Planning a trip to New York City? Getting around is easy with the right transport card. It’s key for both tourists and locals to know their subway card and transit pass options.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has two payment methods. There’s the OMNY tap-to-pay system and the classic MetroCard. Both let you ride subways and buses for $2.90 per trip. Let’s look at how to get these cards and enjoy your city adventures.
Did you know MetroCards will be gone by 2025? The OMNY system will take over. But we’ll cover both to help you pick the best for your visit.
Understanding NYC Transport Card Options
New York City’s public transport has many fare media options. These help both locals and visitors move around the city. The city has 36 subway lines and over 5,000 buses.
OMNY Tap-to-Pay System
OMNY is NYC’s newest way to pay for transport. You can use credit cards, smartphones, or wearables to tap and pay. For those without these devices, OMNY cards are available.
The system has a weekly fare cap. This means unlimited rides after 12 paid trips in a week.
Traditional MetroCard System
The MetroCard has been around since 1993. It will be replaced by 2025. There are two types: Pay-Per-Ride and Unlimited Ride.
Pay-Per-Ride cards cost $2.90 per trip. Unlimited cards let you ride as much as you want for a set period.
Single Ride vs. Unlimited Passes
Deciding between single rides and unlimited passes depends on your stay and travel plans. A 7-day unlimited MetroCard is $34. A monthly pass is $132.
For short visits, Pay-Per-Ride might be cheaper. Both OMNY and MetroCard allow free transfers within two hours. This makes traveling easier.
| Pass Type | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Single Ride | $2.90 | Occasional riders |
| 7-Day Unlimited | $34 | Week-long visitors |
| 30-Day Unlimited | $132 | Regular commuters |
Pick the travel card that suits you best for a great NYC experience. The right commuter pass can save you money and time.
NYC transport card Purchase Locations and Methods
New Yorkers and visitors can buy transport cards in many places across the city. MTA vending machines in subway stations are a top choice. These machines sell OMNY and MetroCards. OMNY cards cost $1 and last five years, while MetroCards last two years.
Convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Walgreens, and CVS also sell OMNY cards. For those who like talking to people, mobile sales buses roam the city. They offer card purchases and reloads.
The OMNY system is growing fast. Now, 201 OMNY machines are in 87 train stations in NYC, except Staten Island. The MTA plans to add OMNY to all 472 subway stations by mid-next year.
| Card Type | Cost | Validity | Purchase Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| OMNY | $1 | 5 years | Subway stations, Convenience stores |
| MetroCard | $1 | 2 years | Subway stations, Mobile sales buses |
| 7-Day Unlimited | $33 | 7 days | Subway stations, Mobile sales buses |
| 30-Day Unlimited | $120 | 30 days | Subway stations, Mobile sales buses |
Remember, a single subway ride costs $2.90. Kids under 44″ (111 cm) ride free with a paying adult. The NYC subway system covers Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens. It has 26 lines and nearly 500 stations.
Conclusion
Choosing the right transit option in NYC can make your trip better. The OMNY tap-to-pay system is now in all subway stations and MTA buses. It’s easy to use and costs just $2.90 for most rides.
If you travel a lot, the MetroCard is still a good choice. It has unlimited ride options. The 7-Day Unlimited costs $34 and the 30-Day Unlimited is $132. These can save you money if you plan to use public transit a lot.
But NYC’s transport isn’t just subways and buses. There’s also the NYC Ferry and regional rail like PATH. Our guide suggests planning ahead to enjoy your trip. Knowing these tips will help you move around New York City easily.
