Guided Private Underground New York Subway Tour

Overview

This private tour will completely demystify New York's famous subway system. and give you the secret history and inside story of the creation of the original 1904 subway line and how it grew into one of the most extensive transportation systems in the world. All the art, all the history, all the technical breakthroughs, all the "whys" and all the shenanigans that went into this spectacular achievement. This is a unique experience for visitors and locals alike. The tour is approximately 2.5-hours.

Please read the activity details for more information.

City: New York City

Sat 21 Sep

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $185.00

Make a reservation

Sat 21 Sep

Starting at $185.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Professional local guide for a group up to five MAXIMUM.

Additional Info

Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Price shown is per group
A small amount of walking is involved and there are some stairs
We DO NOT enter the tunnels. We view the City Hall Station from the safety of the train. We do not do anything illegal. We visit areas that are open to the public but, in some cases, overlooked.
Face masks required for travellers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Social distancing enforced throughout experience

What To Expect

Brooklyn Bridge

The subway station, not the bridge. It is here, out side the station, were we get a bulk of the history. We enter the system here and it is here where the admission is paid. TIMING IS APPROXIMATE.

New York City Subway

We ride the original route and see the most beautiful abandoned station in the world. We will stop at Astor Place, then Grand Central Station and switch to the Shuttle to Times Square. Admission is paid one time only when we enter the system. TIMING IS APPROXIMATE.

Times Square

The subway station, how it became the most important station in the system as well as the several million dollars worth of art installed there. Admission is paid when you enter the system at the beginning of the tour. TIMING IS APPROXIMATE.

Astor Place

Subway Station with gorgeous terra cotta work. Admission is paid at the beginning of the tour when we enter the system. TIMING IS APPROXIMATE.

Grand Central Terminal

How Grand Central Terminal Came to be, the prior 2 stations, how and why we almost lost the Terminal and the drastic steps to save it and renovate it. TIMING IS APPROXIMATE.

Show 2 more stops

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Traveler Photos

Reviews (40)

efentonjr

Mar 2018

My sister surprised me with this tour for my birthday. Gary had numerous pictures of and a wealth of knowledge of the history and archeticture of the NYC subway. He guided us into and on various subway stations including the Shuttle & Grand Central and 42nd Street. He held our interest throughout the tour. I would highly recommend this tour & plan on other NYC tours with him. As his card said - Gary is a authentic New Yorker.

Harriet C

Jan 2018

Fabulous tour guide. Deeply knowledgeable about the subways and NYC history. Engaging manner. Tailored tour to our group. We had lots of fun and learned a lot. Book this tour!!!!

Charles H

Jun 2017

We expected to be doing a lot of walking in the old subways only to find out that it is illegal. There was a lot of time sitting on a bench while the guide very knowledgable went over pictures on his computer. Would have been better walking and looking, that's why we booked the trip.

Still had a relatively good time despite not being what we signed up for.

Response from Host

Jun 2017

TOUR OPERATOR COMMENT: Thank you for your feedback. Please note, it is illegal to “enter or cross upon the tracks” in the New York City subway system. What I strive to do on this tour is explain how our subway system came to be, the original art in the system, and the meaning of the art itself. What I never wish to do is break the law, risk arrest, injury, or death to my tour participants. Safety is one of my top priorities. As such, I'm sorry to hear this tour did not meet your expectations, but we are glad to hear you still enjoyed the overall tour experience.