Getting around in New York City

A trip to New York is not exactly relaxing. There are so many things to see in Manhattan that you'll inevitably end up walking dozens of kilometers during your stay. Nevertheless, to mix things up and save your feet a bit, know that there are many other ways to get around New York City. Here's a quick overview of the main modes of transportation in New York, even though there are more unusual options like water taxis, skateboards, or even helicopters!

Means of transportation in New York: the essentials

  • The iconic New York yellow taxi

Of course, the first transportation option that comes to mind when we talk about New York is the legendary yellow taxi. To take one, it's very simple: look for available taxis with their illuminated sign on the roof. If it's lit, the taxi is available for you. In that case, raise your hand to hail it and hop on! To move around like a true New Yorker, remember not to give the exact address of your destination but rather an intersection of two streets. So, make sure to identify the nearest cross streets to your final destination before getting into the taxi. Widely used, the New York taxi remains an economically accessible way to get around. The base fare is always $2.50, with an additional $0.50 for every 1/5 mile.

se déplacer à New York

Focus on the Subway and Buses

  • The New York City Subway

More economical, especially if you have an unlimited Metrocard (at $30 per week), the subway allows you to travel extensively across Manhattan. It's extensive, with 425 stations spread over 24 lines. It also operates 7 days a week, 24 hours a day!

To navigate the subway in New York, start by understanding the difference between "Uptown" and "Downtown". Follow the "Uptown" direction to travel from south to north in New York, and vice versa for "Downtown".

You'll also notice that some stations are served by two types of trains. Some trains, the "Local Trains", stop at every station. The "Express Trains", however, only stop at select stations, which saves considerable time.

For longer journeys, head to the city's largest station, the iconic Grand Central Terminal, and board a train to reach nearby suburbs of New York. Brooklyn, Long Island, Queens, or the Bronx are diverse neighborhoods to explore, each offering unique experiences. Note, however, that certain areas are best avoided at night.

  • Tourist Buses

If you have limited time in New York, tourist buses are a great way to see the most important landmarks quickly. Very convenient, they travel throughout Manhattan, stop right in front of the city's major attractions, and allow you to hop on and off the bus as many times as you like.

Passes for 24, 48, or 72 hours can be reserved online, starting at $30.

New York Visit: Central Park Carriage Rides

Looking for more unusual transportation options? For a moment of pure romance, you can take a carriage ride of about 45 minutes in Central Park. Sheltered from the sun in summer or bundled up in a warm blanket in winter, it's an excellent way to experience the charm of this vast urban park. However, this horse-drawn carriage ride comes at a cost: expect to pay around $115 on average.

Beyond just a bucolic carriage ride, choosing this mode of transportation in New York City is an opportunity to discover a part of the city's history. Most of the carriage drivers love to share stories and anecdotes about the park. Many of them also have a photo album, offering glimpses of Central Park from the last century.

Les moyens de transports à New-York

The limousine to show off on Broadway

Did someone say cliché? Who cares! What's better than a ride in a limousine with a private chauffeur to discover the city's most beautiful illuminated spots once night falls? Limousines are highly favored by tourists. Several tours are available, whether it's an overview of Manhattan's iconic locations or a direct transfer from the airport.

If you're looking for a long limousine that can accommodate at least six passengers with a glass of champagne, pay attention and book a "Stretch Limousine". "Sedan Limousines" are more like luxury sedans such as the Lincoln.

For this luxurious trip in New York, expect an average cost of $200, to which you should add a tip for the driver of about 20%.

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Our guide for visiting New York

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