You don’t actually need to buy a physical pass anymore. If you have a contactless credit/debit card or a smartphone with a digital wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay), you just walk up to the turnstile and tap it on the OMNY reader.
In 2026, buying a "subway pass" in New York City has changed significantly. The iconic yellow MetroCard has been officially retired. As of January 1, 2026, you can no longer buy or refill them. how to buy a subway pass in nyc
Each ride is $3.00 , and the weekly cap is reached at $35.00 . Option 2: The Physical OMNY Card You don’t actually need to buy a physical pass anymore
Instead, you use (One Metro New York), a contactless system where you simply tap to ride. Option 1: The "Invisible" Pass (Easiest) The iconic yellow MetroCard has been officially retired
Instead of buying a 7-day unlimited card upfront, OMNY uses fare capping . After you pay for 12 rides in a 7-day period using the same card or device, every ride for the rest of that week is free .
If you prefer a physical card or want to use cash, you can get a black-and-white OMNY card. MetroCard - MTA