Getting around New York City - taxis, subways and buses are all great ways of getting around. New York City’s Subway System carries 4.9 million on an average weekday on its 26 lines. It operates 24 hours a day, though service is less frequent at night, on weekends and some holidays.
The subways are safe and remain the most efficient way to get around. The most important thing to know about taking the subway in Manhattan is whether your destination is uptown, (north,) or downtown, (south,) from your starting point. Some lines run local and others run express (skipping some stations, and thus covering more ground quickly.) If you don't know how to get where you're going, ask someone who's waiting for the train you think you're supposed to take. (Don't depend on the MTA workers in the token booth as they're often gone and they’re often wrong.)
The subway fare is $2 no matter how far you want to go. You can transfer as many times as you like, as long as you don't exit through a turnstile. You'll need a MetroCard (also good for city buses,) which you can purchase in the subways. You can pay per ride or buy daily, weekly or monthly transit passes. If you're only taking the subway a few times, you may only want to put just a few dollars on a MetroCard. But if you make three or more trips in a day, you’ll want some type of unlimited card. (You can't share an unlimited card because once it's swiped, it's inactive for the next 18 minutes.)
Here is a link to the MTA's system maps.
Taking taxis in NYC? Here are some basics to keep in mind. There are more than 12,000 licensed yellow cab drivers in New York City. Additionally, there are thousands of limo and car service company drivers, who are only allowed to pick up passengers who call for a pick-up, rather than wrangling them at the airport or stopping when hailed on the street.
Tipping is pretty much required. Tip at least a dollar or two per ride and closer to $10 for an airport trip. Pay in cash, though credit card machines are coming. When you get out of the cab, be sure to look around on the seat and floor. Ask for your receipt at the end of the ride and you'll have the cab number, making it possible to retrieve items you forgot in the cab.
Getting around by Bus in New York City. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) New York City Bus operates 4,694 buses throughout the city's five boroughs on more than 200 routes. You are usually within a few blocks of a bus stop.
The base fare for local bus service on a MTA Bus is $2; the fare for express bus service is $5. Exact fare, payable with MetroCard or coins, is required; bills are not accepted and the driver does not give change.
A MetroCard can save you money on multiple rides. Options include the $7.50 one-day Fun Pass; the seven-day ($25), 14-day ($47) and 30-day ($81) unlimited ride cards; and a pay-per-ride card. You may put any amount between $4 and $80 on your MetroCard.
