Transportation in New York is utterly important. As one of the biggest cities in the world, New York has a very large and at the same time very complicated transportation system. There are hundreds of different bus lines, 26 metro lines with 1.335 kilometers of rails and a few other means of transport. Not to forget about the yellow taxis that are a trademark of the city. If you are travelling to New York soon, be sure to check out our transportation guide.

• Find more information about New York on our city page!

As New York is one of the largest ones in the Western world, the distances between different parts of the city are way too big to walk. Tourists and inhabitants of the city may either use the public transportation system including buses, metros, a funicular and ferries or a taxi.

There are also regional trains connecting Manhattan with New Jersey

Other up and coming means of transport are bikes that are used very often today even though there are only a few dedicated cycle paths.

Metro in New York

Taking the metro in New York is very easy. In most parts of the city, stops are not very far away as the metro stops approximately every eight to ten blocks. In total, there are 468 metro stations throughout the city. Depending on where you want to go, you can choose one of the 26 metro lines that are operating seven days a week and 24 hours a day. Most metro lines are operating in Manhattan with only a few operating solely on the island.

The Metro is the fastest mode of transport in New York

Line G, connecting Brooklyn with Queens, is the only line that is not having a single stop on Manhattan Island. None of the two New York Airports got a direct connection via metro. However, at the subway station Jackson Heights there is a connection to a bus to the La Guardia Airport. The AirTrain JFK is connected with the subway network on both, the Jamaica Station and the Howard Beach Station.

• New York has 26 metro lines operating seven days a week, 24 hours a day
• To get to the New York La Guardia Airport, use metro lines E, F, V, R or 7 and exchange to the bus Q33 at the Jackson Heights Station (other connections possible as well)
• To get to the New York JFK Airport, use metro lines E, J or Z to Jamaica Station or metro line A to the Howard Beach Station and exchange to the AirTrain JFK

Buses in New York

As the metros, buses in New York are colored in silver. All buses got displays with the direction and number of the line. The displays also show whether this is an express service or not. Be aware that Express Buses as well as Express Metros don’t stop on several stations, but offer way faster connections at the same time. Buses and metros can be used with the same ticket.

There are several different kinds of buses in New York

If you buy a so-called MetroCard, single rides with buses and metros cost 2.75 US-Dollar (~ 2.45 Euro) and can be used for unlimited transfers between buses when not leaving the system via a turnstile. Transfers between buses and metro are also allowed when the total ride duration is below two hours. Single ride tickets cost 3 US-Dollar (~ 2.65 Euro) and don’t allow transfers, but may also be purchased at the driver with the exact amount in coins.

• When using a MetroCard (1 US-Dollar initial fee), single rides with the subway and buses cost 2.75 US-Dollar (~ 2.45 Euro) and allow transfers
• Single ride tickets 3 US-Dollar (~ 2.65 Euro) don’t allow transfers and must be used within two hours of purchase
• Express Bus tickets cost 6.25 US-Dollar (~ 5.55 Euro)

Taxis in New York

Transportation in New York wouldn’t be complete without mentioning taxis. Taxis are available pretty much everywhere in New York and may be either called (for an extra charge) or hailed at the street. Be aware that some taxi drivers in Manhattan refuse to drive to other parts of the city.

Since 2013, there are also green cabs in New York

Nowadays, there are three different types of taxis (or cabs as taxis in New York are called in colloquial language): Black cabs are only allowed to pick up passengers after being called and not when being hailed; yellow cabs are allowed to either pick up passengers after being called or when being hailed at the street; green cabs are allowed to either pick up passengers after being called or when being hailed at the street, but only in other boroughs than in Manhattan and in Manhattan above East 96^th Street.

• There are three different types of taxis in New York: Black, yellow and green cabs
• The initial charge for taxi rides is 2.50 US-Dollar (~ 2.20 Euro)
• Each 1/5 mile or 60 seconds another 0.50 US-Dollar (~ 0.45 Euro) are charged
• More information on further charges and tip (http://www.nycgo.com/articles/nyc-transportation-getting-around#7)

Other means of transport in New York

Due to the location of New York, ferries play an important role in the transportation system of the city.

Horse carriages at the Central Park are a touristic attraction solely

The most important one is the State Island Ferry that is connecting Manhattan with its southern borough. This one may be used free of charge, while other ferries, for example the ones connecting Manhattan with New Jersey, have to be paid for use. Another special means of transport in New York is the so-called Roosevelt Island Tram that is not a real tram, but a funicular instead.

The High Line is great for cycling

Nowadays, also bikes have a greater importance in New York. However, there are only a few cycle paths throughout the city. The newly established High Line is one positive exception.

• There are several ferries around Manhattan
• The Roosevelt Island Tram is a very special attraction
• Cycle paths are rare in New York, however there are some new projects

You need a transportation guide for another city? Check out whether we got the right guide for you!