Nyc Bus Transfers: How Long Do They Remain Valid?

New York City Transit, a division of the MTA, operates public buses in New York City. The cost of riding a Select Bus Service (SBS) bus is $2.75, the same as the subway or the local or limited-stop bus. Bus transfers in NYC last for two hours from when the fare was paid. If you paid in coins, you can transfer from a local bus on one route to a local bus on another route, if the routes intersect, within two hours of paying the fare. You can transfer for free from one local bus route to another local bus route or any subway train.

Transfers are valid for two hours

If you're wondering how long your bus transfer will last in New York City, here's the lowdown. Bus transfers in NYC are valid for two hours from the time of purchase. This means you can use your transfer to hop on another bus or the subway within that two-hour window without paying an additional fare. This applies to both MetroCard and OMNY users, so no matter how you pay, you can take advantage of this time-based transfer system.

Using a MetroCard

If you're using a MetroCard, your connecting transfer data is automatically encoded on the card. So, when you go to use your transfer, simply swipe your card again, but you won't be charged. Make sure to hold on to your receipt of payment, as proof of purchase is required when riding the Select Bus Service. It's also important to note that you can't transfer from the subway to the bus route you initially started from, or from subway to subway on the same MetroCard.

Paying with Coins

For those paying with coins, the process is a little different. You'll need to enter the bus through the front door and present your Select Bus Service receipt to the bus operator. At this point, you can request a transfer, which will be issued from the fare box. Like with the MetroCard, this transfer can be used on the subway or another bus within two hours of paying the initial fare. Again, be sure to keep your receipt of payment handy when riding.

Using OMNY

If you're using OMNY to pay your fare, you can skip the ticket kiosks and board through any door. Simply tap your contactless card, smartphone, or wearable device on the OMNY reader to pay. Your transfer will be automatically applied when you use the same card or device throughout your journey. OMNY is available on all MTA-operated local, limited, and Select Bus Service routes, as well as express buses, giving you plenty of flexibility when transferring.

You can transfer to another bus for free

In New York City, you can transfer from one local bus route to another local bus route or any subway train for free. This transfer is encoded on your MetroCard, so you can swipe it again without being charged. These transfers are valid within two hours of when you paid the fare. If you paid with coins, you can transfer from one local bus route to another within two hours of paying the fare by showing a printed transfer, which you can ask the bus operator for.

Using a MetroCard

If you are using a MetroCard, you don't need a paper ticket to transfer to another bus. You can use the same card throughout your journey, and transfers will be applied automatically. OMNY is available on all MTA-operated local, limited, and Select Bus Service routes in New York City, as well as express buses.

Using Coins

If you paid with coins, you can still transfer for free, but you will need to show a printed transfer. To do this, enter through the front door of the bus and present your receipt to the bus operator. Then, request a transfer, which will be issued from the fare box. You can use this transfer on the subway or on another bus. Make sure to keep your receipt of payment while riding the bus.

Select Bus Service

If you are riding a Select Bus Service bus, you can pay your fare on the sidewalk at a Select Bus Service station stop using a MetroCard or coin machine. You will receive a receipt as proof of payment, which you should keep during your ride as it may be requested by MTA inspectors. If you are transferring to another Select Bus Service route, insert your MetroCard or bus transfer into the MetroCard fare machine associated with the new route. You will be issued a new ticket as proof of payment, which you should keep throughout your ride. Please note that tickets are specific to each SBS route.

Transfers are encoded on your MetroCard

In New York City, transfers are encoded on your MetroCard when you pay your fare. This means that you can transfer to the subway or another bus route by using the same MetroCard. You don't need to show anything to the bus driver, and your connecting transfer data will be stored on the card. Make sure to keep your receipt of payment while riding the Select Bus Service.

The transfer is valid for two hours from when you paid the fare. This applies to transfers from one local bus route to another local bus route or any subway train. If you are transferring from a local bus to an express bus, you only need to pay the fare difference.

It's important to note that there are some restrictions on transfers. For example, you cannot transfer from the subway to the bus route on which you started, or between certain bus routes, such as the Downtown Fifth Avenue and Uptown Madison Avenue buses (M1, M2, M3, M4). Additionally, you cannot use a Regular MetroCard for a transfer at the same subway station or on the same bus route for at least 18 minutes after it was first used.

To use your MetroCard for a transfer, simply insert it into the farebox or swipe it at the turnstile. Your fare will be deducted automatically, and your card will pop back out. You can also use OMNY, a contactless payment system, to pay your fare and transfer by tapping your contactless credit or debit card, smartphone, or wearable device at the OMNY reader.

You can transfer from a local bus to an express bus for the fare difference

In New York City, you can transfer from a local bus to an express bus for the fare difference. This is also the case when transferring from the subway to a local or express bus.

Using a MetroCard

If you are using a MetroCard, the transfer gets encoded on your card. You will swipe it again when you transfer, but you won't be charged. Transfers are valid within two hours of when you paid the fare.

Paying with coins

If you pay with coins, you can transfer from a local bus on one route to a local bus on another route, if the routes intersect, within two hours of paying the fare. You will need to ask the bus operator for a printed transfer to show when you transfer.

Select Bus Service (SBS)

All transfer policies are the same for Select Bus Service as they are with other bus-to-bus, bus-to-subway, or subway-to-bus transfers. If you are transferring from a local bus to an SBS bus, make sure to get an SBS ticket from a sidewalk kiosk before you board.

You can't transfer between specific bus routes

In New York City, transfers from one local bus route to another or to any subway train are free. These transfers are valid within two hours of paying the fare. If you pay your fare in coins, you can transfer from one local bus route to another within two hours of paying the fare by showing a printed transfer. You can obtain a printed transfer by asking the bus operator.

There are certain bus routes in New York City that do not allow transfers between them. These restrictions are in place to prevent passengers from taking advantage of the system and continuously travelling back and forth between two routes without paying additional fares. Here are the specific bus routes that do not allow transfers between them:

• Downtown Fifth Avenue and Uptown Madison Avenue buses (M1, M2, M3, M4)
• Downtown Lexington Avenue and Uptown Third Avenue buses (M101, M102, M103)
• Southbound and Northbound Grand Concourse buses (Bx1 and Bx2)
• M31 and M57 (transfers are only permitted from westbound M31 to westbound M57, and from eastbound M57 to eastbound M31)

It's important to note that these restrictions are in place to maintain the integrity of the public transportation system and ensure that everyone pays their fair share. Attempting to transfer between these specific bus routes with a MetroCard or other fare payment method will not work, and you may be subject to a penalty or fine. Always be sure to check the bus route and transfer policies before beginning your journey to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.

Frequently asked questions