Getting Around NYC: Easy Ways to Navigate the City

With over 60 million tourists visiting New York City each year, there’s no question that the city is busy and fast-paced. As one of the most visited places in the world, New York City has so much to offer, including exciting nightlife, award-winning entertainment and top-tier dining.

For those who have not visited New York City before, getting around this densely populated city can certainly be overwhelming. Although it may seem overwhelming to get around NYC initially, navigating the city can be easier if you know where to start.

Before your big city trip, explore this guide to prepare for getting around New York City. This travel guide will explore how to navigate New York City, helping to ease anxiety and make for the perfect city getaway.

Getting Around NYC by Foot

The simplest and cheapest way to get around New York City is by walking! Of course, walking is a practical choice for nearby attractions and when weather permits. Walking around the city gives you the most “city-like” experience, giving you a chance to experience things along your route.

As you plan your New York City itinerary, consider grouping nearby attractions that are walkable on the same day. Using maps, walking directions and walking between attractions can help to save money and get the full city experience.

Not only will you get to enjoy a nice stroll, but you’ll also get some great physical exercise throughout the trip! While walking is common among the locals, many tourists choose to use other forms of transportation to help save time when getting around New York City.

Pros of Exploring NYC by Walking:

• True city experience
• Great exercise
• Cost-free

Cons of Exploring NYC by Walking:

• Requires good weather
• Time-consuming
• Can be tiring
• Not always an option for elderly, disabled, or children
• Only doable for nearby attractions

Getting Around NYC by Subway

The New York City Subway is perhaps the best New York City transportation, providing a practical means of transportation nearly anywhere across the city. This popular way of navigating the city can be overwhelming at first but is quite easy to navigate once you get the hang of it.

The city has one of the largest subway networks in the world, providing over 450 stations throughout the region. Subways can also be used to travel to New York City’s other boroughs, including the Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn. Since subways run so frequently, you’ll easily be able to find a time that works for your travel plans.

Exploring New York City’s subway maps before your trip can help you familiarize yourself with the routes. You can also download the official NYC Transit subway map on your phone, offering accessibility no matter where you go.

Pros of Exploring NYC by Subway:

• Goes anywhere throughout the city
• Reliable, frequent travel times
• Operates 24 hours a day
• Fast travel
• Inexpensive
• Avoids traffic
• Environmentally friendly
• Can accommodate any traveler
• True New York City experience

Cons of Exploring NYC by Subway:

• Routes may be difficult to navigate for newbies
• Can get crowded, especially during peak travel times
• Must make exact times, or you’ll miss the subway
• Won’t drop you right at your exact destination (Requires walking)

Getting Around NYC by Taxi or Ride Share

Throughout your visit, you won’t be able to miss the classic yellow taxis roaming the city streets. Taxis are useful for getting exactly where you need to go while sticking to a strict travel schedule. Ride-share apps, such as Uber and Lyft, are also great options for easy New York City transit.

Pros of Exploring NYC by Taxi/Ride Share:

• Stick to your schedule
• Direct drop off at your destination
• Quick pick-up (little to no wait times)
• Available anytime
• Comfortable travel
• Easier to navigate than the subway

Cons of Exploring NYC by Taxi/Ride Share:

• May get stuck in traffic
• Can be expensive, depending on your destination and time of travel
• Can only accommodate small to medium travel groups
• Extra money if you wish to tip your driver (15% to 20% is considered standard)

Getting Around NYC via Bicycle

Biking is one unique way to get around New York City and also offers a great workout! New York City offers a bicycle rental program known as Citi Bike, which visitors can take advantage of. Day passes are available, which are perfect for visitors looking to explore the city via bike.

Pros of Exploring NYC via Bicycle

• Great exercise
• An enjoyable way to explore the city
• Affordable

Cons of Exploring NYC via Bicycle

• Not ideal for lengthy travel
• Weather-dependent
• Requires a lot of effort/physical exertion
• Timed travel (charged for additional minutes use)
• Not good for families traveling with small children

Getting Around NYC by Car

Renting a car is an option for those visiting New York City who want to avoid other forms of New York City transit. While an option, this method is not ideal for navigating the city, as traffic on congested roads can be stressful and time-consuming.

In addition, parking in the city can be a nightmare, making a steep dent in your travel budget for parking fees. This option can take a lot of time, so be sure to consider the amount of time you have for transportation within your travel itinerary.

Preparing for Your New York City Vacation

With so much happening across the city, knowing how to navigate Manhattan is essential for your travel. Throughout your visit, you’re likely to need to get around to different parts of the city to visit all your top “bucket list” options. With many options to get around New York City, transportation methods come down to personal preference and accessibility, depending on where you’re going. You may find yourself utilizing a combination of transportation methods to visit new places throughout the duration of your trip.

Book your New York City trip with a AAA agent today! Our travel agents make planning a trip easy, with access to vacation packages and a la carte planning options for every budget. Use your AAA membership for access to exclusive travel benefits, and use Trip Canvas for travel inspiration.