New York’s public transport network is very well developed and enables a quick and inexpensive way to the numerous sights. Subways, buses and express buses (including non-stop and limited-stop buses) run at regular intervals 24 hours a day.
These means of transport are combined in the Metropolitan Transfer Authority (MTA) network tariff and can all be used with uniform tickets. Other means of transportation include the Roosevelt Island Tram and ferries such as the Staten Island, Hudson River, Belford or NYC Ferry.
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New York’s subway is one of the oldest and most used subway systems and has the most stations and the longest route network in the world. 25 lines operate between the approx. 470 stations, almost 40% of which are above ground. Some of these are decorated with mosaics and modern art. Free transfers to other subways are only possible at the designated locations (Subway Transfer).
operating hours
The subway can be used around the clock. During the day the trains run every 4-10 minutes, at night between 00.00 and 06.30 only every 20 minutes. It is not advisable to use the subway during rush hour – in the morning 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and in the evening 4.30 p.m. to 6.30 p.m., especially as a group.
Note: Trains on the subway express lines do not stop at all stations. It should also be noted that most of the express lines (with the exception of line A) usually only run as express trains during rush hours, special events or during the week and run as local lines outside of these times, ie the journeys take significantly longer. On subway maps, express stops are indicated by white dots with a black border.
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Regular bus routes stop at every stop, limited-stop buses only stop at selected stations at certain times. Express buses generally make fewer stops, non-stop buses do not make intermediate stops. Payment is made when boarding in the front part of the bus with the MetroCard or the exact amount in coins; there is no change!
A one-way fare is valid for any distance in one direction, including one transfer.
operating hours
Most lines operate 24 hours a day. Depending on the time of day and the route, the buses usually run every 5-15 minutes during the day and every 30-60 minutes at night from 00:00 to 04:30. At night (10pm-5am) you can ask the driver to make a stop outside of the stations, as long as it is safe to stop (not on non-stop or limited-stop buses).
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Port Authority Trans-Hudson
PATH connects the New York borough of Manhattan with the cities of Jersey City, Hoboken, Harrison and Newark in the neighboring state of New Jersey. Departs from the World Trade Center, Christopher Street, 33rd, 23rd, 14th and 9th Street stations. The one-way fare is $2.75 and can be paid for with the MetroCard. Paper tickets are available from the machines at PATH stations.
Long Island Rail Road
The LIRR connects New York’s Penn Station to Long Island. The ticket price depends on the length of the journey. Tickets are available from ticket offices, LIRR machines and on the train. Tickets that are valid outside of the rush hour and purchased before boarding are significantly cheaper.
Tip: With the LIRR in 50 minutes from the Atlantic Terminal to New York’s most beautiful beach Long Beach on Long Island, or further in just under 2 hours to the Hamptons.
Staten Island Railway
Operates on Staten Island only. It’s $2.75 one-way with the MetroCard.
Metro-North Railroad
The Metro-North Railroad operates commuter rail, subway, and bus services in and around New York as far as Connecticut and New York states. The fare depends on the line and the length of the journey. Children aged 5-11 only pay half price. Outside rush hour tickets are discounted by 25%. It is advisable to buy the single tickets, which can also be purchased on board, before boarding, as they are then significantly cheaper.
Tip: Get into nature in about 25 minutes on the Metro-North Railroad: The journey from Grand Central Station to Riverdale and its 114,000 m² public garden (Wave Hill Garden), on the left with a view of the Hudson River , quickly forgets the hustle and bustle of the big city. Fare $9.75, off-rush hour $7.25. Entry to the gardens is free with the New York Pass.
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Taxis are available almost anywhere, anytime, and can only be hailed by curbside hailing. At the airport there are usually uniformed stewards who assign taxis to passengers.
sample tariffs
- Downtown — JFK International Airport: $57-63
- Downtown — LaGuardia International Airport: about $29-$37
- Downtown — Newark Liberty International Airport: about $92-$100
Other providers
Livery cabs or black cabs can only be ordered by phone or online and can be ordered anywhere. The price is agreed with the driver at the beginning of the journey. There are several providers, such as:
- DC Livery, Tel.: +1 800 786 66 30, www.dclivery.com
- Black & White Taxi, Tel.: +1 877 396 82 94, www.blackandwhitetaxi.com
Note: Urgent care should be taken to only use official taxis marked as such, recognizable by the taximeter and a clearly visible driver’s license. Only then can safety and a reasonable price be guaranteed, since other, often unlicensed and untrustworthy taxi companies in New York also carry passengers.
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Roosevelt Island Tram
The Roosevelt Island Tram is the oldest passenger aerial tramway in North America and has connected Roosevelt Island in the East River with Manhattan since the early 20th century. A ride costs $2.75 and takes about 5 minutes, children under 44 inches travel free. Sun-Thu 6am-2am and Fri-Sat 6am-3.30am.
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Hudson River und Belford Ferry
The Hudson River Ferry and Belford Ferry connect Manhattan’s Midtown and Downtown with New Jersey, with the Hudson River Ferry serving a few more ports. The ride from Belford to Manhattan (at 6:20 am, 7:30 am, 8:00 am, 8:40 am, 9:30 am and 5:50 pm, plus 2:15 pm in the summer Fri) takes 45-65 min and costs $21.50, children under 12 are free. From Midtown/W. 39th St. runs free shuttle buses into town.
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For more information about the Staten Island Ferry and the East River Ferry, see ›City Tours: Sightseeing by Public Transport‹.
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