Vue sur Manhattan depuis le télécabine
1 / 10

Roosevelt Island Tramway New York City

4.7
·7k reviews·New York, United States

Soar above the East River for breathtaking NYC skyline views on this affordable aerial tramway. A unique and memorable experience!

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, great light

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Vue sur Manhattan depuis le télécabine

Roosevelt Island Tramway New York City

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, great light

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Soar above the East River for breathtaking NYC skyline views on this affordable aerial tramway. A unique and memorable experience!

4.7
(7k reviews)

"Best $2.90 I ever spent for insane skyline views!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Use Your MetroCard! 💳

The tram costs the same as a subway ride ($2.90) and accepts your MetroCard.

Expect a Line! ⏳

Especially during peak hours and weekends, be prepared for a wait.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 8,334 reviews

♿ Wheelchair accessible

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Skyline Views

Skyline Views

During the tram ride

Soar above the East River for unparalleled panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline and Queensboro Bridge.

Queensboro Bridge

Queensboro Bridge

During the tram ride

Get a unique perspective of the iconic Queensboro Bridge as you glide alongside it.

TikTok
Roosevelt Island Exploration

Roosevelt Island Exploration

Roosevelt Island

Discover parks, waterfront promenades, and the Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Cost

The Roosevelt Island Tramway is a steal at $2.90 each way, using your MetroCard! Beat the lines by going during off-peak hours or weekdays. Sunset is popular, but sunrise offers equally stunning, less crowded views. TikTok

Timing is Everything for Views

While sunset offers a magical glow, consider sunrise for fewer crowds and a serene experience. The tram operates until 3 AM, making it a late-night option too. TikTokReddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, great light
Crowd
Low
When
Sunrise
Why
Magical light, fewer people
Crowd
Low
When
Sunset
Why
Golden hour glow
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Best $2.90 I ever spent 😫🥰 📍Roosevelt Island Tramway #nyc #newyorkcity #nycviews #nycskyline #nycphotographer #nycbucketlist #rooseveltisland #rooseveltislandtramway #nyctramway #manhattan
@travelwithada
526K likes • 5.6M views

Use Your MetroCard! 💳

The tram costs the same as a subway ride ($2.90) and accepts your MetroCard. TikTokInstagram+1

Expect a Line! ⏳

Especially during peak hours and weekends, be prepared for a wait. TikTok+1

Comment ‘NYC’ for my free travel guide🇺🇸 📍Roosevelt Island Tramway 💰$2.90 for a single journey ⏳~takes 4 minutes to cross to Roosevelt Island 🌅Best time to go is actually sunrise but sunset is also ...
@nikitabathia
451.7K likes • 3M views
Experience NYC from a new height! 🚡✨ Take the Roosevelt Island Tram for just $2.90 and soar 250 feet above the East River in just four minutes. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Manhattan skyline and th...
glamofnyc
31.7K likes • 1.2M views

Golden Hour Magic ✨

Sunset offers stunning views, but can be crowded. Consider sunrise for a more peaceful experience. TikTokInstagram

Explore the Island 🌳

Don't just ride the tram; spend time exploring Roosevelt Island's parks and waterfront. TikTokInstagram

How to get this view for $2.90 in nyc⬇️ This is the Roosevelt Island Tramway — one of NYC’s most scenic and underrated rides which connects Manhattan and Roosevelt Island 🚡 📍How to get there: From ...
lovingnyc
1.4K likes • 22.1K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Use Your MetroCard! 💳

The tram costs the same as a subway ride ($2.90) and accepts your MetroCard. TikTokInstagram+1

Expect a Line! ⏳

Especially during peak hours and weekends, be prepared for a wait. TikTok+1

Golden Hour Magic ✨

Sunset offers stunning views, but can be crowded. Consider sunrise for a more peaceful experience. TikTokInstagram

Explore the Island 🌳

Don't just ride the tram; spend time exploring Roosevelt Island's parks and waterfront. TikTokInstagram

Late Night Option 🌙

The tram runs until 3 AM, perfect for a unique late-night city view. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(7k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors overwhelmingly praise the Roosevelt Island Tramway for its incredible value and stunning views, calling it a must-do affordable NYC experience. While lines can be long during peak times, the breathtaking panoramas of the Manhattan skyline and Queensboro Bridge make the wait worthwhile. It's a unique and memorable way to see the city.

"100% recommended.
Under budget or just use your transit pass or tap credit card. 7minutes ride each side and same time wait to come back.
Try to get to corner window spot to have good views and during sunset time."

Prabhjot Kaur

"Another first attraction checked off this trip with my boo. Super easy to get to, the line moved quick, and before we knew it we were gliding over the East River. The ride is short but the views are absolutely worth it. Roosevelt Island Tramway is definitely one to add to your NYC list."

Peter Villasuso

"Panoramic Views
This is a little-known gem in NYC.
Enjoy stunning views of Midtown, The tram offers stunning views of the New York City skyline and the East River, making it a memorable experience.

Scenic Ride
The tram's route provides a unique perspective on the city, with breathtaking views of Midtown and the surrounding waters.

Convenient Transportation
The tram is a reliable and efficient way to travel between Manhattan and Roosevelt Island.

Notes

- Take the tram during morning or evening hours for the most dramatic views.
- Consider packing a picnic basket and enjoying the views on the island.
- The tram follows the same path as the F train, but it's a much more scenic and fun experience.

Overall, the Roosevelt Island Tramway is a must-try experience for anyone visiting New York City. With its stunning views and convenient transportation, it's a great way to explore the city."

Manjeet Singh Bhandari

What People Like

Incredible value for money
Stunning skyline views
Unique perspective of NYC

What People Dislike

Long wait times

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The tramway entrance is located at 59th Street and 2nd Avenue in Manhattan. You can reach it via subway lines F, N, Q, R, or 4, 5, 6 to nearby stations and then walk. TikTokInstagram

The F train stops directly at Roosevelt Island, making it a convenient option for accessing the tramway on the island side. For the Manhattan side, the closest subway stations are Lexington Ave/59th St (4, 5, 6) and 59th St-Lexington Ave (N, Q, R). TikTokReddit

Yes, the tramway is integrated into the MTA system. You can use your MetroCard for a ride, just like a subway or bus. TikTokInstagram+1

Yes, the NYC Ferry operates a route to Roosevelt Island, offering another scenic way to reach the island. Reddit

The tram typically runs every 10-15 minutes, with more frequent service during peak hours. It operates late into the night, until 3 AM. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

A one-way trip on the Roosevelt Island Tramway costs $2.90, the same as a subway fare. You can use your MetroCard or OMNY. TikTokInstagramReddit+1

Absolutely! Your MetroCard is accepted for payment on the tramway, making it a very affordable way to get great views. TikTokInstagram+1

The standard fare is already very low at $2.90. There are no specific tourist discounts, but the price is a fraction of other aerial views in NYC. Reddit

No, you can simply tap your MetroCard or use OMNY at the turnstiles to pay for your ride. TikTok

The tramway generally operates from early morning until 3 AM, providing a unique late-night option for city views. It's always a good idea to check the MTA website for any service changes. Reddit

🎫 🏙️ Onsite Experience

You'll get stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, the East River, and the Queensboro Bridge. The perspective changes as you travel. TikTokInstagram+1

The journey across the East River takes approximately 4 minutes, offering a quick but memorable experience. TikTokInstagram+1

Roosevelt Island offers parks, waterfront paths, the Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park, and the Cornell Tech campus. TikTokInstagram

It can get quite crowded, especially during sunset and on weekends. Going during off-peak hours or weekdays can help avoid long lines. TikTok+1

Absolutely! For just $2.90, it offers incredible skyline views that rival more expensive attractions. It's a unique and affordable NYC experience. TikTokReddit+1

📸 📸 Photography Tips

Golden hour around sunset provides beautiful lighting, but can be crowded. Sunrise offers similar beauty with fewer people. TikTokInstagram

Use a wider aperture for low light and consider a slightly faster shutter speed to minimize motion blur. Shooting in RAW can help with post-processing. Instagram

Yes, the waterfront promenades offer excellent vantage points for skyline shots, especially looking back towards Manhattan. TikTok

Yes, the windows offer clear views, but be mindful of reflections. Try to shoot perpendicular to the glass. Instagram

The tram ride itself offers a fantastic angle alongside the bridge. On the island, you can find spots along the waterfront for a different perspective. TikTok

You may also like

1 of 2
Roosevelt Island Tramway New York City (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide