Comparing Unlimited Ride
and Pay-Per-Ride (Regular) MetroCard

Unlimited Ride MetroCard

Pay-Per-Ride MetroCard

The more you ride, the less each ride costs. 7% bonus on purchase of $10 or more
All free transfers included. Free subway-to-bus, bus-to-subway, or bus-to-bus transfer within
2 hours of paying your fare. (Some exceptions apply)
No refills. Get a new card every time you buy one. Refill as often as you like, until card expires.
Can only be used by one person at a time. Can be used to pay for up to 4 people at a time.
Cannot be used again at the same station or same bus route for 18 minutes.  

 

MetroCard offers you several ways to save on your commute.  Whether you choose the Pay-Per-Ride bonus card or one of the Unlimited Ride options, how much you save depends on how often you ride.  To help you figure out which card is best for you, use this chart:

Values
Number of Rides Buy This Card  Cost Your Cost Per Ride
Occasional $10 Pay-Per-Ride
($10.70 value with 7% bonus)
$10     $2.10
14 per week 7-Day Unlimited $29 $2.07
20     $1.45
50 per month 30-Day Unlimited $104 $2.08
60     $1.73
Express Bus Rider
5 days per week (10 rides)
7-Day Express Bus Plus $50     $5.00
Occasional Express Bus Rider

$10 Pay-Per-Ride
($10.70 value with 7% bonus)
$10     $5.14
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