The MTA MetroCard is all you need to have access to New York City’s Mass Transit System. Once you have purchased a MetroCard, you’ll have access to any of the city’s subways and buses. The New York MetroCard is the perfect way to experience New York like a real New Yorker. It’s also the least expensive way to see all that New York City has to offer.
Purchasing the MTA MetroCard
MTA MetroCards can be purchased at any subway station. The MetroCard can be bought at subway station vending machines with credit cards, debit cards or cash. The MetroCard vending machines are multilingual, making them easy to use for international visitors. Booth attendants can also assist you in purchasing a MetroCard. Some banking machines and more than 4,000 merchant locations around the city also sell the MetroCard.
Types of MTA MetroCard
Riders can chose between a pay-per-ride or an unlimited-ride MetroCard. Ride the subways and local buses as often as you want with a 1-Day Fun Pass, a 7-Day MetroCard or a Pay-Per-Ride MetroCard, usable by up to four people.
Pay-Per-Ride MetroCards
Pay-Per-Ride MetroCards can be used by up to four people. Any amount can be put into the pay-per-ride MetroCard. You can refill your pay-per-ride MetroCard at any time until the expiration date of the card is reached. Most MetroCards expire one year from the date of purchase.
Unlimited-Ride MetroCards
Various unlimited MetroCards are available for purchase. The options include the One-Day Fun Pass, the 7-day pass, the 14-day pass or the 30-day pass. Unlimited-Ride MetroCards are effective the first time that you use them. Unlimited-Ride MetroCards cannot be refilled and they expire at midnight on the last day.
The MetroCard Fun Pass
The One-Day MetroCard Fun Pass is the most popular pass for tourists and visitors. With the One-Day MetroCard Fun Pass, you can ride of NYC’s subways and local buses for one flat fare. A Fun Pass can be purchased anytime during the day and it is valid until 3 a.m. the following day. The Fun Pass can be purchased at MetroCard vending machines in subway stations, authorized merchant locations and NYC visitor centers.
MetroCard Readers
MetroCard readers can be used to tell you how much money is left on your MetroCard or when your MetroCard expires. MetroCard readers can be found on most Subway station entrances.
