5 iPhone Apps That Help Decode New York’s Subway

One of the hardest parts of visiting New York City can be trying to navigate the subway system, but it doesn’t have to be that difficult. There are a handful of helpful apps for your iPhone to help you find the nearest subway, get easy directions, and even make sure you don’t fall asleep and miss your stop. All of these apps are available at the iTunes store and while you’re at it, download NileGuide’s What’s Next for on the go recommendations, local expertise, and easy ways to bookmark your must-see spots.

iTrans NYC Subway, $3.99

Billed as the only subway app with train timetables, official service advisories, and most importantly walking directions to stations. This means that when you’re visiting and lost on Bowery and Great Jones, in a spot where the streets aren’t conveniently numbered, you can easily find the Bleeker Street 6 train stop only a couple of blocks away. One sign of a true New Yorker is knowing where subway stops are and how to get there quickly. Now you can beat them at their own game for $3.99.

HopStop gives you exact directions to your next location.

HopStop, Free

Just like their extremely convenient HopStop.com, the mobile app allows you to enter your current location and destination and it will give you the best directions by car, subway, train, bus, foot, etc. It will also estimate the time and cost of your trip. The added bonus is that this app also supports directions in other major US cities as well as London and Paris.

NYC SubwaySnooze Lite keeps you from missing your stop.

NYC Subway Snooze Lite, Free

If you’re plans for your visit to New York include bar crawls, classic cocktails (see where to find the most delicious Manhattans in the city), and boozy brunches, this could be the perfect app for you. Designed for those who are prone to falling asleep on the train, NYC Subway Snooze has crafted an alarm that will go off when your stop is next. How? Pick your subway line, pick your current stop, and pick your destination. You won’t have to worry about ending up in the Bronx instead of at the Met in the morning.

Use Fair Fare's sliding scale to calculate your trip.

Fair Fare, $0.99

When the MTA raised a one-way subway fare from $2 flat to $2.25 earlier this year, they left many New Yorkers and visitors confused about what kind of metro card to buy. Depending on your trip, an unlimited ride card comes highly recommended, but if you want a certain number of rides, the only way to know exactly how much to add to your card is to use an app like this. Fair Fare offers an easy sliding scale to help you figure out exactly how much to add so you don’t end up wasting money left on your card.

Exit Strategy's station exit locator.

Exit Strategy NYC Subway Map, $3.99

Not only does this app provide the comprehensive MTA subway, bus, and street map, but it also gives you an insider’s view of how to ride the train. Their integrated map makes it easier than ever to find a nearby subway station in any neighborhood and to know exactly where the entrance is located on the street. What made Exit Strategy famous, though, is that they tell you exactly where to stand on the platform or which car to enter so you’ll be located right at the exit when it’s time to get off. Save yourself time and confusion when you’re not familiar with the trains.