Which NYC Subway MetroCard to Buy (for Tourists and Visitors)

Most visitors to New York City will use the subway while here. It's the easiest and fastest way to get around the city.

When I travel to new cities, I like to know how to pay for public transportation before my plane lands and I bet some of you feel the same way.

I know that most visitors to NYC have questions about paying for the subway because so many guests on my local NYC walking tours ask me.

Besides being a tour guide, I'm also a native New Yorker who has been riding the subway since the 1980s back when subway tokens ruled the day!

A lot has changed since then. Tokens were phased out and completely replaced by the iconic yellow MetroCards in 2003.

Now the MetroCard is on its way out in favor of the OMNY tap-to-pay system.

Below, I’ll explain both ways to pay, with an emphasis on OMNY since, by the end of 2025 (tentatively), MetroCards will no longer be in use.

Let's dive in!

Is There a New York Subway Pass for Tourists?

First things first. A question I get from a lot of my tour guests who are still figuring out the subway system is if there is an NYC tourist subway pass.

Many countries do have such cards, but New York City is not one of them.

Don't worry though! It's not necessary to have such a pass to get around easily!

You have two options to pay for your ride which I explain in detail below.

TWO WAYS TO PAY FOR YOUR RIDE

As I mentioned above, there are two ways to pay for your subway ride (and bus rides too).

There are the widely recognizable yellow MetroCards and the relatively new OMNY tap-to-pay system.

As of the end of the last year, MetroCards are still sold and can be used at turnstiles.

But within a year or two, most likely by the end of 2025, MetroCards will be gone.

Here is what a turnstile looks like in the previous year.

You have the option to swipe a MetroCard on the top of the machine or you can tap a credit card, OMNY card or your smart device on the reader.

The subway fare for one ride (plus one transfer to bus within two hours) is $2.90 regardless of what method you use to pay.

Now, onto the details of each of these payment methods!

OMNY Tap-To-Pay

The OMNY system allows you to pay right at the turnstile by tapping the reader with a credit card, debit card, smartphone, or wearable smart device, like an Apple watch.

If you don't have any of those, you can buy an OMNY card, a durable hard card that you tap on the reader. (Read more below).

The OMNY tap-to-pay method is available at all subway stations in NYC and all MTA-operated buses.

Each ride gives you one free transfer (within two hours) between the subways and buses.

If you are traveling with others, you can use the same method to pay for yourself and up to 3 other people on the same card.

A great feature of the OMNY system is the weekly fare cap within a 7-day period which gets you unlimited rides after paying for 12 rides - using the same card, smart device, etc.

The 7-day period begins whenever you make your first tap at an OMNY reader.

Once you pay for 12 rides (a total of $34.80) with the same device or card, you don't have to pay for any more rides during that 7 day period.

This one-minute video explains it all really well.

The 12 rides to meet the fare cap will not be met by tapping for multiple riders.

So if you think that you can tap for one ride each for your family of 12 to get unlimited remaining rides? Sorry. Won't work!

The OMNY fare cap is essentially the same as a 7-Day Unlimited MetroCard explained below.

The difference is that you don't have to decide in advance whether to buy an unlimited 7 day card or not.

This is a huge plus for tourists who may not be sure how many times they will take the subway.

You don't have to invest in an unlimited option only to find out that you didn't even use the subway enough to make the unlimited cost worthwhile.

A few important things to know:

OMNY readers accept Visa®, Mastercard®, American Express®, Discover®, and JCB networks.
BUT... debit cards requiring a PIN code cannot be used at this time. Be sure to check the MTA website to see if your card is accepted by OMNY.

You cannot tap-to-pay to use the PATH system, the New Jersey version of the subway system.

OMNY Cards

If you don't have a credit card or smart device, you can buy a reloadable OMNY card.

They are sold in OMNY vending machines in subway stations, though not all stations have these machines yet.

You can also buy them and reload them at stores like Walgreens, CVS and 7-Eleven.

The card costs $5 but unlike a MetroCard, it never expires.

You can add as much money you want onto the card.

The fare cap applies to your OMNY card as well.

Once you have taken 12 rides within a 7 day period, your remaining rides within that period are free.

You can use the OMNY card to use the PATH system, the New Jersey version of the subway system.

Find out more about the OMNY card here.

AT THE AIRPORTS

OMNY readers are now at the JFK AirTrain which is how one uses public transportation from JFK to Manhattan.

You can still buy a MetroCard at vending machines, but I love the option to tap at the exit from the JFK AirTrain and then tap for my one subway ride to my destination.

For example, I returned recently from a trip overseas. I was very jet-lagged and not in the mood to deal with a vending machine.

With OMNY, all I had to do was take out my phone, tap at the AirTrain turnstile, and voila! I was on my way!

If you are taking a bus to/from LaGuardia Airport you can also tap to pay!

METROCARDS

If you don't want to use the OMNY tap-to-pay system, MetroCards are still in use, but they will be phased out tentatively by the end of 2025.

I know that not everyone has a credit card or a smart device, so I want to make sure that you understand how MetroCards work.

There are two types of MetroCards to choose from: a Pay-Per-Ride card and an Unlimited Ride card.

In this video my fellow tour guide Katie explains the two types of MetroCards and how to use the vending machine for your purchase.

Whichever card you opt for, you will pay a one-time $1 fee for the card.

Don't throw your card away when it runs out of money! I have done this out of forgetfulness or just misplaced my card. I was not happy to have to pay the $1 fee again.

With a Pay-Per-Ride card, your card will deduct $2.90 every time you take the subway/bus.

Each ride includes a free transfer (within two hours) between subway lines, bus, and subway, or between buses.

An Unlimited Card costs a flat fee and you can use the subway/bus as many times as you want within a set number of days. You get unlimited transfers.

When deciding which card is best, think about how long your trip is and how many times you think you might be taking the subway.

Also, consider the number of people in your party.

I really think that spending time doing the calculations is worth it.

I can't stand that feeling of knowing I've spent more money than necessary for my subway rides.

Pay-Per-Ride MetroCards

Add money to your card and each time you 'swipe' your card to enter the subway, $2.90 will be deducted from your card balance.
You can buy a single-ride card for $3.25, but it is unlikely you will need this type of card.
See below for fare deals.

Benefits

Up to 4 people can use the same MetroCard. It will still cost $2.90 per person per ride but you do not need to pay the $1 fee for multiple cards.
This card can be used on the JFK AirTrain connecting the airport to the subway system (additional cost applies). See our Manhattan to/from JFK Airport post.
It can be used on other transportation systems. See below for details.

Having explained this all to you, I want to encourage you to use the OMNY tap to pay system if you can.

Here's why.

You don't have to pay the $1 card fee.
You don't have to worry about losing your card and paying the $1 again.
You don’t have to think in advance how many rides you are going to take and load that amount on your card.

OMNY tap-to-pay has made my life a whole lot easier. I think you may find the same to be true.

Unlimited MetroCards

This type of card card is valid for unlimited subway and bus rides until midnight from the day of first use.

You can choose a 7-day unlimited card or a 30-day unlimited.

There is a $1 fee when you purchase a card.

As I said above, do not throw away your card when it expires, or you will have to pay $1 again for a new card.

An unlimited 7-Day MetroCard costs $34 and allows unlimited swipes.

While a single ride costs $2.90, the Unlimited card saves you money because the more you use it, the cheaper each ride is.

for 13 trips = $2.61/ride
for 15 trips = $2.26/ride
for 20 trips = $1.70/ride

When I was commuting every day via subway (10 rides) and also going out on weekends (usually 3 to 4 rides), a 7-day unlimited MetroCard made sense for me.

If your stay is at least 30 days, consider a 30-day unlimited card for $132.

There are reduced fare cards under specific circumstances. See below for what deals are available.

Important rules that apply to Unlimited MetroCards:

It can only be used by 1 person.
Once you have swiped the card to enter the subway, it cannot be used again for 18 minutes.
Unlimited Ride MetroCards are not accepted by the JFK AirTrain, Express buses or PATH trains.
See below for other transportation systems that accept this card.

What other transportation systems accept the MetroCard?

In addition to the New York City subway and bus system, both unlimited and pay-per-ride cards can be used on:

Roosevelt Island Tram to Roosevelt Island where you can get some of the best skyline views of NYC.
New Jersey PATH trains between Manhattan and certain locations in New Jersey (an extra fee applies for the pay-per-ride MetroCard).
Staten Island Railway (stay and explore Staten Island after taking the free Staten Island Ferry)

See the official MTA website for:

subway and bus maps
service status and delays
planned service changes
the MTA TripPlanner to figure out your route.

DECIDING WHICH CARD IS BEST FOR YOU

When deciding what card to get, ask yourself how many times you think you will be taking the subway within the number of days you will be here.

Also, take into account the number of people in your group and their ages as there are offers for seniors and toddlers. (See below).

If you think you will be taking the subway at least 12 times, the Unlimited Card will likely save you money.

If you think you will take the subway just a few times, go for the Pay-Per-Ride card.

Remember that an Unlimited Card can be used only by one person, and you would each have to buy your own Unlimited card.

But if you are traveling with several people, it makes sense to buy a Pay-Per-Ride card since up to 4 people can enter the subway with the same card.

The card will deduct $2.90 for each person when you enter.

Deals to take into account:

For families, up to 3 children can ride for free with one fare-paying adult, provided all the children are under 44 inches (112 cm) tall.

This policy is good for subways and local buses, no matter which type of MetroCard you choose.

Seniors 65 years+ and also individuals with qualifying disabilities may qualify for reduced fares.

See below to learn how Reduced Fare cards work.

Reduced-Fare Customers - Deals to take into account:

Seniors 65 years and over and those with qualifying disabilities can get a reduced fare.

Bring your valid ID, such as your passport or driver's license that shows your age
Go to the station agent in the booth where you will show your ID and pay $2.90 for a non-refillable MetroCard good for TWO rides.
You do not have to pay the $1.00 new card fee.
Not all stations have agent booths.
This 2-trip MetroCard will be accepted at all subway stations, local buses, and Staten Island Railway.
This card is not accepted for any other bus lines or the Roosevelt Island Tram.
For more information, click here.

Student MetroCards

Student MetroCards are distributed by NYC schools and allow eligible students 3 free rides per school day to and from school and school-related activities and events.

Note: To receive a refillable reduced-fare MetroCard, you must apply and wait a few weeks to receive it. So unless you plan on staying in NYC for a very long stay, stick with the non-refillable card.

Taxis and Uber

If you like to take taxis, then having a pay-per-ride MetroCard may be your best choice.

You might find that taking a taxi makes more financial sense, especially if you are going short distances.

Not only does a taxi save you time (if there is no traffic), but in some cases, a taxi can be cheaper for most trips under 2 miles (3.2 km), especially if you have 3 or 4 people in your group.

See our posts on how to take a taxi in NYC and use Uber in NYC.

PURCHASING YOUR METROCARD

MetroCards can be purchased at vending machines at subway stations and some shops around the city.

Check here to see what merchants near you sell MetroCards nearest you.

The easiest way is to purchase your card at a station from the vending machines.

There are two types of machines pictured here: the larger machines on the right let you pay with cash, credit cards, or ATM/debit cards.

The smaller machines are for credit or debit cards only.

Paying with a credit or debit card:

If you pay with your credit card, you will be asked to enter your zip code after you dip your card.

If you do not have an American zip code, you can use 99999 for a zip code.

Paying with cash:

If you pay with cash and pay with a large bill and not the exact amount, you will receive the difference back but in $1 coins, not bills.

The machine can only return up to $9 in change.

Tip: Always get a receipt in case you lose your card or it does not work.

Here is a step-by-step instructional video.

TIP: A good way to have fun and get an in-person lesson about the subway is to take our Manhattan in One Day Tour.

Once you have purchased your card, here are some tips on how to use it!

Below my fellow tour guide Katie here at Tours by Foot NYC go over these tips.

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR METROCARD AND SUBWAY TRAVEL

Foreign Language Speakers

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) website offers translations of their site.

Simply look in the lower left-hand corner of the page and you will see an option for Google Translate.

Ride the Subway with a Tour Group

Our New York Subway Art Tour, our All-in-One Tour, and our Manhattan Night Tours use the subway.

This will help you familiarize yourself with the New York Subway System.

You'll get an expert lesson on using your card, including how fast to swipe your card through the turnstile.

Swiping too fast or too slow won't work - you have to find just the right speed!

MetroCard Offers Offers and Deals

Most New Yorkers do not know about the MTA Away program that has all sorts of cool savings to take advantage of.

They include deals on theater tickets and museums/attractions.

One deal I used was getting 20% off tickets to the New York Botanical Garden which is an incredible place.

We can also tell you where to find cheaper tickets for major attractions and Broadway shows.

Enjoy the ride!

Perhaps the best part of riding the subway is the great free musical performances you'll come across.

Our post on where to find NYC street performers and music in the subway will lead you straight to them!

Other means of traveling around NYC

Travel by various ferries.
Take a hop-on, hop-off bus tour.
Take a hop-on, hop-off boat tour, or cruise.

See which bus tours, cruises, and ferries are included in NYC attraction tourist passes.

NYC Subway Pass

Which Metrocard to Buy?

Is There a New York Subway Pass for Tourists?

TWO WAYS TO PAY FOR YOUR RIDE