Getting Around New York City

When it comes to fully optimizing your experience of getting around the various must-see destination spots within New York City, you should first and foremost account for the time of the year. For instance, making an albeit economically efficient yet equally physically draining routine out of taking the subway during the hotter and notoriously humid summer months will surely take its toll on you. Thankfully though, the city offers many different ways for you to get from point A to point B promptly that doesn't bust your bank account open in the process. 

Use the Subway

With an impressive 25 routes that span over 665 miles of track, the NYC subway system is a formidable well-oiled behemoth, that hosts over 1.7 billion riders each year. It is operated by the MTA and it covers Manhattan, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, and Brooklyn. Though, you should note that Staten Island's trains don't connect to the other boroughs directly, and that you'll instead need to hop on a bus or ferry to reach Staten Island in the first place. What's more is that the subway trains run 24 hours a day, and seven days a week. So, you'll be able to use the subway when you might have a schedule in which you are only able to travel quickly and at specific times during the day and night. You should check the MTA Twitter feed to keep up to date on unanticipated service disruptions and delays. 

Take the Bus

The MTA also oversees the city's impressive fleet of buses, which number right around 6,000 vehicles. New York's buses generally run on a grid, and they cover routes that reach across uptown, downtown, crosstown, and with stops that are plotted on nearly every other corner. For a typical bus trip, you'll be required to pay the current fare of $2.90 as you board the bus with a MetroCard or you can opt for exact change (coins only). The Mymta app has easily accessible and helpful timetables and service info for the buses. Each bus stop will also have a QR code that is scannable for arrivals, departures, and general status updates. 

Hop on the Ferry

First, the Staten Island Ferry as it can be seen from the water with the iconic Manhattan skyline in the background is a majestic way to get a clear sighting of the Statue of Liberty, and it's free. To experience the views of New York from the water is to enjoy a truly unique way of fully taking in the ever-bustling, thriving metropolis that is New York City. The NYC ferry also connects communities that are located along the city's waterways, which include the East River, South Brooklyn, the Rockaways, Western Queens, and the Bronx. Tickets can be easily purchased from vending machines which are conveniently set up at the landings or you can purchase your tickets through the NYC ferry app. Single-ride tickets for adults will cost $4 each. 

Take a Taxi

Few things in this world are as heavily associated with New York City as its fleet of ever-hustling yellow taxis that take to the busy city streets with awe-inspiring levels of rushing. Cabs that are licensed by the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission are metered, and the fares start at $3.00, plus the additional $0.70 per mile if the traffic is slow or stopped. There are also often various surcharges that will be dependent on when and where you're traveling that can include tolls and tips which generally range from $15-20.