New York Museum of Transportation
Step into NYC's transit past! Explore vintage subway cars and learn about the city's transportation evolution.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
New York Museum of Transportation
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into NYC's transit past! Explore vintage subway cars and learn about the city's transportation evolution.
"A gripping trip through the history of public transit, with real subway cars to explore!"
🎯 Ride the Trolley!
Don't miss the trolley ride for a narrated journey through transportation history.
👟 Comfy Shoes are Key
You'll be walking and exploring vintage cars, so wear comfortable shoes!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vintage Subway Cars
Main Exhibition Hall
Step back in time by exploring a collection of meticulously preserved subway cars from different eras of NYC history.
Trolley Rides
Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum (seasonal)
Experience a nostalgic trolley ride, a unique offering that brings the past to life with narrated historical insights.
Historic Fire Trucks & Vehicles
Exhibition Hall
Discover a fascinating array of antique fire trucks, plows, rollers, and even an original Greyhound bus.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Ride the Trolley!
Don't miss the trolley ride for a narrated journey through transportation history.
👟 Comfy Shoes are Key
You'll be walking and exploring vintage cars, so wear comfortable shoes!
🎟️ Check for Free Days
Look for Culture Pass or special free admission days to save on tickets.
📸 Capture the History
Plenty of photo ops with vintage trains and exhibits.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Ride the Trolley!
Don't miss the trolley ride for a narrated journey through transportation history.
👟 Comfy Shoes are Key
You'll be walking and exploring vintage cars, so wear comfortable shoes!
🎟️ Check for Free Days
Look for Culture Pass or special free admission days to save on tickets.
📸 Capture the History
Plenty of photo ops with vintage trains and exhibits.
🛍️ Museum Store Finds
Browse the museum store for unique transit-themed souvenirs.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the New York Transit Museum for its educational value and immersive experience, especially for families. The chance to explore vintage subway cars and learn about NYC's transit history is a major highlight. While the Brooklyn location focuses on subway history, the Rochester museum offers charming trolley rides and a broader collection of vehicles. Some visitors note that the Rochester museum has more limited hours and is best accessed by car.
"Bring your kids!!
Great getaway and give them a break from screens. Lots to see specially during the annual car show day."
Hassan Gillani
"YouTube video of N.Y. Museum of Transportation.
One of my favorite, enjoyable, educational tours was my trip to the New York Museum of Transportation. They had a wide variety of vehicles dating back a century, "The Trolley". And you can go for a ride on it. While on the ride, an employee of the museum narrated some history, it was interesting.
Some of the other vehicles there were old fire trucks, (including the hook and ladder) plows trucks, old black top roller, an original Greyhound bus, and more.
I would strongly suggest if you are looking for an afternoon to get out and see something different go there. Kids enjoy it also. They see the way things were back in the days."
Nicholas Swann
"It most revolves around trains, but they have a few interesting cars and emergency vehicles. They did have part of the Midtown monorail which is cool. The staff were very polite."
Matthew Fuino
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The main New York Transit Museum is located in a decommissioned subway station at 99 Schermerhorn St in Downtown Brooklyn. It's easily accessible via multiple subway lines, including the A, C, G, F, B, D, N, Q, R, and 2, 3 trains. +1 For the New York Museum of Transportation in Rochester, it's located in Rush, NY, and is best accessed by car.
Parking in Downtown Brooklyn can be challenging and expensive. It's highly recommended to use public transportation to reach the New York Transit Museum in Brooklyn.
The New York Museum of Transportation in Rochester is primarily accessible by car. Public transportation options are limited in that area.
Yes, besides the main Brooklyn location, there's the New York Museum of Transportation in Rush, NY, which focuses on trolleys and vintage vehicles. 
The two museums are quite far apart (Brooklyn vs. Rochester). Travel between them would require significant driving or a combination of flights and car rentals. They are distinct destinations.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary. General admission for the New York Transit Museum in Brooklyn is typically around $10 for adults and $5 for children. Check their official website for the most current pricing and any special event ticket costs.
Yes, you can visit the New York Transit Museum for free with a Culture Pass if you are a New York Public Library cardholder.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially for weekends or special events, to avoid potential queues.
Opening hours can vary by season and location. The New York Transit Museum in Brooklyn is typically open Tuesday through Sunday. The New York Museum of Transportation in Rochester has more limited hours, often on weekends during warmer months. Always check their official websites for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, the New York Transit Museum offers membership options which can provide benefits like free admission and discounts.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore vintage subway cars, learn about the history of NYC's public transportation, see old advertisements, and view exhibits on transit infrastructure.
Absolutely! Kids love exploring the old subway cars and learning about trains. Special events like Halloween or holiday train shows are particularly engaging for families.
While you can't ride the subway cars within the Brooklyn museum itself, the New York Museum of Transportation in Rochester offers actual trolley rides.
The R110B is a rare subway car prototype that was a significant development in NYC transit technology. You can often see it at the New York Transit Museum.
The museum offers various tours and special programs, especially for groups. Check their schedule for specific transit museum tours.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The New York Transit Museum in Brooklyn does not have an on-site cafe. However, there are many dining options available in the surrounding Downtown Brooklyn area.
Generally, it's best to consume food and drinks outside the exhibit areas. Check the museum's specific policies regarding outside food and beverages.
The New York Museum of Transportation in Rochester may offer refreshments during special events, like cider and donuts during their Halloween events.
Downtown Brooklyn offers a wide variety of cuisines, from fast-casual eateries to sit-down restaurants, catering to diverse tastes and budgets.
It's often more convenient to eat before or after your visit, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the exhibits without time constraints.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography for personal use is generally allowed inside the New York Transit Museum. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect exhibits.
The vintage subway cars, the old station platforms, and any special exhibits like the Holiday Train Show offer fantastic photo opportunities.
Yes, you can typically take photos during the trolley ride at the New York Museum of Transportation in Rochester, but be mindful of other passengers and the moving vehicle.
Drone photography is generally not permitted inside museums or enclosed public spaces due to safety and privacy regulations.
Mornings on weekdays tend to have softer lighting and fewer people, which can be ideal for photography. Special events might offer unique lighting opportunities.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For an even more interactive experience, consider visiting the New York Museum of Transportation in Rochester, where you can actually ride on a historic trolley. Their special events, like the Halloween trolley rides with pumpkin picking and trick-or-treating, are incredibly popular with families and offer a full day of fun.
🚇 Public Transit Enthusiasts
Enthusiasts will appreciate the detailed exhibits and the chance to see rare prototypes like the R110B. The New York Museum of Transportation in Rochester appeals to a different segment of enthusiasts, focusing on trolleys and electric railways. The opportunity to ride on a vintage trolley is a major draw, offering a unique sensory experience.
Keep an eye out for their special excursion trains and events, which often cater specifically to those with a keen interest in operational historic vehicles. 📚 History Buffs & Educators
The exhibits provide context on engineering feats, labor history, and the daily lives of commuters throughout different periods. The New York Museum of Transportation in Rochester provides a valuable look at regional transportation history, particularly the era of trolleys and interurban lines that connected communities.
Educators can find inspiration for lessons on local history, industrial development, and the impact of technology on society. The educational value of experiencing these historic vehicles firsthand is immense, offering a more engaging learning experience than textbooks alone. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the New York Transit Museum in Brooklyn
+1This museum is a treasure trove for anyone interested in urban history, engineering, or simply the iconic imagery of the NYC subway. It's particularly engaging for families, providing a hands-on experience that brings history to life. The unique setting within an actual subway station adds to the authentic atmosphere, making it a memorable visit.
Beyond the main exhibits, the museum often hosts special events, such as the popular Holiday Nostalgia Train rides or the Holiday Train Show, which draw crowds and offer unique seasonal experiences.
+1 It's a testament to the enduring legacy and cultural significance of public transit in shaping New York City.The New York Museum of Transportation: A Rochester Gem
+1The museum's collection extends beyond trolleys to include antique fire trucks, snowplows, and other service vehicles, showcasing a broader spectrum of transportation and municipal equipment. This variety makes it an appealing destination for a wide range of interests, not just rail enthusiasts. The Rochester & Genesee Valley Railroad Museum is also adjacent, allowing for a combined experience of riding both trolleys and trains during special events.
NYMT is particularly known for its seasonal events, such as the popular Halloween-themed trolley rides and pumpkin picking, which are a hit with families.
Special Transit Excursions and Events
+1These excursions provide a rare opportunity to ride on historic subway cars, such as the 'Redbird' cars, along active subway lines, offering a glimpse into what commuting was like decades ago.
+1 The New York Museum of Transportation in Rochester also hosts themed events, like 'Trains and Trolleys at Twilight' during the summer, and their popular Halloween events, which combine rides with festive activities. Attending these events can be a highlight of a visit, offering a more interactive and immersive experience. It's advisable to check the official websites of both institutions well in advance for schedules, ticketing information, and details on these special transit adventures.
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