New York Transportation

Is there anything more quintessentially “New York” than hailing a yellow cab? With taxis, buses, subways and sidewalks, New York has one of the biggest public transportation systems in the world. If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring an enormous city, then New York City travel is sure to please. As a global epicenter of finance, business, entertainment and culture, New York is jam-packed with excitement and adventure for people of all interests. Whether you arrive by plane, train or automobile, you’ll need to decide how you will get around once you arrive in the Big Apple. Fortunately, there are plenty of different transportation options designed to suit all needs and budgets.

Hit the Streets on Foot

If you want to enjoy all of the sights and sounds of New York City, then get out your walking shoes and hit the streets. New York streets are lined with broad, smoothly paved sidewalks that make it easy for walkers to get from here to there. Even if you are using taxis, subways or buses, you will still need to walk short distances throughout the city. Once you've decided where to stay in New York, be aware that many of the city streets are one way, so be careful to check for oncoming traffic before crossing.

Purchase a Metrocard for Buses and Subways

Finding cheap hotels in New York might be easy, but New York City has one of the most complex and expensive city transit systems on the planet. In order to use the city’s subway system, you must purchase a Metrocard. You can purchase a card online before leaving for your trip, but you can also find these cards in grocery stores, newsstands and subway stations. There are several different card options available, and the kind of card you purchase will depend largely on your travel needs as well as the length of your stay. Single ride cards are available in vending machines for just $2. If you plan to be staying at one of the many New York hotels for several days, a pay-per-ride card may be a better option.

Hail a Taxi for Convenient Transportation

If you want a bit more freedom to travel during your stay, utilizing New York taxi services is a great option. Tourists need to be careful to avoid what are known as “gypsy” cabs. These unregulated cars that are generally more expensive and less safe. Legitimate “yellow cab” taxis have an official medallion on the hood and a lighted taxi number on the roof. Expect to spend at least $20 to $30 dollars for the ride itself, plus the additional costs of tolls and tips. Generally, you should tip your cab driver between 10 and 20 percent.

With so many different types of New York transportation, you should have no problem getting around the city. The best solution is to utilize each different type of transportation during your trip. Purchase a Metrocard to use for buses and subways, enjoy a walk when traversing shorter distances and hail a taxi whenever necessary.