How to Ride a Bus in New York City

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: October 21, 2021 References

Riding the bus in New York City is pretty similar to riding it anywhere else, so don't be afraid to hop on a bus. It helps to purchase a MetroCard or SingleRide ticket ahead of time so you don't need exact change on the bus. Then you can figure out your route by planning it with the online trip planner or by reading a bus route map. Finally, ride the bus to your destination, making sure to follow bus etiquette and rules.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Getting a MetroCard or SingleRide Ticket

1
Find a MetroCard vending location. You can buy MetroCards in vending machines, which are located in bus stations and subways, as well as in subway station booths, which are staffed by attendants. These cards are also sold in local stores as well.^{[1]
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Research source} While you can't buy a MetroCard on the bus, you can buy one from the MetroCard bus or van that comes around the main bus routes once a month.^{[2]
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- If you work in New York City, you can also sometimes get MetroCards through your employer at a pre-tax rate.
2
Decide what kind of MetroCard you want. You can choose between a Pay-Per-Ride MetroCard or an Unlimited Ride MetroCard. With Pay-Per-Ride, you'll chose how many rides you want to add at $2.75 USD apiece in 2017, plus you get a 5% bonus. So if you put $25.00 USD on your card, they'll add an additional $1.25. With the Unlimited Ride MetroCard, you pay one price for unlimited rides for a week or 30 days.^{[3]
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- As of 2017, the Unlimited Ride MetroCard is $32.00 USD for a week and $121.00 USD for a month, unless you qualify for reduced rates. People with disabilities and people over 65 qualify for reduced rates. This card includes local buses and subways.
- You can also purchase an Unlimited Ride Express Bus MetroCard, which is $59.90 USD for a week. It includes express buses, not just local buses.
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3
Purchase your MetroCard or SingleRide Ticket. Once you've decided what you want, you can simply buy what you need. If you don't want to buy a MetroCard, which costs $1 USD the first time you buy it, you can also buy a SingleRide ticket. The SingleRide ticket is $3 USD and includes one transfer.^{[4]
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- You can pay with credit or debit cards at all vending machines, though only the large ones accept cash. Subway stations only accept cash. You must put at least $5.50 on a Pay-Per-Ride MetroCard.^{[5]
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- You can also pay cash on the bus in exact change.
- For an express bus, the fare is $6.50 USD.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Figuring Out Where to Go

1
Get a map. You can check out which route you want online and print out directions. However, you can also buy a pocket-sized map at most bookstores and even convenience stores to make it easier on yourself.^{[6]
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- You can use the Metropolitan Transport Authority's trip planner at http://www.mta.info/nyct. For instance, you can put in your departing address, landmark, or station name and the address, landmark, or station name of where you want to go. You can select just the bus or the bus plus the subway to get you there, as well as a departure time. Then the system will return itineraries that will get you where you need to go.
2
Figure out your route. Work out which buses you need to take and where you need to change buses. You want to know before you get on the bus so you don't get lost or get off at the wrong stop.^{[7]
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- If you use the trip planner online, it will tell you where you need to change buses. If you're just using a map, find the bus stop where your route meets the route that goes to your destination. That's where you'll change buses. Sometimes, you can find a direct route, too.
3
Find the bus stop. Figure out where your first bus stop is based on the route you've planned and head that direction. Look for a bus shelter, or at the very least, a round, blue sign that has a bus and the route number on it.^{[8]
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- The bus stops will be listed as part of your route when you look it up. Plus, you can look at a map of bus routes to locate bus stops.
4
Check the bus number as the bus pulls up. Just because you're at the right bus stop doesn't mean that every bus is the one you need. Buses from different routes will stop at the same bus stop, so check to make sure you're getting on the right bus.^{[9]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Boarding and Riding the Bus

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Board the bus through the front doors. Because you pay your fare at the front, it's important to board the bus there. Boarding the bus near the back can lead to confusion and can make the bus driver mad.^{[10]
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- If you're in a wheelchair, position yourself at the bus stop so the bus driver can see you. Signal to the bus driver. The bus driver will activate the ramp or position the lift so you can get on. The bus driver will also assist you in getting your wheelchair in place on the bus.^{[11]
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2
Pay for your ticket. Use your MetroCard or SingleRide ticket to pay for your fare. You can also pay for the ride in exact change. You must only use quarters, dimes, and nickles, no pennies.^{[12]
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- To use the MetroCard, dip it in the farebox. The front of the card should be facing you and the black strip should be on the right.
- You'll also put your money or SingleRide ticket in the farebox if that's what you're using.
3
Ask for a transfer ticket. If you pay for the ticket on the bus or use a SingleRide ticket, request a transfer ticket if you need to change buses. They are good for up to 2 hours on routes that intersect with your current route.^{[13]
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Move to the back of the bus. When you get on, move as far back as you can so you make room for other people entering the bus. Take a seat as soon as you can or hold on to the provided handles.^{[14]
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Keep your items out of the aisles and seats. Leaving bags or other items in the aisle is a safety hazard and could lead to people tripping or items being stolen. Similarly, don't leave bags in a seat that person could use, especially if the bus is crowded.^{[15]
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- Fold up baby strollers for the whole trip.
6
Request a stop with the cord. If you see your bus stop coming up, you can pull the cord for stops. You can also push the black band near the windows. The box that says "Stop Requested" at the front of the bus will light up when you do this.^{[16]
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- You might also see a red button for requesting a stop. Bands may also be yellow. Look for signage to locate these buttons and bands.^{[17]
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- Between 10:00pm and 5:00am, you can request a stop anywhere, not just at a bus stop.^{[18]
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7
Exit out the back of the bus. To keep on-board traffic flowing, leave through the back of the bus so people can board at the front. Look for the green light above the door, then press the yellow bar to open the door.^{[19]
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Community Q&A

Question

Can I use a credit card on a MTA bus?

Evan Lei

Community Answer

On Select Bus Service, you can use your credit card. Since you can't pay a fare using a credit card, it accepts MetroCard, OMNY, and cash, as mobile fares use credit cards.
Question

What bus do I need to take from Port Authority NYC to 53 Ann street, NYC?

Evan Lei

Community Answer

Subway stations like A, E, 2, and 3 were helpful and takes less time, so you should take M42 and M103 to get to 53 Ann St from Port Authority.
Question

Do Metro buses accept dollar bills toward $2.75 fare?

Community Answer

Depending where you live, some may do. However, using a Metro Card its much more convenient than cash and you can reload it from the bus station.