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)

Jb110664

May 2022

Very cool. Lots of info and good stories. Loved the additional old pictured. Guide was very knowledgeable

Response from Host

May 2022

Awesome review and I thank you for it. Glad you enjoyed your time with us at Grand Central. Be well!

heidig627

May 2022

There is always something new to learn in NYC and this tour was a great addition. I enjoyed both being outside with a small group (ours was 14) and underground, amid everyday passengers. AJ was full of humor, knowledge, and commentary - very relaxing and social while being informative and engaging. Having ear pieces was clutch as they allowed us to move as a group and not fear we were missing a fun part of the conversation. I also appreciated the visual aids and historical pictures. Not too long or too short but just right at 120 minutes.

Response from Host

May 2022

Heidi, I thank you for the amazing review of our Underground Subway Tour. AJ is truly amazing and go glad you felt it was just the right length as well. We have worked hard to refine the tour to make it as perfect as possible to take in everything about the history and current workings of the NYC subway system. Please be well!

robertvX9636JB

Apr 2022

STAND CLEAR OF THE CLOSING DOORS! Amazing experience! AJ was a wonderfully educated (and fun!) guide who had us all geeking out on NYC's subway system. As a native New Yorker (who thinks he knows it all, as most of us NY'ers do), he surprised us with tons of cool little known facts that I had no idea I needed to know. Totally recommended!! You will not be disappointed. Robert V.

Response from Host

May 2022

Robert what an outstanding review! I'm over the moon that you, a native New Yorker, were able to geek out with AJ, he is wealth of knowledge about the system for sure. Please take good care!