Subway and Metro Buses - New York City

Fares & MetroCard

The fare for a subway or local bus ride is $2. The fare for an express bus ride is $5. If you qualify for reduced fare, you can travel for half fare. Up to three children 44 inches tall and under ride for free on subways and local buses when accompanied by a fare paying adult. Infants (under two years of age) ride express buses free if the child sits on the lap of the accompanying adult.
Where to Buy MetroCard
MTA New York City Subway Map - Interactive
(Subway and Bus Maps are free and are available in Buses and Subway Stations)

With MetroCard your rides can cost less. You can buy MetroCard two ways:

• Pay-Per-Ride (Regular) MetroCard: Buy as many rides as you want from $4 to $80. Put $10 or more on your card and receive a 20 percent bonus. For example, a $20 purchase gives you $24 on your card. 12 trips for the price of 10. You get an automatic free transfer between subway and bus, or between buses.
• Unlimited Ride MetroCard: Buy an unlimited number of subway and bus rides for a fixed price. Choose from a 1-Day Fun Pass, a 7-Day, 30-Day, 7-Day Express Bus Plus, 30-Day Unlimited Ride MetroCard accepted on JFK AirTrain only

How to Ride the Subway

The New York City subway has 468 stations serving 24 routes - more than any other system in the world. Routes are identified by letters, such as A B C and by numbers, such as 1 2 3, etc. These routes serve Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens. Staten Island is served by the Staten Island Railway (SIR). Ask for a free subway map at any subway station booth.

How to Ride the Bus

Bus stops are located at street corners and have a tall, round sign with a bus emblem and route number. Some stops have bus shelters. Most stops also include a "Guide-A-Ride," which is a rectangular box attached to the bus sign pole that displays a route map and bus schedule.