Public Transportation in New York City - New York MetroCard
The Big Apple is exactly that - big! Getting around New York can be complicated, but it doesn't have to be. Read our handy guide to New York's transportation system and you'll be a local expert in no time.
For public transportation in New York City, you have two main options. They work on the same system with the same tickets, so you can combine the two for the same price.
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The subway: Almost always the fastest way to get anywhere, except late at night when taxis can — and do — fly through the city streets.
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Bus system: Not often used by visitors to the city, but a handy option in certain situations. Great for going up and down the avenues, or for people who can’t deal with lots of stairs.
The New York subway system can be a bit intimidating at first, and the locals do rush around. So, you might feel the pressure of someone right behind you in line getting ever more impatient. Don't worry, you'll soon get the hang of it.
New York MetroCard prices
A single ride is $2.90 and tickets are sold at vending machines.
A 7-day MetroCard costs $34.00 and is a popular New York subway pass option.
Some contactless bank cards can tap on and off through the OMNY system. If you take 12 subway trips in a week, you'll cap out at the same price as a 7-day MetroCard.
Please note: MTA Tickets are not sold online & are not part of The New York Pass®
Riding the subway with New York MetroCard
To enter, swipe your MetroCard through a reader and then wait for the display to say 'Go.' It can be tricky at first, but if you can’t get it working, remember you're not alone. Just watch other people, and do what they do.
While planning your New York trip, make sure to get a NYC subway map:
Safety on the NYC Subway
For many decades the New York City subway system had a reputation for being dirty and dangerous. The famous graffiti is long gone, but the stations and carriages sometimes still do suffer from people being unable to find the abundant station trashcans.
The bigger issue is safety, and fortunately, there is good news there as well. The amount of crime reported throughout the system is way down from its peak, but that’s not to say you shouldn’t be cautious.
Hop on, hop off buses: an alternative to NYC public transport
We honestly believe that a ticket on a sightseeing bus gives a greater return for the money than almost any other expenditure the traveler can make. It will save you limitless time and also visually show you many other things you would never have found for yourself.
There are many good sightseeing systems in New York, but we would recommend Big Bus hop-on hop-off tours, available with The New York Pass®
There are three routes to take you around Manhattan and the stops cover the very best of NYC Attractions.
Experience everything New York City has to offer with The New York Pass®
Planning your New York trip? With The New York Pass®, you can explore big-name landmarks, local hotspots, and epic tours, all on one pass, all for one price. Not only that, but you'll enjoy savings of up to 50%, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.