New York City Guide - Getting Around

Public transport in New York is run by the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA), New York City Transit (tel: (718) 330 1234; website www.mta.nyc.ny.us). Services are cheaper and more efficient than the number of private companies also operating in the city.

New York's subway is fast, air conditioned, cheap and much safer than it used to be, although it is still best avoided late at night (after 2400). The vast network of 24 routes, identified by letters or by numbers, serves over 400 stations throughout Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens. Staten Island is served by the small-scale MTA Staten Island Railway (tel: (718) 966 7478/SIRT; website: www.mta.nyc.ny.us/nyct/sir/index.html), operating 24 hours a day. Although central Manhattan stations are typically passable, platforms are not always comfortable in terms of temperature or condition. You gain entrance using a MetroCard, available at subway station kiosks (cash and credit cards accepted) and newsagents. Services operate 24 hours; on average, subway trains run every two to five minutes during rush hour (every 10 to 15 minutes during off-peak times and every 20 minutes daily 0000-0500).

Bus services are extensive and bus stops are located on street corners approximately every two or three blocks. Bus fare are paid with a MetroCard or exact change (no bills accepted). If you buy the ticket on board the bus, you will get a transfer that cannot be used on the subway without paying an additional charge. Buses operate 24 hours daily.

There are three kinds of MetroCard passes. Unlimited Ride MetroCards are valid for seven or 30 days and expire at midnight on the final day of validity. The one-day unlimited-ride Fun Pass is valid until 0300 the following day. Pay-Per-Ride MetroCards are available in US$10 increments - free transfers to connecting bus or subway routes is included if used within two hours. Spending $7 or more on a Pay-Per-Ride Metrocard will earn you a 15% discount. All passes are available at subway stations and newsagents.

A trip to New York is not complete without a ride in one of the city's famous yellow cabs. Taxis are governed by the Taxi and Limousine Commission (tel: (212) 692 8294/NYC TAXI or 311; website: www.nyc.gov/taxi) and are hailed on the curb, preferably at intersections. Drivers are required to take passengers to any destination within the five boroughs of New York City or Nassau County, Westchester County and Newark Airport. Passengers should provide drivers with the street address and with the nearest cross streets of their destination (for example: ‘Fifth Avenue, between 22nd Street and 23rd Street'). A 10-15% tip is expected. There is a US$1 surcharge for weekday trips between 1600 and 2000 and a $0.50 surcharge for trips between 2000 and 0600. In the event that there is a problem with the ride, passengers should note the driver's four-digit licence number (located on the roof of the taxi, on the exterior of both passenger doors, on the dashboard and printed on the receipt) and report it to the Taxi and Limousine Commission.

Private car services, unlike taxis, can be called directly and offer point-to-point pre-arranged transport for a fixed rate throughout the five boroughs and beyond. The cost is comparable to that of a metered taxi trip and should be confirmed before pickup. Car services are particularly handy in the outer boroughs, where taxi service is unavailable for trips into Manhattan, or when pre-arranged transport is needed. There are numerous car service companies and hotel concierges can recommend a reliable one.

Driving in Manhattan is not recommended to visitors. The traffic is horrendous and the quintessential New York City experience is to be stuck in traffic. Add to that the impatient drivers and exorbitant parking fees, and you get the picture. Street parking is elusive. The business and entertainment areas get particularly congested and the fast pace can prove intimidating for tourists. In the unfortunate event of having a car in New York, visitors might want to enquire with their hotel about reasonable local parking and plan to use public transport instead of driving. Drivers should avoid parking on the street, as there are restrictive rules, rampant ticketing and a danger of theft.

A valid national driving licence is required for driving in New York, although an International Driving Permit is required by some car hire firms. Minimum third-party insurance is required and drivers must be at least 25 years old. Branches are located throughout the five boroughs.

Major providers include Alamo (tel: 1 800 462 5266; website: www.alamo.com), Avis (tel: 1 800 331 1212; website: www.avis.com), Budget (tel: 1 800 527 0700; website: www.budget.com), Dollar (tel: 1 800 800 3665; website: www.dollar.com), Enterprise (tel: 1 800 261 7331); website: www.enterprise.com), Hertz (tel: 1 800 654 3131; website: www.hertz.com) and National (tel: 1 800 227 7368; website: www.nationalcar.com).

Many New Yorkers brave the traffic on bicycles, but this is not recommended to visitors. Nevertheless, there are 40km (25 miles) of bike paths around the city, where no motorised vehicles are allowed, plus an additional 145km (90 miles) of dedicated bike lanes on city streets. Cycling around one of New York's parks is also a safe and pleasant option. Bite of the Apple Tours/Rentals, 203 West 58th Street (tel: (212) 541 8759; website: www.centralparkbiketour.com), offers individual bicycle hire for the day, as well as a leisurely two-hour guided bike tour of Central Park (summer only), including bicycle hire. Pedal Pusher Bike Shop, 1306 Second Avenue (tel: (212) 288 5592), rents bikes too.