Sachin Walls
New York City's public bus system is extensive, with over 14,000 bus stops across the five boroughs. Buses run up and down avenues and east-west across streets, with stops located at street corners, identifiable by their yellow-painted curbs and bus emblem signs. With a variety of bus types, including local, SBS, limited, and express buses, riders can easily navigate the city. While express buses are typically used by commuters during peak hours and have fewer stops, local buses offer a more scenic route with more frequent stops. Additionally, select bus services provide priority routes and boarding at all doors. To pay for a bus ride, riders can use a MetroCard, SingleRide ticket, or exact change in coins. With the availability of bus maps, trip planners, and the MYMTA app, getting around NYC by bus is both convenient and accessible.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Bus fare | $2.75 in coins or $6.50 for express buses. Free for children under 44 inches or 111cm tall when accompanied by an adult. |
| Payment methods | MetroCard, SingleRide ticket, contactless credit or debit card, or cash (only in coins). |
| Where to buy tickets | Vending machines in bus stations and subways, local stores, or on the bus. |
| Bus routes | Buses run up and down avenues and horizontally along streets. Manhattan bus routes start with "M", Brooklyn with "B", Bronx with "Bx", Queens with "Q", Staten Island with "S", and express routes with "X". |
| Bus stops | Bus stops are located at street corners and have a yellow curb and a sign with a bus emblem and route number. |
| Requesting a stop | Pull a yellow cord along the windows or press a red stop button on the grab bar. |
| Wheelchair accessibility | All MTA buses are accessible for riders who use a wheelchair. |
| Airport bus services | Trans-Bridge Lines offers daily bus services to and from Newark and LaGuardia Airports. |
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What You'll Learn
Fares and payment methods
Fare Amounts
- The standard bus fare for local, SBS, and limited buses is $2.90.
- The express bus fare is $6.50, and these buses generally operate only during weekday rush hours.
- Children under 44 inches or 111 cm tall can ride buses for free when accompanied by an adult, with a limit of three children per adult.
- Individuals aged 65 or older or those with qualifying disabilities are eligible for reduced fares.
Payment Methods
- MetroCard: MetroCards are a popular payment method for buses in NYC. You can purchase them from vending machines in bus stations, subways, and local stores. There are two types of MetroCards:
- Pay-Per-Ride MetroCard: This option allows you to load as many rides as you need. The minimum amount to put on this card is $5.50.
- Unlimited Ride MetroCard: This card provides unlimited rides, but it cannot be used on express buses. There are options for 7-day or 30-day unlimited cards.
- SingleRide Ticket: SingleRide tickets are available for purchase at vending machines and local stores. These tickets are ideal if you plan to take only one trip and include one transfer.
- Exact Change: You can pay the bus fare in exact change using coins. The bus operators do not provide change, and they do not accept dollar bills or pennies. The accepted coins are quarters, dimes, and nickels.
- Contactless Payment: You can also pay using a contactless credit or debit card, smartphone, or wearable device by tapping them at the OMNY reader near the driver.
Transfers
If you need to change buses or transfer to a subway train, you can request a transfer ticket from the bus driver. This service is typically free of charge between intersecting routes and is valid for a limited time, usually one or two hours.
Additionally, it is worth noting that the Q70-LaGuardia Link service to and from LaGuardia Airport is fare-free.
For real-time service information, schedules, and route maps, it is recommended to download the official MTA app or the MYMTA App, which provides GPS-based directions and the "Request-A-Stop" feature during specific hours.
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Bus routes and schedules
New York City's public bus system is extensive, with over 14,000 bus stops across the five boroughs. Bus stops are typically located at street corners and intersections, and are marked by a tall post with a round sign displaying the bus emblem and route number. Manhattan, in particular, has bus stops at almost every city block.
There are several types of buses serving different routes in the city. Local buses, designated by a letter followed by a number, make frequent stops and are ideal for shorter trips. Routes with an "M" prefix operate mainly in Manhattan, "B" for Brooklyn, "Bx" for the Bronx, "Q" for Queens, and "S" for Staten Island. Select Bus Service (SBS) buses also operate on priority routes and make limited stops, allowing for faster travel between destinations.
Express buses, indicated by an "X", serve commuters and operate mainly during weekday rush hours. These buses resemble coach buses and run between boroughs, bypassing many stops. The fare for express buses is $6.50, and they do not accept regular Unlimited Ride MetroCards.
For those travelling to and from LaGuardia Airport, the Q70-LaGuardia Link service is fare-free. Additionally, Trans-Bridge Lines offers daily bus services between Pennsylvania and New York City, including trips to and from the airport.
To plan your bus journey in New York City, you can utilise online resources such as the MTA app or the Metropolitan Transport Authority's trip planner. These tools provide real-time service information, maps, and schedules to help you navigate the bus system effectively.
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Boarding and alighting
To board a bus in New York City, you must first purchase a ticket. You can buy a MetroCard or SingleRide ticket from vending machines in bus stations, subway stations, and local stores. You can also buy a ticket from the bus driver, but you will need exact change in coins (no dollar bills or pennies). The fare is $2.75 for a single ride, but you must pay at least $5.50 for a Pay-Per-Ride MetroCard. You can also use a 7-Day Unlimited Express Bus Plus MetroCard. If you are using a MetroCard, you can board through any door and tap your card at the OMNY reader, a rectangular screen near the driver. If you are paying with cash or a SingleRide ticket, you must board through the front door and insert your fare into the farebox. If you are using a wheelchair, position yourself at the bus stop so the driver can see you and activate the ramp or lift.
Once you are on the bus, try to stay in your seat until your stop to avoid blocking the aisle. When your stop is approaching, signal to the driver about one block before, and then push one of the mounted yellow tape strips, pull a yellow cord along the window, or press a red stop button on one of the grab bars. To alight the bus, exit through the rear doors, which will have a green light above them to indicate that they can be opened.
If you need to transfer to another bus, ask the driver for a transfer ticket after you pay your fare. You can then use this ticket when you board your next bus. Transfers are free and are valid for one to two hours, depending on the source.
If you are travelling with a stroller, you must fold it before boarding and keep it folded during your ride, unless the bus has a designated open stroller area.
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Wheelchair accessibility
New York City offers a variety of wheelchair-accessible transportation options for travellers with disabilities. This includes taxis, paratransit, public buses, airport transportation, ferry services, and trains.
All MTA buses are wheelchair accessible, with mechanical lifts or fold-out ramps. Bus drivers will activate the ramp or position the lift for passengers in wheelchairs. The fare is $2.90 per ride, per person, with a reduced fare of $1.45 for those with a disability. It is recommended to purchase a MetroCard ahead of time, as these are not sold on buses.
Several city bus routes operate from LaGuardia Airport, offering connections to other bus routes, the subway, and rail services. The following routes offer service to Manhattan:
- M60 to Lexington Avenue, Park Avenue, Broadway/106th, and others
- Q47 and Q70 Limited to Roosevelt/74th, Hoyt/31st, and others
- Service to central Queens is available on routes Q48 and Q72
The NYC Airporter is another accessible and relatively inexpensive option, offering ADA-compliant buses with wheelchair lifts and securements. Rates from LaGuardia to Manhattan start at $13.00 each way, while rates from JFK to Manhattan start at $16.00 each way.
For those using the subway, only 25% of stations are accessible, and elevators have poor operating records. The AirTrain, however, is fully wheelchair accessible, with all routes including stops at John F. Kennedy International Airport terminals 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, and 8.
Ferry services, such as the NYC Ferry, are also an accessible option for travelling between waterfront communities in New York City.
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Luggage storage
There are several options for luggage storage near New York City's airports and across the city. Here are some options to consider:
Nannybag:
Nannybag offers luggage storage services near JFK Airport, with prices starting at $4.50 per day. They also provide long-term storage for up to 30 days, which can be more budget-friendly than airport storage. You can book your spot online and take advantage of their 24/7 customer support.
Bounce:
Bounce has partnered with local businesses and hotels to provide luggage lockers in convenient locations across NYC. Their platform allows you to book lockers in popular neighbourhoods, such as near Madison Square Garden, Times Square, and the Upper East Side. The cost is $5.90 per bag per day, and they offer $10,000 of luggage storage protection.
LuggageHero:
LuggageHero lets you store your luggage in local shops, cafes, and hotels near important transportation hubs and attractions. Their reservation platform helps you find nearby storage sites, and their network includes over 130 locations, such as Grand Central Terminal, Port Authority Bus Terminal, Penn Station, and Times Square. The price starts at $3.48 per bag.
Airport Storage:
While airport storage can be expensive, there is a bag-storage facility inside Terminal 1 of JFK Airport. Newark Liberty International Airport does not have luggage lockers, so it is recommended to find storage in the neighbourhood where you are staying.
Other Options:
You can also consider using shuttle services or the NYC Airporter Bus, which provides service between JFK and various locations in Manhattan. Additionally, you can use the MTA bus system to navigate the city, but keep in mind that express buses have a higher fare and may not be suitable for tourists due to limited stops.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can use a bus to get to the airport in NYC. The Q70-LaGuardia Link provides a free service to and from LaGuardia Airport. You can also use the Trans-Bridge Lines service to get to Newark Airport from NYC.
The Q70-LaGuardia Link is free. The fare for other buses in NYC is $2.75 in coins or with a MetroCard.
You can buy a MetroCard from vending machines in bus stations and subways, or from local stores.
Bus stops have a tall post with a round sign at the top displaying the bus emblem and route number. Buses also display their route number on the front, and sometimes the back.
Push one of the mounted yellow tape strips, pull a yellow cord along the windows, or press a red stop button on one of the grab bars.
