With so many people in a very small place, how do New Yorkers get around?

The Subway

There are 469 stations with 238 miles (380 kilometers) of subway line in New York City. Most of the trains run under the streets. When the subway first started in 1904, it was only 5C for a ride. Now a ticket costs about $2. The trains run all day and night, and around 6 million people use the subway every day.

The subway can be dirty and noisy. But it is also the fastest, cheapest way to get around New York. There is only one problem for tourists—you cannot see the city!

Taxis

New York's bright yellow taxis are a famous sight. There are over 11,000 in the city. New Yorkers sometimes joke that the taxi drivers drive fast and dangerously. In fact, New York taxi drivers must follow a lot of rules. For example, a yellow taxi must take a passenger to any part of the city, even if it is dangerous.

If you get in a taxi in New York, always look for the driver's papers and number. A few taxi drivers do not have these and do not follow the city's rules. A ride in one of these taxis can be expensive or dangerous.

Cars

There are cars everywhere in New York, and the traffic can be terrible. It is not easy to have a car in the city. There are not enough parking spaces. If your car disappears, it was probably not taken by a car thief. It was probably moved by the police. There is a special telephone number that you can call. The police will tell you where your car is.

In fact, many people in New York do not own a car. They can travel by subway or bus. When they buy something big, a truck brings it to their apartment building.

Buses

Over 600 million people use the buses every year in New York City. There are more than 300 bus lines and 4,200 buses. They run on the main streets and usually travel north-south or east-west. Buses can be a great way to see the city, but they are often slow during the busiest times of day for traffic—early morning and late evening. Sometimes it is faster to walk!

Ferries

Ferries take passengers between Manhattan and Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, and New Jersey. But the most famous ferry travels between Staten Island and Manhattan. The Staten Island Ferry runs 24 hours a day and the ride takes about 25 minutes. Many workers take the ferry to their jobs in Manhattan. But it is great for tourists, too. The ferry gives a wonderful view of the Statue of Liberty. And the price is perfect—the ride is free.

Walking

Of course, Manhattan is a small island, so you can always walk. There is a lot to see on the streets. But be careful. More people are hurt by cars in the street than by criminals. Follow the signs on the street corners. They say "Walk" or "Don't walk."