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Getting Around New York
New York is a big city, but it's easily accessible for sightseeing visitors; the city has a refined transit system that includes hundreds of buses and subways, as well as thousands of well-renowned taxis and limousines. There are also ferries, bicycles, frequent Amtrak and commuter rail services. Public transport in New York is run by the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) which services offered are cheaper and more efficient than the offered by private companies also working in the city.
Getting Around By Subway
New York's subway is the fastest, inexpensive and most reliable transport way around New York; it’s used by more than 4.9 million people every weekday. The vast network of 24 subway lines, serves over 400 stations throughout Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens. Staten Island is operated by the small-scale MTA Staten Island Railway. The subway costs $2 per ride. Routes are identified by letters such as A B C and numbers as well as being colour-coded.
If you are going to be taking several trains during the day or week, it’s best to buy a MetroCard, an electronic fare card; there are 3,500 MetroCard merchants along the city, you can purchase MetroCards in all subway and train station kiosks, either from the attendant or from automatic machines which take cash or credit card. Free maps are also available. For more information visit the official site of New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).
Getting Around By Bus
Bus services are extensive, buses operate 24 hours a day, bus stops are located on street corners approximately every two or three blocks. Fares are paid with a MetroCard or with the exact change. The cost is $2 per ride, no matter the distance covered. Between 22:00 and 05:00 you can ask to be let off anywhere along your route, even if it's not a designated stop.
Getting Around By Taxis
The yellow taxis are the symbol of New York City; taxis are governed by the Taxi and Limousine Commission and can be hailed on the street or found at taxi stands at main hotels and transportation hubs. Usually, A 10 to 15% tip is expected. Remember, if the taxi number on the top of the car is illuminated then the taxi is available.
Getting Around Walking
Walking is by far the best, least expensive and sometimes the fastest way to see New York, the merchants and people of the New York streets give the city an inimitable atmosphere. Neighbourhoods particularly conducive to walking include the Financial District, Chinatown, SoHo, and the West Village. The grid system of uptown/downtown streets intersected with cross-town streets means it’s quite complicated to lose your way, so pack some good walking shoes.
Getting Around By Bicycle
Cycling around one of New York’s parks is a secure and a pleasant option; there are 40 km of bike paths around the city, where no motorised vehicles are authorized, the most popular routes include the circular drive in Central Park, the East River Bikeway, the Hudson River Bike Path, the Shore Parkway Bike Path and the Silver Lake Park. Bike hire is available at most of the popular routes. Be sure to lock you bike securely when leaving it unattended, even for a short time.
Getting Around By Ferry
New York City is home to a wide ferry system, waterway ferries runs across the rivers to Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and New Jersey. The Staten Island Ferry provides great views of the Statue of Liberty and New York Harbour.
Car Hire
New York traffic is a nightmare and parking is difficult to find and costs are exorbitant. Car rentals are notoriously expensive and gasoline in the city costs far more than elsewhere in the US. If you must rent a car, you will need a valid national driving license, minimum third-party cover is required and drivers must be at least 25 years old. Drivers must avoid parking on the street, as there are restrictive regulation and a danger of theft.
Major providers include:
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1 800 522-9292 |
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1 800 331 1212 |
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1 800 527 0700 |
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1 800 800 3665 |
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1 800 261 7331 |
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1 800 654 3131 |
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1 800 227 7368 |
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