Cars & transport in New York

Do you need a car in New York: what to understand in your first weeks

New York is one of the few American cities where a car is not a prerequisite for a normal life. In fact, for most of Manhattan and the denser parts of Brooklyn, a car becomes a source of constant expense and frustration. New York’s transport infrastructure was built over decades with the pedestrian and the transit rider in mind, not the driver. Grasping this logic in your first month means saving thousands of dollars — and a great deal of stress.

New York City Subway: how the MTA system works

MTA Subway — the largest and most extensive in the US: 472 stations, 27 lines, running 24/7. This is the key difference from most other American cities, where the subway shuts down at night.

Payment in 2026:

• OMNY — contactless payment by phone, Apple Watch, or Visa/Mastercard. Flat rate of $2.90 per ride, with a weekly cap applied automatically for frequent riders.
• MetroCard is a physical card being gradually phased out, but still valid. Convenient for those who haven’t linked a card to their phone.
• A weekly unlimited pass (where available) pays off from 12–13 trips per week.

An insider detail: transfers between MTA buses and the subway within 2 hours via OMNY are free — many expats are unaware of this and end up paying twice. The same logic applies with a MetroCard, but the transfer must be factored in at the time of purchase.

The night subway runs, but in some areas (certain lines in the Bronx and Queens) trains run every 20–30 minutes between 2 and 5 a.m. Uber is more convenient during those hours.

Uber, Lyft and ground transport

Uber and Lyft are ubiquitous and work without cash. A standard ride across Manhattan costs $15–25; from JFK to central Manhattan — $60–90 plus tolls and tip. Since 2024, New York has had congestion pricing (entry into Manhattan south of 60th Street): taxi and TNC (Uber/Lyft) drivers pay an additional surcharge, part of which is passed on to passengers — expect +$1.50–2.50 per ride into that zone.

MTA buses cover areas where the subway doesn’t reach — Staten Island, parts of Queens. Speed is low, but they work well for short trips between neighbourhoods.

Staten Island Ferry — the free ferry between Manhattan and Staten Island, one of the few no-cost routes in the city’s transit network.

Buying a car in New York: to buy or not to buy

Most Russian-speaking people moving to Manhattan, Brooklyn (Park Slope, Williamsburg, Brighton Beach), or Queens (Astoria, Forest Hills) go years without a car. A car makes sense if you live in suburban New Jersey, Long Island, or Westchester.

Once the decision is made, here are the key cost items:

Insider insight: street parking in Manhattan is effectively non-existent for newcomers — alternate side parking rules (street cleaning) require you to move your car several times a week. The fine for a violation is $65–115 per incident, and a tow will cost you $185 plus storage fees.

New York driving licence for Russians: how to get one and exchange

This is a separate bureaucratic process. A Russian driving licence in the US is not valid as a document for driving — it cannot simply be ’exchanged.’ You must go through the full NY Driver's License through the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles).

Steps to take:

1. Obtain a Social Security Number (SSN) or proof of work authorization.
2. Gather documents under the 6 points of ID system (passport — 3 points, foreign licence — 1 point, proof of address — 2 points, etc.).
3. Pass the Written Test (theory, 20 questions, minimum 14 correct). The test is available in Russian — this is an official DMV option in New York State.
4. Obtain a Learner Permit, then pass the Road Test (practical exam).

Road Test appointments are booked through the DMV website. The nearest slots in Manhattan are often booked out 8–12 weeks in advance. In Queens (Jamaica) and Brooklyn (Coney Island) the wait is usually a bit shorter. The combined cost of a Learner Permit and Road Test is around $80–100.

If you hold a driver’s license from another U.S. state, the DMV exchange process is significantly simpler and faster — no written test or road test required.

Common mistakes

1. Buying a car in your first month. Newcomers to NYC often overestimate how much they need one. Insurance without a US credit history runs $400–500 a month or more.
2. Not knowing about the free OMNY transfer. Paying twice for a subway + bus journey within 2 hours is money wasted.
3. Ignoring alternate-side parking signs. A tow plus a fine in the first few weeks is a classic story among Russian speakers who bought a car before they were ready.
4. Delaying your Road Test booking. Slots fill up months in advance. If you need your licence by a specific date — book immediately.
5. Not using the Russian-language version of the written test. Many people don’t know the DMV offers an official translation — they study in English and perform worse than they could.
6. Assuming an Uber from JFK will be cheap. Airport surcharges, tunnel and bridge tolls, and congestion pricing can make the final fare a shock for anyone who based their expectations on the base rate.

Practical takeaway

If you live within New York’s dense urban core — MTA subway + OMNY + Uber for occasional trips covers 95% of your transport needs. Sort out OMNY on your very first day: it is cheaper than a MetroCard for regular commuters and requires no separate card.

A car makes sense if you move to the suburbs or if your work requires constant trips outside the city. In that case, it is best to start the process of getting a New York licence as a Russian speaker immediately after receiving your SSN — the process takes at least 3–4 months accounting for waiting times.