Don’t be intimidated by the large crowds or the variety of attractions in New York City – there’s a way to see everything without getting lost or trampled. Here’s a look at your travel options for getting around the city, its boroughs, and even as far as New Jersey (for less than $25!).
Taxi
The most convenient way (and unfortunately most expensive) way to get around New York City is via taxi.This spring, you’ll be able to see a new addition to the traditional yellow cabs of the city – Nissan North America, in partnership with New York City, will be putting out six Nissan LEAF all-electric taxis as part of normal taxi service around the city. While in one of these environmentally-friendly vehicles (or any of NYC’s taxis), make sure to check out the “NYC Channel”, which displays the latest events, restaurant profiles, and more for passengers.
NYC.gov provides a breakdown of taxi cab fares, but it’s smart to note that there is a night surcharge of $.50 after 8:00pm and before 6:00am, and a peak hour weekday surcharge of $1.00 Monday thru Friday after 4:00pm and before 8:00pm.
Subway & Bus
If you’re not looking to pay one of the taxi surcharges, consider taking the subway or bus for a variety of trips around New York City. Considerably cheaper than a taxi, subway and bus lines start at $2.50 for a single ride, and increase for express bus rides and MetroCard passes. There’s also over 400 stations for your traveling needs, and will take you through most of Manhattan and the city’s outer boroughs.
If you think you and your family will be taking more than 5 rides on the subway, consider getting a Pay-Per-Ride MetroCard from New York City’s MTA; if you put more than $10 on your card, you’ll receive a 7% bonus. For Example, a $50 purchase will get you a $53.50 MetroCard balance. You can purchase MetroCards at such locations as local merchants and at subway station booths.
One of New York's ferries carrying over 4,400 passengers.
Ferries
If your trip to New York City includes Staten Island, perhaps to see such attractions as the Staten Island Zoo or the Jacques Marchais Museum of Tibetan Art, you can take the Staten Island Ferry from the South Ferry Terminal in Lower Manhattan to the St. George Terminal in Staten Island. The trip only takes about 25 minutes, and will cost you nothing – the trip has been free since 1997. The free ride is a great way to see the New York City skyline as well as the Statue of Liberty.
In addition to the Staten Island Ferry, there are also private ferries that can take you to nearby New Jersey destinations, as well as private New York Water Taxis or New York City Sightseeing Cruises.
Walking
If all your other transportation plans fall through, New York City is extremely walkable. Manhattan’s streets are in a strict grid pattern, with their numbers running east-west; this way, it’s easy to navigate to Times Square (7th Avenue and 42nd Street) or Central Park (59th Street) by only reading street signs. There are also plenty of walking tours of New York City and neighboring boroughs to get you oriented with your surroundings as well as introduce you to the culture and history of the city. Try out the Traces & Places: Harlem Walking Tour to get your bearings around Northern Manhattan and Harlem while learning about the Revolutionary War and Harlem Renaissance sites that you’ll pass by.
