Your Complete Guide to Safe and Smart Transportation for Night Club Hopping in Queens and NYC
Exploring the vibrant nightlife scene in Queens and New York City can be one of the most exhilarating experiences the Big Apple has to offer. From the diverse entertainment venues in Jackson Heights to the bustling club scene throughout the five boroughs, party-goers have countless options for an unforgettable night out. However, navigating the city safely while club hopping requires careful planning and smart transportation choices.
Understanding Your Transportation Options
Yellow medallion taxis can pick up passengers anywhere in the five boroughs, while green “boro taxis” are allowed to pick up passengers in Upper Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens (excluding LaGuardia and JFK airports), and Staten Island. For nightclub hopping in Queens specifically, both options provide legitimate, regulated transportation that’s overseen by the NYC Taxi and Limousine Commission.
When using rideshare services like Uber or Lyft, always confirm the license plate number before getting in and ask the driver who they’re looking for, rather than announcing your name when you enter. This proves they have the rideshare app and that you’re in the correct vehicle. When using ridesharing apps in NYC, double-check that the driver’s photo and license plate both match what comes up on your phone, and use the app’s feature to share the progress of your ride with a friend or loved one, especially if you’re riding alone.
Subway Safety for Late-Night Adventures
The NYC subway system operates 24/7, making it a cost-effective option for nightclub hopping. The subway runs all night and will be much cheaper than a taxi. However, fewer people travel on the subway at night, which if you’re alone doesn’t give you the safest feeling. If you’re not in a large group, it’s better to take a taxi late at night.
For those who choose subway travel, try to ride in the first car (adjacent to the train operator) or the middle car (where the conductor rides) rather than the rear cars, since they probably have fewer riders. If you feel uncomfortable when you enter the station for whatever reason, leave. Waiting alone on the platform in the off-hours can feel weird, so if there’s no one in sight, it may be best to head for the street.
Planning Your Night Out Strategy
Make sure you know how you’re getting back home after the club. Just as important as going to the club is having a plan for how you’re going to leave. If that means budgeting extra money to take an Uber home instead of the train, so be it. Scheduling an Uber ahead of time could also prevent you from entertaining the thought of taking the train at 4am, when you’re not thinking clearly.
Consider party bus or limo services for group outings. With a party bus, you don’t have to worry about driving, parking, or navigating busy streets. You can fully enjoy your night out while professional chauffeurs handle the logistics. Whether you’re hopping between clubs in Manhattan or attending a concert in Queens, the party continues while you’re on the move.
Essential Safety Preparations
A charged phone is the most critical nightlife tool you can carry. Bringing a portable charger can be the difference between finding your friends quickly at a crowded venue or wandering around for two hours looking for them. It’s especially important for getting transportation home.
Bring a change of clothes if you’re riding public transit. If you have to take the train, wear something conservative to avoid being harassed and put your party outfit in a bag once you get to the club. This practical tip can significantly reduce unwanted attention during transit.
Queens-Specific Transportation Tips
Queens offers a diverse nightlife scene with venues ranging from intimate lounges to larger entertainment complexes. When visiting establishments like Night Club Queens, NY, located at 93-10 Woodhaven Blvd, planning your transportation route in advance becomes crucial. Queens is very safe, and areas like Belle Harbor and Upper Ditmars are considered safer than most of NYC.
For Queens-specific taxi services, local companies like Taxiqueens Taxi & Car Service are known for great safe drivers, excellent client services, and round-the-clock 24-hour availability. These services often provide more personalized attention than traditional yellow cabs and can be particularly useful for getting to and from specific venues in Queens.
Group Safety and Buddy System
Never put a friend who’s had too much to drink in a car alone. You can always add a stop once they’re home safe and sound. “If you see something, say something,” applies particularly in nightlife. Look out for fellow party-goers and never hesitate to find a bouncer if something suspicious goes down. Getting someone out of the space who’s causing problems is your civic duty.
New York City is generally very safe for female travelers. However, when dealing with New York streets at night, women tend to be safer if they travel in groups rather than alone, and if they stick to areas with plenty of people and light.
Emergency Preparedness and Self-Defense
It’s completely legal to carry pepper spray in the state of New York, and in a worst-case scenario, you’re going to want to have one on hand. Although bouncers at clubs might confiscate your pepper spray if they find it, many will return them to you once you leave a venue.
Fentanyl test strips are widely available, often for free, and carrying Naloxone (NARCAN®) is easier than ever. The Office of Nightlife’s NARCAN Behind Every Bar campaign provides these life-saving resources.
Final Transportation Tips for a Safe Night Out
Stick to main streets and pathways, always cross at intersections, follow traffic signals, pay attention to cars and cyclists, and be hyper-vigilant at night by sticking to well-lit, populated streets. Always try to appear as if you know where you’re going and have an agenda. Criminals tend to take advantage of those who look lost or insecure.
Remember that New York City is one of the safest large cities in the United States, and having a safe nightlife community is important to maintain New York City’s vibrant nightlife culture and economy attracting visitors from all over the world. With proper planning, awareness, and smart transportation choices, your night out club hopping in Queens and NYC can be both thrilling and safe.
Whether you’re exploring the diverse entertainment venues throughout Queens or venturing into Manhattan’s club scene, prioritizing your safety and having multiple transportation backup plans will ensure your night out remains memorable for all the right reasons.