How Much Do MTA Buses and the NYC Subway Cost?

A Comprehensive Guide to MTA Buses and Subway Rides in NYC

The NYC subway and MTA buses cost $2.75 for a standard ride, with different prices available for kids, seniors, and riders who qualify for reduced fare. These options change from time to time, so it helps to have a clear guide that shows exactly what you’ll pay when you travel around the city.

Too Long, Didn’t Read

• Basic Fare: Subway and local buses cost $2.75 per ride.
• Kids’ Fare Policy: Up to 3 children under 44 inches ride free with an adult.
• Reduced Fare Options: Seniors and riders with disabilities pay half fare.
• Unlimited Ride Passes: $33 for 7 days and $127 for 30 days.
• Express Bus Fares: $6.75 per ride or $62 for a 7-day express unlimited pass.
• Access-A-Ride Fare: $2.75 per trip.
• Accepted Payment Methods: MetroCard and OMNY are both accepted for now.
• Student Ride Options: Student MetroCards give 3 free rides on school days.

Navigating the city’s subway and bus system might seem tricky at first, but understanding fares and policies makes it much easier. With clear information on basic rides, unlimited passes, express options, and special programs for kids and students, families can plan trips confidently and enjoy stress-free travel around NYC. The next section explains each option in clearer detail to make the rest of the guide easy to follow.

How Much Do MTA Buses and the NYC Subway Cost?

Here’s your guide to taking the NYC subway and MTA buses in the city with your whole family.

How Much is NYC Subway Fare?

A single subway ride costs $2.75 for most people, a $1 fee applies when you buy a new MetroCard, and the minimum balance you can put on a new card is $5.50 (the cost of two swipes), according to the Metropolitan Transit Authority. Here are some other tips and tricks for saving while taking the subway:

• Up to three children shorter than 44 inches can ride for free with a fare-paying adult
• People with disabilities and people older than 65 can apply for reduced-fare cards, which come out to be half the price of regular fare. There’s also an EasyPay reduced fare option so you can get automatic refills.
• Unlimited cards for adults paying regular fare are $33 for seven days or $127 for 30 days. Both options save you money.
• Your child’s school might distribute Student MetroCards that allow kids to transfer between subways and buses for free. Kids can use their cards for three rides each school day.

How Much is Local or Express Bus Fare in NYC?

A single ride on local, limited, and Select Bus Service buses is $2.75 as well, and you use your MetroCard or exact change to pay. Express buses cost $6.75. An unlimited express bus pass will get you as many swipes as you need on express buses, local buses, and the subway for seven days, and costs $62. You can’t pause your unlimited ride card once you start using it. The same rules apply for kids riding buses with you.

Psst…Mental Health Issues That Affect Young Children

Fares for Access-A-Ride

Access-A-Ride is the city’s paratransit service for riders with disabilities, which can help you get around town if the subways or buses are inaccessible. The Access-A-Ride fare for any transportation service is $2.75.

Access-A-Ride is not accepting application requests right now because of the pandemic. If you need to use the service, call 877-337-2017 to see if they can help.

What is OMNY and How Does it Work

OMNY is a contactless payment method where you can use a credit card or your Apple Pay, Google Pay etc. Even wearable devices like a smartwatch can be used. OMNY is gradually replacing the MetroCard system. Eventually, the MetroCard will be phased out, and OMNY will become the primary payment method for the MTA subway and buses. However, MetroCards are still accepted during this transition period, so you have the option to use either system. How OMNY works is when you tap your contactless card or mobile device on the OMNY reader, the system deducts the appropriate fare from your account or linked payment method. The fare is the same as the regular MetroCard fare. If you’re using a contactless card, ensure it has the contactless payment symbol (like a wave) to be compatible with the OMNY system.

Psst…Advanced Planning for High School Admissions : What You Should Be Doing Now to Prepare

NYC Subway, Bus, Access-A-Ride, and OMNY Comparison Table

Best Ways to Save Money on MTA Fares

Riding the MTA doesn’t have to be expensive; knowing a few smart ways to save can stretch your travel budget. Some rides are cheaper at certain times, some cards help you save more, and some programs give you a lower price if you qualify. 

Here are simple tricks that families use when riding the subway or bus. They help save money, use free transfers, and choose the right card.

• Use an unlimited card: When your family rides the subway or bus a lot, an unlimited card is really handy. It lets everyone swipe as many times as they want after paying once, so you don’t have to worry about paying for each ride.
• Try OMNY fare-capping: OMNY is a smart way to make sure rides do not cost too much. Once your family taps a certain number of times in a week, all the rest of the rides become free, so you can ride without stress.
• Take free transfers: Did you know you can switch between a subway and a bus or between two buses without paying again? Families can use this free transfer within two hours of the first ride to save money while getting around.
• Check if you qualify for a reduced fare: Some riders, like seniors or people with disabilities, can get a special card that costs half the usual price. This makes traveling on the subway or bus much easier and cheaper.
• Use the free-ride rule for little kids: Families can bring up to three children under 44 inches tall for free when riding with a paying adult. This is a great way to save money and keep trips simple for everyone.

Questions Families Often Ask

1. Do kids ride for free on NYC subways and NYC buses?
   Yes. Up to three children under 44 inches tall can ride for free when entering with a paying adult. No extra fare is needed for these children.
2. Are MetroCards still accepted on the NYC transit system, or is OMNY required now?
   MetroCards are still accepted across all NYC subways and buses, and OMNY works everywhere, too. The city is slowly moving toward OMNY, but MetroCards remain available during the transition.
3. When does an unlimited card save money on NYC transportation?
   An unlimited card helps save money when many trips are taken in a week or a month. After enough swipes, the total cost becomes lower than paying for each ride separately.
4. What travel help does NYC offer for riders with disabilities?
   NYC provides Access-A-Ride for riders who cannot use the subway or buses easily. Each trip costs the same as a regular fare and supports safe travel throughout the city.