NYC MetroCard Vending Machine & OMNY | Buy, Refill & Ride Faster
Learn NYC MetroCard vending machine to buy or refill cards fast. Discover fares, tips, and step-by-step guides to ride smarter today.
NYC MetroCard Vending Machines: A Complete Guide
NYC MetroCard vending machines let riders buy or refill MetroCards using cash or cards, offer unlimited ride options, give change, and are being replaced by OMNY.
NYC MetroCard Vending Machines — Practical Guide for Riders
MetroCard vending machines let riders buy a new card ($1) or reload existing cards. Machines accept cash, cards and contactless payments; OMNY is rolling out and will replace MetroCard sales by end of 2025.
How to Use MetroCard Vending Machines
- Begin transaction: Press Start — pick language.
- Choose option: Buy new ($1) or refill (no $1 fee).
- Pick fare: Pay-Per-Ride (min load commonly $5.80), 7-day, 30-day, SingleRide etc.
- Payment: Cash, coins, credit/debit or contactless (Apple/Google Pay). Machines return up to $6 in dollar coins.
- Collect card: New/reloaded MetroCard and receipt are dispensed.
- Accessibility: Many machines include Braille, audio guidance and multiple languages.
Where Machines Are Located
- Subway stations: Most major stations — hubs may have several machines.
- AirTrain JFK: Jamaica & Howard Beach MVMs sell AirTrain fares.
- Retail: Select newsstands & retailers sell MetroCards.
- Mobile vans: Occasional outreach vans for sales / events.
MetroCard Fare Options (2025)
| Service / Area | One-way / Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| NYC Local (Subway/Bus) | $2.90 |
| SingleRide (paper) | $3.25 |
| 7-Day Unlimited | $34 |
| 30-Day Unlimited | $132 |
| MTA Express Bus | $7.00 |
| 7-Day Express Bus Plus | $64 |
| AirTrain JFK | $8.50 (one way) |
| AirTrain 10-Trip | $26.50 |
| Bee-Line (Westchester) | $2.75 |
| NICE (Nassau) | $2.90 |
MetroCard vs OMNY — What Riders Need to Know
| Feature | MetroCard | OMNY |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Current system — ending 2025 | Contactless system — expanding |
| Form | Plastic card (mag stripe) | Tap with phone/card/wearable; OMNY card available |
| Start cost | $1 card fee + load | No card fee for tap; OMNY card purchase option |
| Fare price | $2.90 per ride | $2.90 per ride; fare capping applies |
| Unlimited / capping | 7-Day $34, 30-Day $132 | Fare capping — after 12 paid rides per week, additional rides free |
OMNY rollout & key facts
What’s happening:
- The MTA will stop selling MetroCards after December 31, 2025.
- Riders can still use MetroCards into 2026 during the phase-out.
- OMNY is a tap-to-pay system using phones, cards, wearables, or OMNY cards.
Rollout highlights:
- OMNY vending machines being installed at many stations to buy/reload OMNY cards.
- Goal: OMNY vending machines in all 472 subway stations by mid/late 2025.
Quick FAQ
How much does a new MetroCard cost?
A new MetroCard costs $1 plus the minimum load (commonly $5.80).
Where can I find MVMs?
Most subway stations, AirTrain (Jamaica/Howard Beach), and some retail outlets.
What payment methods are accepted?
Cash, coins, credit/debit, and contactless (Apple/Google Pay); note: smaller machines may be card-only.
Is MetroCard being phased out?
Yes — MetroCard sales end Dec 31, 2025; transition into 2026 as OMNY takes over.
The Bottom Line
During the transition, MVMs still serve many riders. OMNY removes the $1 physical-card fee for tap users and introduces fare capping. If you prefer a physical card, OMNY vending machines will replace MetroCard vending machines for purchase & reload functions. Always check official MTA notices if you rely on specific passes during the rollout.
