New York combines round-the-clock subway routes with crosstown buses and harbour ferries. Plan around where you are staying, and check service changes before setting out.
Transport information last checked:
A subway or local bus ride costs US$3.00. Tap a contactless card, phone or OMNY card, and keep using the same card or device for the US$35 seven-day cap. Airport trains and NYC Ferry have separate fares.
Local and express trains connect Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx; buses serve Staten Island too.
US$3.00 per subway/local bus ride
Pro Tip: Check both the train's destination and whether it is local or express before boarding.
Buses fill gaps in the rail network and make east–west journeys across Manhattan possible without an extra subway transfer.
Pro Tip: Crosstown buses can be useful when the subway route would mean doubling back.
A separate ferry network with skyline views and connections between waterfront neighbourhoods.
Pro Tip: Make the waterfront journey part of your day, but check the return sailing before lingering.
Bike-share for short rides, with separate pricing for passes, extra time and electric bikes.
Pro Tip: Keep bridge walking and cycling routes separate; follow the signs rather than assuming a pedestrian walkway allows bikes.
Pay as you go with a bank card, mobile wallet or OMNY card.
A separate fare category for express bus journeys.
Buy separate ferry tickets, not an MTA subway ticket.
JFK: AirTrain connects with subway or rail services at Jamaica and Howard Beach. The AirTrain fare is US$8.75, in addition to your onward fare. AirTrain plus a US$3.00 subway ride totals US$11.75; a Long Island Rail Road journey costs a different amount. Check JFK AirTrain information and the MTA journey planner.
LaGuardia: the free Q70 LaGuardia Link bus connects with subway and rail stations. There is no LaGuardia AirTrain. Your onward subway or rail fare is separate; check MTA airport connections.
Newark: compare AirTrain plus NJ Transit with other airport connections for your accommodation. Check the official Newark transport page for fares, terminal transfers and service notices; no unconfirmed combined fare is quoted here.
MetroCards are no longer sold or refilled from 1 January 2026. Existing balances remain usable until the final withdrawal date is announced. OMNY does not require an account for ordinary contactless travel. A bank card and the same card stored in a phone wallet are different payment methods for capping, so do not alternate them.
As checked on 13 October 2026, NYC Ferry costs US$4.50 one-way or US$29 for ten trips. From 19 October 2026 these become US$5.00 and US$30. The discounted fare changes from US$1.45 to US$1.50, subject to eligibility. The US$15 two-day unlimited product continues and becomes permanent from that date. See the official NYC Ferry fare-change notice before buying.
Citi Bike's checked prices are US$4.99 for a single classic-bike ride of up to 30 minutes and US$25 for a day pass. Extra time and electric-bike charges depend on the product; read Citi Bike pricing. Taxi and ride-hail totals can include tolls and surcharges; check the MTA taxi/FHV toll information rather than assuming a fixed total.
The free Staten Island Ferry runs between Whitehall in Manhattan and St George on Staten Island. It passes the Statue of Liberty but does not stop at Liberty Island or Ellis Island. To visit either island, use the separate authorised Statue City Cruises service from Battery Park; check the Statue of Liberty visitor information.
Central Park has several stations along its edges, and the right one depends on which entrance you want. For Times Square, the Brooklyn Bridge or any specific attraction, enter your actual destination in the MTA planner rather than choosing a station by neighbourhood alone.
Official journey planning and service alerts.
Compare transit and walking connections.
Walking directions and a second route check.
Bike and dock availability, passes and ride charges.
Pause to look up at the painted constellation ceiling.
Harbour and downtown skyline views on the crossing.
Above-ground views through Queens.
Fares, service availability and ticket conditions can change. Check the operator for your travel date and exact journey.