The 7 Best NYC Subway Apps, According to Seasoned New Yorkers

When it comes to getting around the New York City, knowledge is power—especially when it comes to the fabulous (but aging and strained) subway system that shuttles around approximately 5.4 million riders per day.

Thankfully, there are a bunch of apps that can keep you from getting derailed when you’re shuffling among the MTA’s 472 stations during rush hour. We asked some seasoned New Yorkers for a few of their faves, because who better to ask than those who’ve lived with the MTA’s failings the longest? Read on for their seven picks:

“Moovit is a great app and it’s the easiest to use since it offers several alternate routes, offers info—in real-time—and clearly notes train departure times by posting ETAs.” —Allison Green, an Eastern Europe-based travel blogger at Eternal Arrival who lived in New York for nine years

“I use CityMapper for up-to-the-minute subway directions. It’s a struggle underground when there is sometimes no service and I have to make a last-minute change, but generally, CityMapper seems to be the best for updates on train delays.” —Melissa Trachtenberg, New York City resident of more than 25 years and editor of NYC Insider Guide

“As someone who has had to commute to the Halsey L stop daily when I worked there, my personal favorite was this website: Is the L Train F*cked? It gave me a quick, no-nonsense heads-up on whether that day was going to be a bike or bus day instead of a subway day.” —Green

“My favorite apps to help me get from point A to point B in the Big Apple is Google Maps. This app helps me with timing, you can put in your usual commute in and find out about delays and if there are changes in service and gives me info on trains that aren’t running. On a hot summer day, they really help cut down on wasted time in the steamy underground cauldron.” —Vincent Zurzolo, lifetime New Yorker and owner of Metropolis Collectibles

“As an NYC tour guide, I always recommend MTA Subway Time. You can look up the anticipated train times on MTA Subway Time to ensure you’re not waiting around aimlessly for a train that isn’t coming.” —Alicia Butler, an eight-year New Yorker and city tour guide

“I use MyMTA daily during the week to know when the bus, subway or LIRR train I want is coming. On weekends I use it to know where trains are being rerouted for track and station work.” —Eileen Gunn, native New Yorker and founder/editor of FamiliesGO!

“A game-changer for anyone living in NYC: The Exit Strategy app. All you do is hop off at your desired subway stop and the app tells you which exit door to take in order to arrive at your final destination fastest. In addition to providing exit strategies for every subway stop in NYC, the app also tells you the best place to stand on the platform, which subway car to ride in, has offline MTA maps for all five boroughs, and helps you avoid crowds.” —Nick Gray, New Yorker since 2007 and founder of Museum Hack.

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