Navigating the menu at one of the world’s largest sandwich chains has changed significantly over the last few years. While many of us remember the days of the fixed five-dollar footlong, the modern landscape of Subway pricing is more varied, influenced by regional costs, premium ingredient tiers, and a shift toward chef-curated recipes. If you are heading out for lunch today, understanding the current price structure is essential for finding the best value.
In 2026, Subway sandwiches generally fall into three distinct pricing categories: the Classic subs, the Subway Series, and the newer premium selections. Because Subway is a franchise-based business, prices are not set in stone across every location. A footlong in a high-rent district of New York City or London will inevitably cost more than one in a smaller rural town. However, by looking at national averages and the latest digital menu updates, we can establish a reliable baseline for what you can expect to pay.
Breaking Down the Costs of Classic Sandwiches
The Classic menu remains the backbone of the Subway experience. These are the builds many customers have ordered for decades, featuring standard proteins and the ability to customize every topping. As of early 2026, the price for a 6-inch Classic sub typically ranges from $5.49 to $7.49. If you decide to upgrade to a footlong, the price usually jumps to a range between $8.49 and $10.49.
Some of the most popular items in this category include the Veggie Delite, which remains the most affordable option, often priced around $5.49 for a 6-inch. On the meatier side, favorites like the Italian B.M.T. or the Turkey Breast generally sit in the middle of the price bracket. The Tuna sub, a staple for many, often mirrors the pricing of the Turkey Breast, making it a reliable mid-tier choice.
It is important to note that "Classic" doesn’t mean "basic." You still get the full choice of artisan breads and the entire vegetable tray. The lower price point compared to the newer "Series" menu simply reflects that these sandwiches use standard protein portions and do not include the automatic double-cheese or specific premium toppings found in the chef-inspired builds.
The Subway Series and Premium Pricing
The introduction of the Subway Series marked a shift in how the brand markets its food. These sandwiches are numbered and designed to be ordered "as-is," though customization is still allowed. Because these subs often come with double cheese, toasted-to-perfection instructions, and more expensive proteins like rotisserie-style chicken or shaved steak, they carry a premium price tag.
For a Subway Series footlong in 2026, you should expect to pay between $10.99 and $14.49. Some of the top-tier options, such as The Beast (#30) which features a massive combination of pepperoni, salami, turkey, ham, and roast beef, sit at the very top of this range. Other popular choices like The Philly (#1) or the Outlaw (#2) typically hover around $12.49 for a footlong.
The 6-inch versions of these premium sandwiches usually cost between $7.49 and $8.99. While the price is higher, many fans argue that the increased meat portions and the convenience of a pre-designed flavor profile justify the extra couple of dollars. If you are looking for a more "gourmet" fast-food experience, this is the section of the menu you will likely frequent.
Value Meals and Promotional Deals
Despite rising costs, Subway continues to participate in "value wars" to keep customers coming back. One of the most effective ways to save money in 2026 is by utilizing the Subway app. The brand frequently offers digital-only coupons that can bring the price of any footlong down to a much more manageable $6.99 or $7.99 for a limited time.
Beyond temporary promotions, many locations offer a "Meal of the Day" or a "Fresh Fit" deal. A standard meal deal—which includes a 6-inch sub, a fountain drink, and a side of chips or two cookies—usually adds about $3.50 to $4.50 to the price of your sandwich. When purchased as a bundle, this is often cheaper than buying the items individually.
Another value-oriented addition to the menu is the "Sidekicks" line. These are snacks priced between $2 and $5, including the popular footlong cookie, footlong pretzel, and footlong churro. These items provide a lower-cost way to round out a meal without having to buy a second sandwich or a more expensive side.
Regional Variations and Extra Charges
One of the most common frustrations for customers is seeing a price advertised online only to find a different price at their local shop. In 2026, regional price variance is higher than ever. In metropolitan areas or travel hubs like airports and train stations, you may see a 10% to 20% markup on all menu items.
Additionally, "extras" can quickly inflate your total. Adding bacon to a footlong typically costs an additional $1.50 to $2.00, while extra cheese or double meat can add $1.00 and $3.00 respectively. Smashed avocado is another popular add-on that usually incurs a fee of around $1.50.
Even the way your sandwich is prepared can sometimes affect the cost in certain regions where "luxury taxes" are applied to hot or toasted food. While rare, it is always a good idea to check the digital board or the app before confirming your order to see exactly how these variables affect your final bill.
Catering and Large Group Orders
If you are looking to feed a crowd, Subway’s catering remains a popular and relatively cost-effective option. Catering prices in 2026 have remained competitive with other sandwich shops. A standard Giant Sub, which is approximately 3 feet long and feeds 10 to 12 people, typically costs around $60.
For office meetings or parties, platters are often the preferred choice. A "Classic Combo" platter, which serves roughly 5 to 9 people and includes 15 four-inch sub segments, usually costs between $45 and $55 depending on the meat selections. Subway also offers individual "Lunch Box" bundles, which include a 6-inch sub, a cookie, and chips, often starting at around $9 per person for large orders.
Healthy Options and the Cost of Nutrition
Subway has long branded itself as the "healthy" alternative to burger chains. In 2026, they continue to offer No Bready Bowls and salads for those looking to skip the carbs. Interestingly, these options are often priced similarly to or slightly higher than their footlong counterparts.
A No Bready Bowl, which essentially puts the ingredients of a footlong into a bowl, usually costs between $10.00 and $13.50. Salads, which are based on 6-inch protein portions, generally range from $7.00 to $9.00. While you are getting fewer calories, you are often paying for the convenience and the extra lettuce or spinach used as the base.
Frequent Questions About Subway Pricing
How much is a footlong at Subway in 2026?
The price of a footlong at Subway currently ranges from $8.49 for Classic options like the Veggie Delite to over $14.00 for premium Subway Series sandwiches like The Beast. On average, most customers will pay approximately $10.50 to $12.00 for a standard meat-based footlong. Prices vary significantly based on your location and any additional toppings you choose.
Does Subway still offer the five dollar footlong?
No, the national five-dollar footlong promotion has been discontinued for several years. While you may occasionally find hyper-local promotions or digital coupon codes that bring the price down to near that level (such as a $6.99 footlong deal in the app), the standard menu price for any footlong is now significantly higher due to inflation and rising ingredient costs.
What is the cheapest sandwich at Subway?
The Veggie Delite remains the most affordable sandwich on the menu. In 2026, a 6-inch Veggie Delite typically costs around $5.49, while the footlong version is approximately $8.49. For those looking for meat, the Cold Cut Combo and the Meatball Marinara are usually the lowest-priced protein options, often starting around $6.49 for a 6-inch.
Are Subway Series sandwiches more expensive than regular subs?
Yes, the Subway Series sandwiches are generally $2 to $4 more expensive than the Classic subs. This is because they are designed with premium ingredients, double cheese, and specific prep methods. While a Classic Turkey footlong might cost $9.50, a Series #15 Titan Turkey will likely cost closer to $12.50 because of the increased portions and specific cheese pairings included in the recipe.
Is it cheaper to order Subway through the app?
Generally, yes. Subway heavily incentivizes using their mobile app through exclusive "BOGO" (Buy One Get One) deals or flat-rate discounts like "any footlong for $7.99." Additionally, the Subway Rewards program allows you to earn points on every purchase, which can be redeemed for "Subway Series" credit to shave dollars off your future orders. Ordering in-person at the counter usually means paying the full board price unless you have a physical paper coupon.