MTA Passes for NYC Subways and Buses

The MCP Classic Package includes an MTA pass (also known as a MetroCard) for each participant. This pass is good for the New York City public subways and buses. Your included pass will have two (2) one-way trips pre-loaded on it, which is intended to get your ensemble from the residency hotel to the concert hall and back on concert day.

Many ensembles choose to walk from the hotel to the hall and use the MTA pass for another sightseeing excursion. If your ensemble will be taking the subway multiple times, you can upgrade the number of trips that are pre-loaded on your included MTA pass.

Should we upgrade our MTA passes or just have everyone use OMNY?

  • What is OMNY?

    • OMNY is the contactless fare payment system for public transportation in New York City. Simply tap your contactless credit/debit card or smart device (with digital wallet enabled) at the OMNY reader on the turnstile and go.

    • Up to four riders can use the same payment method.

  • We recommend groups with younger participants to upgrade their included MTA passes. Some younger people do not have access to a contactless credit/debit card or digital wallet, and may not be traveling with a parent who can tap them through.

  • OMNY is a great option for adult groups who are more independent. Individuals who choose to ride the subway more can handle that on their own.

Please complete the form below if you would like to upgrade your ensemble’s Classic Package MTA passes. Upgrades must be requested at least 60 days in advance of your event. The upgrade amount will be added to your group invoice once requested.

NYC Subway Orientation 

  • Subways in New York are identified by their letters or numbers. Colors indicate which Manhattan “trunk line” a train serves.

  • In Manhattan, “Downtown” means south and “Uptown” means north, so you will often see signs like “Uptown & The Bronx” or “Downtown & Brooklyn.”

  • Manhattan is a grid. Streets run laterally and are numbered 1-230, with numbers increasing as you go Uptown. Avenues run north to south are numbered 1-12 from east to west.

    • Check out this excellent video guide to orient you to Manhattan’s Grid system: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5da2rLyYCg

Tips for Riding the NYC Subway

  • Before entering the subway system, make sure each person knows what train you are getting on, the direction it’s going (Uptown or Downtown), and the name of the stop where you will exit.

    • Please have Google Maps downloaded on your smart device. It can give you public transit directions.

  • Break up into smaller groups of 5-6 people and have each smaller group choose a different door. Best to spread out amongst multiple subway cars.

  • Let others exit the train before you board. Stand to the side of the doors before boarding, not in front of them.

  • Move to the center of the car, then find a seat or place to hold on.

Common Subway Directions for MCP Groups

  • Westin Times Square to Carnegie Hall

    • N,Q,R,W trains uptown from “Times Sq-42 St” to “57 St-7 Av”

  • Westin Times Square to 9/11 Memorial & Museum

    • E train downtown from “42 St-Port Authority Bus Terminal” to “World Trade Center”

  • Westin Times Square to Statue of Liberty

    • 1 train downtown from “Times Sq-42 St” to “South Ferry”

  • Westin Times Square to Lincoln Center

    • 1 train uptown from “Times Sq-42 St” to “66 St-Lincoln Center”

  • Sheraton Times Square to 9/11 Memorial & Museum

    • E train downtown from “7 Av” to “World Trade Center”

  • Sheraton Times Square to Statue of Liberty

    • 1 train downtown from “50 St” to “South Ferry”

  • Sheraton Times Square to Lincoln Center

    • 1 train uptown from “50 St” to “66 St-Lincoln Center”