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The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) New York City Bus operates 4,694 buses throughout the city's five boroughs on more than 200 routes. You are usually within a few blocks of a bus stop.
Cost
The base fare for local bus service on MTA Bus is $2; the fare for express bus service is $5. Exact fare, payable with MetroCard or coins, is required; bills are not accepted and the driver does not give change.
A MetroCard can save you money on multiple rides. Options include the $7 one-day Fun Pass, the 7-day ($24) and 30-day ($76) unlimited ride cards, and a pay-per-ride card: you get a 20% bonus with a card purchase of $10 or more—for example, a $10 card is worth $12 and gives you 6 rides instead of 5, a $20 card gives you 12 rides, etc. You may put any amount between $4 and $80 on your MetroCard.
Transfers
If you pay your fare with MetroCard, you may transfer free from bus to subway, subway to bus, or bus to bus within two hours of the time you paid your fare. Unlimited ride MetroCard includes all transfers at no extra charge.
Where to Get a MetroCard
There are 3,500 MetroCard merchants throughout the city including NYC's Official Visitor Information Center and many subway stations and hotels.
Routes run uptown/downtown and crosstown. The majority of bus routes operate from 5am to 1:30am. Some routes run continuously 24 hours a day, albeit with considerably longer wait times during the late nights. There are some local and limited-stop bus services in each borough. Keep in mind that while buses are a great way to see the city and get to your destination, the ride can be slow going when there is a lot of traffic—if you have the time and patience, sit back and enjoy the ride!
There are many transfer points between uptown/downtown and crosstown routes, making it easy to get to most destinations. In Manhattan, crosstown transfers are at the following streets: 8th/9th, 14th, 23rd, 34th, 49th/50th, 57th, 66th/67th, 72nd, 79th, 86th, 96th, 110th, 116th and 125th.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (718/330-1234, non-English 718/330-4847) is the source for route and schedule information for subways and buses throughout the five boroughs. Free bus maps are available in the Official NYC Guide at ’NYCs Official Visitor Information Center, on buses, at subway stations and by calling 718/330-3322, 9am–5pm, weekdays.
How to Locate a Bus Stop
Bus stops have a tall, round sign with a bus emblem and route number; some have bus shelters. Most also include a "Guide-A-Ride," which is a rectangular box attached to the bus sign pole that displays a route map and bus schedule.
Boarding the Bus
As the bus pulls up to the stop, read the destination sign on its front. Board at the front of the bus. You can pay your fare with a MetroCard or exact change in coins. The driver does not give change and fareboxes do not accept dollar bills or pennies. If you use a MetroCard, position it with the cut corner on the upper left and feed it into the farebox; the farebox will pull it in and then return it to you.
Transfers/Making Connections
If you pay your fare with a MetroCard, you may transfer free from bus to subway, subway to bus, or bus to bus within two hours of the time you paid your fare. Unlimited Ride MetroCards include all transfers (calculated electronically on your MetroCard; you don’t need to get a paper transfer) at no extra charge. If you pay your fare with coins, you may transfer free between buses with intersecting routes. Ask the bus driver for a transfer when you pay your fare.
Getting Off the Bus
Most buses stop every few blocks. Buses marked "Limited" make fewer stops. Push one of the yellow tape strips located between the windows to signal the driver to stop. You can also ask the driver when you board to alert you when you reach your stop. When the bus stops, a green light will appear over the rear door. Exit at the rear by touching the yellow strip on the door; the doors will automatically open. If they don’t, push hard on the handles.
Bus Tours
Bus tours are a great way to get around while learning about New York City's culture, attractions, and history. Among the many are D3 Busline - Night Tours on their custom-outfitted luxury buses; Gray Line New York Sightseeing/Coach USA by double-decker bus, full-size coach, or the Gray Line New York Trolley; CitySights NY on its deluxe coaches or double-decker buses; Harlem, Your Way! tours of Harlem's cultural institutions and landmarks; A Hip Hop Look at New York tours, which highlight hip-hop attractions in an educational format; Insight Seeing New York tours and On Location Tours, Inc., which tours famous TV and movie sites, such as those featured in Friends, Will and Grace, Spider-Man, and more.
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