How to Get Around New York?

Explore the city that never sleeps using the transportation option that suits you best! In this guide, we’ll share invaluable tips on how to navigate New York. From the iconic subway system that connects every corner of the Big Apple to alternative transportation options like rental cars, buses, bicycles, taxis, and more, you’ll find it easy to get around and enjoy urban adventures in New York!

Transportation Guide for New York

Activate your GPS and dive into the bustling streets of the Big Apple! Here, we’ll cover the available transportation options to help you get around New York. You’ll have a wide range of possibilities to choose from, tailored to your preferences and needs. Which one will you choose?

Rental Cars: The Best Way to Get Around New York!

Discover New York on your own terms! Renting a car is one of the best options for navigating the city. Choose from top car rental sites like Viajemos.com. We partner with the most prestigious agencies worldwide, offering a wide fleet of vehicles at the most competitive prices in the market. Learn about all the advantages you’ll enjoy behind the wheel of a rental car!

• Flexibility and Comfort: Plan your own schedules and routes without relying on public transportation.
• Explore Areas Beyond the City: If you’re planning day trips to nearby destinations like the Hamptons, the Catskill Mountains, or the vineyards of Long Island, having a car will make it easier to access these spots and allow for a more personalized journey.
• Convenience for Large Groups or Families: A rental car can be more convenient and cost-effective compared to purchasing multiple public transport tickets for each group member.
• Luggage and Shopping: Having a car makes transporting your belongings hassle-free and saves you from the struggle of carrying heavy bags on public transport.
• Flexibility to Avoid Traffic: Choose alternative routes and dodge congested areas during peak times.

Check out the favorite rental vehicles among travelers for exploring New York:

New York City Subway

Getting around on the New York City subway is one of the most efficient and popular ways to navigate the city. Known as the “Subway,” the New York metro system is one of the largest in the world, connecting nearly every corner of the Big Apple as well as some areas in the outer boroughs. From the iconic Times Square to the vibrant neighborhoods of Brooklyn, the subway is the thread that weaves together the marvelous fabric of New York City.

Essential Information for Riding the Subway in New York:

Maps and Routes

Before you embark on your journey, make sure to have a Subway map handy. It will be invaluable in navigating the intricate maze of lines and stations that make up this massive underground system.

Subway maps are at your fingertips! You can find them at your accommodation, in various stations, at information points, or download them online to keep on your mobile device. This map will be your loyal companion as you explore the Big Apple!

MetroCard

To access the subway, you’ll need a MetroCard, which costs approximately $1. You can purchase it from vending machines located at the stations and recharge it with funds for your rides.

There are two main MetroCards:

• Pay-Per-Ride (PPR): This card can be recharged with money and used to pay for each ride. With this option, you’ll receive an additional 5% discount when you recharge $5.50 or more. It’s perfect if you plan to make several trips around the city.
• Unlimited Ride: These cards allow for unlimited travel during a specific period, whether it’s 7 days or 30 consecutive days. During this time, you can take unlimited rides on the subway and buses without incurring additional fares. This is an excellent choice if you plan to use public transport frequently during your stay in New York.

Hours and Frequency

The New York subway operates 24 hours a day, unlike many other cities, which often close their metro systems at night. This gives you the flexibility to travel at any time.

Train frequency may vary depending on the time of day and the line you’re on. During peak hours, which typically run from Monday to Friday, 7 to 9 a.m. and 5 to 7 p.m., trains tend to run more frequently to accommodate the larger number of passengers heading to work or returning home.

Buses

The bus network in New York is known as “MTA Bus,” which stands for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. MTA Bus is a division that operates an extensive network of buses across the five boroughs of the city (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, and Staten Island), providing an additional and complementary option to the subway system.

Bus Fares

Just like the subway, you can use a MetroCard to pay for your bus fare. When boarding, simply swipe your card on the reader, and you’ll gain access to your ride. You can also make free transfers to another bus or the subway within a two-hour window from when you paid for your first trip.

Bus Routes

The bus system features a comprehensive network of over 300 routes that span all five boroughs of New York City.

Each route is identified by a specific nomenclature that begins with the initial of the corresponding borough. For example, routes with the letter “M” operate in Manhattan, those starting with “B” are in Brooklyn, “Q” routes are found in Queens, “S” in Staten Island, and “Bx” corresponds to the Bronx.

Hours and Frequency

Buses run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, providing a transportation option available at any time, even in the early morning hours. During the day, bus frequency is generally high, especially on major routes, with intervals ranging from 5 to 15 minutes during peak hours.

Discover How to Get Around New York by Taxi

The taxi transportation system in New York is iconic and recognized worldwide. The famous yellow cabs are a distinctive part of the city’s image and a popular option for navigating the streets of the Big Apple.

NYC taxis are a convenient and quintessential way to get around the city, especially for short trips and in areas where access to the subway or buses may be limited.

While there are other transportation options in New York, the yellow taxis remain an inseparable part of the experience of exploring this vibrant metropolis.

Uber and Rideshare Services

Uber is a comfortable, safe, and incredibly popular transportation service in the United States. Using it is a breeze! Simply download the Uber app, enter your location and desired destination, and in just minutes, a driver will be on their way to you.

Uber offers various vehicle options to suit your needs and preferences. You can choose from UberX for economical rides, UberXL for larger groups, Uber Black for high-end vehicles with professional drivers, and Uber Pool, which allows you to share the ride and reduce costs.

Payment is easy through the app, eliminating the need for cash, and you also have the option to rate your ride experience.

NYC Ferry

The ferry is a unique and picturesque public transportation option in New York City. It offers spectacular views and a travel experience unlike any other. Here’s more about the NYC Ferry:

Ferry Operators

In New York, there are two ferry operators connecting different parts of the city and its surroundings:

• NYC Ferry: This operator boasts a fleet of modern ferries capable of accommodating hundreds of passengers. Its main routes connect Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, and Staten Island. NYC Ferry is known for its efficiency, frequency, and comfort, making it an attractive option for traveling within the city.
• Staten Island Ferry: This is a free and very popular ferry service that operates between Manhattan and Staten Island. It’s a favorite among tourists, as it offers stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island during the journey.

Roosevelt Island Tram

The Roosevelt Island Tram, also known as the “Tramway,” connects Manhattan to Roosevelt Island. It offers passengers breathtaking panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline, the East River, and the Queensboro Bridge during the short ride across the river. This option is both affordable and accessible, as it uses the MetroCard for payment. In addition to being a practical means of transportation, the Tram has become a popular tourist attraction in its own right, allowing travelers to enjoy a unique and thrilling experience while navigating the city. Get ready for some incredible photo opportunities!

Biking Through New York

Discover New York at your own pace! The city boasts bike lanes on many main streets and the convenient Citi Bike rental service. You can explore picturesque sights like Central Park and the Brooklyn Bridge, and even join bike tours to experience the city from a fascinating perspective. Remember to always follow New York’s traffic rules to enjoy a safe and smooth ride!

Enjoy NY on Foot!

♂️ Experience the magic of New York step by step! Stroll through the streets of the Big Apple and let yourself be enchanted by the energy and charm of its most iconic places. Take a leisurely walk while enjoying Central Park, gazing at the iconic Manhattan skyline, crossing the Brooklyn Bridge, and capturing stunning views at High Line Park. In this city, every corner has a story to tell—discover them all!

Tips for Getting Around New York

Uncover how to navigate New York with our practical advice. Maximize your experience in the Big Apple!

• We recommend choosing a rental car for total autonomy in your travels. Be sure to make your reservation in advance at Viajemos.com. Additionally, remember to plan your itinerary of activities in New York.
• If you opt for public transportation (subway and bus), purchase a MetroCard, a rechargeable card available at stations starting at $1 USD .
• Always keep transportation maps handy, whether in print or on your mobile device, to avoid getting lost during your adventures.
• Your chosen GPS will be an indispensable ally for calculating routes and fares reliably. Plus, the MYmta mobile app will be incredibly useful for planning your trips quickly and efficiently throughout the city.

Frequently Asked Questions