The lights of Times Square are an overwhelming spectacle, one that lingers with any visitor to New York City for years to come. The area, which is technically the intersection of Broadway and Seventh Avenue at 45th Street in Manhattan, is a bucket-list sight. No matter when you visit, it's a whirlwind of activity, with crowds and street performers everywhere, and there are tons of restaurants, shops and theaters in the streets surrounding the Square. The neighborhood itself stretches between West 40th Street and West 53rd Street and between 6th Avenue and 8th Avenue. Several subway stations serve the iconic area. Use your MetroCard to swipe into the subway and then head to the station of your choice, bearing in mind crowds, location and access.

Times Square–42 Street

The primary subway station used to access Times Square is the Times Square–42 Street station. Several lines run through the station: N, Q, R, S, W, 1, 2, 3 and 7. The S train runs between Times Square and Grand Central Station, one of NYC's main train stations. It's wheelchair-accessible (except for the S train). This station can be extremely busy, especially during rush hour and on weekend afternoons, so consider using one of the other nearby stations if the crowds are stressful. Check the subway map to ensure you're getting on the correct train in the correct direction, and follow the signs to the right platform. Take the 1, 2 or 3 train one station south to Penn Station, where Amtrak and LIRR trains leave from, when heading out of the city.

49 Street

The N, R and W trains pass through the 49 Street station, a nearby station that is about four blocks north of Times Square. This is a good alternative to the main Times Square–42 Street station. The northbound platform is wheelchair-accessible. Walk up 7th Avenue from Times Square to find the station.

42 Street/Port Authority Bus Terminal

Visitors arriving to NYC via bus will likely come into the Port Authority Bus Terminal, which is a short walk from Times Square. The bus station shares a subway stop with the A, C and E trains, which connect to the Upper West Side and to lower Manhattan via the west side. The entire station is wheelchair-accessible. This station can also be quite busy during peak times, especially during rush hour at the end of the day when commuters head to their buses home to New Jersey. Follow the signs carefully to avoid getting on the wrong train.

42 Street/Bryant Park

Walk a few blocks east from Times Square to the 42 Street/Bryant Park station to access the B, D, F and M trains. These run to Brooklyn and Queens, as well as the Upper West Side, and the F train is one of Manhattan's best subway lines. Take the B, D, F or M line to access the PATH train, which connects to New Jersey, at 33rd Street.

50 Street

The 1 train stops at 50 Street, a subway station several blocks north of Times Square. The 1 train connects to Penn Station via the Times Square–42 Street station. The 1 train carries passengers to Harlem and the Upper West Side, as well as to lower Manhattan. Note that the 1 train is local, so transfer to the 2 or 3 train for express service.