Transferring Buses In Nyc: How Long Do You Get?

New York City's public buses offer free transfers between intersecting routes, which can be requested from the bus driver. Transfers are valid for one or two hours, depending on the route, and cannot be used for return trips on the same bus line. If you pay your fare with a MetroCard, your connecting transfer data is encoded on the card, so you can transfer to the subway or another bus by swiping your card again. If you pay with coins, you will be given a single-use MetroCard to use when transferring to another bus or the subway.

Free transfers within two hours of paying the fare

When you pay your fare on a bus in New York City, you can transfer for free to another bus or the subway within two hours. This applies whether you pay with a MetroCard, OMNY, or coins.

If you pay with a MetroCard, your connecting transfer data is encoded on the card, so you can transfer to the subway or another bus by using your MetroCard. You don't need to show anything to the bus driver—just insert your MetroCard into the farebox when you board.

If you pay with OMNY, your transfer will be applied automatically as long as you use the same card or device throughout your journey.

If you pay with coins, you can still transfer for free. Just ask the bus driver for a transfer ticket after you pay your fare. You can use this ticket to transfer to the subway or another bus.

Keep in mind that transfers are only valid for continuing your trip in a single direction. They cannot be used for a return trip on the same bus line. Additionally, if you are transferring from a local bus to an express bus, you will need to pay the fare difference.

Paying with a MetroCard

MetroCards can be purchased at vending machines in every subway station for $1. You can add value to the card or buy a 7-Day Unlimited Express Bus Plus MetroCard. The latter is only available at ticket machines and cannot be refilled. It is useful if you don't want to put the $5.80 minimum on a pay-per-ride card.

To pay for your bus fare with a MetroCard, insert your card into the farebox near the driver, with the logo facing you and the black magnetic strip on the right side. Your fare will be deducted automatically and your card will pop back out.

If you are transferring to another bus, you don't need a paper ticket. Use the same MetroCard throughout your journey and transfers will be applied automatically.

If you are transferring to a subway, use your MetroCard or transfer and swipe at the turnstile to enter the platform. Please note that transfers are good for two hours on subways and buses.

If you are transferring from a local bus to an express bus, you will be charged the fare difference.

If you are transferring from a local bus to a Select Bus Service (SBS) bus, make sure to get an SBS ticket from a sidewalk kiosk before you board.

Fares

The base cost of riding a local or limited-stop bus is $2.90. The fare for an express bus is $7.

Paying with coins

If you are paying with coins, you will need to insert the exact fare into the farebox. The base cost of riding a Select Bus Service (SBS) bus is $2.75, the same as the subway or local or limited-stop bus. You can also use a MetroCard, OMNY, or a SingleRide ticket to pay your fare.

You can pay your fare at a Select Bus Service station on the sidewalk before boarding the bus. You will need to use a MetroCard or coin machine, which will provide you with a receipt as proof of payment. You can then enter the bus through any door, holding on to your receipt. At random, MTA fare inspectors may ask to see your proof of payment. If you do not have a valid receipt, you will be issued a $100 fare evasion summons.

If you are paying with coins and require a transfer, you should enter the bus through the front door and present your receipt to the bus operator. You can then request a transfer, which will be issued from the fare box. You can use your transfer on the subway or another bus. It is important to keep your receipt of payment while riding the Select Bus Service.

When riding a local bus, you can transfer for free to another local bus route or any subway train. Transfers are encoded on your MetroCard, and you can transfer within two hours of paying the fare. If you paid in coins, you can transfer between intersecting local bus routes within two hours by showing a printed transfer. Ask the bus operator for a transfer if you need one.

Transferring to an Express Bus

If you are transferring to an express bus from a local bus or the subway, you only need to pay the fare difference.

Paying with a contactless card or device

Contactless payments are available on all MTA-operated local, limited, and Select Bus Service routes in New York City, as well as express buses. You can pay your fare with a contactless credit or debit card, smartphone, or wearable device.

To pay with a contactless card or device, look for the OMNY reader, a rectangular screen near the driver, as you board the bus. On local, limited, and express buses, you must enter and use the reader at the front door. On Select Bus Service buses, you can enter at any door and use the reader there.

Hold your contactless card or device within 1-2 inches of the OMNY reader. You don't need to tap the reader; simply holding your card or device near the reader will process the payment. The reader will indicate whether the payment was successful or not.

If you are using a smartphone or other mobile device, you may need to open your "wallet" app, depending on your device. For example, Express Mode on Apple phones works with OMNY, so you can simply tap and go.

Contactless payments offer a secure and convenient way to pay your bus fare. Each transaction generates a unique, one-time code, which helps to reduce the risk of counterfeit fraud. Additionally, you won't be billed twice, even if you accidentally tap twice.

Please note that if you are transferring to another bus, you can use the same card or device throughout your journey, and transfers will be applied automatically.

Boarding and exiting the bus

When boarding a bus in New York City, always use the front door. This is where you will find the machine to pay your fare. You can pay your fare by inserting your MetroCard into the farebox, tapping your OMNY card or contactless card/device on the OMNY reader, or by inserting your coins into the farebox. If you are paying with coins, you must have the exact fare ready as bus operators do not give change.

If you are using a MetroCard, you can board through any door, not just the front door. You can also skip the sidewalk kiosks and tap your OMNY card or device on the OMNY reader as you enter.

If you are boarding a Select Bus Service (SBS) bus, you must pay your fare before boarding. At each SBS bus stop, there is a machine where you can pay your fare and receive a proof-of-payment receipt. You can pay with a MetroCard or with coins (maximum 25 coins). Keep your receipt with you during your ride as MTA fare inspectors may ask to see it. With a proof-of-payment receipt, you can enter and exit through any of the bus's doors.

All New York City buses can "kneel" (tilt towards the curb) to make boarding easier. If you are unable to walk up the front steps, you can board using the wheelchair lift at the rear of the bus. The bus operator has a key to operate the lift.

When exiting the bus, use the rear doors. On some buses, these doors open automatically when you press the tape strip located on the doors. If not, push along the yellow lines when the bus is stopped to open the doors.

If you need to transfer to another bus, there are a few different options depending on your method of payment. If you paid with a MetroCard and are transferring to a non-SBS bus, simply insert your card into the fare box when you board the second bus. If you paid with a MetroCard and are transferring to another SBS bus, you will need to get another receipt from a machine before boarding the second bus. If you paid with coins and are transferring to another bus, enter through the front door of the first bus and ask the driver for a transfer. Insert that transfer when you board the second bus.

Frequently asked questions