How To Buy A Subway Pass In Nyc May 2026

You don’t actually need to buy a physical pass anymore. If you have a contactless credit/debit card or a smartphone with a digital wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay), you just walk up to the turnstile and tap it on the OMNY reader.

Instead of buying a 7-day unlimited card upfront, OMNY uses fare capping . After you pay for 12 rides in a 7-day period using the same card or device, every ride for the rest of that week is free . how to buy a subway pass in nyc

Each ride is $3.00 , and the weekly cap is reached at $35.00 . Option 2: The Physical OMNY Card You don’t actually need to buy a physical pass anymore

Instead, you use (One Metro New York), a contactless system where you simply tap to ride. Option 1: The "Invisible" Pass (Easiest) After you pay for 12 rides in a

In 2026, buying a "subway pass" in New York City has changed significantly. The iconic yellow MetroCard has been officially retired. As of January 1, 2026, you can no longer buy or refill them.

If you prefer a physical card or want to use cash, you can get a black-and-white OMNY card. MetroCard - MTA