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

Fri 20 Sep

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $185.00

Make a reservation

Fri 20 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)

Kenneth_A

Sep 2021

Gary was fantastic providing us a great review of the history of the subway, and a better understanding of how to use the subway. His has enabled us to make much better use of the NY Subway!!!! This is a highly recommended tour!!!!

Response from Host

Sep 2021

Thank you for your kind words and I am very glad you enjoyed the tour.

Laurie_F

Jan 2020

As born and bred New Yorkers, and users of the NYC subway system, we were excited and amazed to learn so much about its history, from the 19th Century to present time. Gary, our guide, made the tour fun and informative. He talked about: how it got started, who were the men behind it all, how the NYC government played a part in it, what countries and states influenced them, and the different types of engines and materials used to make the train cars throughout the decades. Plus, other interesting tidbits and newsworthy facts about the subway stations and tunnels. This tour brought back fond memories of us traveling the different trains and subway lines of our youth. Gary instructed us to look up, down and around the subway stations to see the beautiful craftsmanship, murals, art and tiles that is and has been part of its history. Which is easily missed when you are rushing to get to your train. Whether you are a born New Yorker or new to the city, this amazing tour is one that shouldn't be missed. The time just "speeds" and you don't want it to end. Thank you Gary for an enjoyable experience! by R. Festa

Response from Host

Jan 2020

Thank you so much, you guys were an amazing group and so great to be with. Please send my best to the others.

Chester_B

Jan 2020

Gary deserves more than five stars. He gave us the background and rich history of what has lied below our feet and what we had taken for granted for so long. the tour was great value.

Response from Host

Jan 2020

Thank you for your kind words. I am very glad that you had a good time.