Pricing for the NYC transit system is very easy to understand. There are basically 2 options: pay-per-ride and unlimited. Unlike other systems where there are zones, NYC has no zones so you can ride from the tip of queens to the upper tip of the Bronx for one fare!
Pay-Per-Ride:
- Uses a MetroCard: $2 per ride, put (top-up) $7 or more on at one time, receive a 15% bonus.
- Free transfer from subway to bus and bus to subway, also free transfer from local bus to local bus.
Unlimited MetroCard:
- 1 day – $7.50
- 7 day – $25.00
Notes:
- Up to three children 44 inches tall and under ride for free on subways and local buses when accompanied by a fare paying adult.
Allen’s Take:
I suggest you purchase an unlimited card unless you specifically know which trips you plan to take. For example, if you are just traveling on Day 1 from your hotel to the WTC site and back, then obviously the unlimited is not for you. But if you will be in NYC for more than 4 days and plan to do a large majority of your traveling via transport, then an unlimited 7-day card is perfect. Just swipe ‘n go!
