Can Metrocards be bought someplace other than in the subway at machines (or booths, if the station has a live peson there)?

I haven't used the NYC subway since tokens went the way of all things. I'm not thrilled at the prospect of having to stop and pull out my reading glasses to negotiate the purchase of the metrocard.

Can they be purchased in any denomination, such as for as little as 2 rides? I'm anticipating using the subway for travel between the Columbus Circle/Lincoln Center area and Spring Street primarily. Then, from Spring Street perhaps to Macy's or to Rockefeller Center. E train on the west side, yes? If I can figure out which train is going in which direction. But, different leaving the Spring street area. Thanks for any pointers New Yorkers can give!

Metrocards can be purchased with cash at stations that have a manned both. Some neighborhood stores and deli's sell them and the visitor center at Times Square also sells them. I think minimum purchase is $4 (two rides).

The E is the right train for the travel points you mention. the signs in the station will indicate Uptown and Downtown - if you are still confused just ask anyone near a latform - they will know. The downtown train will probably be labeled as "Chambers Street" or "WTC" and the Uptown train will have a Queens destination on it. You'll need to walk about six blocks from Columbus Circle to Lincoln Center when using hte E. You could also just get the 1, 2, 3 or 9 at Houston or Canal and get off right by Lincoln Center but you'll still do some walking from Spring Street to reach those stations. Six of one.... half dozen of the other...

As far as I know, local stores (delis etc) only ever sold "unlimited metrocards" --one day (now $7)and maybe the weekly cards (now $21). ON a practical level, I can't think of a single store in my neighborhood that does sell them, not since machines were put in most stations.

You can buy from a real live clerk only for an amount of $4 and up--both regular "pay-per-ride cards, or weekly and minthly unlimiteds". If you want a card for a single ride ($2) or a single day unlimited($7) you have to use the machines.

Oh, this is an easy one!
Just got back from NYC this Tuesday so I have the perspective of a visitor, like you.
Knowing we would be walking, cabbing and using the subway, we purchased 10.00 multi-ride cards, good for 6 rides.
Easy as pie. You can buy a 1 ride ticket or a multi-ticket.

Many thanks to all of you for these responses. Just the info I needed. Owen, I am assuming you are telling me I need to go to Columbus Station to catch the E, and not Lincoln Center. Columbus Circle surely will have a manned booth where I can get a two ride ticket!
Thanks again!

There is (or was?) a small transportation museum in Grand Central Terminal in the hallway to the west of the main area. It sells all kinds of Metrocards, and I also bought this great ticket holder that protects the ticket, yet the ticket slides in & out easily. Cards (not sure which ones) also sold at newstands in baggage area of LGA airport ... maybe JFK too.

I actually work right on Spring street by the 6 train, and I can tell you that there is a manned-booth there all day and night. There is also someone at the Spring st stop for the C&E, so you can just get it from them, w/o a problem.

You can check which booths have part-time closings by viewing this link:http://www.mta.nyc.ny.us/nyct/subway/closings.htm

Remember, when in Manhatan the city is very safe.

Owen! The E train doesn't go to Columbus Circle - it heads across 53rd street and goes to Queens! Eliztrav needs the C train. Go to www.nyc.gov and follow the links to transportation for a clickable subway map . . .