Getting Around

Bicycle Hire

There are almost 200km (124 miles) of bike lanes in New York. Bite of the Apple Tours/Rentals, 203 West 58th Street (tel: (212) 541 8759: www.centralparkbiketour.com), offers bicycle hire.

Public Transport

Public transport is run by the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA), New York City Transit (tel: (718) 330 1234; www.mta.info). The 24 hour subway is fast and cheap, although it is still best avoided late at night. The network serves over 400 stations. Staten Island is served by the MTA Staten Island Railway (tel: (718) 966 7478/SIRT: www.mta.info). Travellers use a MetroCard available at station kiosks and newsagents. Bus services are extensive and 24 hour, with stops every few blocks. Fares are paid with a MetroCard or exact change.

Taxis

Taxis are hailed on the curb. A 10-15% tip is expected, and there are various surcharges. Private car services can be called directly for fixed rate fares.

Driving in the City

Driving in Manhattan is not recommended to visitors. The traffic is horrendous and combined with impatient drivers, exorbitant parking fees, and elusive street parking, and you rapidly get the picture.

Car Hire

Drivers must be at least 25 years old. Recommended car hire companies include include Alamo (tel: 1 800 462 5266; www.alamo.com), Avis (tel: 1 800 331 1212; www.avis.com), Budget (tel: 1 800 527 0700; www.budget.com), Dollar (tel: 1 800 800 3665; www.dollar.com) and Enterprise (tel: 1 800 261 7331); www.enterprise.com).