Public Transportation in New York City - New York MetroCard

From the New York subway to hop-on hop-off buses, our guide will help you get from A to B (the A train to the B train, that is!)

By Shashia Mitchell
Published: May 16, 2024
New York transport

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 have easy access to all the best New York attractions in no time.

New York subway

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. 

  • The subway: Almost always the fastest way to get anywhere, except late at night when taxis can – and do – fly through the city streets. 

  • 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.

Grand Central Station clock

The New York subway system can feel 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 impatient. But don't worry, you'll soon get the hang of it.

New York MetroCard prices

A new MetroCard costs $1.00 for the card itself. A single ride is $2.90 and tickets are sold at vending machines in the stations.
A 7-day MetroCard costs $34.00 and is a popular New York subway pass option.
You can also tap and go to pay your fare using a contactless credit/debit card, smartphone or OMNY card. 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 and are not part of The New York Pass®.

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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, just remember you're not alone. Try watching some other people, and copy what they do.

When planning your New York trip, make sure to use a NYC subway map to check each journey.

New York metrocard and dollars

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 can still sometimes suffer from people being unable to find the abundant trashcans. 

The bigger issue is safety, and fortunately, there is good news there as well. The amount of crime being reported throughout the system is way down from its peak, but that’s not to say you shouldn’t still be careful.

You can never be too cautious, so we recommend following these common safety tips at all times when using the subway: 

  • Research your route before you set off. 

  • Use the busiest subway entrances and exits. 

  • Travel with a group when possible. 

  • Stand well back from the platform edge. 

  • Keep a close eye on your belongings – hide any valuables and put your wallet and phone somewhere safe and out of sight. 

And remember, it’s especially important to be aware of your surroundings when traveling on the subway at night.  

New York subway train

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 your money than almost any other expenditure you can make while traveling. It will save you loads of time and reveal many other sights and things to do in New York that you might never have found otherwise.

There are many good sightseeing options in New York, but we recommend Big Bus Hop-on Hop-off tours, available with The New York Pass®. These tours are an incredibly convenient and affordable way to see all the biggest and best attractions New York has to offer.  

Big Bus New York offers two main loops – the Downtown Loop and the Uptown Loop – and the stops cover all of the major NYC Attractions.

Each loop gives you a unique view of the city and access to different attractions. Local guides provide commentary as you travel around the city, teaching you about the culture and history of the sights as you go past. 

The hop-on hop-off feature allows you to jump off the bus to explore a specific sight, and then hop back on the next bus to continue your journey. This gives you the flexibility to organize your sightseeing schedule, customize your experience, and enjoy total freedom during your visit. 

Some of the most popular stops include: 

  • Times Square 

  • The Statue of Liberty and Battery Park 

  • Central Park 

  • Chinatown 

  • Grand Central Station 

  • W 42nd Street and Broadway 

  • Empire State Building: 5th Avenue and 32nd Street 

Jump off and explore wherever you can to get a real flavor of the city.  

NYC hop on hop off bus tour

Experience everything New York City has to offer with The New York Pass®

Planning your New York trip? With a New York attraction 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.

✈️ Buy The New York Pass® ✈️

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Shashia Mitchell
New York Travel Expert

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New York Itinerary - 2 Days In New York

Planning on spending two days in New York City, but not sure what to do? We've put together the perfect New York itinerary to help you with your trip planning. You'll get a real feel for the city, from cruises and tours to museums and the famous skyline. This itinerary will not only save you time, it’ll also save you money on your two days in New York. To make sure this itinerary works for you, we’ve included both walking and public transportation options to ensure you don't miss any of NYC’s highlights. This 2-day New York itinerary includes... Big Bus Hop on Hop off: 1-Day Classic Ticket Empire State Building Observatory Food On Foot Tours Madame Tussauds 9/11 Memorial & Museum Liberty Super Express Cruise Whitney Museum of American art Edge If you’re planning on spending more days in NYC or you’re taking a whistle-stop one-day trip, we’ve also put together a 1 day in New York, a 3 day in New York, a weekend in New York, and a full week in New York itinerary. DAY 1 Stop #1: Big Bus Hop on Hop off: 1-Day Classic Ticket Hop on and hop off this double-decker bus sightseeing tour to explore most of the city! You’ll be guided through New York’s sights and sounds with the help of an informative narrator. You won’t miss a thing! A few of the top sites you'll see include the Empire State Building, Brooklyn Bridge, Wall Street, Madison Square Garden, and many more. You’ll get an excellent overview of the city's historical sites and landmarks while you hop on or off at any of the stops, making it an ideal option for you if you like a bit of flexibility. Stop #2: Empire State Building Observatory After seeing the Empire State building from the top of a bus, you’ll be eager to ride the elevator to the 86th floor and explore one of the most iconic buildings in all of New York. You’ll get the chance to snap plenty of Instagram-worthy pics 381 meters in the air, so don’t forget your camera! Aside from its spectacular views, the Empire State Building has a lot of historical significance. Its art deco décor is an appealing feature for architecture enthusiasts. Check out the 24-karat gold, aluminum leaf mural on the ceiling! We recommend you reserve at least two hours for this attraction. Keep in mind that elevator lines will add to your overall time spent at the attraction but you won’t regret it! Read all of our tips for visiting the Empire State Building before you go to make the most of your visit. Stop #3: Food On Foot Tours Work up an appetite? Experience New York’s diverse culture by tasting a vast array of cuisines on The Food on Foot Walking Tour. A knowledgeable guide will lead you through the NYC neighborhoods, highlighting the best restaurants and food stops to explore. You won’t be left hungry as there are several different tours available. So don’t worry, there’ll be a tour that caters to everyone's food desires. If you do plan on heading out for a lunchtime bite, the Midtown Mix tour might be the right option for you as it’ll give you the chance to try multiple cuisines . Take a bite out of New York's streets. Stop #4: Madame Tussauds If you have time for one last stop... Make your day memorable with some iconic faces! Sip tea with the Royal Family, start an election with Joe Biden, save the world with Spiderman, or get a rare selfie with both Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. If none of these take your fancy, there are plenty more celebrities and experiences you’ll love! Madame Tussauds is one of the top attractions in New York, combining both celeb-spotting opportunities and interactive experiences. These include: Suit Up with the Marvel Superheroes, Sit in the Oval Office, Join the Ghostbusters, Be a Tonight Show Guest, Star on Broadway, Face Off with King Kong, Walk the Runway. Make your friends jealous with a photo of you kissing your favorite celebrity. DAY 2 Stop #1: 9/11 Memorial & Museum Starting the day at the 9/11 Memorial and Museum is an opportunity to avoid the crowds and pay your respects in silence. The 9/11 Memorial and Museum honors nearly 3,000 victims of these attacks and all those who risked their lives to save others. Located in the footprint of the Twin Towers, the Memorial's twin reflecting pools are a must-see. With two enormous pools and trees surrounding them, it's a very moving place. A feeling of sadness is especially prevalent in the dark. Both North Pool and South Pool were constructed on the same spots as the twin towers, creating a place of solemn reflection and remembrance.These pools are each nearly an acre in size and feature the largest manmade waterfalls in North America. The names of every person who died in the 2001 and 1993 attacks are inscribed into the bronze panels edging the pools. It’s a place of deep emotion and great beauty. Stop #2: Liberty Super Express Cruise All aboard the big yellow boat! From Downtown New York City, it's the fastest way to see Lady Liberty! You’ll see New York’s skyline from all angles while zooming across the seas to the Statue of Liberty. You’ll experience the magic of Lady Liberty in all her glory in just 45 minutes. Millions of tourists visit her monument every day as it serves as a symbol of hope for all who are fortunate to see its magnificence. Feel the wind blow through your hair as you hear some of New York's most recognizable sights described in a brilliant guided narration. When you reach the majestic Lady Liberty, the boat will slow down for you to capture some memorable snaps while you get a detailed description of its history and significance. No trip to New York City is complete without visiting the famous landmark, and the cruise is the best way to get up close and personal. You can't beat the view from the water. But expect a new hair-do by the end of the super fast cruise! Stop #3: Whitney Museum of American art   Do you have an eye for art? The artistic genius in you will love The Whitney Museum of American Art. The Museum is home to modern and contemporary art of the United States, storing artwork from living artists and notorious favorites. Lose yourself in the abstract strokes of O’Keeffe’s Music Pink and Blue No.2 (1918) piece. This is one of the many iconic artworks to explore from Whitney’s collection. You’ll be amazed by the collection which holds over 25,000 works, created by more than 3,700 American artists during the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. You’ll get the chance to get up close and personal with upcoming artists, especially if you attend one of their exhibitions. The exhibitions often focus on socio-political and economic themes. The Museum’s flagship exhibition is the Biennial, which has been surveyed as the country’s leading recent developments in American art. Name the artist before anyone else can! Stop #4: Edge   Take in the city views from the angled glass walls while sipping champagne in the sky to top off the perfect two-day trip. You’ll have perfect unobstructed 360-degree views of the sunset from the 100th floor. The 360-degree view includes the glass floor, where you can see the streets illuminated by the sun from beneath your feet. Not only will you be thrilled by the panoramic view, but also the design of the building. You’ll question the safety of the dramatic observation deck that extends out of the building. It’s a masterpiece of architecture. End your day on the Edge of New York City. It’s a sky-high experience!     Grab a New York Pass to see all the very best New York attractions without breaking the bank!
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Two days in NYC with the New York Pass

How to tick off the Big Apple’s greatest hits in under 48 hours.
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Take Over New York: Tuesday’s Top Experiences Await

Tuesdays in New York don’t get enough love, but we can’t think of a better day to dive into the city’s incredible museums, wander its leafy parks, and soak up the buzz without the weekend crowds. Whether you’re trying to fill a whole day or squeeze in a few unmissable sights, we’ve got your Tuesday all mapped out—from panoramic city views and world-class art to mouthwatering bagels and hidden gardens you’ll brag about later. If you want to experience NYC like a pro, follow our guide to a Tuesday that’s part classic, part offbeat, and absolutely unforgettable.  Every Tuesday in the Big Apple, these are our favorite ways to play:  Empire State Building  American Museum of Natural History  High Line  Madison Square Garden Tour  Top of the Rock  Central Park Bike Tour by Unlimited Biking  MoMA  Grand Central Terminal  Chelsea Market  Bryant Park  And now, let’s break down why these experiences make Tuesday in NYC one to remember...  Empire State Building  Step into the beating heart of New York at the Empire State Building, where the art deco lobby alone is worth the visit. Riding to the 86th floor, excitement builds by the second—few sights compare to watching the world unfurl below, from glimmering rivers to the Central Park treeline. Hit it early on a Tuesday and you’ll dodge the biggest crowds, giving you a moment that feels personal and spectacular. The open-air deck offers nothing short of a goosebump-inducing panorama, best enjoyed with just a breeze and your camera. Stick around inside for historic exhibits and old-school charm—or toast your morning at the 102nd-floor bar if you're visiting later in the day. On Tuesdays, the energy is electric, but the pace is juuust right.  American Museum of Natural History  Dinosaurs, dioramas, and a 94-foot blue whale—need we say more? The American Museum of Natural History dazzles with its labyrinth of halls, mammoth displays, and hands-on fun that’s equal parts fascinating and fun. Tuesdays are one of the best days to explore, as families and school groups are fewer and the quieter galleries give you space to stare back at a T-rex in total awe or ponder the mysteries of the universe in the Hayden Planetarium. Youngsters (and the young at heart) will scramble for the legendary dinosaur floor, while the incredible gemstone exhibit always brings a little sparkle to your day.  Madison Square Garden Tour  Ever wonder what it takes to rock the stage or dominate the court at the World’s Most Famous Arena? A behind-the-scenes Madison Square Garden Tour puts you right in the shoes of stars, athletes, and music legends for an hour of jaw-dropping stories, memorabilia, and peeks backstage. The guides here are pure New York—knowledgeable, chatty, and eager to share quirky anecdotes. And, since Tuesday usually means fewer events, it’s a smooth, crowd-free way to see every hidden corner and take those bucket-list selfies.  Top of the Rock  There’s no feeling like stepping into the glassy sky decks of Top of the Rock. On a Tuesday afternoon, the pace is relaxed; you can linger at every angle, peering north over Central Park’s green sea or south towards the labyrinth of Midtown. It’s always a thrill to spot the Empire State Building front and center—yes, you were just there! Every visit comes with a kismet of people-watching, a dabble of 1930s glamour, and a memory card full of spectacular snaps. Pop down into the Rockefeller Center concourse for murals and mosaics that add another layer to your cultural fix.  MoMA  The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) turns Tuesday into an art-lover’s paradise. With ever-refreshing exhibits, you’ll see classics like Monet’s Water Lilies or Van Gogh’s Starry Night up close—there’s something magical about having a less-crowded gallery to yourself on a weekday. The airy, sunlit spaces draw both seasoned culture hunters and creative newcomers; give yourself time to discover the design store for souvenirs that won’t gather dust. And, if you need a refresh, grab a bite at the chic café with views of the sculpture garden—perfect for recharging before tackling the next gallery.  Grand Central Terminal  Grand Central never fails to impress, but it’s Tuesday travelers who get the best of both worlds: a lively atmosphere without the shoulder-to-shoulder rush. Take a moment to stare up at the celestial ceiling mural, then test out the Whispering Gallery for a hidden-in-plain-sight audio trick. Food-lovers find heaven here—the Grand Central Market offers everything from oysters to gourmet baked goods. Snag a classic black-and-white cookie for your walk, or just wander through the polished corridors and people-watch like only New York allows.  Chelsea Market  Take your tastebuds on a tour at Chelsea Market, the city’s famous warehouse-turned-food-hall. The Tuesday lunchtime shuffle is spirited, but never overwhelming—which means you have ample elbow room for food stand hopping. Try a pillowy lobster roll at Lobster Place, dig into tacos from Los Tacos No. 1, or go global with Japanese-style crepes. Grab a table by the windows for people watching, and don’t forget to peek into Artists & Fleas for indie crafts and quirky keepsakes. Just steps away from the High Line, it’s an ideal spot for a midday feast or snack attack.  Bryant Park  Best known for its year-round energy, Bryant Park is a pocket of calm and activity right in Midtown. Tuesdays are when locals spread out for lunchtime yoga or chess beneath the plane trees, while travelers snag a carousel ride or sip coffee at outdoor tables rimmed with flowers. If you’re visiting in summer, free movie nights and pop-up performances abound; in winter, a skating rink and holiday market transform the whole scene. The New York Public Library—right next door—invites you to browse its ornate reading rooms or snap a photo with the famous marble lions before heading out for your Tuesday adventures.    Ready to turn an average Tuesday into a story you’ll remember long after you leave New York? Start with these picks and see where the city’s energy takes you next!    Enjoyed this? Check out our guide to city views from the waves, and our comprehensive guide to the Museum of Broadway.  Step up your sightseeing with The New York Pass®    We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.   See more, do more, and experience more with The New York Pass® – just choose a pass to get started! 
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