Subway By far the best way of getting around Manhattan and the outer boroughs, NYC's 24-hour subway system is the largest, most used public transportation system in the world. Price is fixed at $2 per ride and visitors can purchase $7 unlimited daily and $21 unlimited weekly Metrocards. You can also purchase Metrocards by the ride, and the city offers 20% bonuses for purchases of $10 or more (i.e. a $10 purchase will get you 6 rides). Riders should expect to see higher fares by as much as 30%, as the city council is considering rate hikes within the next two years.
Buses The same cost as the subway, buses are mostly used for getting across town, as the subway system generally runs north/south on Manhattan. Due to the city's permanent traffic problems and frequent stops, buses are best used off peak transit hours.
Yellow cabs The most convenient form of transportation around the city,
Yellow cabs will take you wherever you want to go for
$1.50 per mile (about 16 blocks), with an initial $2 charge. At night there is a $0.50 surcharge, and when idling the meter charges $.20 per minute. Though 12,000 sounds like a lot, at rush hour, in the rain or in the snow, you can wave your arms futilely for upwards of half an hour before successfully hailing a cab. Always get in the cab before telling the driver where you want to go. It is against the law for drivers to refuse a destination, but that doesn't stop many of them from speeding away if they think your fare isn't worth their time. This is particularly problematic when travelling to the outer boroughs, as drivers have a difficult time finding return fares to the city. A proposed 25% rate hike over the next year will most likely be in effect soon, so travellers should expect to see higher rates.
Car service There are numerous private car services in New York City that can arrange to transport large parties (yellow cabs can only take four passengers at a time), but you can expect to pay significantly more for the service. Have your hotel arrange pick-ups and drop-offs ahead of time.