Hi to all,

The MTA website indicates two 7-day cards:
- the 7 day unlimited pass, 29$,
- the 7 day express bus plus metrocard, 50$.

We are primarely (99%) going to stay in Manhattan, in a hotel between Times Square and 50th, for 8 nights.
What would the express card offer us? Is the express bus plus, when staying in Mnahattan, necessary?
Which card would you suggest to buy?

Have a nice day.
(12 days before take-off!!!)

No - you don;t want an express bus card. In Manhattan subway is far far the fastest choice for getting around. Buses are not a good choice much of the time due to the very heavy traffic (walking is often as fast or faster than the bus). Express buses makes sense for people that live where the subway service isn't great and need to use express buses for long distances - not tourists.

Ok, thanks nytraveler!

Express buses only operate between Manhattan and the far reaches of the outer boroughs. I've lived in NYC for 20 years and I've taken an express bus perhaps 5 times. The are strictly for commuters and not at all for travelers coming into the city.

I take the buses in Manhattan all the time. It all depends on the time of day, weather, and whether there are crazy traffic conditions like the month of December or the President is in town.

You can watch the city pass by, it is like the Hop On, Hop Off bus for 1/20 of the cost.

I have lived here all my life and have taken at least 15,000 subway rides. It was very efficent for trips in Manhattan but the view varies little.

Buses are fine if you have more time - but no need for an Expres Bus pass to ride them - the regular Metro Card will do.

Ok, thank you all, the regular metro card it will be!!

When you do take the subway, go to the firsr car and have the kids look through the front door window. It is a fun way to ride as you see the lights whiz by and the stations appear in the near distance.