MetroCard

MetroCard

The MetroCard is a thin plastic rechargeable card used to pay the different types of public transportation in New York City: buses and subway.

The MetroCard is essential if you want to use New York’s transportation, as you will only be able to take the Subway using this card. Although for buses you can still pay with cash (exact amount), to use the subway you need to have a Metrocard.

You can either purchase the pay-per-ride or the unlimited Ride MetroCard.

Pay-per-ride MetroCard

If you buy multiple rides with this card, the cost is $2.75/ride, otherwise a single ride is US$ 3. This card can be used by up to four people and you have access to unlimited transfers between subway and buses for 120 minutes. The minimum amount you can put on the card is US$ 5.50.

If you'd like to get a single-use card, the price will be US$ 3. You can't top up this card or change from the metro to a bus. 

Unlimited Ride MetroCard

MetroCard
MetroCard

If you are planning to use New York’s transportation during your trip, the best option is to buy an Unlimited Ride MetroCard.

Unlimited Ride MetroCard
Validity Adults Seniors over 65 years old
7 days US$ 34 US$ 16.50
30 days US$ 132 US$ 63.50


The MetroCard allows you to use the subway and buses unlimitedly until 3 am of the last day. 

Where to buy your MetroCard?

You can purchase your MetroCard in any subway station. If you prefer using buses and don’t want to go to a Subway station, you can get your MetroCard in any tourist office or in many general stores in the center.

The New York MetroCard costs US$ 1.