During my recent trip to New York, a bustling metropolis that is often known as “The Big Apple”, I was very amused by its iconic fixtures, landmarks, and impeccable public transportation system.
While the majority of the United States relies on private vehicles, the people of New York heavily rely on the concept of public transportation because of its convenience. If you are planning day trips from New York, be assured that the city’s public transport has got your back.
This comprehensive yet realistic breakdown of New York’s public transport should give you all the details you potentially need to know before visiting the city.
New York’s Public Transport: Beyond the Subway – Exploring Alternative Modes of Travel
The Subway: The Backbone of New York City’s Public Transport
When it comes to exploring New York, the Subway is potentially the best and most commonly used mode of transportation. It’s efficient, convenient, and affordable too.
New York’s robust subway system connects all five major boroughs, which means that you can pretty much visit any place that you have planned. The major parts of the city, which include Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and The Bronx are accessible via the subway.
Another factor that I find quite promising about New York’s subway is that it never sleeps, and stays awake for 7 days a week. Even during maintenance and cleaning, they close the subway in one direction and keep the other one functional.
Now, as a first timer in New York, not knowing how to use the subway is common. You’ll need a Metro card to streamline your travel (And to save costs). You can either pay per ride or buy the unlimited ride option to make things easier for you.
Public Buses: Expanding Your Reach Beyond the Subway
Now, Subways are great if you are a New Yorker that has pretty much seen the entire city. But, as a traveler or a first-time visitor, being trapped inside a subway means that you are most likely missing out on the beautiful views of New York City.
If you aren’t the biggest fan of confined spaces and want a better and more open public mode of transportation, public buses are a great alternative. Not only do they cover the standard popular spots around New York, but public buses also cover the areas that are generally not covered by the subway lines.
When visiting areas in New York that are not accessible by subway, utilizing the extensive public bus network becomes the next viable option for convenient transportation. The Metropolitan Transport Authority (MTA) is responsible for operating the public buses in New York. I’d suggest you check out their official website or refer to the maps to get an idea of the schedule and the available bus stops around the city.
Another quick tip is to know about the “Select Bus Service” (SBS) or “Express” options. Using these, you can get around New York a lot quicker. These public buses have fewer stops, which mean that you’d reach your destination a lot quicker. You should use the bus if you want to go from point A to point B and especially if you are on a time crunch, like taking a ferry or have booked a broadway show.
Commuter Trains: Connecting New York City to the Suburbs
If you live around the suburbs and somehow need to get to New York, the commuter trains are your best choice. These are also great for individuals who want to explore distant areas away from New York, much like day trips.
You can use these trains to travel to some of the popular nearby cities and towns. The best part is not just the accessibility but how affordable everything is.
Now, if you are new to the whole commuting trait situation and want a better clarification, there are two main railroads – Metro-North Railroad and Long Island Rail Road (LIRR). Depending on where you have to travel, you can check out the options and the route that these railroads cover.
When it comes to ticketing, they are available at the respective stations or you can even download their app to buy the ticket online.
Ferries: Travelling on the Water
If you are on a quest to sightsee around New York, chances are that you wouldn’t want to miss out on catching a glimpse of the majestic Statue of Liberty up close.
The only way to reach and view such inaccessible spots is by traveling on a ferry. They offer a unique traveling and sightseeing experience around New York, which is simply unmatchable.
Like the railroads, two popular ferry systems are operated in New York – Staten Island Ferry and NYC Ferry.
If you want to take in the beautiful landscape of New York and soak in the surrounding cityscape, I’d suggest taking the Staten Island Ferry, which offers a free ride between Staten Island and Manhattan.
But, if you want to explore common city spots like Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, opt for the NYC Ferry.
Pro tip – You can also take a helicopter ride to watch New York’s attractions from a bird eye angle. Here’s a video from my Heli ride in NYC –
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Additional Public Transports: Getting around NYC
Besides the above-mentioned common public transportation options, you also have two other public transportation options that are worth the time – Iconic Yellow Taxis and Bikes.
Yellow taxis are an inseparable part of New York’s culture. It is a great option if you are laden with a lot of luggage and want something quick and easy to get you around.
In addition to the subway and buses, rental bikes are another cost-effective and eco-friendly transportation option around the city. There are dedicated lanes and services like Citi Bike which provide convenient access for visitors to explore the city on two wheels.
Note: If you are traveling to New York for the first time, there are three major airports you can choose from – JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark. You can consider an AirTrain, taxis, public buses, etc. to get from the airport to the main city.
Conclusion
Visiting New York comes with its fair share of perks. However, most first-time visitors complain about the city’s transportation system. If you were confused about how to get around the city with ease, I hope this article gives you all the insights that you potentially need to make the most out of your trip to the big city using public transport in New York with ease.
This alongside regular visits to Indian jungles in search of the Royal Bengal Tiger, fueled her zest for adventure, nature and wildlife.
Now she is a renowned travel blogger, outreach expert and has worked with over 500 travel brands in the last 15 years.
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