Roosevelt Island Tramway
Soar above the East River for breathtaking Manhattan skyline views at the price of a subway ride. A unique and affordable NYC experience!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Roosevelt Island Tramway
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Soar above the East River for breathtaking Manhattan skyline views at the price of a subway ride. A unique and affordable NYC experience!
💰 Use Your MetroCard
The tram accepts MetroCards, making it as affordable as a subway ride!
📸 Capture the Views
Hold your phone steady for the best shots of the skyline. Sunset is particularly stunning.
Quick Facts
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Manhattan Skyline Panorama
During the ride
Soar 250 feet above the East River for unparalleled views of the iconic Manhattan skyline.
+1East River Views
During the ride
Enjoy unique perspectives of the East River, bridges, and Roosevelt Island's waterfront.
Unique Commute Experience
Boarding station
Experience a truly unique way to travel, feeling like you're flying over the city.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Budget-Friendly NYC Views
+1Beat the Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💰 Use Your MetroCard
The tram accepts MetroCards, making it as affordable as a subway ride!
📸 Capture the Views
Hold your phone steady for the best shots of the skyline. Sunset is particularly stunning.
⏰ Check the Schedule
Operating hours vary, so check the latest schedule before you go.
🚶♀️ Explore Roosevelt Island
Make a day of it! Roosevelt Island offers parks and unique architecture to discover.
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Use Your MetroCard
The tram accepts MetroCards, making it as affordable as a subway ride!
📸 Capture the Views
Hold your phone steady for the best shots of the skyline. Sunset is particularly stunning.
⏰ Check the Schedule
Operating hours vary, so check the latest schedule before you go.
🚶♀️ Explore Roosevelt Island
Make a day of it! Roosevelt Island offers parks and unique architecture to discover.
🎬 Movie Magic
Spot filming locations from movies like Spider-Man!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Roosevelt Island Tramway for its incredible value, offering stunning panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline and East River at the price of a subway ride. It's praised as a unique, affordable, and scenic alternative to crowded observation decks, though some note it can get busy during peak times.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Manhattan, take the N, R, W, 4, 5, or 6 subway lines to Lexington Ave/59th St. The tram station is located at East 59th Street and 2nd Avenue.
The closest subway station is Lexington Ave/59th St, served by the N, R, W, 4, 5, and 6 trains.
Yes, the tramway also operates from Tramway Plaza on Roosevelt Island back to Manhattan.
The tram is generally accessible, but it's always a good idea to check with the MTA for the most up-to-date accessibility information.
Walking from Midtown East is quite feasible, or you can take a short subway ride to Lexington Ave/59th St.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Roosevelt Island Tramway costs the same as a single subway ride, which is currently $2.90 per trip. You can use your MetroCard or OMNY.
No, you can pay per ride using your MetroCard or OMNY contactless payment at the station.
The tram typically runs from early morning until late evening, with varying frequencies. It's best to check the official MTA schedule for exact times.
No, it is not free, but it is very affordable, costing the same as a subway fare.
Yes, unlimited MetroCards are accepted for rides on the Roosevelt Island Tramway.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
Sunset and sunrise offer the most dramatic lighting for skyline photos. Evenings provide beautiful city lights.
You'll get stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, including the Chrysler Building and Empire State Building, as well as the Queensboro Bridge.
Yes, the large windows offer clear views. Try to hold your phone steady and avoid reflections if possible.
While the ride itself is the main attraction, the waterfront on Roosevelt Island offers great ground-level views back towards Manhattan.
Absolutely! Many creators share videos of their tram rides, capturing the dynamic city views.
ℹ️ 💡 General Tips
It's known for offering one of the most scenic and affordable aerial views of the Manhattan skyline and East River.
The ride itself is quite short, taking approximately four minutes one way.
While popular, it's often considered a hidden gem or underrated attraction compared to other NYC viewpoints.
Roosevelt Island offers parks, waterfront promenades, the Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park, and unique architecture.
Yes, unlimited ride MetroCards are valid for the Roosevelt Island Tramway.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit