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.
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
Best for reusable card users.
✔ Tap-to-pay like a digital pass
✔ Buy at OMNY vending machines and participating retailers.
✔ Fare cap after 12 trips/week
📍 Reloadable with cash or card
More InfoOMNY Digital Payment
Use phone, card, or watch.
✔ Use Apple, Google, or Samsung Pay
✔ Tap and go — no ticket needed
✔ Fare capping: free rides after 12 per week 🎉
More InfoMetroCard (Phasing Out by 2025)
MetroCard is still accepted on subways and buses, but will be discontinued by 2025, OMNY is replacing it.
Options:
- 1. Pay-Per-Ride: $2.90 per trip (refillable).
- 2. 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? 👮♂️🎫
Getting Around New York City
Discover the many ways to move through NYC — from iconic subways to scenic ferries and hidden tramways. Choose your ride and explore with ease.
NYC Zones & Fare System
Flat fares for subways/buses, distance-based pricing for commuter rail
🚇 Subway & Bus
- $ Single Ride: $2.90 (flat fare all distances)
- 🔄 Free Transfers: Subway ↔ Bus within 2 hours
- 📅 Unlimited Passes: $34 (7-day), $132 (30-day)
🚆 Commuter Rail
- 📏 Distance-Based: $4.25-$27.50 (LIRR/Metro-North)
- ⏰ Peak Hours: Higher fares (6-10am & 4-8pm weekdays)
- 💳 Monthly Passes: Save ~40% vs. daily tickets
🚍 Express Buses
- $ Single Ride: $7.00 (no free transfers)
- 📅 7-Day Pass: $64 (Express Bus Plus)
- 📍 Routes: Connects outer boroughs to Manhattan
💳 Payment Options
- 📱 OMNY: Contactless (credit cards/Apple Pay/Google Pay)
- 🟨 MetroCard: Phasing out in 2025 (still works)
- 👵 Reduced Fare: For seniors (65+) and disabled riders
OMNY Fare Capping (Automatic Savings)
After you spend $34 in a week (Monday-Sunday) on subway/local bus rides with the same payment method, all additional rides that week are free. No need to buy a MetroCard – just tap your credit card/phone as usual!
Commuter rail zones vary by distance from NYC. Subway/buses have no zones.
NYC Public Transport Quick Tips
Essential knowledge for navigating New York’s transit system like a local
$ Payment & Cards
- ✓ OMNY > MetroCard – Contactless payment (credit cards/Apple Pay) with weekly fare caps coming soon
- ! Unlimited cards – Worth it if you take 12+ rides/week ($34 for 7-day, $132 for 30-day)
- ✓ Free transfers – Subway to bus (or vice versa) within 2 hours with same payment method
🚇 Subway Essentials
- ⏱ 24/7 service – But check late-night changes (some lines run as shuttles after midnight)
- ! Express vs Local – Diamond signs indicate express trains that skip stops
- 🚫 No food/drink – $100 fine for eating on subway platforms or trains
🚌 Bus Know-How
- ✓ Select Bus Service (SBS) – Pay before boarding at machines (no payment on bus)
- ! Blue seats – Priority for seniors and people with disabilities
- ⏱ Request stops – After 10pm, ask driver to stop between regular stops
⚠️ Rules & Etiquette
- 🚫 No smoking/vaping – $100 fine in stations or on platforms
- ! Stand right – Walk left on subway station staircases
- 🚪 Let passengers exit – Wait until people get off before boarding trains
Local’s Pro Tip
During rush hour (8-9:30am & 5-6:30pm), check alternate routes as some trains get extremely crowded. Always have a backup plan – delays are common on the A, C, and L lines!
Getting to Central NYC
Transportation options from New York’s three major airports to Manhattan and central areas
Airport Travel Pro Tip
For JFK, the LIRR + AirTrain combo is fastest to Penn Station. From LGA, the Q70 SBS offers the best value. EWR travelers should consider NJ Transit for reliability. Always check for service changes before traveling!
Tourist Travel Passes
Payment options and attraction passes for visitors to New York City
OMNY Contactless Payment
- ✓ Tap with credit/debit card, smartphone, or OMNY card
- 💰 Automatic fare capping: Free rides after 12 paid trips ($34) in a week
- 🚇 Works on all subways & local buses (not commuter trains/express buses)
- 📍 Accepted at every subway station and bus in NYC
- ✗ Cannot be shared – Each traveler needs own payment method
💡 Tip: Use the same payment method all week to maximize fare capping benefits. Apple Pay/Google Pay counts as separate from your physical card.
NYC Tourist Passes
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 60 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 |
💡 Tip: Calculate your planned attractions’ total individual prices before choosing a pass. Most require 3–4 attractions/day to break even.
Top 5 Most Scenic Transport Routes in NYC
Experience the best views of New York City from these unique transportation routes
Staten Island Ferry – Skyline Panorama
Free ferry ride offering breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty, Lower Manhattan skyline, and Brooklyn Bridge.
Ferry Schedule7 Train – Elevated Views
“The International Express” offers stunning elevated views of Queens and the Manhattan skyline.
7 Train MapM15 Select Bus – Downtown to Uptown
Ride along 1st and 2nd Avenues with views of the United Nations, Midtown skyscrapers, and Harlem.
M15 ScheduleRoosevelt Island Tramway – Aerial Views
Spectacular aerial views of the East River and Manhattan skyline from this unique cable car.
Tramway InfoD Train – Manhattan Bridge Crossing
Breathtaking views of both the Manhattan and Brooklyn Bridges, downtown skyline, and Brooklyn.
Subway MapAccessibility in NYC Public Transport
Subway Accessibility
- Only 25% of stations have elevators (mostly in Manhattan)
- Look for the blue wheelchair symbol on station signs
- Download the MTA Accessible Stations map
- Use gap fillers (available on request) for wheelchair boarding
Bus Accessibility
- 100% of buses are wheelchair accessible
- Kneeling buses and ramp/lift systems available
- Priority seating at front
- Audio/visual stop announcements on all routes
Ferries & Special Services
- Staten Island Ferry: Fully accessible with elevators
- NYC Ferry: 90% of docks accessible (check specific routes)
- Access-A-Ride: Paratransit service for eligible visitors
- Large print/Braille maps available at major stations
Pro Tips for Visitors
- Plan ahead: Use the MTA Accessibility Map to find elevators
- Allow extra time: Elevator outages are common (check @MTAAccessAlerts)
- Ask for help: Station agents can call for an escort if elevators are out
- Reduced fare: Visitors with disabilities can apply for a temporary Reduced-Fare MetroCard