Travel: New York Transport

NYC_Grand_Central

NYC_Grand_Central

New York City Transportation

We found the transportation system in NYC to be straightforward.  The main confusion was arriving at JFK and wondering where to buy the Air Train ticket.

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Arriving at JFK Airport

Take the Air Train to Jamaica Centre. You can buy your MetroCard here and transfer onto the main subway system.

Subway

The subway is the best way of travelling around NYC. Running 24 hours a day and 365 days a year.  At a cost of $2.75 a journey, whatever the length of the ride, it’s a bargain.  You will need to purchase a MetroCard.  A re-usable card which is topped up electronically.  Up to three children 44 inches tall and under ride for free on subways and local buses when accompanied by a fare-paying adult. Infants (under two years of age) ride express buses free if the child sits on the lap of the accompanying adult. NYC_metro card

Pay-Per-Ride MetroCard

You can buy as many rides as you want from either a station booth or a MetroCard vending machine. Put $5.50 or more on your card and receive a 11 percent bonus.

You get an automatic free transfer between subway and bus, or between buses.

The MTA charges a $1.00 “new card fee” for the purchase of a new MetroCard.

Unlimited MetroCard

Buy an unlimited number of subway and bus rides for a fixed price. Choose from a 7 day ($31)  or 30 day ($116.50)  card. The MTA charges a $1.00 “new card fee” for the purchase of a new MetroCard. Note: PATH, AirTrain, and Express buses do not accept 7- dayand 30-Day Unlimited Ride MetroCard.

Click HERE to download the NYC subway map.

We used the Iphone App – NYC Subway to plan our journeys. Google Play Store Link.

Bus

You get an automatic free transfer between subway and bus, or between buses.

Download Bronx Bus Map

Download Brooklyn Bus Map

Download Manhattan Bus Map

Download Queens Bus Map

Download Staten Island Bus Map

Cab

During the day cabs aren’t recommended as it is gridlock, however at night the roads are generally quieter.  Official New York City taxis are yellow and can be hailed on any street.

The initial fare is $2.50 with 50 cents for each 1/5 mile or 50 cents for each minute idle.  There is $1 surcharge between 4pm and 8pm and a 50 cent surcharge from 8pm to 6am.  There is no extra charge for luggage or extra passengers.

Remember that the shift change for drivers is 4pm so cabs will be scarce.

NYC_Traffic

Walk

The cheapest way.  With the gridlocked traffic it is sometimes easier to walk.  Use the crossings and pack comfy shoes.

Emma

Emma

Hello!

I am Emma and with my husband Mark write Foodie Explorers, which is a food and travel website.

I am a member of the Guild of Food Writers and British Guild of Travel Writers.

We have a wide range of judging experience covering products, hotels and have judged, for example, for Great Taste Awards and Scottish Baker of the Year.

Along the way Mark gained WSET Level 2 in Wine and I have WSET Level 2 in Spirits as well as picking up an award with The Scotsman Food and Drink Awards.    

Usually I can be found sleeping beside a cat.

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