While first-timer visitors can often be intimidated by NYC public transit maps (filled with different-colored rail and bus lines traversing the boroughs), it's easy to navigate if you do some prep work. Take a few minutes to learn about the different ways to get around New York City. You'll be swiping your MetroCard like a pro in no time!
From the Airports
Of course, the easiest thing to do once you get into town is grab a cab or hail a rideshare service on your smartphone, but that's expensive. Utilize your public transit options instead—the MTA bus and subway lines can help you get from New York’s airports to any part of the city. Two subway stations serving four lines adjoin JFK airport. Take the airport's AirTrain system to reach the stations.
LaGuardia isn't served by a subway station, but you can hop on a bus and transfer to nearby stations in Queens at no extra charge. The M60 bus line goes all the way into Manhattan from LaGuardia (it's the only MTA bus line to do so). You'll have to transfer from the M60 in upper Manhattan to reach Midtown and other points south.
New York Public Transportation Tips
Purchase a MetroCard at the airport or at any subway station. This fare card provides access to subway trains and buses, as well as free transfers between them. If you'll be making more than 10 trips on public transit during your visit, get the 7-day card that allows unlimited riding. It's a great deal compared to spending the normal regular fare each time you ride.
Know the difference between a local, a limited and an express bus or train. A local makes every stop on the route and can be time-consuming, while limited and express trains and buses bypass many stops to get to busier stations more quickly. Plan your route and study a map before embarking to ensure that you get to the right place rather than whizzing by it on an express and having to backtrack.
Oh, and make sure you're on the right subway platform. The larger stations can appear complicated with multiple levels and train lines. Look at the signs over the platforms to ensure they match the color and number or letter of the train you want to be on.
Important Taxi Info
Sometimes hailing a taxi might be your only option. Albeit more pricey, they're everywhere in NYC—just look for the yellow or apple green cars. The color is an important New York travel tip: vehicles of different colors aren’t authorized taxi services, and you shouldn’t take them. The apple green taxis are known as Boro Taxis. They provide service from the lesser-traveled areas of the five boroughs. You're more likely to encounter the traditional yellow cabs, especially in Manhattan and at the airports. You can use debit/credit cards in both kinds of taxis.
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