New York Public Transport Guide
New York City has one of the most extensive and busiest public transport networks in the world. The system includes subways, buses, commuter trains, and ferries, making it easy to navigate without a car.
How to Use Public Transport in New York
Tickets & Payment Methods
OMNY: The Future of Travel in New York
OMNY (One Metro New York) is the contactless payment system for NYC’s subways and buses, making travel easier and faster. No need for a MetroCard or physical tickets—just tap and go! 🚇💳
OMNY Contactless Card
✔ Works like a digital travel pass with tap-to-pay convenience.
✔ You can buy it for a one-time cost from: OMNY vending machines in subway stations and participating retailers.
✔ Fare capping – After you’ve paid for 12 trips within a seven-day period, any additional rides during that week are free
📍 Can be reloaded with cash or card at vending machines and retail locations.OMNY Digital Payment
✔ Use your credit/debit card, smartphone (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay), or smartwatch.
✔ No need to buy a ticket—just tap and go at subway turnstiles and bus readers.
✔ Supports fare capping—after 12 rides in a week (Mon-Sun with the same card), all extra rides are free for the rest of the week! 🎉
MetroCard (Phasing Out by 2025)
MetroCard is still accepted on subways and buses, but will be discontinued by 2025, OMNY is replacing it.
Options:
- Pay-Per-Ride: $2.90 per trip (refillable).
- Unlimited Ride: $34 (7-day) or $132 (30-day) for unlimited travel.
Where to Buy?
📍 Subway vending machines, convenience stores, and MTA service centers.
Paper Tickets
Paper tickets are mainly used for commuter trains (LIRR, Metro-North, NJ Transit) but are also available for some bus routes and ferries.
Where to Buy?
📍 Ticket machines, station booths, and mobile apps (MTA eTix, NJ Transit App).
💡 Tip: Avoid buying onboard, as it costs more.
Would you like an even more condensed version? 🚆🎟️
Transport Modes
🚇 Subway
The fastest and most efficient way to get around NYC. The subway runs 24/7, covering Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx with easy transfers between lines.
🚆 Commuter Trains (LIRR & Metro-North)
Connects NYC to Long Island, Upstate New York, and Connecticut. Ideal for travel beyond the city.
🚌 Local Bus
Covers areas not reached by the subway. Select Bus Service (SBS) offers faster routes with off-board payment.
🚍 Express Bus
A premium commuter bus service with fewer stops, connecting Staten Island, Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx to Manhattan. Costs more than regular bus.
⛴ Staten Island Ferry
A free ferry between Staten Island and Manhattan with scenic views of the Statue of Liberty and the NYC skyline.
⛴ NYC Ferry
A commuter and leisure ferry service connecting different waterfront neighborhoods, including Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx.
🚋 Tram (Roosevelt Island Tramway)
An aerial tramway linking Roosevelt Island to Manhattan, offering stunning skyline views. Same fare as the subway.
Zones & Fare System
New York’s public transport system uses a flat fare system for subways and buses, while commuter trains have distance-based pricing.
- Subway & Bus Fare: $2.90 per ride (same price for all trips).
- Unlimited Travel: 7-Day Pass ($34) and 30-Day Pass ($132) available.
- Commuter Trains: Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), Metro-North, and NJ Transit have fares based on distance and peak vs. off-peak hours.
- OMNY Fare Capping: No need for an unlimited pass—after 12 rides in a week ($34) using the same contactless card or device, all extra rides are free for that week.
- Express Bus Fare: $7 per ride, with a 7-Day Express Bus Plus Pass for $64.
💡 Tip: Use OMNY for tap-and-go payments with automatic fare capping, or get a MetroCard (still available until 2025).
Would you like an image or map similar to the Paris version? 🚇🗽
💡 Quick Tips
- Tap & Go – Use OMNY (contactless payment) or a MetroCard to enter the subway, bus, and tram. No need to tap out!
- SBS (Select Bus Service) 🚌 – Pay at a sidewalk kiosk before boarding, take a receipt, and enter through any door.
- Express Buses – These cost $7 per ride and offer a faster, more comfortable commute between boroughs and Manhattan.
- Avoid Rush Hour – The subway is most crowded between 7-10 AM & 4-7 PM.
- No Cash on Buses 🚫💵 – Buses do not accept cash. Use OMNY or a MetroCard.
- Escalator Etiquette ⏩ – Stand on the right and let people pass on the left.
- • Boarding Tip 🚍 – On local buses, enter through the front door and tap your payment method.
- Night Travel 🌙 – Subways run 24/7, but service is slower late at night. The MTA also operates night buses.
- Commuter Trains 🚆 – LIRR, Metro-North, and NJ Transit have peak and off-peak fares—buy in advance to save.
💡 Best Tip: Use OMNY for automatic fare capping—after 12 rides in a week ($34), the rest are free!
Getting to Central New York
New York City has three major airports: JFK, LaGuardia (LGA), and Newark (EWR). Here’s how to get to Manhattan and other central areas using public transport, taxis, and rideshares.
✈️ John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) Transport Options
| 🚆 LIRR + AirTrain | 🚇 Subway + AirTrain | 🚌 NYC Express Bus | 🚕 Taxi / Rideshare |
|---|---|---|---|
| 💰 $15.75 (Off-Peak) / $22.75 (Peak) | 💰 $11.15 | 💰 $19 | 💰 ~$70+ (Flat Fare) |
| ⏳ 35–45 min | ⏳ 50–60 min | ⏳ 90 min | ⏳ 45–90 min |
| 📍 Jamaica Station → Penn Station | 📍 Jamaica Station → E Train to Manhattan | 📍 JFK → Grand Central, Bryant Park, Port Authority | 📍 Anywhere in NYC |
| 🎟️ Buy Ticket | 🎟️ Use OMNY or MetroCard | 🎟️ Buy Ticket | 🎟️ Hail at airport or use Uber/Lyft |
🚆 LIRR + AirTrain
💰 $15.75 (Off-Peak) / $22.75 (Peak)
⏳ 35–45 min
📍 Jamaica Station → Penn Station
🚇 Subway + AirTrain
💰 $11.15
⏳ 50–60 min
📍 Jamaica Station → E Train to Manhattan
🚕 Taxi / Rideshare
💰 ~$70+ (Flat Fare)
⏳ 45–90 min
📍 Anywhere in NYC
✈️ LaGuardia Airport (LGA) Transport Options
| 🚌 Q70 SBS + Subway | 🚌 NYC Express Bus | 🚕 Taxi / Rideshare |
|---|---|---|
| 💰 $2.90 | 💰 $19 | 💰 ~$40+ |
| ⏳ 40–50 min | ⏳ 60+ min | ⏳ 30–60 min |
| 📍 Q70 SBS → E/F/M/R/7 Subway | 📍 LGA → Grand Central, Bryant Park, Port Authority | 📍 Anywhere in NYC |
| 🎟️ Use OMNY or MetroCard | 🎟️ Buy Ticket | 🎟️ Hail at airport or use Uber/Lyft |
✈️ Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) Transport Options
| 🚆 NJ Transit + AirTrain | 🚌 Newark Airport Express | 🚕 Taxi / Rideshare |
|---|---|---|
| 💰 $15.75 | 💰 $19 | 💰 ~$80+ |
| ⏳ 35–45 min | ⏳ 60+ min | ⏳ 45–90 min |
| 📍 AirTrain Newark → NJ Transit to Penn Station | 📍 EWR → Port Authority, Bryant Park, Grand Central | 📍 Anywhere in NYC |
| 🎟️ Buy Ticket | 🎟️ Buy Ticket | 🎟️ Hail at airport or use Uber/Lyft |
🚆 NJ Transit + AirTrain
💰 $15.75
⏳ 35–45 min
📍 AirTrain Newark → NJ Transit to Penn Station
🚌 Newark Airport Express
💰 $19
⏳ 60+ min
📍 EWR → Port Authority, Bryant Park, Grand Central
Tourist Travel Passes
OMNY Contactless Payment (For Public Transport Only)
✔ No need to buy a special card—just tap with a credit/debit card, smartphone, or OMNY card.
✔ Automatic fare capping: After 12 paid rides ($34) in a week, all extra rides are free.
✔ Works on subways & local buses (Not valid for commuter trains or express buses).
📍 Where to use: Every subway station and bus in NYC.
❌ Cannot be shared—each traveler must use their own payment method.
🗽 NYC Tourist Passes (For Attractions & Discounts)
💡 These passes provide discounted access to attractions, with some including transport options like hop-on hop-off buses.
| 🎟 Pass | 🔹 What’s Included? | ✅ Best For |
|---|---|---|
| New York Pass | Access to 100+ attractions (Empire State, MoMA, Museums, Tours) | Tourists visiting multiple attractions in 2-10 days |
| CityPASS | Entry to 5 top attractions (Empire State, Edge, Museums) | Travelers staying 3+ days |
| Go City Pass | Flexible pick-your-own attractions (Over 90 sites) | Visitors who want customized sightseeing |
| Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Pass | Unlimited tour bus rides for 24-72 hours | First-time visitors who prefer guided transport |
Alternative Transport: Bikes & Boats 🚲 ⛴️
🚢 Hop-on, hop-off ferry service connecting Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx.
🌆 Enjoy stunning views of the NYC skyline, Brooklyn Bridge, and Statue of Liberty.
🎟 Tickets: $4 per ride, with discounted monthly passes available.
⏳ Ferries run every 25-45 minutes throughout the day.
📍 Stops include Wall Street, DUMBO, Williamsburg, Long Island City, and more.
Accessible Travel in New York: A Guide for Everyone
New York City’s public transport system aims to accommodate all travelers, including those with mobility impairments, visual or hearing disabilities, and other accessibility needs. From step-free subway stations to audio and visual announcements, here’s what you need to know for a smooth journey.
Step-Free Access 🚇
- Subway: Over 130 stations have elevators or ramps for step-free access.
- Buses: All NYC buses are wheelchair accessible with ramps and priority seating.
- Ferries: NYC Ferry and Staten Island Ferry have accessible boarding and seating.
🔍 Find accessible stations: MTA Accessibility Guide
Audio & Visual Announcements 🦻
- Subways & Buses: Announcements for stops, service changes, and accessibility updates.
- Digital Screens: Real-time updates at stations and inside trains and buses.
- OMNY Contactless Payment: Vibrating feedback for visually impaired riders.
Assistance Services 🆘
- Access-A-Ride: Door-to-door paratransit service for eligible riders.
- Station Agents: Available for assistance at many subway stations.
- Priority Seating: Reserved seating for passengers with disabilities.
📝 Apply for Paratransit: MTA Access-A-Ride
Contact & Help
For users needing additional assistance:
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 MTA Customer Service: 511 (NY Transit Info)
🔗 More Info: MTA Accessibility Guide
Top 5 Most Scenic Transport Routes
📌 Last Verified: February 2025 – Transport details may change. Check official sources for the latest updates. 🚍📅