A Scenic Bus Ride: Nyc's Best Views

New York City is a bustling metropolis with a vast public transportation system, including an extensive bus network. The Big Apple's bus system is operated by New York City Transit, a division of the MTA, and offers an affordable and convenient way to get around the city. With over 14,000 bus stops across the five boroughs, you're never far from a bus connection in NYC. The bus system provides an opportunity to explore the city at a low cost, offering great views of iconic landmarks and providing access to major attractions. In this discussion, we will delve into the world of bus rides in NYC, exploring topics such as fares, schedules, and the overall experience of navigating this vibrant city on four wheels. So, grab your MetroCard and get ready to hit the streets of New York!

Bus ticket prices to NYC

The cost of a bus ticket to New York City (NYC) depends on several factors, including the origin of the journey, the type of bus, and the time of booking. Here is a comprehensive guide to bus ticket prices for travelling to NYC:

Bus Ticket Prices from Nearby Cities

If you are travelling to NYC from a nearby city, you can expect the following average ticket prices:

• Buffalo to NYC: $62
• Saratoga Springs to NYC: $61
• Rochester to NYC: $60
• Williamsburg to NYC: $97
• Toronto to NYC: $95

Bus Ticket Prices from Other States

For those travelling to NYC from other states, the average ticket prices are as follows:

• Lake Placid to NYC
• Catskill to NYC
• Kingston to NYC
• Schenectady to NYC
• Washington to NYC
• Philadelphia to NYC
• Baltimore to NYC
• Allentown to NYC
• Ithaca to NYC
• Newark to NYC
• Hartford to NYC
• Virginia Beach to NYC

Bus Ticket Prices within New York City

Once you are in NYC, you can use the city's extensive bus network to get around. The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) operates the public buses in NYC, and the cost of a single-ride ticket is $2.75. This can be paid in exact change or by using a MetroCard, which can be purchased at vending machines in subway stations. Please note that bus operators do not provide change, and dollar bills and pennies are not accepted.

Express Bus Services

For those looking for a faster option, express bus services are available for a higher fare. The express bus fare is $6.50 - $7.00 and can be paid with the MetroCard or in exact change. These buses typically operate during peak hours and weekdays and make limited stops, so they may not be suitable for all travellers.

Tips for Buying Bus Tickets to NYC

When purchasing bus tickets to NYC, it is recommended to book as early as possible to find the best deals. Additionally, consider using platforms like Busbud, which allow for easy comparison and booking of bus tickets online.

Bus stops in NYC

There are over 14,000-16,000 bus stops in New York City, serving 6,000 buses across the five boroughs. Bus stops are usually located at street corners and can be identified by their yellow painted curb and tall, round sign displaying a bus emblem and route number. Some bus stops also have shelters with large advertisements.

Most bus stops have a "Guide-A-Ride", a rectangular box displaying route maps and schedules. Local bus routes are designated by a letter followed by a number, with the letter indicating the area they serve. For example, routes with an "M" prefix operate mainly in Manhattan, "B" is for Brooklyn, "Bx" for the Bronx, "Q" for Queens, and "S" for Staten Island. Routes with an "X" prefix are express routes.

Select Bus Service (SBS) buses, which are a type of limited-stop bus, can be identified by their purple signage at bus stops. These buses board at all doors and have their route number displayed on the front and sometimes the back.

Limited (LTD) buses look similar to local buses but make fewer stops. These buses display an orange "Limited" card in the window and can be identified at bus stops by their purple signage.

Express buses look like coach buses and run between boroughs, often only during weekday rush hours. These buses charge a higher fare than local and limited buses.

It is important to note that during late nights, from 10 pm to 5 am, you can request a stop along the route even if it is not an official bus stop. This "Request-A-Stop" feature is available on most local and express bus routes, but not on limited-stop services.

When boarding a bus in NYC, always use the front door to pay your fare. You can pay with a MetroCard, coins, or a SingleRide ticket. OMNY, a contactless payment system, is also accepted on all New York City buses. If you need to request information from the bus driver, do so quickly to avoid holding up the bus.

To signal for your stop, push one of the mounted yellow tape strips, pull a yellow cord along the windows, or press a red stop button on one of the grab bars. Try to stay seated until the bus comes to a stop, and then exit through the rear doors.

Bus schedules to NYC

There are 55 bus stations in New York, with over 14,000 bus stops across the city. Bus schedules vary depending on the route and the company providing the service. Most buses run 24 hours a day, but it is important to check if your desired bus line provides night service.

The New York City Transit division of the MTA operates public buses in the city. Their website provides information on bus routes and schedules. You can also download the MTA app for real-time service information, maps, and schedules.

The MYMTA app also provides access to bus maps, subway maps, and a GPS-based direction system to help you navigate your way around the city.

If you are travelling to New York by bus, there are 19 bus companies to choose from, including FlixBus, Greyhound US, and OurBus. These companies offer daily buses to New York, with some companies providing specific departure and arrival times.

Bus schedules and routes can also be affected by the type of bus service. For example, Select Bus Service (SBS) buses make fewer stops and travel on priority routes, boarding at all doors. Limited (LTD) buses look similar to local buses but make fewer stops and can be identified by the "LTD" sign on the front and purple signage at bus stops. Express buses run between boroughs and often only operate during weekday rush hours.

When planning your trip to New York, it is recommended to book your bus ticket in advance to secure the best deals and ensure your preferred travel date.

How to pay for a bus to NYC

There are several ways to pay your fare when travelling by bus to New York City. The cost of a bus to NYC varies depending on the type of bus you take. Local, SBS and Limited buses cost $2.90 for most riders, while express buses cost $7.

Using OMNY

OMNY is a contactless tap-to-pay system that you can use to pay your fare. You can use your own contactless card, mobile device or wearable device, or an OMNY card, which can be purchased from a vending machine at many subway stations and hundreds of retail locations for $1. You can also set up an OMNY account and register your contactless card as a payment method.

Using a MetroCard

MetroCards are accepted on all New York City buses. You can purchase a MetroCard from a vending machine for $1. You can also pay using a SingleRide MetroCard ticket.

Using Coins

You can pay your fare with exact change in coins.

Using a Contactless Credit or Debit Card

You can pay your fare by tapping your contactless credit or debit card on the OMNY reader, a rectangular screen near the driver.

Rules for riding a bus to NYC

Riding a bus to NYC is a great way to get around, especially if you want to enjoy the view of the city or rest while travelling. Here are some rules and tips to keep in mind when riding a bus to or within New York City:

Boarding the Bus

• Always use the front door to board the bus. This is where you will find the machine to pay your fare.
• You need to have the exact fare, which is usually $2.75 in nickels, dimes, and quarters or a subway token. Bus operators don't make change, and fare boxes don't accept dollar bills or pennies.
• You can also use a MetroCard to pay your fare. These can be purchased at subway stations and vending machines.
• If you are using a MetroCard, you can board through any door, not just the front door.
• If you are using a contactless credit or debit card, smartphone, or wearable device, you can tap your card or device on the OMNY reader, usually located near the driver.
• If you are using the bus at night, between 10 pm and 5 am, you can ask the driver to let you off at a specific place along the route, even if it is not an official bus stop. This is called the "Request-A-Stop" feature.

On the Bus

• If there are no seats available, use the grab bars for balance and move to the back of the bus, where there is usually more room.
• Keep your packages and personal belongings out of the aisles for the safety and convenience of your fellow passengers.
• Keep the seats at the front of the bus available for people with disabilities or senior citizens. It is required to surrender these seats upon request.
• Do not stand in the stairwell or doorway while the bus is moving.
• If you are not sure whether the bus is going to your desired destination, ask the driver. They will know how to navigate the city.

Signalling a Stop

• To signal a stop, push the tape strip located above and beside the windows, or pull a yellow cord along the windows.
• You need to signal to the driver about one block before your desired stop.
• Try to stay in your seat until the bus comes to a stop.
• Exit through the rear doors.

Transfers

• You can transfer for free between most buses with intersecting routes.
• Request a transfer ticket from the driver after you pay your fare.
• When you catch the connecting bus, give the transfer ticket to the driver.
• Transfers are only valid for one or two hours, depending on the type of transfer, and cannot be used for your return trip on the same bus line.
• If you paid in coins and need to transfer to another bus or the subway, ask the driver for an electronic bus transfer when you board.

By following these rules and tips, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable bus ride to and within NYC.

Frequently asked questions