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

New York City Tours

Unique Activities (21) Transfers & Transportation (103) Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises (113) Entry Tickets (47) Sporting Events (1) Good for Small Groups (6) Seasonal & Holiday Tours (41) Walking Tours (697) Outdoor Activities (20) Limitied Availability Tours (6) LGBT Friendly Tours (4) Family-friendly Activities (7) Solo Travelers' Tours (147) Food & Drinks (27) Travelers recommend (73) Good for Groups (8) Top Activities (18) Guided Audio Tours (3) Art, Culture & History (135) Attractions to explore (38)

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)

Steve_B

Oct 2022

It was very fun. Great to learn about the subways. Our guide was informative and was fun. Thanks for the experience.

Response from Host

Oct 2022

Hi Steve, you are very welcome and I thank your for reviewing our Underground Subway tour! Be well.

paulcG2640LP

Oct 2022

Ben made the Underground Subway Tour exceed my already high expectations. His knowledge was exhaustive and he presented it with enthusiasm and animation. Ben brought out such things as Beaux Art, the fascinating history of the City Hall and City Office Building, the origins on the subway system and its political context as well as many other fascinating factoids. The tour was an adventure that got more exciting literally and figuratively at every stop. Ben was welcoming of comments from all the tour group. He also welcomed information about other subway systems, such as Boston and Montreal. This experience makes me look forward to doing future NYC tours.

Response from Host

Oct 2022

Paul I can't thank you enough for this amazing review of our Underground Subway Tour. We will be sure to let Ben know how much you enjoyed it. Take good care!

Sean K

Oct 2022

This was a terrific tour. We covered a lot of ground including Union Square and Astor Place in City Hall Park and ghost stations and more. The guide really knew his stuff and it made for a terrific afternoon. I'm really passionate about New York history and this did not disappoint

Response from Host

Oct 2022

Sean my thanks for leaving this spectacular review of our Underground Subway Tour! Always happy to hear that even a NYC history buff can walk away feeling satisfied with their experience on our tours. Be well!