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

Mon 18 Nov

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $35.00

Make a reservation

Mon 18 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)

AnnaJane_D

Dec 2022

AJ, our guide, had an exceptional knowledge of the subway world and did a great job. The major disappointment was that the area we had really signed up for to visit was closed and we - as well as the other 3 ladies in our group - had no previous knowledge. The beginning of the tour was standing for about 20 minutes as AJ explained the birth of the subway - sitting on a bench would have been much more preferable. My friend’s back did not do well… I would suggest the tour for the real subway fans who want to learn more about previous routes and technical details.

Response from Host

Dec 2022

Hi Anna, thank you for your feedback on the tour. We try to make the subway tour fun for all levels of subway fans. Also, and unfortunately we do not have control of MTA service changes and closures which may have affected your tour. We do have alternate routes planned in the event that those closures happen. We would also be happy to credit you another tour for you and your friend when access to the closed areas you referenced is granted again. Please contact us at [email protected] and we would be happy to do that for you. My thanks and please take good care!

A2672GBjudithw

Nov 2022

The New York City Subway tour examines the subway system in a whole new way. As you walk through the streets of New York you will uncover the origins, scandals, and significance of the subway system as it relates to today. As you ride the train, you may encounter interesting subway characters who will make your journey of learning even more exciting. AJ is an excellent tour guide who provides a unique insight into the subway system. AJ also gives you a clear and concise details about New York and complex subway system. This tour is exceptional and shouldn't be missed.

Response from Host

Dec 2022

What an amazing review and we are so grateful for it. We'll be sure to share you praise with AJ as well. He definitely works hard to deliver our Subway tour. Take good care!

KelleyRosado

Nov 2022

AJ was great. He clearly loves the trains and we learned a lot! We got to hear about the early days of public transportation in the city and see some of what remains today. Next time we visit, we will check out another Untapped tour.