When I first started planning my trip to Yonkers, I didn’t realize how crucial understanding the public transportation system would be. Sitting just north of New York City, Yonkers has its own rhythm—less chaotic than Manhattan but still very much connected to the energy of the greater metro area. For first-time visitors, learning how to move around the city efficiently can make all the difference. Over the course of my stay, I walked, rode trains, hopped on buses, and even experimented with ferries and ride-sharing options. What struck me was how Yonkers offered a balance: accessible enough to feel manageable for a newcomer, yet varied enough to let me choose how I wanted to explore.
To help other travelers, I’ve put together this complete guide based on my experiences—walking the streets, waiting on platforms, fumbling with MetroCards, and eventually finding the confidence to navigate like a local.
Getting to Yonkers: The First Step
My journey began long before stepping foot in Yonkers. I booked my flight through Google Flights, scanning for the best fares into nearby airports like LaGuardia, JFK, and Newark. For accommodations, Booking.com proved to be invaluable, letting me find hotels both within Yonkers and in Manhattan, depending on where I wanted to base myself.
Arriving at LaGuardia, I was immediately struck by the reality that Yonkers doesn’t have its own major airport, but that’s not a drawback. With efficient ground transportation, getting into Yonkers is straightforward. Depending on your budget, you can take a shuttle, rideshare, or, like me, combine an airport bus with a Metro-North train from Grand Central Terminal.
What surprised me most was how quickly Yonkers felt reachable: about 25–40 minutes by train from Midtown Manhattan. That proximity makes Yonkers a perfect base for exploring both the city itself and New York City beyond.
Metro-North Railroad: The Backbone of Travel
First Impressions of the Train
The Metro-North Railroad became my lifeline during my stay. The Hudson Line runs directly through Yonkers, and every time I stepped onto those sleek silver trains, I felt like I was slipping into the heartbeat of the region. The Yonkers Station, located at 5 Buena Vista Avenue right on the Hudson River, became a familiar landmark. Its location couldn’t be more picturesque—watching the water shimmer as I waited for a train made commuting a pleasure rather than a chore.
Routes and Key Stops
From Yonkers Station, I could head south to Grand Central Terminal in Manhattan or north to destinations like Tarrytown, Croton-Harmon, or even Poughkeepsie if I felt like extending my day trip. The southbound ride into Manhattan was particularly scenic, hugging the Hudson River for much of the way. Each trip felt like a moving postcard, especially when the late-afternoon sun lit up the Palisades across the river.
Costs and Tickets
Tickets are fairly straightforward. On weekdays, peak fares apply during rush hours, while off-peak fares are cheaper and more relaxed. I purchased my tickets using the MTA eTix app, which saved me from fumbling at ticket machines. Conductors were friendly and accustomed to tourists, always willing to explain when I wasn’t sure about zones or fares. For budget travelers, buying ten-trip tickets can save money if you plan multiple rides.
Travel Tips
- Sit on the left side when heading south to Manhattan for the best river views.
- Buy tickets in advance—purchasing on board is possible but comes with an extra surcharge.
- Trains are punctual; arriving five minutes early ensures a stress-free boarding.
Buses in Yonkers: The Local Experience
Bee-Line Bus System
Once I got comfortable with the trains, I turned my attention to buses. Yonkers is served by Westchester County’s Bee-Line Bus System, and it quickly became clear that this was the backbone of local travel for residents.
I remember boarding my first Bee-Line bus at Getty Square, the heart of downtown Yonkers. The driver greeted me with a nod, and I felt an immediate sense of community—the kind you don’t always get in Manhattan. These buses connected me to neighborhoods that trains simply don’t reach.
Key Routes
- The 1, 2, and 3 lines run north-south along Broadway, making it easy to traverse the length of Yonkers.
- The 6 line took me toward Bronxville and Eastchester, areas I might not have visited otherwise.
- Connections to the NYC subway at the northern Bronx made it possible to link Yonkers with the wider New York City network.
Fares and Payment
The Bee-Line accepts the MetroCard, which was a blessing since I already had one for the subway. A single ride cost me the same as in New York City, making the system seamless for tourists. Transfers between Bee-Line buses and the NYC subway are also free within a two-hour window if you use a MetroCard.
My Impressions
Buses felt slower than trains, especially during rush hours, but they allowed me to see Yonkers at street level. Passing rows of historic buildings, small delis, and bustling local businesses gave me a better sense of the city’s daily life.
Walking: The Overlooked Option
At first, I underestimated how walkable Yonkers is. The city is hilly, yes, but compact enough that many attractions are accessible by foot. I spent entire afternoons walking between parks, shops, and the riverfront. One memorable walk took me from Untermyer Gardens Conservancy down Broadway into the heart of the city, with frequent pauses for coffee and photography.
Walking also introduced me to unexpected moments: murals painted on brick walls, the aroma of fresh empanadas wafting from small bakeries, and conversations with locals curious about where I was visiting from. For those who enjoy exploring slowly, walking is an underrated but rewarding way to travel in Yonkers.
Ferries and the Hudson River
Yonkers’ position on the Hudson River makes water transport both scenic and practical. Seasonal ferries operate to connect Yonkers with parts of Manhattan, particularly during summer months. On one breezy September evening, I boarded a ferry just as the sun was setting, and the view of the skyline from the water was unforgettable.
Fares are slightly higher than trains, but the experience is worth it. It’s less about efficiency and more about soaking in the landscape. Checking schedules in advance is essential, as service is limited compared to the frequent Metro-North trains.
Subway Connections
While Yonkers itself doesn’t have subway stations, the city connects seamlessly to the Bronx, where the 2, 4, and 5 lines begin. Using Bee-Line buses or even walking a short distance across the border, I found myself with full access to the New York City Subway.
This connection was invaluable on days when I wanted to combine Yonkers sightseeing with adventures deeper into the city. For example, after a morning at Tibbetts Brook Park, I hopped on a bus to the Bronx and took the 2 train straight into Times Square.
Ride-Sharing and Taxis
For late-night travel or trips where public transportation didn’t quite fit, ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft were lifesavers. Prices were higher than buses or trains, but splitting fares with fellow travelers made it affordable. Traditional taxis also operate in Yonkers, often clustered around transport hubs like the Yonkers Station.
One evening, after a long dinner at a riverside restaurant booked through OpenTable, I opted for a quick Uber back to my hotel. The convenience was worth the extra cost, especially after a full day of walking.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
Traveling around Yonkers taught me plenty of lessons I wish I had known earlier:
- Get a MetroCard immediately. It works for Bee-Line buses and NYC subways, keeping travel simple.
- Use apps. The MTA TrainTime app and Bee-Line Bus Tracker were invaluable in checking schedules.
- Travel off-peak. Both trains and buses are quieter and cheaper outside of rush hours.
- Combine transport methods. Some of my best days involved taking a train one way, then walking or bussing back.
- Stay central. Booking a hotel near the train station via Booking.com saved me time and money.
Day Trips from Yonkers by Public Transit
The beauty of Yonkers’ transport system is that it connects you not only within the city but also to destinations beyond. From Yonkers Station, I took easy day trips to:
- Tarrytown – just 15 minutes north, with charming shops and the famous Sleepy Hollow.
- Grand Central Terminal – less than 30 minutes south, putting all of Manhattan within reach.
- White Plains – a hub of shopping and dining, reachable by bus or train.
Using Viator, I even booked a guided day trip that included both Yonkers highlights and an excursion further up the Hudson Valley, seamlessly combining public transport with a curated experience.
Dining Between Rides
No guide to transportation would be complete without mentioning food. Yonkers’ transport hubs are surrounded by restaurants and cafés perfect for fueling up. Near Yonkers Station, I often grabbed a bagel and coffee before boarding a train. Other times, I used OpenTable to reserve dinner after a long day of exploring—ensuring I had a guaranteed seat even when places got busy.
Why Public Transit Matters in Yonkers
As I reflected on my week in Yonkers, I realized that public transportation wasn’t just about getting from point A to point B. It shaped how I experienced the city. Watching the Hudson glide past from a train window, overhearing conversations in multiple languages on the bus, stepping onto the ferry deck as the skyline came into view—all these moments deepened my sense of connection.
Yonkers is a city that invites exploration. For first-time visitors, leaning into its transportation system means opening yourself to the rhythms of local life. It’s affordable, reliable, and most importantly, it brings you into contact with the community in ways that cars or taxis never could.
Planning ahead with tools like Google Flights for airfare, Booking.com for hotels, Viator for guided tours, and OpenTable for meals gave me the structure I needed. But once I arrived, embracing Yonkers’ public transportation allowed me to let go of rigid plans and simply explore.
If you’re visiting Yonkers for the first time, step onto the train platform, hop on the Bee-Line, and see where the path takes you. The city opens itself up to those willing to move through it the way locals do. And for me, that was the greatest discovery of all.
