Looking for Your Definitive New York City Metro Transit Guide (w/ tips for using it with kids)?

New York City Metro Area Transit Guide

Respect.

It's hard to remember the initial challenges of navigating NYC Metro after living and commuting there for several years, but for newcomers it can feel intimidating. Hopefully, with a few clear tips, you’ll soon feel like a local—especially if you're visiting with small children.

Special Considerations for Parents

• Strollers: Allowed on buses and subway but may need folding during peak hours.

• Baby Wearing: Recommended for ease of movement and navigating stairs (elevators/escalators limited in stations).

• Car Seats: Generally unnecessary for subway, buses, and ferries; required for taxis and ride-hailing. Make sure your car seat can be secured with a seat belt when traveling without a base (car frame) attachment.

• Accessibility: Not all subway stations have elevators. Plan to use the MTA accessibility map or get ready to lug up and down lots of stairs: new.mta.info/accessibility

New York Public Transit Overview

Mode	What It Covers	Key Notes
Subway (MTA)	Extensive underground network covering NYC boroughs	Runs 24/7, but frequency varies greatly by time
Buses (MTA)	City-wide coverage including less accessible areas	Good for shorter trips and neighborhoods underserved by subway
Metro-North & LIRR	Connects NYC to suburban areas (Westchester, Long Island, Connecticut)	Ideal for day trips out of the city
PATH Train	Links Manhattan to New Jersey cities (Hoboken, Jersey City)	Separate fare from MTA
Ferries	Connects Manhattan to Staten Island, Brooklyn, Queens, and New Jersey	Scenic, reliable, but separate fare required (except Staten Island Ferry—free)
Ride-Hailing	Uber, Lyft, and local taxi services	Convenient but pricier option, particularly in peak hours

Ticket Types & Prices (as of 2025)

Ticket Type	Cost	Notes
Single Ride	$2.90	Pay-per-ride with MetroCard or OMNY
OMNY Tap (Contactless)	$2.90	Tap your card or smartphone; automatically caps fare after 12 rides/week
7-Day Unlimited Pass	$34	Unlimited subway and bus rides; great for stays over 3 days
Metro-North/LIRR	Varies by destination	Purchase online, via app, or station kiosks
Children Under 44”	Free (accompanied by fare-paying adult)	No ticket required

How to Buy Tickets

• MetroCard Vending Machines: Available in every subway station, accepts cards and cash.

• OMNY System: Tap your smartphone or contactless card at subway turnstiles and bus entries.

• Apps:

  • OMNY App: Android | Apple

  • MTA eTix App (Metro-North and LIRR tickets): Android | Apple

Ticket Activation & Usage (Important)

• Subway & Bus:

  • MetroCard: Swipe at subway turnstile or insert in bus reader upon entry.

  • OMNY: Tap card or phone at reader; fare deducted automatically.

• Metro-North/LIRR:

  • Tickets must be activated via the MTA eTix App before boarding.

  • Conductors check tickets onboard.

Useful Maps & Apps

• MTA Official Subway & Bus Maps: new.mta.info/maps

• Google Maps: Android | Apple

• Citymapper: Android | Apple

• Transit App: Android | Apple

Travel Like a Local

• Consider using buses in areas underserved by the subway.

• Use apps like Citymapper or Transit for real-time updates and quicker routes.

• Staten Island Ferry is free and offers stunning views of the Statue of Liberty and skyline.

My favorite place in the city...

WS&T Family Tip: For families, apps like Citymapper and Transit offer features specifically highlighting stroller-friendly routes and accessible stations.

While subject to change due to construction, schedule and route issues, we do our best to keep the New York metro (and regional) transit guide (with kids) up to date. Let us know if you see something that needs revision, or notice any glaring issues with our memory of the system.