Getting around New York City can be a daunting task, but there are a number of great apps that can make it easier. Citymapper, Transit • Subway & Bus Times, and MyTransit NYC Subway & MTA Bus are three of the most popular options, and they all offer a variety of features to help you plan your trip.
| App | Logo | Available On | Reviews | Downloads | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Citymapper |  | Android, iOS | 4.8/5 | 17M+ | Real-time trip comparison, Turn-by-turn navigation |
| 2. Transit • Subway & Bus Times |  | Android, iOS | 4.5/5 | 16M+ | Accurate real-time info, Trip comparisons, Service disruption alerts |
| 3. MyTransit NYC Subway & MTA Bus |  | Android, iOS | 4.6/5 | 3M+ | NYC Subway Map, MTA Bus Time, Train Time |
| 4. New York Subway |  | Android, iOS | 4.7/5 | 2M+ | Offline maps, Real-time alerts, Countdown clocks |
| 5. MTA TrainTime |  | Android, iOS | 4.8/5 | 2M+ | Real-time GPS tracking, Purchase tickets, Chat with customer service |
| 6. The Official MTA App |  | Android, iOS | 2.6/5 | 1M+ | Real-time tracking, Smart alerts, Map-based interface |
| 7. Map of NYC Subway |  | Android | 4.4/5 | 860K+ | No internet required, Official MTA source, Simple and easy to use |
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1. Citymapper
Real-time trip comparison, Turn-by-turn navigation
Citymapper is a comprehensive transportation app that provides real-time transit information, trip planning, and navigation for New York City. With Citymapper, you can easily plan your journey using multiple modes of transportation, including subway, bus, ferry, and bike. The app offers detailed maps, step-by-step directions, and live updates on service disruptions. Citymapper also provides estimated travel times, fare information, and accessibility options. Its user-friendly interface and intuitive design make it a must-have app for anyone navigating New York City's complex transportation system.
Download:
- Tags:
- Real-time transit info
- Multimodal trip planning
- Step-by-step navigation
Application information:
| Downloads | 17,492,748 |
| Features | Real-time transit tracking, multimodal trip planning, step-by-step navigation, live departure boards, and personalized recommendations. |
| Pros | Easy to use, accurate real-time data, comprehensive coverage of cities. |
| Cons | Can be slow to load at times, some features may not be available in all cities. |
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2. Transit • Subway & Bus Times
Accurate real-time info, Trip comparisons, Service disruption alerts
Cost: Transit • Subway & Bus Times (Free), Transit Pro ($4.99)
Transit • Subway & Bus Times is a comprehensive app that provides real-time transit information for over 300 cities worldwide, including New York City. With this app, you can easily plan your journey using multiple modes of transportation, including subways, buses, trains, and ferries. Transit provides real-time arrival information, service alerts, and even walking and biking directions to help you navigate the complex NYC transit system efficiently. The app is user-friendly and offers a variety of customization options to cater to your specific needs. Whether you're a daily commuter or just visiting the Big Apple, Transit is an essential tool for getting around NYC.
Download:
Application information:
| Downloads | 15,969,882 |
| Features | Transit provides real-time departure information for your favorite bus stops in over 125 cities and regions in North America and Europe, including New York, San Francisco, London and Paris. |
| Pros | Transit is the best way to get real-time transit information for your favorite stops and lines. |
| Cons | The Transit app can be a bit slow to load at times, and it doesn't always have the most up-to-date information. |
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3. MyTransit NYC Subway & MTA Bus
NYC Subway Map, MTA Bus Time, Train Time
Cost: Free version, Pro version (4.99)
MyTransit NYC Subway & MTA Bus is a comprehensive public transit app for navigating New York City. It provides real-time train and bus arrival information, subway and bus maps, trip planning, and service alerts for the MTA subway, buses, LIRR, and Metro-North Railroad. The app also includes a variety of features to enhance the user experience, such as customizable home screen widgets, push notifications for service disruptions, and the ability to save favorite routes and stops. With its user-friendly interface and comprehensive data, MyTransit NYC Subway & MTA Bus is an essential app for anyone who relies on public transportation in New York City.
Download:
- Tags:
- Real-time Tracking
- Subway & Bus info
- Live arrival times
Application information:
| Downloads | 2558136 |
| Features | Real-time subway and bus arrival times and service alerts for the MTA in New York City, including the subway, bus, LIRR, and Metro-North. |
| Pros | Comprehensive and accurate real-time transit information for New York City. |
| Cons | Can be slow to load at times and may not always have the most up-to-date information. |
Comments and Reviews from users:
– B A: “The best app so far. Using it for NYCT and it haven't disappointed yet. It works as if you was on the platform checking the time table. Cool options as "schedule, alerts and favorites " makes it incredibly useful, powerful and user friendly at the same time. Adds are there but never interfere or obstruct the actual app and interface. Great job team 👏” – 5/5 in Play Store
– ジョネーJonét: “It's okay. I've noticed incorrect arrival times for buses and trains, or sometimes the arrival time will change from 10 min to 7 to 5 and then back up to 12 minutes. It's not accurate. It also can't find your current location unlike many other map apps. Also, it gives the incorrect location for some addresses. Like, a park near my house is located at 1020 st. But this app marks the park as being at 999 st. I don't know how to report this.” – 3/5 in Play Store
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4. New York Subway
Offline maps, Real-time alerts, Countdown clocks
Cost: New York Subway (Free), New York Subway Pro ($2.99)
The New York Subway app is a comprehensive guide to navigating the subway system in New York City. It features an interactive map with real-time train tracking, route planning, and service status updates. The app also includes a variety of other helpful features, such as station information, fare information, and a trip planner. Whether you're a daily commuter or a tourist exploring the city, the New York Subway app is an essential tool for getting around NYC.
Download:
- Tags:
- Offline Maps
- Live service alerts
- Countdown clocks
Application information:
| Downloads | 2,355,860 |
| Features | Plan your trips using this subway navigation app that offers real-time updates and interactive maps. |
| Pros | MTA-sourced data ensures accuracy. User-friendly interface simplifies navigation. |
| Cons | May experience occasional glitches. Limited offline functionality. Can be data-intensive. |
Comments and Reviews from users:
– A Google user: “this app. is a good starting idea, but for 5$ it should show a lot more when it comes to pointing out what subway car & which door to stand by when exiting the station or when transferring to another train. at most, all it does at the subway stops & exits it just give a very vague description on where to go. less than a handful of station give some direction, & very little at that. this app. needs much improvement. if the developers can find it, look for 'Exit Strategy as a great template.” – 3/5 in Play Store
– A Google user: “This app was much more reliable before the last update. Now there is no information regarding the station location of the upcoming train. Also, the local and express trains are now jumbled into one North or South menu, making it harder to locate a train after the one you may miss. The old version was perfect. The times of the incoming trains are also much less accurate, too.” – 4/5 in Play Store
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5. MTA TrainTime
Real-time GPS tracking, Purchase tickets, Chat with customer service
Cost: MTA TrainTime (Free), MTA TrainTime Pro ($4.99)
MTA TrainTime is the official app of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) for getting around New York City. It provides real-time train arrival information for the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Metro-North Railroad (MNR), as well as the ability to purchase tickets and plan trips. The app also includes a variety of other features, such as a trip planner, station maps, and service alerts. MTA TrainTime is available for free on the App Store and Google Play.
Download:
- Tags:
- Mobile Ticketing
- Real-time Tracking
- Trip planning
Application information:
| Downloads | 1,591,874 |
| Features | MTA TrainTime allows users to get real-time train arrival information for the Metro-North Railroad and the Long Island Rail Road. |
| Pros | Easy to use, provides real-time train arrival information, allows users to purchase tickets and track their trips. |
| Cons | Can be slow at times, may not be accurate all the time, does not provide information for other railroads or transit systems. |
Comments and Reviews from users:
– Rebecca Ho: “This app is surprisingly good. I have used etix and other MTA apps over the years but this was a game changer. It is really easy to search for LIRR trains and you can buy tickets straight from your search. Saves your card details and you can save frequently used stations, I really like it! The notices are very helpful during construction and the people density indicator is pretty accurate. Well done MTA.” – 5/5 in Play Store
– Keith Howson: “Updated Pretty good progress. However, there's a "saved trip" tab but no discoverable way to save a trip there. Original post, still an issue: If you want any of the "extended" functionality, you'll be taken to a website or to the TrainTime app (or the play store if you don't have it). Seems like a lazy bit of dev work...” – 3/5 in Play Store
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6. The Official MTA App
Real-time tracking, Smart alerts, Map-based interface
Cost: The Official MTA App (Free), The Official MTA App Pro (Paid)
The Official MTA App is your essential companion for navigating New York City's public transportation system. With real-time train and bus arrival information, subway and bus maps, and trip planning tools, the app makes it easy to get around the city. You can also purchase and manage your MetroCard, and get alerts about service changes and delays. Whether you're a daily commuter or a weekend visitor, the Official MTA App is the only app you need to get around NYC.
Download:
- Tags:
- Real-time Tracking
- Personalized alerts
- Hassle-free navigation
Application information:
| Downloads | 1,031,992 |
| Features | This app provides real-time train and bus arrival information, service status updates, trip planning, and the ability to purchase and use mobile tickets for the MTA's subway, bus, and commuter rail services. |
| Pros | Comprehensive, easy to use, real-time information, mobile ticketing. |
| Cons | Can be slow at times, not all features are available for all MTA services. |
Comments and Reviews from users:
– José L. Rodríguez: “This app was recently updated and it has a much cleaner interface. I couldn't plan a trip from my house to a business I go to regularly. The app failed to find the business name. The lack of widgets is another drawback. The subway system is large and I don't need to see information about lines I never use. Wish I could get my pertinent information based on widgets. Sometimes it doesn't update my location even when it has a good connection” – 2/5 in Play Store
– Ayla Rosen: “EDIT: The update has made it so difficult to use if you're trying to plan for further in advance than immediately. I can't see if my train is running this weekend. The "alternative routes" don't really provide any helpful information. I used this app for probably a year with no issues; after the update at the end of May it stopped working altogether. However, I just re-downloaded it and it seems to be working again. I'll update if I have any problems.” – 2/5 in Play Store
7. Map of NYC Subway
No internet required, Official MTA source, Simple and easy to use
Cost: Map of NYC Subway (Free), Map of NYC Subway Pro ($0.99)
Map of NYC Subway is a lightweight, simple app that provides offline access to the MTA's NYC maps. It includes all subway lines and stations, as well as bus and rail lines. The app is easy to use, with a clean interface and intuitive navigation. It's a great option for getting around NYC, whether you're a resident or a visitor.
Download:
- Tags:
- Offline access
- Official MTA data
- Simple and easy to use
Application information:
| Downloads | 859633 |
| Features | The MTA's NYC maps in a simple, lightweight app, all offline. Now with bus/rail! |
| Pros | Offline access to MTA maps, including bus and rail lines. |
| Cons | May not be as up-to-date as the official MTA app, and interface may not be as user-friendly. |
Comments and Reviews from users:
– A Google user: “The most helpful app for the subway as it has all routes set out. The next best thing to having a hard copy you can check over and over. Other apps with route planners got our location wrong and sent us entirely wrong.” – 5/5 in Play Store
– A Google user: “I like that I can see all the connections and Lines. It would be amazing to be able to plan a route by putting in a start point and destination stops. Even would love to see integration with any lines that are down or the current schedule” – 3/5 in Play Store
8. NYC Ferry by Hornblower
Paperless ticketing, Live scheduling, 30-day Unlimited Pass
Cost: Free, NYC Ferry Annual Membership (230)
The NYC Ferry by Hornblower app makes getting around New York City by ferry a breeze. With mobile ticketing and Scan & Go boarding, you can skip the lines and get on your way quickly and easily. The app also provides real-time ferry schedules, service alerts, and trip planning tools to help you make the most of your journey. Whether you're a daily commuter or a weekend explorer, the NYC Ferry by Hornblower app is the essential tool for navigating New York City's waterways.
Download:
- Tags:
- Paperless ticketing
- Real-Time Updates
- Trip planner
Application information:
| App Name | NYC Ferry by Hornblower |
| Downloads | 338K |
| Features | The NYC Ferry App provides real-time ferry arrival information, trip planning, mobile ticketing, and Scan & Go boarding. |
| Pros | Convenient mobile ticketing and real-time arrival information. |
| Cons | Limited functionality compared to the website, occasional glitches reported. |
Comments and Reviews from users:
– Ken Chester Jr: “The app works well, but sometimes it's frustrating if you "activate" a ticket you've purchased but the boat ends up being full by the time you get to the front of the line; the timer starts to run down & messes up your free transfer period while you wait for the next boat. It'd be nice if the QR code wouldn't begin to expire / have a transfer timer until it's been scanned by staff.” – 4/5 in Play Store
– Sandip Madan: “In normal times this App works well. But during modified schedules (including today, during Thanksgiving) it gave the updated schedule on some cell phones but NOT others in our family. Uninstalling and reinstalling the App worked (showed the modified schedule of today correctly) on my wife's cell phone (happens to be an Iphone) but NOT on my Android (Google Pixel 6A) cell phone. Others suffered similarly - they showed up at the at the wrong time, misled by the schedule displayed on their App” – 2/5 in Play Store
9. Map of NYC Subway
Offline subway maps, No internet required, MTA public transport
Cost: Map of NYC Subway (Free), Map of NYC Subway (Premium) ($1.99)
Map of NYC Subway is a mobile app that provides offline maps of the New York City subway system. It includes all subway lines and stations, as well as bus and train routes. The app also provides real-time train arrival information and trip planning tools. Map of NYC Subway is a valuable resource for anyone who travels around New York City, whether they are a resident or a tourist.
Download:
- Tags:
- Offline subway maps
- No internet connection required
- Complete set of NYC public transport maps
Application information:
| Downloads | 123763 |
| Features | All NYC subway maps and transit maps; no internet required. |
| Pros | Comprehensive, offline access. |
| Cons | May not be up-to-date with the latest changes to the subway system. |
Comments and Reviews from users:
– A Google user: “Maps, that's all you get. Schedules would have been helpful.” – 3/5 in Play Store
– A Google user: “It is absolutely awsome guide for new person in New York. One can travel places without asking anybody.” – 5/5 in Play Store
10. Subway Time NYC
Real-time data, Subway map, Nearby stations
Subway Time NYC is a mobile app that provides real-time subway tracking and a detailed subway map of New York City. With this app, you can easily plan your subway journey, check for delays and disruptions, and find the best route to your destination. The app also includes a variety of other features, such as the ability to save your favorite stations, set up alerts for your regular commute, and view the subway map in different languages. Whether you're a daily commuter or a tourist exploring the city, Subway Time NYC is an essential app for getting around NYC.
Download:
- Tags:
- Real-time data
- Subway map
- Favorite stations
Application information:
| Downloads | 16,967 |
| Features | Real-time subway tracking, subway map, trip planning, and station alerts. |
| Pros | Accurate and reliable real-time tracking, easy-to-use interface. |
| Cons | Can be slow to load at times, occasional bugs. |
Comments and Reviews from users:
– Navin Mahabir: “I love using this app! It gives more accurate train times than Google Maps” – 5/5 in Play Store
– Lucas Switzer: “Use this every day. Best sub-second subway time accuracy on the market.” – 5/5 in Play Store