Getting Around New York City

The best way to get around NYC is through a combination of walking and mass transit. NYC’s subways and buses are inexpensive, operate 24/7, provide a fun way to extend sightseeing and get you where you need to go, fast. Other interborough connections include ferries and even an aerial tramway.

MTA MetroCard

Getting an MTA MetroCard is your first step to navigating the City by subway or bus. You can purchase a MetroCard at any subway station from multilingual machines (which accept cash, ATM cards and credit cards) or booth attendants.

Riders can choose a pay-per-ride or an unlimited-ride MetroCard. A single subway or bus ride is $2.50. (The minimum purchase for a pay-per-ride MetroCard is $4.50.) The unlimited MetroCard enables users to ride as often as they like within a fixed time period: seven days ($29) or 30 days ($104). Varying discounts are given when purchasing multiple rides, and for seniors (age 65 and up) and disabled riders. For a map of New York City’s subway and bus system, click here.  

Taxis

The City’s yellow fleet of taxicabs is regulated by the Taxi & Limousine Commission (TLC). Taxicabs operate 24 hours, provide door-to-door service and accept cash or credit cards. To hail a taxi, stand at the curb and look for a yellow cab with an illuminated white number on top. Off-duty cabs display the illuminated words “Off Duty” on the same sign. Board and exit the cab curbside.

There is a minimum meter fare of $2.50, and prices increase based on the distance and duration of the trip (assume prices are higher during peak rush-hour traffic). Surcharges apply to the meter price Monday–Friday, 4–8pm and nightly, 8pm–6am. Drivers appreciate a 15–20 percent gratuity at the end of a trip. Bridge and tunnel tolls are extra (and not included in the taxi’s metered fare). For further details, visit nyc.gov/taxi or call the City’s information hotline, 311.