New York City Travel Guides - Transportation - Getting Around
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New York City travel is an absolute breeze when compared to a lot of other major cities in the world. The city's public transportation system is operated by the Metro Transit Authority and is one of the largest in the world. Subways and buses operate around the clock, arriving at intervals of approximately seven minutes during rush hours and fifteen to thirty minutes during off peak periods.
For bus and subway maps see - www.mta.nyc.ny.us
The New York subway system consists of 24 different routes that are colour coded and recognizable by their number or letter. The system can be difficult to work out at first, so getting your hands on a subway map and planning your journey in advance is highly advisable. The subway operates in most areas of New York, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx. If you are travelling outside of these areas you will need to investigate other means of travel such as taxis and group tourist buses. If you are travelling between Manhattan and Long Island you can also use the Roosevelt Island Tramway which leaves from 59th Street.
Bus routes are slightly less complicated and bus stops are easily located on most street corners in the city. For a period of two hours after you buy your ticket, you are permitted to transfer free of charge between city buses and from buses to the subway. If you are in a rush to get somewhere there is also the option of taking an express bus. Express buses operate during weekday rush hours and run to a very tight schedule.
To use the subway system and buses in New York, you will need to buy a Metrocard. These can be bought at any of the subway stations and there are a number of card options to choose from. Pay-per-ride Metrocards for subways and local buses cost in the region of $2, while cards for express bus trips cost double this amount. Alternatively, all day 'Fun Passes' can be purchased for approximately $7 and grant unlimited travel on buses and subways for the day. Discount rates apply for frequent travellers and disabled travellers, while children who are less than 3, 6 feet tall are permitted to travel for free.
Although the public transport system operates 24 hours a day, tourists are advised not to take the subway late at night as services are slow and some stations can be dangerous. If you are using public transport, travelling by bus is a better option as bus operators offer a late night request a stop service between 10pm and 5am. This service enables you to get dropped off anywhere that you want, regardless of whether there is a bus stop nearby or not.
Alternatively, there is always the option of catching a famous yellow taxi cab. Metered cabs charge an initial fee of $2.50 followed by $0.40 for each unit accumulated on the meter. Surcharges may apply after 8pm and during peak weekday hours. Additional fees also apply if you travel out of the Metropolitan area or to New Jersey. At the end of a journey, it is common practice to give the cab driver a 20% tip. Visitors are advised to only travel in registered yellow cabs as unregistered cabs are both unsafe and more expensive.
New York - Weekend Break
