Roosevelt Island Tramway New York City
Soar above the East River for breathtaking NYC skyline views on this affordable aerial tramway. A unique and memorable experience!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, great light
Roosevelt Island Tramway New York City
Best Time
Fewer crowds, great light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Soar above the East River for breathtaking NYC skyline views on this affordable aerial tramway. A unique and memorable experience!
"Best $2.90 I ever spent for insane skyline views!"
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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Skyline Views
During the tram ride
Soar above the East River for unparalleled panoramic views of the Manhattan skyline and Queensboro Bridge.
Queensboro Bridge
During the tram ride
Get a unique perspective of the iconic Queensboro Bridge as you glide alongside it.
Roosevelt Island Exploration
Roosevelt Island
Discover parks, waterfront promenades, and the Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Cost
Timing is Everything for Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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. +1
Golden Hour Magic ✨
Sunset offers stunning views, but can be crowded. Consider sunrise for a more peaceful experience.
Explore the Island 🌳
Don't just ride the tram; spend time exploring Roosevelt Island's parks and waterfront.
Tips
from all over the internet
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. +1
Golden Hour Magic ✨
Sunset offers stunning views, but can be crowded. Consider sunrise for a more peaceful experience.
Explore the Island 🌳
Don't just ride the tram; spend time exploring Roosevelt Island's parks and waterfront.
Late Night Option 🌙
The tram runs until 3 AM, perfect for a unique late-night city view.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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).
Yes, the tramway is integrated into the MTA system. You can use your MetroCard for a ride, just like a subway or bus.
Yes, the NYC Ferry operates a route to Roosevelt Island, offering another scenic way to reach the island.
The tram typically runs every 10-15 minutes, with more frequent service during peak hours. It operates late into the night, until 3 AM.
🎫 🎫 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. +1
Absolutely! Your MetroCard is accepted for payment on the tramway, making it a very affordable way to get great views.
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.
No, you can simply tap your MetroCard or use OMNY at the turnstiles to pay for your ride.
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.
🎫 🏙️ Onsite Experience
You'll get stunning views of the Manhattan skyline, the East River, and the Queensboro Bridge. The perspective changes as you travel.
The journey across the East River takes approximately 4 minutes, offering a quick but memorable experience.
Roosevelt Island offers parks, waterfront paths, the Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Park, and the Cornell Tech campus.
It can get quite crowded, especially during sunset and on weekends. Going during off-peak hours or weekdays can help avoid long lines. +1
Absolutely! For just $2.90, it offers incredible skyline views that rival more expensive attractions. It's a unique and affordable NYC experience. +1
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Golden hour around sunset provides beautiful lighting, but can be crowded. Sunrise offers similar beauty with fewer people.
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.
Yes, the waterfront promenades offer excellent vantage points for skyline shots, especially looking back towards Manhattan.
Yes, the windows offer clear views, but be mindful of reflections. Try to shoot perpendicular to the glass.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Once on Roosevelt Island, there are parks and open spaces for children to run around and enjoy. It's a great way to break up a day of sightseeing in Manhattan and offer a different perspective of New York City without breaking the bank. Pack some snacks and enjoy the scenic journey and island exploration.
💰 Budget Travelers
Combine the tram ride with other free activities on Roosevelt Island, such as exploring the parks or walking along the waterfront, for a full afternoon of sightseeing without spending much. It's a smart way to experience the city's beauty on a shoestring budget.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Aim for golden hour (sunrise or sunset) for the most dramatic lighting, but be prepared for crowds during sunset. Beyond the tram ride itself, Roosevelt Island provides excellent vantage points for capturing the cityscape. The waterfront promenades offer unobstructed views, and the island's parks can frame your shots beautifully. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive panoramas.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Roosevelt Island Tramway: An Affordable NYC Icon
+2Travelers consistently rave about the incredible value for money and the unique perspective it provides. It's a popular spot for both tourists and locals looking for a scenic commute or a memorable photo opportunity. While sunset is a prime time for its golden hour glow, it also draws the largest crowds. Many suggest considering sunrise for a more tranquil experience with equally stunning vistas.
Beyond the ride itself, the tramway serves as a gateway to Roosevelt Island, a unique urban oasis. Visitors can explore its parks, waterfront promenades, and the modern Cornell Tech campus, all while enjoying continuous views of the Manhattan skyline. It's a testament to how innovative public transit can also be a major tourist draw.
Maximizing Your Tramway Experience: Tips from Locals and Visitors
+1 Be prepared for potential lines, especially during peak tourist seasons and weekends; arriving earlier in the day or on a weekday can significantly reduce your wait time. For the best photographic opportunities, consider the lighting. While sunset is popular for its dramatic colors, sunrise offers a softer light and fewer crowds. The tram's journey runs along the East River, providing excellent views of the Queensboro Bridge and the Manhattan skyline.
Remember that the tram operates until 3 AM, making it a fantastic option for a unique late-night city view after exploring Manhattan's nightlife. Once you arrive on Roosevelt Island, don't just turn back. Take time to explore the island's parks and waterfront paths. These areas offer different perspectives of the skyline and a peaceful escape from the city bustle.
Some locals even use the tram for their daily commute, appreciating its convenience and scenic route, especially if their destination aligns with the F train line. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit