How Much Do MTA Buses and the NYC Subway Cost?

Every New Yorker has gotten the question “how much is NYC subway fare?” at least one hundred times. And it is not just visitors asking, seasoned New Yorkers often miss new fare adjustments. While it may seem like a straight forward question, prices for the MTA often change. Not to mention NYC public transportation has different fares for adults, kids, seniors, and riders with disabilities. Here’s all of the information you need to know exactly how you’ll get around the next time you venture out of your apartment.

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.

How does the OMNY work for MTA NYC subways? — Samson Katt, Pexel Stock

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

The Wild Center

The Wild Center, nestled within the breathtaking landscape of New York's Adirondack Park, offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of nature. As visitors approach the Center, they are greeted by the Adirondack Mountains towering in the distance, setting the stage for an immersive adventure. Upon entering the 34,000-square-foot exhibit hall, guests are enveloped in a world of wonder and discovery. Interactive exhibits like Planet Adirondack and Climate Solutions invite exploration, allowing visitors to delve into the rich biodiversity of the Adirondack region. The indoor experience also includes an opportunity to soar on Birdly--a one-of-a-kind VR experience. Also, get up close with an animal ambassador during one of many live animal encounters throughout the day. In addition to its indoor exhibits and programs, the Wild Center also boasts 115-acres of extensive outdoor amenities. One of the highlights in the award-winning Wild Walk. Visitors walk up a trail of bridges to the treetops of the Adirondack forest, 40 feet off the ground. Along the way, interactive exhibits provide insights into the flora and fauna that call the Adirondacks home, from songbirds to black bears. The rest of the campus features more ways to explore. Check out Patrick Dougherty&rsquo;s Stickwork sculpture, an all natural installation of woven sticks that will spark your imagination and nostalgia. Immerse yourself in Forest Music, take a naturalist-lead canoe trip, or get your roll on with Raquette River Roll, a brand-new, oversized, all-natural ball run experience opening in June 2024.

The Ailey School – First Steps and Bounding Boys

<blockquote style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; background-color: #ffffff;"> <div dir="ltr"> <div class="m_-3740164643787738207m_4977048992707393770WordSection1"> At The Ailey School, FIRST STEPS offers a structured creative movement curriculum that allows girls (ages 3-6) and boys (age 3), to develop body awareness and control and learn the basics of dance technique. BOUNDING BOYS (ages 4-6) provides a more athletic experience, and an energetic approach to teaching dance skills. </div> </div> </blockquote>

Brooklyn Robot Foundry - Virtual Classes

Brooklyn Robot Foundry offers super fun online robot-building classes for children 2-13 years old!&nbsp;&nbsp;Each week, students are introduced to new engineering concepts and components while building that day&rsquo;s robot in their own &ldquo;workshop&rdquo;.&nbsp;&nbsp;All classes maintain a very low student-to-teacher ratio, allowing for plenty of individualized instruction and socializing. The supplies are shipped in advance and classes are led by amazing instructors, taking all the pressure off parents.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Foundry&rsquo;s main focus however, is that kids have fun, get creative, and enjoy being part of this STEAM-loving community!&nbsp;

How Much Do MTA Buses and the NYC Subway Cost?