Which New York City Subway MetroCard to Buy?

This post will help you determine which NYC subway MetroCard is best for you and how to purchase it, with special tips for tourists and visitors.

The video explains the choices you have.

UNLIMITED vs. PAY-PER-RIDE METROCARDS

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

With a Pay-Per-Ride card, your card will deduct $2.75 every time you take the subway/bus.

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.

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.

Pay-Per-Ride MetroCards

Add money to your card and each time you ‘swipe’ your card to enter the subway, $2.75 will be deducted from your card balance.
Note: there is a one-time $1 fee when you purchase a card. * Don’t throw your card away when it runs out of money, or you will have to pay $1 again when you by a new card.
You can buy a single ride card for $3, but it unlikely you will need this type of card.
See below for what discounts are available.

Benefits

Up to 4 people can use the same MetroCard. It will still cost $2.75 per person per ride but you do not need to pay the $1 fee for multiple cards.
Each ride includes a free transfer (within two hours) between subway lines, bus and subway, or between buses.
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.
See below for other transportation systems that accept this card.

Unlimited MetroCards

This 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. *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 $33. See below for what discounts are available.

While a single ride costs $2.75, the Unlimited card saves you money because the more you use it, the cheaper each ride is.

for 13 trips = $2.53/ride
for 15 trips = $2.20/ride
for 20 trips = $1.65/ride

If your stay is 30 days or longer, consider a 30-day unlimited card for $127 ($63.50 reduced fare).

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.

You could also listen to our NYC Travel Tips podcast episode on the NYC subway. You can get our podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

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:

Staten Island Railway (stay and explore Staten Island after taking the free Staten Island Ferry)
Roosevelt Island Tram (to get one of the best skyline views of NYC. Learn more by reading our post on riding the tram and visiting Roosevelt Island.
New Jersey PATH trains between Manhattan and certain locations in New Jersey (an extra fee applies for the pay-per-ride MetroCard).

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 do 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 party and their ages as there are discounts 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 $2.75 for each person when you enter.

Discounts to take into account:

For families, up to 3 children can ride for free with one paying adult, provided all the children are no more than 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.

TIP: This MetroCard calculator can help you by doing the math for you so you can decide between the two cards described above.

Reduced Fare for Seniors and Disabled People

Seniors 65 years+ and also 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 $2.75 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.

Note: To receive a refillable reduced-fare MetroCard, you must submit an application 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), 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 using Uber in NYC.

PURCHASING YOUR METROCARD

Metrocards can be purchased from the vending machines at subway stations and some shops and newsstands around the city. Check here to see what merchants near you sell Metrocards nearest you.

There is also an online option but this isn’t the best option for tourists and visitors.

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 zipcode after you dip your card. If you do not have an American zip code, you can use 99999 for a zipcode.

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!

MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR METROCARD AND SUBWAY TRAVEL

Foreign Language Speakers

The 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 can won’t work – you have to find just the right speed!

MetroCard offers discounts and deals

For certain attractions, theater tickets, and events. Most New Yorkers do not even know this! Click here for what discounts are being offered currently.

We can also tell you where to find discounted 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 the 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 discount tourist passes.

About the author

Courtney

Courtney is a lifelong New Yorker fascinated with the city’s history, culture and cuisine. She loves exploring the world, as well as sharing her travel expertise with others.

She joined the Free Tours by Foot team in 2011, first as a guide and then as a writer. She has a law degree, a teaching degree and a worn-out passport. Her motto is “Have backpack, will travel”.