New York City Transportation:
Fast, Efficient & Cheap
Utilizing the New York City transportation system allows you to
get around very cheaply and efficiently. With so much to see and
do, it helps to make for a very enjoyable and relaxing vacation.
I've been riding the subways, buses, and driving in and around NYC by car for zillions of years. I've discovered the secrets to zooming in, out, and around without a hitch.
NYC has many wonderful attributes, but without a doubt, the good 'ol New York City Transportation system is certainly one of these. It's not without fault, but, most of the time, it's a gem.
Now, before you decide how you will get to and around New York City, consider these points.
- Size of your group
if there are 4 of you, and you're only traveling a short distance, it might make sense to chip in for a taxi.
- Ages of your group
- Stamina and health of your group: can everyone handle going up/down the subway/bus steps? Are you using a stroller which may make it difficult to use New York City transportation?
- The weather and/or weather forecast: If the weather is poor and you're considering driving around the city, don't. The traffic can be horrible during poor weather. If you must, then do.
- Time contraints: depending on your time limits, taxis may make sense, or a combination of taxis and subway/bus.
- If you are driving to the big apple, park your car. I'll provide you with super rates. It's probably easier, faster and cheaper to take public transportation. Again, if you must, then do, and I'll provide you with great tips for doing so.
My point? Carefully considering and choosing your modes of New York City transportation in advance will net you a much more pleasant vacation. You'll amaze yourself at how easily you'll get around.
THE SUBWAY
Arm yourself with a
great subway map, and off you'll go! New York City transportation has never been simpler! Need help? Read on.
Click here for detailed information about the New York City Subway including fares, discount Metrocards, daily and weekly passes to save you a bundle, an online trip planner system to guide you from stop to stop, and lots of handy information to make you feel like a pro!
THOSE FEET ARE MEANT FOR WALKING!Walking is the cheapest, most colorful, and healthiest way to travel. You'll see and discover the color and charm of NYC on your way to your destination. Take your time and stop in to places that peak your interest. Remember, you're on vacation! There's no time like now to explore. But, arm yourself with a good street map. Even as a long time resident, I still love to walk through the city without a specific destination in mind. I ALWAYS find a great store to check out, an inviting restaurant, a charming wine bar, or a great book store.
PARKING STEALS AND DEALS
If you drive to NYC, check out my secrets for getting rock bottom garage deals. Plan in advance and you'll be really
surprised with the low cost of parking. Click here for fanastic rates and information on New York City parking garages.
If you'd like to park on the street, YOU WILL find a spot--either quickly (at which I have become an expert--so my husband tells me)or pay the muni-meter. For your convenience, you can buy these pre-paid cards in advance. Learn more here.
TRAVELING BY BUSBuses are another sure fire way to travel. Although buses are alittle slower for some travel, they are often more convenient and quicker when traveling crosstown (East and West) and directly such as uptown/downtown Lexington Avenue or another avenue. Click here for detailed information on fares, routes, and other important tips, including discount travel!
TAXIS CAN SAVE YOU MONEY
There are times when taking a taxi makes sense. Consider them when you’re traveling in a group, making the ride less expensive than a subway or bus, when the weather is bad, when you’re exhausted, when you are carrying a lot of packages, and special circumstances with children.
If the light atop the taxi is illuminated, it means that it’s available. Raise your hand to signal that you’d like to hire the cab…and the cab will stop for you.
The maximum amount of passengers allowed in a yellow taxi, by law, is four. If it is a larger taxi, five is the maximum. A passenger is allowed to sit in the front seat. Drivers are required to drive a passenger to any destination in the five boroughs.
Once you enter a taxi, the meter, located in the front seat within your sight, is started.
Rates are:
- $2.50 upon taxi entry
- .40 for each additional unit
- .50 night surcharge after 8:00 pm and before 6:00 am
- $1.00 peak hour weekday surcharge, Mon-Fri, after 4:00 pm and before 8:00 pm.
So, the New York City transportation system offers you a myriad of fast, cheap and even discounted options. Take advantage of them during your visit!
FREE RIDES (TO BARS AND HOME)
Although Manhattan is essentially a small island, modes of cheap
New York City transportation never cease to amaze me. Check these FREE rides out!
Right Rides
On Friday and Saturday nights from 11:59 pm to 3:00 am, the women-run nonprofit Right Rides dispatches volunteers in Zipcars to provide free, safe trips home for women and the LGBTQ population. Check www.rightrides.org for area-of-service maps, and call for pickup at 888-215-7233.
Jakes BBQ
If you call ahead to make a reservation from anywhere in the restaurant's delivery zone, they'll send a Cadillac Escalade to pick you and a friend up, and will haul you home after your meal. Jakes BBQ is located at 189 Columbia Street between DeGraw and Sackett Street, Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn, 718-522-3981, wwwjakesbbq.com.
Bondi Road and the Sunburnt Cow
On weeknights between 6:00 and 11:00 pm, these two Aussie party spots will dispatch the festival Moo Mobile (you've got to see it, to believe it) to pick you up from any Manhattan subway station below 14th Street. Bondi Road is located at 153 Rivington Street, between Clinton and Suffolk Streets, 212-253-5311; The Sunburnt Cow is located at 137 Avenue C, between 8th and 9th Streets, 212-529-0005,www.thesunburntcow.com.
FREE IKEA WATER TAXI ON WEEKENDS
New York City transportation options are not limited to land! The Ikea Water Taxi runs FREE on weekends, from Wall Street's Pier 11 in Manhattan to Brooklyn's Ikea superstore. Skip the traffic, tolls, gas money, and parking hassles and travel on water....for free! Click here for the schedule.
FREE WATER TAXI TO METS AND YANKEES HOME GAMES
Delta’s Baseball Water Taxi runs one-way to Citi Field or Yankee Stadium from Wall Street’s Pier 11 on game days, departing 90 minutes before first pitch. There will only be one boat per game, with a capacity of 147 passengers. While on board, treat yourself to a Delta signature "Fly Ball" cocktail, cold beer, soft drinks and snacks. For $1, passengers can make a guaranteed reservation online by clicking here
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