New York Transit Museum
Step into NYC's past at the New York Transit Museum, housed in a 1936 subway station, featuring vintage trains and interactive exhibits.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
New York Transit Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more space to explore
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into NYC's past at the New York Transit Museum, housed in a 1936 subway station, featuring vintage trains and interactive exhibits.
"A hidden gem offering hours of fun and education, especially for families and anyone fascinated by NYC's transit history."
🎯 Book Tickets in Advance
Consider booking your time slot online beforehand, especially for weekends, to guarantee entry and avoid queues.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes!
You'll be walking and exploring vintage trains, so comfortable footwear is essential for a good experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vintage Subway Cars
Main exhibition hall
Step aboard and explore dozens of decommissioned subway cars from different eras, each with unique ads and interiors.
Decommissioned Subway Station
Entire museum
Experience history firsthand in a beautifully preserved 1936 subway station, offering an authentic underground atmosphere.
Interactive Exhibits
Various locations
Engage with hands-on displays detailing the evolution of NYC's transit system, from early buses to modern subways.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Peak Times
Comfortable Footwear is Key
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tickets in Advance
Consider booking your time slot online beforehand, especially for weekends, to guarantee entry and avoid queues.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes!
You'll be walking and exploring vintage trains, so comfortable footwear is essential for a good experience.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Don't rush! Give yourself at least 2-3 hours to fully explore both levels and all the exhibits.
🛍️ Museum Store Access
You can visit the museum store without purchasing admission tickets. It's located before the ticket check.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tickets in Advance
Consider booking your time slot online beforehand, especially for weekends, to guarantee entry and avoid queues.
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes!
You'll be walking and exploring vintage trains, so comfortable footwear is essential for a good experience.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Don't rush! Give yourself at least 2-3 hours to fully explore both levels and all the exhibits.
🛍️ Museum Store Access
You can visit the museum store without purchasing admission tickets. It's located before the ticket check.
📸 Great Photo Ops
Plenty of opportunities for unique photos inside vintage subway cars and the historic station.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the New York Transit Museum as an underrated gem, offering an incredibly fun and educational experience, especially for families and train enthusiasts. The immersive nature of exploring vintage subway cars within a historic station is a major highlight, providing hours of engaging exploration for a reasonable admission fee.
"The New York Transit Museum is a hidden gem and one of our favorite places to visit! My kids absolutely love exploring the old trains and learning how everything works, they’re always so fascinated by the history and hands-on exhibits.
We’ve been here multiple times, both on school trips and on our own as a family, and every visit has been just as fun and educational as the last. There’s something really special about walking through the vintage subway cars and seeing how transit has evolved over the years.
The museum is well-organized, staff is friendly, and it’s a great place for kids (and adults!) to learn while having fun. Highly recommend it for families or anyone interested in NYC history it’s always a good trip!"
Anais G.
"Very educational and informative. There's plenty of pictures and descriptions to read about each item. Even a big timeline of the transit system displayed too. There's also decommissioned trains from each era where you can go in and see all of the old ads from back then. There's a bit of everything for anyone including the labeling of the inner parts of the train for people to see. It's very spacious and has good ventilation. Recommend booking a time slot in advanced (we booked ours an hour before we got there since we were already eating breakfast nearby)"
Linda
"Such a great museum, incredibly underrated. For only $10~ you get the entire history of the subways, bus system and much more. On a moderate summer day it was still comfortable below ground even without AC in parts of the museum. The original subway cars are so unique to walk through, and reading the placards on the amount of work that went into the tunnel construction is wild. Recommended!"
Danny Levy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Downtown Brooklyn at 99 Schermerhorn Street. The easiest way to get there is via the subway. The G train to Hoyt-Schermerhorn St is the closest stop, just a 7-minute walk away. Other nearby subway lines include the A, C, and E trains to Jay St-Metrotech, which is about a 10-15 minute walk.
Parking in Downtown Brooklyn can be challenging and expensive. It's generally recommended to use public transportation to reach the museum. If you must drive, look for parking garages in the vicinity, but be prepared for higher costs.
Yes, the New York Transit Museum is often available through the Culture Pass program, allowing free admission for eligible cardholders. Check the Culture Pass website for current availability and details.
The G train to Hoyt-Schermerhorn Street is the most direct route. The A, C, and E trains to Jay St-Metrotech are also convenient options, requiring a short walk.
The museum is housed in a decommissioned subway station, which means accessibility can be limited. While some areas are accessible, the vintage train exhibit downstairs may be challenging with strollers. It's best to check with the museum directly for the most up-to-date accessibility information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission is typically $10 for adults and $5 for children aged 2-17. Seniors and children under 2 often have free admission. It's always a good idea to check the official website for the most current pricing and any potential discounts. 
While walk-in visits are possible, booking a time slot in advance is highly recommended, especially for weekends and holidays, to ensure entry and manage crowd flow.
The museum is typically open Thursday through Sunday, from 10 AM to 4 PM. It's advisable to confirm these hours on their official website before your visit, as they can change seasonally or for special events.
Yes, the museum store is located before the ticketed entry area, so you can browse and shop without needing to purchase admission.
While not a regular occurrence, keep an eye on the museum's official website or social media for any announcements regarding special free admission days or events. The Holiday Train Show at Grand Central is free to attend.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum boasts a vast collection of vintage subway cars and buses that you can walk through, interactive exhibits on transit history, historical photos, and detailed timelines of NYC's public transportation system. +1
Most visitors spend at least 2-3 hours exploring the museum, as there are two levels of exhibits and many vintage cars to examine. Some visitors even spend longer if they are particularly interested in the history.
Absolutely! Kids, especially those who love trains, are fascinated by the vintage subway cars and interactive displays. It's a highly engaging and educational experience for families.
Parts of the museum, particularly the vintage train exhibit downstairs, may not have air conditioning. While it can be comfortable on moderate days, it might get warm during peak summer heat.
Restrooms are available within the museum. It's a good idea to check the museum's website for specific amenity information, but generally, basic facilities are provided for visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged inside the New York Transit Museum. It's a fantastic spot for unique shots of vintage trains and historical exhibits.
The vintage subway cars, especially the Bluebird from the 1960s, offer incredible photo opportunities. The entrance to the decommissioned station and the historical displays also make for great pictures.
Tripod usage policies can vary. It's best to check the museum's official photography guidelines on their website or contact them directly to confirm if tripods are permitted, especially during busy periods.
Yes, creating videos for social media is generally permitted. Many creators share their experiences on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, showcasing the unique exhibits. +1
While general photography is allowed, be mindful of other visitors and avoid blocking pathways. Flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect exhibits, so always observe posted signs.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families:
* Book tickets in advance to secure your spot.
* Wear comfortable shoes as there's a lot of walking and exploring involved.
* Allow at least 2-3 hours for your visit to avoid rushing.
* Be aware that some areas might be warm in summer and accessibility can be limited for strollers.
💰 Budget Travelers
Budget-friendly tips:
* Utilize the Culture Pass if you're eligible for free admission.
* Pack your own snacks and water as food options inside might be limited or pricier.
* Take public transport to get there, as parking in Brooklyn can be expensive.
🏛️ History Buffs
Explore the historical context of each subway car, learn about the construction of the tunnels, and discover the stories behind the system's development. The museum's location in an authentic 1936 subway station adds an unparalleled layer of historical immersion.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Vintage Fleet
These exhibits aren't just for looking; they're designed for immersion. You can sit in the seats, peer out the windows, and imagine the daily commutes of New Yorkers from decades ago. The detailed placards provide context about each car's history, design, and the technological advancements it represented. This hands-on approach makes the museum exceptionally engaging for all ages, transforming a history lesson into an adventure.
Remember to hold onto your belongings, as the vintage cars can have small nooks and crannies where items might slip. The museum staff are known to be helpful if anything is accidentally lost.
The Decommissioned Station Setting
Navigating the museum means descending into the underground world that once served thousands of commuters daily. The architecture and design of the station are preserved, offering a glimpse into the engineering marvels of early 20th-century urban infrastructure. This immersive environment enhances the educational experience, providing a powerful context for the exhibits on display.
While the underground setting is atmospheric, it's worth noting that parts of the museum, especially the vintage train exhibit, may not be air-conditioned. Visitors should be prepared for potentially warmer temperatures during summer months, though the underground location can offer some respite from the heat.
Understanding NYC Transit History
Exhibits cover everything from the earliest horse-drawn omnibuses to the development of the subway lines and the modern-day MTA. The museum highlights key milestones, technological innovations, and the social impact of transit on the city's growth and development. It’s an incredibly informative experience for anyone curious about the backbone of New York City.
For those interested in the nitty-gritty, the museum often labels the inner workings of trains and provides detailed explanations of transit infrastructure, making it a rich learning experience for both casual visitors and transit enthusiasts.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit