Traveling through New York: transportation in the city
Traveling through New York can be done in many ways. Like many New Yorkers, you can do a large part on foot, but most of the time you’ll use public transportation. Think of the subway, a taxi, the ferry, or even the cable car to Roosevelt Island.
On this page, I list the different ways of getting around New York. This will give you a clear overview of your options and help you know in advance how to move around the city easily.
What ways of traveling are there in New York?
In New York, there are several ways to get around the city. Which form of transportation is most practical depends on where you’re going, how much time you have, and how you’re traveling.
Most travelers use public transportation, but taxis, rideshares, and a number of unique transport options are also widely used. Below you’ll find an overview of the main options.
Public transport
Public transportation in New York mainly consists of the subway and buses. With these, you can reach nearly all neighborhoods of the city. For many visitors, this is the primary way they get around New York.
Taxis and rideshares
Taxis and rideshares such as Uber can be found all over the city. They are often used for short distances, in the evening, or when comfort is more important than speed or cost.
Transportation by water
New York has several ferry services. Some are mainly practical, while others are also used for the views of the skyline and the city from the water.
Unique transportation options
In addition to the well-known modes of transportation, there are also a few less common ways to get around, such as a cable car or special train connections from the airports.
Below, I explain for each mode of transportation how it works in practice and when it’s a logical choice.
Traveling by subway in New York
For many travelers, the subway is the fastest way to get around New York. The network is extensive and runs day and night, allowing you to travel almost at any time. Especially if you’re covering longer distances or visiting multiple places in one day, the subway is often the most practical option.
For a detailed explanation of routes, payment, and useful things to know in advance, read more on the page about traveling by subway in New York.
Traveling by bus in New York
The bus is often used for shorter distances or in neighborhoods where the subway is less convenient. You travel above ground, which can be nice if you want to see more of the city along the way.
The bus is usually used in combination with the subway, for example for the final part of your route.
On the page about traveling by bus in New York, you can read how the bus system works and when it’s a good choice in practice.
Traveling by taxi in New York
Traveling with Uber in New York
Uber is a popular alternative to taxis and works via an app. You can see in advance where you’ll be picked up and where you’ll be dropped off.
Many travelers use Uber because the system is familiar and easy to use, especially if they already use it in other cities.
On the page about traveling with Uber in New York, I explain step by step how it works in practice.
Traveling with the Staten Island Ferry
The Staten Island Ferry is a regular connection between Manhattan and Staten Island. This ferry is used daily as public transportation, but also by visitors because of the views of the skyline and the Statue of Liberty.
You can find more information about this ferry on the page about traveling with the Staten Island Ferry.
Traveling with the Roosevelt Island Tram
The Roosevelt Island Tram connects Manhattan with Roosevelt Island via a cable car. The ride is short and is used daily as public transportation.
Many visitors also take the tram because of the views over the city.
Read more about this connection on the page about traveling with the Roosevelt Island Tram.
Traveling to and from New York’s airports
If you arrive at one of New York’s airports, there are several ways to travel into the city. Which option is most convenient depends on the airport, your arrival time, and how many people you’re traveling with.
JFK AirTrain
From JFK Airport, you use the AirTrain in combination with the subway or train.
You can find more explanation about this on the page about traveling with the JFK AirTrain.
Transfers from JFK and Newark
From both JFK Airport and Newark Airport, there are several transfer options to Manhattan, such as public transportation, shuttle services, and private transfers.
Read more here:
Which mode of transportation makes the most sense for your situation?
In New York, there isn’t one single way of getting around that works the same for everyone. What’s most convenient depends on your plans, your travel companions, and how you want to move around the city. Below you’ll find a few common situations.
You want to get around the city quickly and efficiently
If you’re visiting multiple places in one day or covering longer distances, the subway is usually the most practical option. You’re not dependent on traffic and can reach many places quickly.
You want to see the city along the way
In that case, the bus or a ferry is a logical choice. You travel above ground and see more of the neighborhoods you pass through.
You’re traveling with several people or with luggage
In that case, a taxi or Uber can be convenient. You travel together, don’t need to transfer, and are dropped off directly at your destination.
You’re using transportation for the views
The Staten Island Ferry and the Roosevelt Island Tram are part of the public transportation system, but they’re also used for their views of the skyline and other parts of the city.
You’re arriving from the airport
When arriving at JFK or Newark, your arrival time, luggage, and travel companions play a major role. Some travelers choose public transportation, while others opt for a pre-arranged transfer.
Arrange an airport transfer in advance
If you’re arriving at one of New York’s airports and don’t want to figure out on the spot how to continue your journey, you can choose to arrange your airport transfer in advance. This is often done for late arrivals, when traveling with multiple people, or if you want peace of mind ahead of time.
Shared transfer from JFK Airport
With a shared transfer, you travel together with other passengers from JFK Airport to Manhattan. You’re usually dropped off near your hotel or accommodation. Keep in mind that travel time can vary due to multiple stops along the way.
Private transfer from JFK Airport
With a private transfer, you’re met upon arrival at JFK Airport and taken directly to your accommodation. Everything is arranged in advance, which is especially convenient after a long flight or when traveling with several people.
Bus transfer to and from Newark Airport
If you’re traveling via Newark Airport, a bus transfer is a practical way to get to Manhattan. You travel without transfers and know in advance what to expect in terms of route and drop-off point.
In the next and final section, I’ll share a number of practical tips for getting around New York, so you’ll be well prepared for your trip.
Practical tips for transportation in New York
Whichever mode of transportation you choose, there are a few general points that are useful to keep in mind.
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Keep peak-hour crowds in mind
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Combine different modes of transportation
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Leave a bit earlier for appointments with fixed times
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Travel light if possible
Conclusion: getting around New York
In New York, you’ll usually use several different modes of transportation alongside each other. The subway is often the fastest option, the bus is convenient for short distances, and a taxi or Uber is practical at times when transferring is less appealing.
By knowing your options in advance, getting around the city becomes much easier—especially if you’re visiting New York for the first time.
New York Info
Hi, I’m Edward, an experienced New York enthusiast. Over the past few years, I’ve visited the city multiple times and explored it from north to south. On New York Info, I share my own experiences, practical tips, and honest recommendations to help you plan your city trip to New York. Do you have any questions? Feel free to send me an email.
Disclaimer: This website contains affiliate links. If you book or purchase something through these links, I may receive a small commission—at no extra cost to you. This helps me maintain New York Info and continue sharing up-to-date travel tips.
Last updated: January 12, 2026
