Getting Around
When getting addresses in New York, it is always helpful to ask for
the nearest cross streets. But if you don't know the cross streets you
can estimate using the following tips. When given the street number of
an address (e.g. 250 E. 52nd St.), find the avenue closest to the
address by thinking of Fifth Avenue as point zero on the given street.
Address numbers increase as you move east or west of Fifth Ave., in
stages of approximately 100. On the East Side, address numbers are 1 at
Fifth Ave., 100 at Park Ave., 200 at Third Ave., 300 at Second Ave.,
400 at First Ave., 500 at York Ave. (uptown) or Avenue A (in the East
Village). On the West Side, address numbers are 1 at Fifth Ave., 100 at
Sixth Ave. (aka Avenue of Americas), 200 at Seventh Ave, 300 at Eighth
Ave., 400 at Ninth Ave., 500 at Tenth Ave., and 600 at Eleventh Ave.
Public transit in New York is very good, extremely cheap, and covers
most conceivable corners of the city, either by bus or subway. Don't be
afraid to ask someone for help if you're confused.
Subway Smarts
It's hard to exaggerate the problem of gridlock in Manhattan's
streets. The entire center of the island's grid system is packed with
cars during the day, especially major avenues like Broadway. The subway
is the fastest way to get between uptown and downtown points. You can
learn about the subway system on arrival by picking up a free map at
any station or information kiosk. Though the subway runs 24 hours, some
express routes operate at certain times of the day only. To master the
subways it is critical to know at all times whether you are traveling
uptown or downtown, as this is how directions are referenced in most
stations.
The traditional NYC subway token is no longer around.
The system now runs on magnetic fare cards called Metrocards, which can
be purchased from the machines in every subway entrance. Single ride
fares cost $2, but you'll save money and time by purchasing a
multi-fare (available in any amount) or an unlimited ride Metrocard.
For visitors, the best deal is often the weekly Metrocard that costs
$24. It offers unlimited travel on subways and buses for seven days.
One and 30-day cards are also available.
Surface Transport
Buses
City buses cover many side streets and reach places that the subways
don't. Anywhere in the city the fare is $2, and you may transfer from
subway to bus, bus to subway, or bus to bus for free using a Metrocard
fare card. Bus stops are marked by yellow curbstones and a blue, white
and red sign that indicates which buses stop there. To signal that you
want to get off a bus, press the yellow or black strip on the wall. The
'Stop Requested' sign will come on, and the driver will stop at the
next official bus stop.
Taxis
Taxis are a safe and convenient way to get around the city, if not
always the least expensive or readily available option. Available taxis
will have the taxi number sign on top of the cab lit up. If this light
is off it means the taxi is already occupied, so don't bother waving at
it. Taxis can be especially hard to find around 4pm - known to locals
as 'shift change' time. You will see many cabs at this hour that have
the words "OFF DUTY" lit up next to the cab number.
Taxis are
obliged to take you anywhere you want to go within the five boroughs,
as well as to the airport in Newark. If you plan on taxiing to an outer
borough destination you should know the route you want to take in
advance, in case the driver doesn't. You'll be responsible for bridge
and tunnel tolls in addition to the fare.
Each taxi ride starts
with a base fare of $2.50 on the meter. Each 1/5 mile of travel or 2
minutes of wait time in traffic adds another $0.40 to the fare. During
rush hour from 4-8pm, a peak surcharge of $1 applies, and at night
after 8pm a surcharge of $0.50 is added.
Get Sole Smart
If you really want to fall in love with New York, you have to
experience the city by foot. The sheer variety of neighborhoods, food,
shops, and people becomes positively vibrant when packed into a walk.
Indian restaurants border designer boutiques; Park Avenue matrons march
past Lower East Side punks. And the turnover in the city is so great
that you never know what undiscovered shop or snack spot lies just
around the corner. Our best piece of advice is to wear the most
comfortable shoes you own.
