Last reviewed: · Prices in US Dollars ($ USD) are approximate and for orientation only.
New York City: MTA OMNY Contactless ($2.90 Ride / $34 7-Day Cap)
Skip paper MetroCards completely. Tap any contactless Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Apple Pay, or Google Pay device directly on the glowing OMNY screen at any NYC Subway turnstile or local bus. Each ride costs $2.90, and once you tap 12 times ($34.00) within 7 consecutive days using the exact same card or device, every additional ride for the rest of that 7-day window is automatically $0.
San Francisco (Clipper), Los Angeles (TAP) & Seattle (ORCA)
In Both San Francisco and Los Angeles, add a free digital Clipper Card (SF) or TAP Card (LA) directly inside Apple Wallet or Google Wallet before you fly. In San Francisco, Muni rides cost $2.50 via Clipper, while historic Cable Cars cost $8 single ride—buy the $14 1-Day or $33 3-Day Visitor Passport on the MuniMobile app for unlimited Cable Cars. In Los Angeles, Metro rides are $1.75 with an automatic $5 daily cap and $18 7-day cap.
Chicago (CTA Ventra), Washington, D.C. (WMATA SmarTrip) & Boston (MBTA)
Chicago's CTA 'L' and buses accept direct contactless bank-card taps ($2.50 ride; $5 from O'Hare), or buy a $5 1-Day / $15 3-Day / $20 7-Day Ventra pass in the Ventra app. Washington, D.C. Metrorail requires a digital SmarTrip card in Apple/Google Wallet ($2.25–$6.75 distance fare, or $13.50 1-Day / $33.75 3-Day pass). Boston's MBTA now accepts contactless tap-to-pay ($2.40 subway) and offers a free Silver Line SL1 bus from Logan Airport to South Station.
Key Takeaways & US Travel Tips
- Verify current entry rules on official U.S. government portals (esta.cbp.dhs.gov, nps.gov, recreation.gov).
- Use our interactive US Sales Tax & Tipping Calculator ($), National Parks Pass Calculator ($80), and Amtrak Rail Calculator.
- Save offline maps and our printable American English & Dietary Allergy Show-Cards before departure.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: