How to Use the NYC Subway As a Tourist

The easiest, most affordable way to get around New York City is by public transportation. New York City mass transit generally falls into two categories: buses and subways. The city has 36 subway lines (that go to 472 stations) and more than 5,000 buses that can take you anywhere you want to go. Once you know how to use them, you’ll find them efficient, reliable, and easy. The only problem is you must learn the system.

How to use the NYC subway as a tourist is not always easy, but this guide will tell you everything you need to know about navigating your way around. You’ll feel like a local in no time, maybe even venturing to faraway places you never thought you would.

How to Ride the New York City Subway

Most visitors will find themselves wanting to get around the city by subway. The subway serves most of Manhattan and the outer boroughs very well and takes you directly to many popular tourist destinations.

• To pay for the NYC subway or bus you can either tap any contactless card (including on your phone), buy a MetroCard, or buy an OMNY card (a contactless transit card). If you have a digital wallet, the easiest thing to do is tap your phone. MetroCards and OMNY cost $1 to purchase, and you can then add money to the card.
• MetroCards may be purchased and refilled at subway station booths, MetroCard vending machines, or at other vendors. You can use cash, credit, or debit cards to make your purchase.
• New York City subway fares are $2.90 per trip. For visitors staying more than a couple of days, you can buy a one-week unlimited MetroCard for $34 or an unlimited monthly MetroCard for $132.00. If you pay by contactless payment, there is a cap of $34/week, so you do not need to buy a weekly MetroCard. People who are 65 or older or who have qualifying disabilities can get a reduced fare, which is half-price. You must see an attendant at a station to purchase one.
• Because New York City has so many subway lines, it’s impossible to memorize them all. Even locals have to look up directions on occasion. The best way to plan your trip is to consult Google Maps or the MTA website. There are also a variety of apps that you can download before your trip to easily look up subway directions. You simply type in your point of origin and your destination, and the app will tell you the route.
• New York City has some subways that run express. Your trip planning app will tell you exactly which line to take. If it tells you to take the 1, for example, don’t get on the 2 or 3 even though it looks like it’s going in the same direction. Those trains are express and won’t stop at the station you need.
• The New York City subway operates 24 hours a day, but service is more sporadic between midnight and 6 am and on weekends. If you’re traveling on the weekends or late at night, you should be aware of service interruptions that might impact your trip. Taking a few minutes to review the planned service changes can save you a ton of hassle. Trip-planning apps like Google Maps are aware of these disruptions and can help you plan your route.
• In many stations, there is an information booth where you can press the green button and talk to an attendant. These can be a great tool if someone answers, but that isn’t guaranteed. Your phone can be more helpful.
• MTA has a list of accessible subway stations on its website.

Other Transit Options in NYC

Subways serve most of Manhattan and the outer boroughs very well, but in those areas where subway service isn’t as expansive, there are buses, trains, bikes, and boats that can take you where you need to go.

New York City Buses

The city has around 5,840 buses, and you’ll find they are particularly helpful when you need to travel to the far east or west portions of Manhattan.

New York City bus fare is $2.90 per trip. Within a two-hour window, you can make one free transfer between the subway and bus. Be aware that buses only accept contactless payment, MetroCards, or exact fare in coins—drivers cannot make change. Some buses along major routes in Manhattan & the Bronx have you pay your fare before you board to speed up the process of boarding. It’s called “Select Bus Service” and the kiosk for pre-paying your fare is usually very obvious and easy to use.

Google Maps and MTA Trip Planner can tell you the best buses to take (and whether you should take one instead of the subway.) You can also look up New York City Bus schedules.

The NYC Ferry Service

The NYC ferry is by far the most relaxing way to get around all five boroughs. Ferries are particularly advisable if you are traveling to places along the water (perhaps you are going from the South Street Seaport to Brooklyn Bridge Park.)

The ferries are fun to ride because they offer incredible views and refreshments on board (even local wine and beer!). During warmer seasons you can sit on the outer decks and enjoy the sunshine. Considering it’s also a little cruise, they’re relatively inexpensive at $4 a ticket ($27.50/10 rides).

Commuter Trains

If you need to get to the suburbs or areas around New York City you might need to take commuter trains. Metro-North trains take you to Connecticut and Westchester. They leave from Grand Central Station.

Long Island Railroad takes you into Manhattan, and New Jersey Transit takes you to New Jersey. Both train services leave from Moynihan Penn Station. Google Maps will tell you which service to take.

All train services are reliable and run frequently, but they can get crowded at rush hour. Sometimes it’s standing room only during morning and evening commutes. Avoid those times (8 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.) if possible.

Taxis and Ride Shares

If you’re going out somewhere far from public transportation or late at night when subway service is sporadic, you might end up taking a cab or ride-share. Yellow taxis are the iconic New York City cars. You can flag them down when you need them. If you are in Brooklyn or another outer borough, the taxis are green.

New York City has a variety of ride-sharing apps such as Uber and Lyft. Both are reliable services and usually arrive very quickly.

CitiBike

One of the best ways to get around New York City is by CitiBike, New York’s bike share system. There are stations all over the five boroughs where you can unlock a bike with your credit card and return it when you get to your destination. Download the Citi Bike app to find the docking stations closest to your location. CitiBike is not a good option for a single ride: at $4.79 for 30 minutes (and 30 cents/minute thereafter), it’s quite expensive. A better option is the $19/24-hour pass, with unlimited 30-minute rides (rides over 30 min are an additional $4/15 min).

While many parts of the city have bike paths, be careful when riding bikes in the city. Lanes can get congested, and sometimes bike paths are close to speeding cars. Accidents happen regularly so vigilance is key.

Rental Cars

While New York City has ample car rental places, this is by far the worst way to get around NYC. There is usually heavy traffic and taxis are used to swirling in and out of lanes. Parking a car can also be difficult, especially in Manhattan. Do not rent a car in NYC.

Tips for Getting Around New York City

• If you are traveling around NYC during the day, the subway is your best option.
• Between midnight and 6 am and on weekends check trip planning apps to determine how to travel to your destination. Routes and lines get changed during those times.
• Buses are your best option if you are traveling from East to West across the city.
• If it’s a pleasant day, try to rent a bike or ride a NYC ferry. You will see more of the city and have fun.
• NYC’s main ride-hailing apps are Uber and Lyft, and Curb, which calls NYC taxis.
• Driving is tough in the city. It’s also hard to park. Avoid a rental car.