"New York City traffic is horrible!" "Parking is a nightmare!"

When talking about New York City transportation, you can hear these complaints coming from first-time tourists and frequent visitors alike. Unless you have extraordinary patience and thick skin, you probably would not enjoy driving your own car around the city, especially if you are unfamiliar with the area.

Fortunately, New York City has some great transportation alternatives. When visiting, consider using one of the five most common types of transportation in the city (aside from your own vehicle): the subway, the bus, a taxi, a private car service, or even your own two feet? You will never have to worry about finding a parking spot, and you can focus your energy on enjoying your time in the city.

1) Subway
The subway is the cheapest and fastest mode of transportation. While you may sometimes experience delays and large crowds, especially during rush hour, you usually can count on its efficiency in getting you to your destination. Most stations are open 24 hours a day, and subway maps are widely available. As of this writing, a single subway ride costs $2.25. The MetroCard is a common method of payment for the subway. Cards can be purchased for nearly any amount and you can add funds as needed.

2) Bus
In addition to the subway system, the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) also operates the city's bus system. While not necessarily the fastest way to reach your destination, the bus offers a comfortable ride and the opportunity to see parts of the city that you would miss while riding underground on the subway. Like the subway, the bus costs $2.25 for a single ride. You pay for bus rides either with a MetroCard or with the exact fare in coins.

3) Taxi
Taxis are another convenient way to navigate around New York City. If you want to go directly from Point A to Point B, a taxi might be your best option. However, New York City traffic is notoriously busy at certain times and in certain locations. So be careful to avoid racking up a huge fare while sitting in a traffic jam. When planning your travel, it also is important to note that most taxis accept only cash.

4) Private Car Service
A more luxurious (and reliable) method of transportation is a private car service. Instead of standing on the corner waiting for an available taxi to come along, you can arrange your ride by phone and receive personalized door-to-door service. Although it is the most expensive option, the reliability of a car company might ease some anxiety that you might have about traveling in the city.

5) Walking
If you are a first-time visitor to New York City with a limited amount of time to see the sights, sometimes the best option is to explore the city on foot. When you spend all of your travel time underground, or confined behind the doors and windows of a bus or car, you miss many of the experiences that make the city unique. You would not encounter the distinct scents of the food vendors or pizza parlors that you walk past, or witness the exciting sights and sounds of the street performers.

New York City is a great travel destination, and there are many ways to explore the city. Make your visit as stress-free and enjoyable as possible by leaving your car behind and experiencing the city's wide array of transportation options.