Getting around New York City can feel overwhelming at first. The city is huge, the pace is fast, and the traffic can be painfully slow. Choosing the right way to get from A to B can save you both time and money, and taking the subway is almost always the right answer. It’s quick, convenient, and inexpensive. Taxis, Uber, or Lyft are good when you have luggage or if the subway isn’t cooperating, and the ferries comes with a beautiful view of the city.
Subway
The subway runs 24/7, and with over 470 stations, it will take you just about anywhere you want to go. A single ride is $2.90, and you can tap your credit card or phone (Apple Pay/Google Pay) at the turnstile. It’s the same price as using a MetroCard, but without the hassle of buying and topping up a card. If you ride a lot in a week, there’s a fare cap so you won’t pay more than $34 for seven days, no matter how much you travel. The subway with all the different lines, local trains and express trains might seem confusing at first, but once you get the hang of the system, it’s fast and efficient, especially during rush hour, when street traffic barely moves.
Buses
Buses use the same payment system as the subway, so you can tap your card or pay with your phone when boarding. The fare is $2.90, and you can transfer for free between bus and subway within two hours. To be honest, I’ve never been much of a bus rider in New York, but I guess they can be handy in areas the subway doesn’t reach or if you want to avoid all the stairs up and down from the subway. Just keep in mind that buses are usually slower than the subway, particularly in rush hour.
Uber and Lyft
Both apps work well in New York City. Prices vary depending on time and demand, and they can spike quickly during rush hour or bad weather. Still, it’s often more comfortable than the subway, especially with luggage or if you’re traveling outside Manhattan. Tipping in Uber and Lyft isn’t as set in stone as with taxis. Some people tip like they would in a cab, others will argue that tips should be included in the often higher-price-than-a-taxi-ride charge.
Taxis
The iconic yellow cabs are everywhere. To hail one, stand by the curb and raise your arm. The starting fare is about $3, and the total depends on distance, time, and any surcharges. All taxis take cards, and tipping is expected.
Ferries
NYC Ferry is an underrated way to get around, particularly between Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. A single ride is $4, and you can buy tickets in the app or at the terminal. The skyline and harbor views are included in the price, so it’s basically sightseeing on a budget.
Read my blog post about Rockaway Beach
Staten Island Ferry
Running between Lower Manhattan and Staten Island, this ferry is completely free. The trip takes about 25 minutes each way and offers great views of the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and Lower Manhattan. It’s not the fastest way to get anywhere, but for a no-cost boat ride with classic New York views, it’s hard to beat.
