The Ultimate Guide to Getting Around New York City

New York City is wonderful in so many ways, but it can also be intimidating. There are people everywhere, and it's easy to get swept up in the hustle and bustle of such an energetic city. There's so much to see and do and it seems like everyone is on their way somewhere pretty much all of the time.

Whether you're visiting New York for a day or a week or even if you live there long term, there's a good chance you are on your way somewhere, too. Getting around New York City appears challenging, but it doesn't have to be that way. There are so many options and so many ways to travel. There is truly something for everyone.

Read on to learn all about transportation in and around New York City's five boroughs. Once you know the options, it will be much easier to determine which of them is right for you.

Walking

New York City is very walkable and many locals use walking most of the time for getting around New York City. The city is mostly set up like a grid so it's easy to understand, and it's easy to gauge the distance from place to place if you know how long standard blocks are.

Public Bus

New York City's public bus system is extensive, easy to navigate, and affordable. Buses are crowded during rush hours but are more or less empty much of the rest of the time. You may need to transfer a few times to get where you're going, but the buses run often so you shouldn't have to wait too long.

Subway

The New York City subway is the biggest underground transportation system in the world. Although many people believe it to be dirty and unsafe, most of the time neither is the case. This form of transportation is affordable and easy to understand and is used by millions of commuters each day.

Taxi & Ride Share

If you prefer traveling alone and in a small vehicle with four wheels, taxis and ride-sharing services are ubiquitous. To hail a cab, just step out into the street and raise one arm, and an available one will pull over for you. You can summon a ride-share vehicle through its associated app. These methods of transportation are more expensive than some of the others listed here, but the privacy and relative comfort is worth it.

Luxury Van Services

When traveling with a group, you may decide that luxury van services are perfect for your needs. Vans provided by these companies are comfortable and spacious and are a wonderful respite from the busy city outside. Luxury vans come in a variety of sizes and are absolutely worth the extra cost.

Getting Around New York City is Easy

Now that you know the options available to you, getting around New York City should be easy for you. Each of these options has its own advantages and disadvantages, so the right one for each individual depends on personal preference. No matter how you choose to go, enjoy New York City; it's one of the very best cities in the world.

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