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

Wed 20 Nov

Other dates

You can choose the date already on the booking website

Starting at $35.00

Make a reservation

Wed 20 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)

Julie_G

Sep 2021

AJ was an excellent tour guide…passionate about the history and connecting it to today. Been places I’d never been and seen things I’ve just been walking passed.

Response from Host

Sep 2021

Hi Julie, thank you for the review. AJ really knows his stuff and happy that you were able to experience new and fun places in the subway system. Please stay well!

Arlene_M

Sep 2021

We got a lot of background on the subways, would have like to stop at ghost stations instead of just riding by them. Was very hard too see through windows & you couldn’t appreciate the architecture

Response from Host

Sep 2021

Hi Arlene, glad you enjoyed learning more about the NYC Subway it's always our pleasure to lead you. I also thank you for the candid review. Unfortunately the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) does not allow for the public to have access to the stations under any circumstance. We find that even the most seasoned commuter doesn't know they exist and experiencing them from the train is still a fun way to know they are there. Stay well.

Megan_C

Aug 2021

Overall great time. Tour guide was very informative and easy to follow. Never dull , just know you have to have a metro card on you or purchase one to go into the subways. That was the only non clear point , but really no big deal

Response from Host

Aug 2021

Thank you for your 5-star review and for suggesting to clarify guests need to have a metro card!