How to buy a metrocard

There are many different options when buying a metrocard but lets stick to the two most basic options. You can buy an “UNLIMITED” or a “REGULAR” metrocard.

Lets begin with buying a “REGULAR” metrocard.  A “regular” card means that you can buy a single ride which is $2.00, or buy a specific amount of rides. For instance, lets say you have figured out that you will be riding the subway 8 times, you can then put $16 , the exact amount for eight rides on your metrocard. Another option is to go with one of the bonus options the MTA gives you. For example if you buy a $10 card the MTA gives you a $1.50 bonus. If you buy $20 card they give you a $3.00 bonus on that card. These options are all under  the “Regular” metrocard option.

Now lets explore an “UNLIMITED” metrocard. Please remember that you can only use your unlimited card in 20 minute intervals. This prevents people from buying one card and swiping their whole family, extended family and all their friends in at one time. So remember, “One unlimited card per person.” Unlimited cards can be purchased for a day, week, or month.

“Unlimited Day Card”  $7.50 - If you think you might be riding the subway more then 4 times throughout the day, a daily unlimited card is the way to go.

“Unlimited Weekly”  $25.00 - If you are in NYC for a week or close to it, and anticipate using the subway to get around most of the time, the unlimited weekly is the way to go.

“Unlimited Monthly” $81.00- This is the best option for anyone staying in NYC for an extended period of time and will be using the subway daily. I recently tallied that i saved $120 in a month when buying an unlimited monthly card. Not bad!  

So thats it. It might seem a little confusing the first time you buy a card. A lot of different options come up but just keep it simple by remembering the two basic options of “Regular” and “Unlimited.” Also, you can use your metrocard on New York City buses as well.  You can also check out our “How to Buy a Metrocard” video below.