Are you wondering how to get around NYC? New York City is a beast; they don’t call it The Concrete Jungle for nothing. Getting around New York can be daunting, but to me, it became second nature. In this detailed guide, I’ll dive into New York City’s transportation options and help you get around like a local. This guide is a must-read before your first trip to The Big Apple!
I was a stay-at-home mum in Manhattan for two years, and I was always out exploring with my little boys. So here, I’ll share with you the best ways to get around, including navigating New York City with kids. Number 3 is a real hidden gem, I can’t believe hardly anyone talks about!
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How to Get Around NYC Like a Local
1. Walk
This may sound obvious, but walking where possible is the best way to see the NYC. Most days in New York, I walked 15k+ steps; if you’re coming as a tourist and packing things in, you can expect to do about 20-30,000 steps a day, so make sure to pack comfy shoes!
Tip: It’s very easy to connect to WIFI in NYC if you need it for Google Maps. There’s a Starbucks on almost every corner. Buses also usually have it, as do most of the main attractions.
Walking Around NYC with Kids
With little kids, you’re going to want to use a stroller/ pushchair. I mainly used my Uppa Baby Vista, but also had the smaller Joolz Aer+ for travel, and both of these I highly recommend. When people are undecided about taking a stroller, I always recommend they do, as it’s better to have one and leave it in the hotel than not have one and wish you did.
Also, factor in jet lag. My eldest rarely napped, but when we travelled between London and NYC, he would often need a power nap and having a stroller made that possible.
A final getting around NYC with kids tip: break up long walks with playgrounds. NYC has so many great options. I use the app, Playground Buddy, to find ones that are close by.
2. Ride The Subway
Unfortunately, the city is too big to get around solely on foot. Luckily, there are great public transportation options in New York.
I’ve heard some horror stories about the subway, but we used it often with no issues. Of course, take the usual precautions. Make sure you don’t have valuables on display etc. Also, don’t sit in an empty subway car.
You can see the NYC subway map here.
Using the NYC subway system can be confusing at first. Be sure to take note of the direction of the train, as it’s easy to go the wrong direction. Downtown is towards Brooklyn, and Uptown / Queens is towards the North of Manhattan.
Most lines run regularly, and a subway journey costs just $2.90. Kids under 44 inches go free with an adult. You can now pay with contactless card payments, making it very easy. Alternatively, you can activate a Metro Card for $1 and purchase an unlimited 7-day pass for $34. You can also top up a Metro Card as needed.
Metro Cards can be used on the subway, buses and Roosevelt Island Tramway (Cable Car).
The NYC Subway with Kids
If you’re exploring with a stroller. Go on to Google Maps, select options and set it to wheelchair accessible. This way will only show stations that have elevators (lifts). Or take a lightweight stroller that can be carried upstairs.
Some of the elevators are not the nicest. The Times Square one seemed to be used as a toilet, so avoid that one if you can!
3. Sail On the NYC Ferry
This is my absolute favourite way to get around New York City, and it is a real hidden gem! Everyone will tell you to ride the Staten Island Ferry, but no one talks about the NYC Ferry.
It’s spacious and has plenty of room for strollers. You get amazing views of the NYC Skyline, and in warmer months, you can sit on the top deck. This is the best way to travel in NYC as a family!
NYC Ferry tickets cost $4.50 a journey, or you can buy a book of 10 tickets for $29. Like the subway, kids under 44 inches go free.
You can get more information on the NYC Ferry and see the route map on their website, here.
4. Ride the Bus
New York City bus routes generally run up and down the Avenues. I didn’t use the bus often, with NYC traffic, they’re almost as slow as walking and sometimes the drivers would be difficult about you bringing a stroller onboard.
It’s not my preferred option, but it’s still an option! Like the Subway, most buses cost $2.90 and you can contactless or a Metrocard. Select Buses will cost you $7 per ride.
5. Hail a Yellow Taxi
While they are not the most affordable transportation options in NYC, New York yellow taxis are so iconic! Taking a ride in one is something to tick off your bucket list!
You can do the classic cab-hailing, or there’s usually a line of them waiting outside Grand Central Station.
Taking an NYC Taxi with Kids
Children are not required, by law to use a car seat in New York City taxis. Of course, you can decide for yourself if you want to do this or not.
6. Call an Uber
We found Uber to be one of the best apps for getting around NYC. It’s a cheaper and easier alternative to the classic yellow taxi. We mainly used Uber to get to and from the airports. Download the app and you can easily find a car to get you wherever you want to go!
Taking an Uber With Kids
It is possible to book a car with a car seat. They’re often harder to get, but sometimes can be booked in advance. Also, they don’t offer proper car seats; they’re like a booster with a harness. This can work for a toddler, but not for a small baby.
Thank you for reading this guide on how to get around NYC like a local. I hope it has been helpful to you and that you enjoy your trip!
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:
PERFECT FOUR DAYS IN NEW YORK WITH KIDS ITINERARY
GUIDE TO CENTRAL PARK WITH KIDS
CHRISTMAS IN NYC
HIDDEN GEMS IN NYC
Happy Exploring,
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