midtown to Yankee Stadium (and back) for a late game. I’ve only been on a Subway once so I’m as inexperienced as you can get! Is it safer for me to use the Subway or cab it?
Tracy Kaler says
Hi Jennifer,
I apologize for my delayed response here. This message went MIA and then showed up again when I switched commenting systems. Anyhow….you will want to take the subway! Traffic will be horrendous and you probably won’t be able to get a cab anyhow. There will be hundreds of people heading toward the train, so you should be fine. I hope you get this message!
Dharma says
Hi Tracy, I am a woman planning on visiting NYC on my own this summer. I am 22 years old and a foreigner who has only been to the States ones.
I plan to see Broadway, Off-Broadway shows or some dance performances most nights while I stay in New York. It’s very late when these shows end, will you recommend me to take a cab back to the hotel every night? I most likely will be staying at an affordable hotel around Broadway.
Tracy Kaler says
Hi Dharma,
If you are staying in a hotel in the Theater District, then you should be able to walk back from Broadway shows. They are usually within a 10-minute walk. Even if you go to Lincoln Center, you can walk to the Theater District in about 20 minutes. Or, you could hop on the train at Lincoln Center. Busy areas should be fine. If you aren’t familiar with the subway or comfortable taking it, then yes, a taxi or Via would be best. Have a great trip!
Andrea says
This is so helpful! I have a question, we are coming next weekend during the day, we have never been to NY. We are flying in to Newark but staying in Manhattan. It is my husband and I and 2 kids and will each have a rolling luggage and a backpack. Do you think it would be safe for us to take the subway with our luggage or should we take a taxi?
Tracy Kaler says
Hi Andrea,
There is no subway from Newark. You’d have to take NJ Transit to Manhattan and then catch a subway from there, or take a shuttle. Safety is not an issue, but with four of you and luggage, I’d recommend a taxi or Uber. Cost will be slightly more, but worth it for your sanity. Have a great trip!
Christi says
Thank you for this article. I am traveling with my 17 year old daughter to NYC for a girl trip to see shows this summer. We will be staying in Brooklyn. Should I plan to add cab/Uber fare to our budget after we get out of the evening performances or is riding the subway that time of night to Brooklyn a feasible option? Should I reconsider our accommodations and try to stay somewhere closer where we won’t need to hassle with this? Thanks for your time and attention and for encouraging us to come and enjoy NYC!!!
Tracy Kaler says
Hi Christi,
Is there a reason why you’re staying in Brooklyn? I recommend staying in Manhattan if you plan to spend most of your time there (Broadway shows). If you plan to do a lot in Brooklyn, then stay there. Staying closest to your activities will save you time and money on commuting.
Subways are safe for the most part, but if you are traveling very late at night, you might want to do a cab, Uber or Via. Via is a rideshare. I can send you my discount code to try it. Feel free to email me. tracykaler at gmail dot com.
Have a great trip!
Sara says
Hi!
I am moving to Hoboken and recently took a job where I may be out in the city (near 5th ave) until 2AM. Due to finances, I can’t afford to uber back to Hoboken on those late nights, but I am a little worried about how safe the subway will be during those hours? I will be taking the F down to 33rd to take the Path back to Hoboken, so I don’t know what those lines are like at night. Any insight? Thanks again!
Tracy Kaler says
Hi Sara,
I don’t recommend taking a subway alone at 2 am during the week. Weekends maybe, depending on the line, but not alone. You will probably have to do a cab, Uber or Via (rideshare and inexpensive) to the Path. I cannot say if the Path is safe at that hour though. I know that some Path trains don’t even run 24/7. If you could find a buddy to travel with, that would be best.
Sophia says
Thank you so much for these tips, Tracy! I am taking a trip to NYC for the first time in September and love the idea of public transportation like the subway, but feel more than a little intimidated trying to navigate a strange new place! This is a great reminder to tune in to my intuition and keep my wits about me.
Tracy Kaler says
Hi Sophia!
Stay aware of your surroundings and you should be fine. Have a wonderful trip!
Anonymous says
Great advice for women, solo travelers and everyone else. I will be traveling to NY in about a week. I am planning on catching some shows that won’t end until 11 (give or take). Would you recommend walking back or taking the subway? Also, people typically dress nice for shows: will I be more of a target if I am dressed nice? Should I bring a change of clothes to change in before going back or is it ok to wear my dress?
Tracy Kaler says
Hi Sarah,
If you’re staying in the Theater District, you won’t take the subway, you’ll walk. Depending on the night of the week and number of people out and about, you should be fine taking the subway if your hotel is not in the neighborhood. Weekends are busiest and week nights will be quieter. And you will not need to change clothing. Wear whatever you like. Just keep your wits about you and follow the advice in the article and you should be fine. If you’re not comfortable taking the subway, try Via –– it’s a rideshare and less expensive than a taxi.
Sheila. Hennessy says
Best advice, stay above ground.
You have a better chance to get help if in need and not be confined in a train car ( NO ONE WILL HELP YOU )
I live here in Manhattan and have not touched foot on a train late at night.
You are taking chance’s by doing so. It does not matter how clean the stations seem or getting on a new train car,
It’s all the questionable pep’s we must deal with not only at night but our daily lives here in the city. BUT!!
If you have to get on a train for some reason at a very late hour sit in the train car very close where the MTA subway train conductor operates the train. He will have an eye on what’s going on and you will feel a little bit safer doing so.