Getting around

💳 1. How to Pay (Goodbye MetroCard)

You no longer need to buy the old yellow plastic MetroCard. The system now uses OMNY.

• Just tap your card or phone: Use a contactless credit/debit card, or your phone/watch (Apple Pay/Google Pay) directly at the turnstile.
• Price: $2.90 USD per ride on the subway or local bus.[web:30]
• Weekly cap (Fare capping): After you pay for 12 rides with the same card or device in a Monday–Sunday week, the rest of your rides that week are free.[web:30][web:32][web:33]

🧭 2. Uptown vs Downtown (Avoid Going the Wrong Way)

In London you often follow the train’s final destination. In New York, you mainly follow the direction of the line.

• Uptown / Queens / Bronx = Trains going north (towards Central Park and the upper parts of Manhattan).
• Downtown / Brooklyn = Trains going south (towards Wall Street and the Statue of Liberty).

Before you go down the stairs, read the sign. Many station entrances only serve one direction, and you cannot always cross between platforms once you are inside.

⚡ 3. Local vs Express Trains

This is the classic mistake visitors make. On some lines, different trains share the same platform.

• 🔴 Local train: Stops at every station. Slower, but safer if you are unsure.
• ⚡ Express train: Skips several stops at once. If you choose the wrong one, you might suddenly find yourself at 125th Street when you wanted 59th.

🐀 4. Survival Rules on the Subway

• The empty carriage: If the train is crowded but you see one carriage that is completely empty, do not get in.
  Reason: It probably smells very bad or has no air conditioning. Locals usually know why they are avoiding it.
• "Showtime": If someone shouts "It’s Showtime!" and turns up the music, they are about to perform acrobatics using the poles. Keep a bit of distance and hold onto your phone and bag.

⛴️ 5. NYC Ferry (A Great Alternative)

For about $4.00, the blue NYC Ferry boats connect Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens.

• It is one of the most scenic and affordable ways to see the skyline from the water.
• Recommended route: from DUMBO or Wall St to East 34th St for great views.