How to ride NYC Subway free?

Once you've taken 12 paid rides in a seven-day period, you can ride free for the rest of the week. Here's an example: A rider uses the subway to get to and from work, and takes it on weekends to go into Manhattan to meet friends. They also use the local buses in their neighborhood to run errands.



While I understand the curiosity, I should emphasize that riding the NYC Subway without paying is illegal and can result in fines, criminal charges, or arrest. The MTA relies on fare revenue to operate and maintain the system, and fare evasion harms public services.

That said, here are the legal and legitimate ways to ride for free or at a reduced cost:

1. Official Discount/Fare Assistance Programs

  • Fair Fares NYC: A City program offering 50% discounted MetroCards to eligible low-income residents (apply via NYC.gov).
  • Senior Citizens: Riders aged 65+ can get a Reduced-Fare MetroCard (pay half price).
  • People with Disabilities: Eligible individuals can apply for a Reduced-Fare MetroCard.
  • NYC Students: Public school students may get free or discounted passes through their schools.

2. Transit Benefits Programs

  • Many employers offer pre-tax transit benefits (like WageWorks or Commuter Benefits), effectively reducing your cost.
  • Some companies provide free MetroCards as an employee perk.

3. Unintended (But Not Recommended) Loopholes

  • Emergency Exits: Some stations have push-bar emergency exits that people misuse. This is illegal (fines up to $100) and can trigger alarms.
  • “Swipe” Sharing: Some people try to pass through turnstiles behind a paying rider. This is fare evasion and can lead to penalties.
  • Jumping Turnstiles: Obviously illegal and regularly enforced.

4. Free

People Also Ask

Subways and local buses Tap your smart phone or contactless credit or debit card to ride with OMNY. Get free rides after 12 fares within seven days using the same device or contactless card with fare capping.

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Riding the subway is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to get around the city. For most riders, the subway fare is $2.90. Reduced fares are available for people 65 and older, people with disabilities, and low-income New Yorkers. Learn more about fares.

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Fare Evasion: $100 Fine Individuals are not permitted to enter the New York City Transit subway system or buses without payment of the fare. This includes instances when your MetroCard is not functioning properly.

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You can use cash, credit, or debit cards to make your purchase. New York City subway fares are $2.75 per trip. For visitors staying more than a couple of days you can buy a one week unlimited MetroCard for $33 or an unlimited monthly MetroCard for $127.00.

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Cost: $34 (7-day) or $132 (30-day). You have unlimited swipes on the subway and local buses for either 7 or 30 days. Your MetroCard can only hold one Unlimited Ride refill at a time. You can't pause an unlimited ride card once you've started using it.

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Up to three children under 44 inches tall ride for free when they're with a fare-paying adult.

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What is this? Select Single Ride if you only need one ticket for one trip and pay $3. To purchase a Pay-Per-Ride Card or a 7-Days-Unlimited Card press MetroCard. Select $9 MetroCard, if you want to buy a Pay-Per-Ride Card and you want to get done quick.

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Since MetroCards are still available until the end of 2024, so until then, it may not be worth buying an OMNY card, which costs $4 more than a MetroCard. On the other hand, if you use a pay-per-ride MetroCard, you do not get to take advantage of the OMNY fare cap mentioned above.

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Trains on the same track cannot pass each other like buses can, and so to increase speed, changes can only be made in terms of headway, or in which stations are served. Skipping stations increases the average speed of trains, thus making journeys quicker and more appealing to commuters.

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Cost: $34 (7-day) or $132 (30-day). You have unlimited swipes on the subway and local buses for either 7 or 30 days. Your MetroCard can only hold one Unlimited Ride refill at a time. You can't pause an unlimited ride card once you've started using it.

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Once you've taken 12 paid rides in a seven-day period, you can ride free for the rest of the week. Here's an example: A rider uses the subway to get to and from work, and takes it on weekends to go into Manhattan to meet friends. They also use the local buses in their neighborhood to run errands.

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The Annual Transit Card is an annual unlimited ride MetroCard. When you enroll in the Annual Card Program, you will receive a MetroCard that can be used for a continuous 12-month period for unlimited rides on MTA subway and local buses.

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