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.
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.