NYC Underground Subway Walking Tour

Overview

Explore the world’s largest subway system, the beating heart of the city that never sleeps. On this guided NYC subway tour you will discover the fascinating beginnings of the NYC subway, and explore spaces even the most seasoned commuter might not know about.

- Explore City Hall Park as the birthplace of the NYC subway system
- Learn about the comically short route of the mythical “Subway before the Subway,” Alfred Ely Beach’s Pneumatic Transit System
- See the architectural ghosts of the now nearly forgotten, and partially abandoned, Chambers Street station then nicknamed the “Grand Central of Downtown”
- Use the 6 train as your own time machine as you ride through abandoned subway stations
- Discover the remnants of Union Station as you learn about a hidden art installation thousands of riders walk by everyday

Guests will need one MetroCard swipe or OMNY tap to enter the subway.

All the stops on this tour are in stations which are publicly accessible.

City: New York City

Tue 19 Nov

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $35.00

Make a reservation

Tue 19 Nov

Starting at $35.00

Make a reservation

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What's Included

Ear pieces provided to each guests ensuring everyone hears the guide perfectly

Guided walking tour with a native New Yorker!

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Hand sanitiser available to travellers and staff
Gear/equipment sanitised between use
Guides required to regularly wash hands
Regular temperature checks for staff
Temperature checks for travellers upon arrival
Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
COVID-19 vaccination required for guides
We provide ear pieces to each participants so guests can hear the guides perfectly, even from a distance while maintaining social distancing.

What To Expect

City Hall Park

You will learn about the creation of the very first NYC subway station while looking at visible remnants from City Hall park!

Brooklyn Bridge

We will see the Brooklyn at the beginning of the tour

The Municipal Building

Learn about the importance of this building in the creation of the NYC subway system!

Union Square

Explore the Union Square subway station and its surprising Art installation

Show 1 more stops

Cancellation Policy

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

Traveler Photos

Reviews (158)

LeslieBrumley

May 2022

Hearing the history of the building of the subway system. Our guide was very knowledgeable and had pictures that he showed us while talking. Excellent!

Response from Host

May 2022

Leslie, I thank you for taking the time to review your experience with us on the Underground Subway Tour. So happy you enjoyed it! Take good care.

DenysM367

May 2022

Expectation was greater then result. Expected more of " perhaps " a dedicated train car for the tour and actual time at the abandoned stations. More on me then what was given.

Response from Host

May 2022

Hello and I thank you for your review. I am extremely sorry this tour did not meet your expectations but with how the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) operates here in NYC, there is no way for private train service or access into abandoned stations. We designed a tour as best we could to give both New Yorkers and visitors a better sense of the history and hidden infrastructure of the subway system while operating within the law. You see abandoned stations but unfortunately we cannot go in them. Even the MTA itself does not offer such an experience at the moment. Again I thank you for the feedback and please feel free to email at [email protected] if you have any further thoughts or concerns regarding your experience. Be well and take good care!

GreenBee8

May 2022

Such an interesting tour. Our guide (unfortunately I forgot his name) was great and incredibly knowledgeable. I highly recommend this tour for anyone who wants to know more about the history of one of the oldest subway systems in the country and for transportation buffs.

Response from Host

May 2022

What a great review! I am so happy to see that you enjoyed your Underground Subway Tour with us. We hope to see you again soon. Be well!