Obtain a color copy of your subway map. Most subway lines are marked by color and are easier to read when you can see the different colored lines. New York's MTA, Boston's MBTA or "T" and Washington, DC's Metro systems all have both interactive and printable colored subway maps on their websites (see Resources below).
Read the legend to familiarize yourself with the symbols you see on the subway map. The legend is usually at the top or bottom of the subway map and explains not only the symbols, but also the color coding for the different subway lines.
Notice the different colored lines that make up the entire subway system. Each stop is marked with its name and a circle or dot on the map. Sometimes two different colored lines will intersect at a transfer station, usually denoted by a larger circle or a splash of all of the colors that are served at that station.
Look for a picture of a car or large "P" on the subway map next to many of the stops. This means there is a parking lot right at the subway station.
Locate the symbols that indicate where the subway meets up with bus stops or commuter trains. Some subway systems use the name of the commuter trains, while others use the color of its line or the number of the train. Knowing where these stops are located is helpful if you are not staying on one colored line for your entire trip.
Be aware that when you see two colored subway lines next to each other on the map, they may share a track in the station. If this is the case, pay close attention to make sure you get on the one you need.
