Maps of the New York City Subway

BMT Lines Rapid Transit Division - 1925

This early map of the independent Brooklyn Manhattan Transit (BMT) system from 1925 shows routes as thick, exaggerated lines on a simple map based on the real geography of the region. Red lines show the numerous elevated tracks in the transit system at the time, and subway tunnels are shown in black.

Go to the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) website to use the interactive maps and timetables online for all subway and bus routes. Subway maps are free at all ticket booths that are located at major stations stops in Manhattan and the boroughs. Large subway maps and local neighborhood maps are displayed outside ticket booths and on station platforms. Simplified maps and diagrams of each subway line are posted in subway cars, and you can download the subway map app for your cellphone for easy, off-line reference.

Staion subway map and local neighborhood map outside the gates to the subway
in the West Village, near the Meat Packing District, in New York City

Ask your bus driver for a free map showing the bus route and a scheduled arrival times for all the stops. Information is also posted at the bus stops that lists the number of the bus, a diagram of the bus route and a schedule.

The MetroCard is used to pay for the ride on buses and subways in New York City, and you can get an automatic free transfer between a subway and bus, or between buses. Learn all about the MetroCard in the introduction to the NYC subway and the Transit System. Different types of MetroCards are used for the separate AirTrain service to JFK International Airport and Express Bus service from the outer boroughs.

Station Guide: Independent City Owned Rapid Transit Railroad - 1938

Each of the lines of the Independent Rapid Transit Railroad (IND) is represented by a specific color in this map with sharp lines and schematic representations of the boroughs.

Official New York City Map and Station Guide - 1958

George Salomon's map for the Transit Authority was the first to show the entire system as a whole. Black lines on the map represent the tracks of the Interborough Rapid Transit Company (IRT), green for the BMT, and red for the IND. This map still shows the correct geography of the city in a simplified form.

Feel the Rhythm Poster | New York City Transit Museum

Music Under New York's (MUNY) performers share an incredible selection of music with transit riders at key locations in the transit system. You can find musicians and performers in the transfer tunnels at major connection points, at Union Square and Grand Central Station, for example.

In this poster, artist Philippe Lechien captures the robust energy, tunes, and melodies that make the commuter's experience more lively.

Map of the New York City Subway system - 1972

From the Transit Museum: "Simple, elegant, and abstract, the Vignelli subway map has long been considered a landmark in modern graphic design. Its very abstraction, however, made the map difficult to understand and generally unpopular."

MTA New York City Transit Map - 1979

In response to widespread public dissatisfaction with the geometric, abstract design introduced in 1972, the MTA developed a new map in time for the subway's 75th anniversary. After community and committee meetings, and testing a prototype, the result, which emphasized the city's geography, was more realistic, and easier to read. The map also introduced a new color-coding system based on trunk lines rather than individual routes.

Platform Map of the New York City Subway system

This item is a web exclusive and is not available at retail locations. The large platform map is huge: 44 x 56-1/2 inches tall, and the map that rides on the subway cars is 24 x 30 inches. All the images are shown in the optional picture frame with an overall size of 25 x 32 inches. The jumbo platform map has been digitally printed onto archival-quality paper. Due to custom printing and framing please allow up to two weeks for delivery.

ALSO: Standard 24 x 36" map used on the subway trains

Join the MTA and save 10% on the cost of these posters and souvenirs at the Transit Museum gift store.

Find the latest edition of New York City Guide Books and Walking Tours of architecture, museums, culture and history in the metropolitan region. Choose from a fine-tuned selection of detailed Neighborhood Maps, New York City Subway Maps and larger Manhattan Maps. Zoom out to see all five Boroughs in New York and the regions beyond: Long Island, West Chester and New Jersey.

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