Comparing common transportation costs in NYC

Flutterfare compares cost estimates for different modes of transportation (only for NYC) based on fare information provided by the NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission, citibike, and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). Users can adjust various factors that determine the cost of either medium of transport such as time of ride, type of bike, etc.

about

What is Flutterfare?

With various ways to go around New York City, one may want to weigh their transportation options based on price range, time efficiency, safety, and accessibility. Flutterfare is a website designed to present and compare these options, currently limited to citibike, yellow taxis, and MTA rides. It was created in 2024 by John Usmanov, once an NY resident.

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Dashboard

Obtain estimates and comparisons of NYC transportation costs (citibike, yellow taxi, metro/bus). Additional transportation recommendations are also provided depending on trip factors.

Factors and Trip Details

Distance (miles)

Approximate trip distance in miles.

🚕 Rush Hour (4pm-8pm on weekdays)

Time of ride is within rush hour.

🚕 Overnight

Trip is within the hours of 8pm to 6am.

🚕 Congestion Surcharge

Trip begins, ends, or passes through Manhattan south of 96th Street.

🚕 Ride between Manhattan and JFK

Trip goes from Manhattan to JFK or vice versa.

$18.68

  • Price is estimated based on the implication that the rider will be traveling at an average of 8.75 mph, a fairly common citibike speed.
  • The citibike is one of the most environmentally-friendly transportation options in NYC
  • A citibike can get a rider to a destination (at shorter distances) faster than a taxi can during rush hour (4-8pm on weekdays). Taxis also have higher costs during rush hour.
  • Citibikes are ideal for shorter ranges, no more than 5-10 miles. Longer rides warrant taking a taxi, bus, or the metro.

    • $39.50

  • Taxis in NYC are safe- drivers have been screened and taxi accidents are minimal.
  • Taxis are easy to find because of their high abundance within the city. For this reason, a rider doesn't have to follow a strict schedule to get on a taxi- there's much flexibility.
  • During rush hour, taxis can be inconvenient due to the slowing of traffic and the $2.50 rush hour surcharge. In this case, a citibike might be better.
  • Taxis are ideal for longer distances compared to citibikes.

    • $2.90/ride

  • The MTA's transportation options are the cheapest in NYC. $2.90 per ride for the subway and the bus.
  • MTA Express bus costs $7 to ride.
  • NYC's metro is much faster than other transportation methods like cars (and taxis) and citibikes, especially over longer distances.
  • Unlike citibikes or taxis, it won't just be you riding. The MTA's bus and metro system ridership is around 5 million people total.

    • So, where can I find a citibike?

    There's an abundance of citibike stations scattered throughout NYC. Over the last decade, the city of New York has made massive efforts to increase the availability of citibikes due to their minimal cost and lack of carbon emissions. Check out the map to see all citibike stations in the city.

    Yes, NYC's subway (top) and bus (bottom) systems have been mapped too.

    Map only shows the typical weekday service of the Subway. Visit new.mta.info for further information regarding subway schedules. Both maps are up-to-date (upd. Aug. 2024 and Jul. 2024 respectively).

    How do I purchase my subway or bus ride in NYC?

    Per new.mta.info/fares - pay your subway fare at the turnstiles, and your bus fare by the door as you board. Subway accepts credit/debit cards and smartphone payment.

    Visit the MTA's information site →