Getting Around in New York

New York has more than enough public transport options: driving your own car is tantamount to insanity in a city where traffic is horrendous and parking costs astronomical. New York car rentals are also notoriously expensive - you'll have to budget at least $95 a day (plus tax and insurance) for a medium-sized car - and petrol in the city costs far more than elsewhere in the US. If you really must rent a car you'll need a license and a major credit card. The major agencies are in all three airports.

New York's subway is the fastest and most reliable way around town and most of Manhattan's sights are on its lines. In order to ride the subway or a city bus, you need to purchase a Metrocard. Currently (as of Dec 2003) the price of a single ride is $2. 1-day ($7), 7-day ($21), and 30-day ($76) passes are also available. When you purchase a MetroCard of $10 or more, you get an additional 20% added to the value of your card. Therefore, a $40 MetroCard automatically becomes a $48 MetroCard. Nice deal. For current pricing see http://www.mta.nyc.ny.us/metrocard/mcgtreng.htm. You get an automatic free transfer between subway and bus, or between buses. You can purchase MetroCards in all subway stations either from the attendant or from automatic machines which take cash or credit card. Free subway and bus maps are available from the attendant at each subway station. New Jersey's Port Authority Trans-Hudson trains are a separate-fare system running from Manhattan to Newark and northern New Jersey.

City buses run 24 hours a day. Bus maps are available at subway and train stations and well-marked bus stops have 'Guide-a-Ride' maps showing the stops and nearby landmarks. Between 10pm and 5am you can ask to be let off anywhere along your route even if it's not a designated stop. Ferries run up the Hudson River Valley from Midtown to Yankee Stadium and from Hoboken to the World Financial Center.

New York taxi drivers must be the most maligned group of workers in the world. Sure they'll try to make a few extra bucks but let's face it, they're bound to have a better idea where they're going than you do. Tip around 10% to 15% with a minimum tip of 50c. If you think you're being ripped off either let the driver know or get a receipt and note the license number - the city's Taxi and Limousine Commission wields some serious clout and cabbies are justifiably nervous of being reported to them.

However, it is not only a good work out, but it is fun and sightful to walk the streets of New York. The vendors and people of the New York streets give the city a unique atmosphere.