6 Apps You Can Use to Navigate NYC - SmartAsset

Whether you have a yoga class on the Upper East Side, hair appointment in Soho, or dinner in Flatiron, it’s not always easy to navigate New York City. Made for travelers and locals alike, we have a round-up of the top apps for getting around the Big App-le. Some are for avid public transit users, cab takers, the growing cyclist crowd, and one solely focused on Central Park.

1. KickMap

This 24-hour, no Internet needed Subway Map is a simple, scrollable and zoomable guide for ALL subway lines, connections, and stops. KickMap was rated one of the best 2012 Apple Apps for NYC in Manhattan. A subway map that works underground where the subway actually operates, seems pretty great to us.

2. HopStop

With millions of users, HopStop still reigns the public transportation app throne. With walking, subway, car, and bus directions, HopStop operates like Google Maps giving the best instructions from your starting and ending points. This app even has realtime updates about delays and offers advice for detours.

3. NYC Mate

This NYC travel application takes it a step further, including ways to get in and out of the city. It offers maps of the Metro-North Railroad, Long Island Railroad, New Jersey Transit, and PATH trains in addition to NYC subway, neighborhood and bus maps. Suburban commuters can rest easy.

4. CabSense NYC

Using data from sources like the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission, this app helps you find a cab on any street corner. Based on day of the week, time, and location, CabSense helps you find the best place to head for a taxi. It then estimates when one will be there. There is even a built-in taxi hailer, complete with a whistle and flashing light – just shake your phone!

5. Uber

Uber eliminates the public yellow taxi and replaces it with a personal car service, complete with black town cars and spacious SUVs. Just pinpoint your exact location on a map and Uber will tell you how long until an available car can be there – you can track the car’s progress on a live, interactive map as well. There is even the option of calling the driver to make sure pick up is seamless – and you review the driver after the experience to ensure best behavior. Payment couldn’t be easier as you are automatically billed to the card linked to your account.

6. Central Park NYC

Comprising 6% of Manhattan’s land area and endless options for the wandering tourist and local alike, Central Park can get confusing. This interactive GPS-enabled map application makes it easier to find bathrooms, famous fountains and everything in between. Central Park NYC also features customizable notifications about the park’s history and current happenings.

Bottom Line

New York City is one of the most intimidating places to explore when you first move. However, the apps above are an example of the types of resources that are now available to new New Yorkers. Take advantage of them so you can feel as comfortable as possible, as quickly as possible, in the Big Apple.

Tips for Cost of Living

When you live in a place like New York City, your budget and money management skills become even more important. A financial advisor can help you build a financial plan for now and the future. Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
Are you planning on moving to New York City? You’ll need to understand the variances in the costs of living between it and where you’re moving from. Use SmartAsset’s cost of living calculator to learn more.