The MetroCard: New York’s former subway card

The MetroCard was the transit card for New York's subway and buses. Note: as of January 1, 2026, it has been replaced by OMNY.

What You Need to Know About the Unlimited Ride MetroCard

Getting around New York is fastest by public transportation—buses and especially the subway. To use them freely without buying individual tickets, you could purchase an Unlimited Ride MetroCard, similar to a transit pass in other cities.
I’m speaking in the past tense because the Unlimited Ride MetroCard was discontinued on December 31, 2025. This paper card has been replaced by a contactless system called OMNY.
OMNY is even more convenient than the old MetroCard. You don’t need to calculate which pass to buy. OMNY automatically applies the best rate based on how you travel.
Visit the dedicated OMNY page, where I explain how to set up your account. It’s straightforward, and a weekly pass costs the same as the old MetroCard.

OMNY, like the MetroCard, works on all New York City buses and subways.
OMNY also works on the Roosevelt Island Tramway. It’s a unique ride worth experiencing.

If you’re traveling to New York in 2026, you won’t be able to buy a MetroCard. Sales ended permanently on December 31, 2025. The MetroCard system has been replaced by the contactless OMNY card.
OMNY is the new contactless payment system launched by New York’s transit authority. It’s available at all 472 subway stations and on every bus in the city.
You’ll need to use this new system.