The best way to get around New York City: 6 tips and tricks

New York City’s public transportation system is one of the most comprehensive in the country and is often considered the best way to get around New York City. Whether you’re traveling from the airport to the hotel, or doing a multi-borough sightseeing tour of the city, New York City’s fleet of buses, subways, bikes, ferries, and AirTrains will get you there — zero rental cars necessary. To help you zip around New York City and its endless sights spanning everywhere from the Statue of Liberty to Harlem’s jazz scene, learn all about the best ways to travel the city without a car.

Getting around New York City: tips and tricks

How to get around New York City without a car: If it’s your first time in NYC, start by familiarizing yourself with the MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority) app, used by New Yorkers to track schedules and routes for NYC’s subways and buses.

Get an OMNY card: This top-up card lets you easily pay for train and bus journeys with a single tap. It can also be recharged at various vending machines across subway stations. Note that the OMNY card is not essential to entry; if you own a compatible credit card or have Apple Pay, you can also use those to pay for your trip.

Accessibility: Visit the MTA accessibility page to learn about accessible stations, escalator statues, and more.

As long as you don’t exit through a turnstile, you can use as many subway lines as you need to or even change directions during your journey.

Free transfers: You can transfer between subway trains and buses for free within two hours of using your OMNY card.

Useful apps

MTA app: The official app of the local transport authority can be used to plan journeys on buses and the subway, as well as to book Access-a-Ride trips.

Rideshare apps: Uber, Lyft, Curb, and Revel all provide rideshare services in the city.

NYC Ferry app: An easy way to plan and book tickets on the NYC Ferry.

Google Maps and Citymapper: Find the best transportation option in New York City and track which buses and subways are operating in real-time.

Citi Bike: America’s largest bikeshare program with over 25,000 bikes. Download the app and get ready to see the city from a different perspective.

1. Getting around by subway in New York City

With 472 stops, the New York City subway has more stations than any other metro system in the United States. It covers major landmarks and monuments and runs 24/7, making it the best way to get around New York City. The city’s subway system has 36 different lines, marked by numbers or letters that are posted above each entrance.

How to plan your journey

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) operates the subway system. The official app (available on Android and iOS) helps you plan routes, track delays, and navigate other public transportation in New York City, including buses.

How to buy and use train tickets in New York City

Buy subway tickets via a vending machine, pay with a contactless credit card, or buy an OMNI card. To visit multiple attractions, consider a New York City card.

2. Taking the bus in New York City

While subways are considered the best mode of transportation in New York City, buses also run 24/7, connecting some of the best neighborhoods with more than 15,000 bus stops. The entire bus fleet is accessible for people who use wheelchairs. The buses also cater to different commuter needs: Select Bus Service (SBS) buses make fewer stops on priority routes and allow all-door boarding for efficiency. Limited (LTD) buses, identifiable by "LTD" labels and purple signage, also make fewer stops for faster intra-borough travel. Express buses, resembling coaches, primarily operate during weekday rush hours for longer inter-borough commutes.

How to plan your journey

Buses are operated by the same company as the subway, so you can use the MTA app to plan and track your buses. Citymapper is also always an app often used by locals.

How to buy and use bus tickets in New York City

As with the trains, you can use OMNY to pay for bus fares. Just look for the OMNY reader on the bus and then tap your card. You can also buy a ticket using exact change inserted into the farebox when you first board the bus.

3. Getting around New York City by bike

Bicycle rentals provide an eco-friendly alternative to public transportation in New York City. These schemes are managed by companies like Citi Bike, and make use of the hundreds of miles of bike lanes, as well as the city’s many green spaces. A bike tour is a great way to explore the city’s iconic landmarks while experiencing the energy of its streets.

How to plan your journey

Try and use bike lanes wherever possible and always use hand signals when turning. NYC traffic is notoriously chaotic and volatile; planning your trip around rush hour traffic (weekday mornings and evenings) will reduce obstacles.

How to rent Citi bikes in New York City

Download the Citi Bike app on iOS or Android and book a single rental, a day pass, or an annual subscription. Select a bike and scan its QR code to unlock. When finished, return the bike to any docking station.

4. Getting around New York City by boat

The NYC Ferry service launched in 2017 to provide locals and tourists with an alternative way to travel around the Big Apple. It covers six routes along the East River, with stops at points like Long Island City, Astoria, Wall Street, and East 90th Street.

While it’s not the cheapest or quickest way of getting around New York City, the ferry is one of the most scenic options and it’s a viable option for longer distance trips across the metropolis. It’s also the only, or cheapest, way to get to popular sights like Governors’ Island and Staten Island.

How to plan your journey

Download the NYC Ferry app or visit ferry.nyc to view routes, schedules, and real-time updates.

How to buy and use ferry tickets in New York City

You can book a single one-way ticket or a 10-day pass. Use the ticketing machines available at all ferry landings or download the NYC Ferry App.

5. Using taxis and ride-sharing services in New York City

Yellow taxi cabs are an iconic sight in the Big Apple. Many visitors are eager to try one just for the experience even though they are not always the best way of getting around New York City due to their cost and congestion. However, taxis can be a good option if you’re looking to enjoy the city’s nightlife, offering a convenient way to get to bars, clubs, or late-night events without worrying about public transport schedules.

How to book taxis in New York City

You can hail a taxi from the street or use apps like Curb to book one. Numerous ride-sharing services operate in the metropolis. Uber and Lyft are the biggest and work through their respective apps, which connect you to local taxi drivers. There is also an option called Revel, which promises an all-electric rideshare experience.

6. Hourly car rental services in New York City

While it’s not the most cost-friendly or time-efficient option, car rentals offer conveniences that public transportation can’t provide. ZipCar is available throughout New York City and provides hourly and daily rental of private vehicles. Enterprise CarShare works on a similar model, with cars booked, paid for, and then unlocked using an app. You can also look into other car rental options that offer in-person pick-up options. These services are ideal for those planning a day trip outside the city or for short-term travel needs around New York.

FAQs

What is the cheapest way of getting around New York City?

Public transportation in New York City is cheap and accessible. The subway provides some of the cheapest ways to get across the city, and is perfect for a budget vacation in New York City.

How do visitors get around in New York City?

Many tourists use taxis and rideshares, but buses and the subway are also convenient. An OMNY card, New York City's travel pass, makes transit easier and faster.

What is the safest way to travel in New York City?

For additional travel tips on how to get around New York City safely, consider using official taxis, buses, and the subway during the day.

What is the cheapest way to get from the airport to New York City?

There are subway connections and bus routes to and from airports like John F. Kennedy International Airport. They can take you from the airport to destinations across the city.

How to get around New York City without a car?

The subway provides affordable, extensive routes, while bikes, ferries, and buses provide additional options for getting around New York City without a car.