MetroCard
The MetroCard is a thin plastic rechargeable card used to pay for the different types of public transportation in New York City: buses and subway.
Although cash payment is still allowed on New York buses (always in the exact amount), to use the subway you must have a MetroCard.
You can either purchase the pay-per-ride or the unlimited Ride MetroCard.
Pay-per-ride MetroCard
The multi-trip pay-per-use card is rechargeable and the cost per trip is that of a single ticket: US$ 3. This card can be shared among multiple people and allows for transfers between the subway and buses for up to 120 minutes. The minimum recharge amount is US$ 5.50.
If you'd like to get a single-use card, the price will be US$ 3. You can't top up this card or transfer from the metro to a bus.
Unlimited Ride MetroCard
If you are planning to use New York’s transportation during your trip, the best option is to buy an Unlimited Ride MetroCard.
| Validity | Adults | Seniors over 65 years old |
|---|---|---|
| 7 days | US$ 34 | US$ 16.50 |
| 30 days | US$ 132 | US$ 63.50 |
The MetroCard allows you unlimited use of the subway and buses unlimitedly until 3 am of the last day.
Where to buy your MetroCard?
You can purchase your MetroCard in any subway station. If you prefer using buses and don’t want to go to a Subway station, you can get your MetroCard in any tourist office or in many general stores in the center.
The New York MetroCard costs US$ 1.
