New York Destination Guide

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Operating 24 hours a day, New York's subway and bus systems are a cheap and efficient method of getting around. Recently renovated, the NY subway now ranks as one of the safest and most convenient in the world but is also one of the most congested.

Subway

Used by over 4.3 million people each day, the subway system serves nearly all areas of NYC and is the best value method of transport in the city at just USD2 per journey. If planning to use public transport for the duration of your stay a Metrocard costs USD7 for 24hrs unlimited travel on the subway or bus. A 7-day Metrocard costs USD24.

Metrocards can also be used on a pay as you ride basis. For example a USD10 Metrocard of this type gives you six journeys on a bus or subway - and a free transfer between the two on each journey. For casual users of public transport it is the handiest type of travel card available. Maps of the subway can be obtained from stations and are posted on walls and noticeboards.

Click here for a New York Subway Map

Buses

The bus system operates routes not served by the subway such as crosstown (east-west) journeys and outlying districts. Since buses stop every two blocks, progress can be slow but fares are very reasonable at USD2 for any length of journey. Note that you need the exact change when boarding a bus so always keep a couple of dollars handy. Alternatively invest in a Metrocard.

Trains

There are various train lines running through New York, complementing the subway network. The Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad connect various outlying parts of the city and extend far beyond the city limits into the local region. The MTA runs both these lines in addition to the subway.

For national transport Amtrak operates services to most major US cities. It's usually wise to reserve tickets in advance for long distance train journeys. Grand Central Station is the main hub for train services.

Ferries

The Staten Island Ferry offers wonderful views of downtown Manhattan and is free to ride; it departs from Battery Park Pier.

NY Waterway operates ferries from New York to Tarrytown, Weehawken, Hoboken, Jersey City, Long Island, Queens and the Liberty Science Center. For further details contact Tel: +1 (1)800-533-3779. The two docks are located at Pier 78, W. 38th Street at 12th Avenue and Pier 17 at South Street Seaport. You usually pay at the dock before boarding for most services.

Driving

Driving is not a recommended option, this is the Big Apple after all and everyone has seen the gridlocked streets filled with honking Yellow Cabs and drivers engaged in out of the window arguments. Public transport is by far the cheapest, most efficient and ultimately stressfree way of getting around.

But if this hasn't put you off and you still want to rent a car then various rental companies operate in and around Manhattan.

A valid driver's licence is all that is needed to drive in the USA. Check with your car rental company for further rental requirements. The speed limit is 88-104km per hour (55-65mph) on motorways, 64-72km per hour (40-45mph) in commercial areas, 55-64km per hour (35-40mph) on city roads and 40km per hour (25mph) in built up residential areas. The driver and all passengers in the front and rear are required to wear a seatbelt at all times. Driving is on the right.

Certain bridges in New York require a toll payment: The George Washington Bridge, which connects Manhattan to Northeast New Jersey, costs USD6 coming from New Jersey but is free from Manhattan. The Triborough Bridge connecting Queens, Manhattan and the Bronx, costs USD4 each way. The Queens Midtown Tunnel, which connects Queens with Midtown Manhattan, costs USD4 each way. The Lincoln tunnel between Midtown Manhattan and New Jersey costs USD6 from New Jersey and is free from Manhattan. The Holland Tunnel connecting Manhattan with East New Jersey costs USD6 from New Jersey and is free from Manhattan. The Brooklyn Battery Tunnel connects South West Brooklyn to the Wall Street area and costs USD4 each way.

Be cautious if driving in New York during the winter months from December through February when ice and snow may cause hazardous road conditions. Parking in New York City is difficult. Parking on the street is rare and most parking is within large parking facilities, which cost around USD20 per day. Watch out for street signs indicating times of street cleaning, usually between 04h00-06h00.

Rent a Car - If you prefer to drive around New York yourself, click here to find a great deal on car rentals in New York.

Taxis

A distinctive NYC feature, the yellow cabs that are plentiful throughout the city serve as a quick and easy means of getting from A to B. You can catch one from a rank outside major buildings and hotels, or alternatively simply stick your hand into the air and shout out - you'll get a cab sooner or later. Note that there is often competition for free cabs, and fortune favours the bold. If you have any queries or complaints you should phone: Taxi and Limousine Commission.
 

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