How Much Do MTA Buses and the NYC Subway Cost?

Here’s your guide to taking the NYC subway and MTA buses in the city with your whole family.

By Jacqueline Neber October 8, 2021

Every New Yorker has gotten the question "how much is NYC subway fare?" at least one hundred times. While it may seem like a straight forward question, prices for the MTA often change and riding looks a little different these days because of the coronavirus. Not to mention NYC public transportation has different fares for adults, kids, seniors, and riders with disabilities. Here's all of the information you need to know exactly how you'll get around the next time you venture out of your apartment.

How Much is NYC Subway Fare?

A single subway ride costs $2.75 for most people, a $1 fee applies when you buy a new MetroCard, and the minimum balance you can put on a new card is $5.50 (the cost of two swipes), according to the Metropolitan Transit Authority. Here are some other tips and tricks for saving while taking the subway:

Up to three children shorter than 44 inches can ride for free with a fare-paying adult
People with disabilities and people older than 65 can apply for reduced-fare cards, which come out to be half the price of regular fare. There’s also an EasyPay reduced fare option so you can get automatic refills.
Unlimited cards for adults paying regular fare are $33 for seven days or $127 for 30 days. Both options save you money.
Your child’s school might distribute Student MetroCards that allow kids to transfer between subways and buses for free. Kids can use their cards for three rides each school day.

How Much is Local or Express Bus Fare in NYC?

A single ride on local, limited, and Select Bus Service buses is $2.75 as well, and you use your MetroCard or exact change to pay. Express buses cost $6.75. An unlimited express bus pass will get you as many swipes as you need on express buses, local buses, and the subway for seven days, and costs $62. You can’t pause your unlimited ride card once you start using it. The same rules apply for kids riding buses with you.

Fares for Access-A-Ride

Access-A-Ride is the city’s paratransit service for riders with disabilities, which can help you get around town if the subways or buses are inaccessible. The Access-A-Ride fare for any transportation service is $2.75.

Access-A-Ride is not accepting application requests right now because of the pandemic. If you need to use the service, call 877-337-2017 to see if they can help.

Public Transportation and Coronavirus

Ridership has dropped significantly since last spring. While some studies have showed that public transportation might not play a big role in community transmission, subways and buses have adapted to the pandemic in several ways, including

There is no subway service between 1-5am, when all trains and stations are disinfected—you can take the enhanced bus service during those hours instead, if necessary.
Riders must wear masks and maintain social distance.
Disinfecting is happening more frequently, and the city is testing new technology to help keep everyone healthy.

For more information on how public transportation workers are keeping your family safe, head to the MTA’s website.