Getting Around Manhattan

NYC Subway System
The New York City subway system is one of the most efficient people transports in the entire world. The hot and dingy subway system of the 1970's has been completely renovated into a safe, convenient and comfortable mode of transportation between nearly all areas of New York City. Over 4.3 million people ride the subway system every day; over 1 billion people go through the turnstiles per year! While minor theft and homelessness still abound, the subway is a much better place than was predicted back in the financially troubled days of the city.

Fares
The primary method of fare payment is the Metrocard. All subway stations and busses are now Metrocard capable. Tokens are also available, and cost $2.00 each.

Metrocards can be bought on a pay-per-ride basis ($2.00 per ride) or an unlimited ride basis. With pay-per-ride, you get 11 rides for the price of ten and you can add more money to your card if need be. With unlimited ride Metrocards, you can get a 30 day card, a 7 day card, or a 1 day Fun Pass. Children under 44" tall ride for free; senior citizens and disabled people ride for a reduced fare.

Trains into and out of NYC
PATH (Port Authority Trans-Hudson)

There are five subway-style PATH stations along Sixth Avenue -- 33rd Street, 23rd Street, 14th Street, 9th Street, and Christopher Street. Trains from all of those points run to terminals in either Hoboken, Jersey City or Newark, New Jersey, or transfers are available to these points. There, they connect with 10 NJ Transit commuter lines that serve New Jersey, as well as Orange and Rockland County, New York. For more information, call 1-800-234-PATH.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority
The MTA operates Long Island Rail Road, and Metro-North Railroad.
The LIRR system stretches from the eastern tip of Montauk, Long Island to Penn Station in Manhattan, approximately 120 miles away.

New York City Bus System
The New York City Transit Authority (NYCTA) operates the world's largest fleet of buses -- 4,373 public buses -- serving over 666 million people per year. The bus system services routes not served by the subway system such as crosstown (East-West) routes and outlying areas.

In general, buses stop every 2 blocks making them agonizingly slow, but for those who have the time to spend it can also double as a scenic tour of the city. MTA buses also serve as the main mode of transportation for K-12 students travelling to and from school. From 8-9am and 2-3pm, expect heavy amounts of school children/teens in certain areas.

NYC Taxi Cabs
Taxi cabs are both loved and hated by New Yorkers. They serve as a quick and easy means of transportation across Manhattan, a route not amply served by the subways. The downside with having an abundance of cabs is the traffic that results. Most traffic-jams in mid-town are speckled with many of the over 10,000 yellow cabs that service the city. 

Hailing a Cab
The act of flagging down a cab is called "hailing"; there's not much to it, just stick out your arm and pretend you're the Statue of Libery. When the numbers on the roof of the cab are lit, it is available. Yellow Medallion cabs are the only ones authorized to pick up hails. Avoid "gypsy" cabs at all costs. These are regular cars that will take you from place to place; they usually cost more than cabs and aren't as well regulated (or as safe).
Taxi cabs are required to take you to your destination inside the metropolitan area. Record the ID number from any cabs that you have problems with and report them to the Taxi and Limousine Commission (The TLC).