The island of Manhattan, which makes up a significant section of New York City, is quite expansive, and travelers will need to rely on the city`s extensive public transportation network during their visit.
A self-guided tour of the High Line and its public art and gardens is included in the New York Pass, and it’s a nice activity to do in NYC with family or friends.
As much as we don’t mind walking, sometimes public transportation is the best way to get around NewYork, and we had no trouble navigating the city’s buses and subways. I have no doubt that you’ll get the hang of it in no time!
To ease your mind, this guide will assist you in finding the best method for exploring the city. Not only will you learn how to get around in NYC, but you’ll feel more prepared for your trip. That means less time worrying and becoming lost, and more time visiting the most popular attractions in New York City!
Table of Contents
Best way to get around NYC
Driving within the boundaries of this metropolitan locale proves taxing and disorienting, thus public transit rightly becomes your trusty companion throughout your time here. Therefore, if uncertain about navigating New York City without a private vehicle, feel reassured that the transit infrastructure superbly accommodates all.
This guide provides information about each means of transportation, like schedules, pricing, New York City transit cards, and other helpful recommendations.
NYC subway
Without uncertainty, the NYC underground transportation arrangement is the most renowned and swiftest way to get around the city. It’s also the most practical since underground lines operate 24/7 and you don’t have to worry about traffic unless it’s rush hour, in which case, you should be prepared for crowds.
New York City has one of the oldest and largest subway systems in the world, with over 450 subway stations connecting the boroughs of Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens. You can get a better idea of the subway routes with this MTA subway map of NYC:
Generally, the subway operates every 2-5 minutes during busy times (6:30-9:30 a.m. and 3:30-8:00 p.m.) and every 5-15 minutes at other times. Currently, the cost of a New York subway trip is $2.75 per ride or $3 for a single ticket.
If you plan to be in the city for more than one day, obtaining a public transit card would be worthwhile. A 7-day card costing $33 allows for unlimited use of the subway system, city buses, the tram to Roosevelt Island, and the rail lines and airport shuttle linking Long Island and other areas. To learn more about how to navigate the subway network, check our guide here .
NYC buses
While the subway is commonly used to navigate Manhattan, NYC’s bus network is more typically relied upon in other districts. If you plan to explore the Bronx,Brooklyn, or Queens, you’ll likely end up taking a bus at some stage.
The cost of travel on public transit vehicles in NYC is $2.75 per trip, and commuters can use a Metrocard for payment. Buses generally operate every 5-15 minutes, but travelers can reference the exact routes and timetables here.
Keep in mind that buses take more time than the subway, and delays are often present, so plan for additional travel time. For an express option, check out the Select Bus Service, which costs $6.50 per ride and makes fewer intervening stops.
Also, if you want to optimize your time and see several landmarks and attractions in a single day, consider taking an on and off again bus tour in NYC. These buses take you to the most visited parts of the city and they’re incorporated into most New York city passes.
Rail service in NYC
Most city visitors to New York City have no problems using the subway or bus system to get around, but if planning to travel farther out of the city, one can take the Long Island Railroad or Metro-North Railroad. These NYC train services tend to be more commonly used by local residents and commuters coming from or heading to New Jersey or Long Island.
You most likely won’t need to make use of the rail service, but if you do, the cost depends on which fare zone you travel through. Generally, it costs $10-$15 one-way .
Bike rental in NYC
NYC isn’t extremely bicycle-friendly, but there are some great areas to enjoy a bike ride, like the Hudson River Bikeway. Central Park is another beautiful place to cycle, and a bicycle can help you explore more Central Park attractions in less time.
You can borrow a bicycle in Central Park for a few hours and independently explore the expansive 843-acre park at your own pace. The bike rentals are covered under the New York Pass.
Another site you should experience in New York as a couple is One Vanderbilt. This lavish location is the 4th-tallest building in the city, standing 1,401 feet tall. Most of the lower floors house offices, but upon ascending past the 73rd floor, you can access The Summit observation deck.
Ferries in NYC
New York is a port city, so there are several waterways, including the Hudson River, East River, and New York Harbor. Thankfully, there is water transit in New York, so one can easily cross over to Staten Island, New Jersey, and more.
The NYC Ferry operates every 30-45 minutes connecting Manhattan to Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, and Roosevelt Island. Single trips are priced at $4, or you can purchase 10 journeys for $27.50. The NYC Ferry does not accept Metrocards for payment, so passengers should obtain tickets at one of the ferry landings.
If you wish to visit Staten Islandor obtain a better perspective of the Statue of Liberty, I recommend taking the Staten Island Ferry. Not exclusively is it one of the best complimentary activities to do in NYC, but it also passes several attractions like Governors Island, Ellis Island, and the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge. The Staten Island Ferry operates continuously and departs every 20 minutes or so from Whitehall Terminal near Battery Park.
Water transportation around New York City is also available through New York Waterway and New York Water Taxi, but these two alternatives tend to be more costly, with the latter typically chartered for larger groups. In other words, the best means of navigating NYC’s waterways involves using the NYC Ferry or Staten Island Ferry .
Taxi/Uber/Lyft
The iconic yellow taxicabs of New York City are a staple of television and film depictions of the city, yet may not always be the most practical way to get around. A taxi could work for short trips in bad weather or late at night, but otherwise would not be my first recommendation of transportation.
If you do want to take a taxi, you should know that fares begin at $2.50 and increase the longer and further you travel. Taxis operate all day and night, and you can pay with cash or card.
Alternatively, using a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft is often more budget-friendly for transportation. You can also find Lyft or Uber in NYC round-the-clock, and rates vary relying on destinations and whether opting for solo or group trips with other passengers.
Whether you take a taxi, Uber, or Lyft for transportation, it is customary to provide approximately 15% of the total fare as a gratuity for the driver`s services .
Walking
Walking around NYC is undoubtedly the most affordable way to get around, and while it’s not always practical, going on foot provides a great opportunity to investigate a neighborhood and immerse yourself in local culture. Best of all, it doesn’t cost a cent!
Another way to take benefit of walking around New York City is to take a tour. There exist all kinds of walking tours in NYC, including tours through the Financial District, Central Park, and Brooklyn’s DUMBO neighborhood.
Tram
Roosevelt Island sits in the East River, between Manhattan and Queens. A few historic landmarks are on Roosevelt Island, but the aerial perspective from the tramway is the principal reason for visitors making the trip.
The transportation system on Roosevelt Island operates every 7-15 minutes from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m. (3:30 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays). It departs from 59th Street and 2nd Avenue on the Upper East Side and arrives at the designated station on Roosevelt Island.
To utilize this New York tram, you’ll need a Metrocard. The cost for a single journey is identical to the subway, $2.75 .
Rental car
While driving in the Big Apple is an headache, a car is extremely helpful if you want to take a weekend getaway from NYC. We’ve applied DiscoverCars many times and haven’t had any problems. You can rent a car or SUV for a day or two to easily go around NYC and the surrounding areas.
Renting a vehicle is also an excellent idea if you want to take a .
Airport transportation in New York City
Finally, if you’re flying into one of the airports near New York City, I recommend preparing ahead of time, so you don’t become overwhelmed once you arrive. There are transportation services at the airports in NYC that leave from all three major airports: JFK, LaGuardia (LGA), and Newark Airport (EWR), and we provide all the information necessary in our guide.
Public buses and taxis also leave from the airports, but if you want to avoid NYC`s public transportation while transporting your luggage, you can opt for a private transport. I particularly advise this option if you are journeying with small children or large baggage.
FAQs – Transportation in NYC
Finally, here are some frequent questions about New York City’s transportation system:
What form of local transportation within New York City is considered most advantageous?
The best way for tourists to get around NYC is by taking the subway or bus. This is because it is inexpensive, efficient, and goes to most areas of the city.
What is the average cost of taxis in New York City?
Payment starts at a minimum amount and increases with time and length. If evaluating taxis in NYC vs. Uber or Lyft, it`s generally more costly to take a cab.
Is the New York subway safe?
Generally speaking, the subway is safe to use. Simply employ common sense practices by staying alert of your surroundings and keeping your belongings out of sight.
What is the last time period in which the subway system in New York City remains operational?
The underground transportation system in NYC operates continuously 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you are able to take the subway even if you are out late at night.
What is the most cost-effective way of getting around in NYC?
Besides walking, public transportation through the bus or subway system offers the most affordable way to navigate NYC since a single trip costs only $2.75.
That concludes this guide to navigating NYC! I hope you feel better prepared to utilize public transportation in New York City. As shown, it’s not as overwhelming as one might think, and with planning, exploring all locations and attractions in the Big Apple will present no issues.
Before I go, I’d like to remind you to inspect our traveler maps of NYC, particularly if it’s your first time in the city. Of course, if you have any inquiries about NYC transportation, feel free to leave me a comment below. Until then, have an awesome time in New York!
