Posted by realnewyorktours@gmail.com on | Featured
Riding the subway doesn’t have to be difficult.
We’re here to help you navigate the tunnels like a pro!
Subways and buses:
- Fare for most riders on subways and buses is $2.90.
- Pay with a MetroCard, or use contactless payment with OMNY.
- An unlimited ride MetroCard can save you money. These give you unlimited swipes for a certain length of time.
- MetroCards cost $1.
- Up to three children under 44 inches tall ride for free when they’re with a fare-paying adult.
- You pay the fare at turnstiles before you board the train. You don’t have to do anything as you exit.
How to Buy MetroCards:
- Buy MetroCards in any subway station or Transportation Hub like Grand Central Terminal, The Oculus, Penn Station, or Port Authority.
- Vending machines will take cash, ATM cards, and all major credit cards.
- Tellers can only accept cash.
- If you’re paying by cash at a machine, be aware that the machine can only give up to $9 in change and it is paid out in change, not bills.
- It you’re paying by credit at a machine with a foreign billing address, be aware that they will ask for a billing zip code. Enter “99999” in this field which indicates to the machine that an international card is being used.
Regular Pay Per Ride MetroCards:
- These can be shared with up to 4 people per card. You can each swipe the turnstile separately or the first person can swipe 4x’s and have everyone follow through the turnstile.
Unlimited Ride MetroCards:
- These passes are only good for one person, they cannot be shared. Once swiped you cannot use the card again for another 18 mins.
- The 7 Day Unlimited Pass is $33. It’s good for a full 7 days from the first day you use it.
- The 30 day Pass is $127. It’s good for a full 30 days from the first day you use it. This option is only a good deal if you will be in the city for 3- 4 weeks and plan to use the subway at least twice a day.
OMNY
- Tap your contactless credit, debt, or reloadable prepaid card at an OMNY reader and be on your way. No need to do anything in advance.
- Set up your digital wallet and tap your smart phone or smart watch at any OMNY reader.
- Load an OMNY card before you travel and tap it at an OMNY reader to pay the fare. buy and reload your OMNY card at many stores across the city, including Walgreens, CVS, 7-Eleven, and Grand Central Terminal.
The main take away? If you are here for about a week and plan to use the subway, go for the 7 Day Unlimited MetroCard. If you are here for just a few days, or only plan on taking a few rides, use your Contactless Credit or Debt to tap and go.
All this information and loads more can be found at the MTA website.
Of course if you encounter any trouble, don’t worry! Our guides would be happy to help you the morning of your tour.
Check out our Most Popular Group Tour of NYC!
NYC in a Day Group Tour$90/personSmall Group of up to 12 Guests6 Hour Tour of ManhattanFrom Central Park to Wall Street By Subway and footSaturdays @ 10am
Tags: Metrocards, Subway, Tips
