No commuter will ever forget that New York City has a population of 8.5 million people. Anybody who can trudge through the morning Manhattan commute day in and day out has the grit of a true New Yorker. But everybody in the city has different ways of getting to work. Whether you’re coming in from the suburbs, walking across Manhattan or even hopping across the river from Brooklyn, these are the five best ways to get to work (and still try to maintain a good mood).
Get a MetroCard
By far, the best way to deal with getting somewhere fast during peak commuter hours is the subway. For those who take the rails to and from the office every day, an unlimited monthly MetroCard is the savviest option. It will set you back $121 every month. Just be warned, however, that the most efficient way is often the most crowded. Although you may get to your subway stop on time, during the mornings, it may be necessary to wait for three or four trains to pass before you can board. Make sure to bring a book or your favorite new podcast.
Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripLooking for an expert's perspective?
Uncover my top 3 recommended places from each continent on the map.
CentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.Next
CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea. Next
CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different. SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.Next
SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon. Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Next
Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers. Next
Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers. Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Next
Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise. Next
Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price Africa
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Next
Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt. Next
Rent a Citi Bike
Commuters who love biking but don’t want to deal with the problem of storage during office hours should consider hopping aboard a Citi Bike. Annual membership to the program costs $163 per year (or $14.95 per month). Members get keys to unlock bikes at any station in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens or Jersey City, and their first 45 minutes on the bike are free. Here’s a pro tip: plan out your route so that you can change bicycles before you reach the 45-minute mark. If you keep switching bikes, you could, theoretically, ride all day for free.
Sign up for UberPOOL
Last year, Uber launched a program for those who prefer to spend their commute time above ground. For commuters in Manhattan, Uber has SUPER cheap fares for anywhere below 125th Street. Prices start at $3 (not much more than a ride on the subway) and average about $5. Depending on where you’re going—and your tolerance for traffic—UberPOOL may be one of the best options between 6 to 10 a.m. and 5 to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Invest in some sneakers
But, then again, New York City is one of the most walkable places on the planet—depending on where you’re going. Make like a true New Yorker and lace up your walking shoes for commutes during the warmer weather. And just remember: for a real New Yorker, no walk is too long. One hour each way is definitely fair game.
Try out the ferry
Anybody coming from Brooklyn or Staten Island into Manhattan can try a lesser-frequented (but more beautiful) form of transportation: the ferry. As a bonus, throughout this summer (starting May 1, 2017), the city will launch the all-new New York City Ferry Service. The new routes will take commuters from Astoria, Long Island City, Greenpoint, Williamsburg, DUMBO, Red Hook, Sunset Park and The Rockaways straight into Manhattan.
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.
KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
