Navigating Manhattan is simple as long as you understand the grid, the transit system and have a good map or two. (Our NYMap is the best for street and sight location. The MTA's bus and subway maps are in NYPages with full-size MTA editions available free from subway stations.) The reach of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s subway and bus system is quite extensive and can shuttle you to within a few blocks of any destination on the island. For more private travel one can hail a taxi or rent a limousine.

Click on a category below to learn more:

Subways

Buses

Taxis & Limousines

Map

Visitor Centers

In a rush or going to a dinner date at Balthazar? Then perhaps public transportation is inappropriate. Try one of the many yellow taxis in Manhattan. Keep in mind however, that taxis will rarely take more than four customers in a cab. It might be that a party has to be divided into two for the trip.

Taxi drivers learn their etiquette from the more than sixty countries they originally hailed from. The upside is that taxis are plentiful, relatively cheap and, if you’re lucky, their drivers’ original solutions for Middle East peace will be explained to you free of charge. The etiquette of New Yorkers, on the other hand, is clear: “after you, if you can get there first.” So don’t be shy about pouncing on any cab at a standstill.

Taxis are free for hire when the center portion of their roof light is lit; they are off duty when the entire roof light is lit. Do not rely on the cabbie to know your destination by name. Give the avenue and cross street. Average cab fares around Manhattan are between $4.00 and $7.00. Add a 15% tip. As the taped voices of such luminaries as Eartha Kitt and sex advice guru Dr. Ruth Westheimer suggest, buckle up, keep track of your belongings and ask for a receipt.

If you need it to be sure and safe you should use a proper limousine company. A few cities in the US are big enough to support a second level of service with very hazy notions of quality, insurance coverage, driver knowledge, etc. The rates for these "Black car services" are far more competitive and the cars will normally get you where you're going. The telephone directories will give you dozens to try.

The company we recommend is a limousine company and will guarantee the rate for a trip upon booking. They have smart cars and knowledgeable drivers. They can arrange a whole series of pick-ups and drop-offs anywhere in the country.

The Limo Center

Tel: 973-546-6236 or 800-LIMO CENTER (800-546-6236) within the US.