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)

FarmerBard

Apr 2022

Richard was a great guide for our family of railfans. Recommend reading about the early NYC subway history before the trip to enrich this experience.

Response from Host

Apr 2022

Thanks so much and really great advice too. Love the way you described it in the title as well. Glad you enjoyed your time with Richard. Be well!

Philip_K

Apr 2022

Great history and sights. AJ was great. Stations were interesting...that's all I have to say about the tour

Response from Host

Apr 2022

Philip sometimes a nice short and sweet review says it all. Thanks for leaving it. Will be sure to pass it along to AJ. Be well.

Tina_J

Apr 2022

I can’t say I had a memorable part. The description of the experience is very misleading and all four of us were less than impressed and felt ripped off.

Response from Host

Apr 2022

Hi Tina, I am glad you have already taken the time to reach out to us via email which I responded to immediately. But would like to take the time to respond to you here as well. As I mentioned in our email exchange I am very disappointed that you felt that the tour did not meet up with your expectations and felt ripped off. This is and never has been our intention. We simply are not allowed under state and city law to enter abandoned stations legally. As I also mentioned in prior review response if your understanding was different we will take this feedback to make sure it is crystal clear in our Viator description moving forward. I thank you for your time and for joining us. Be well!