The Roosevelt Island Tramway

The Roosevelt Island Tramway

The Roosevelt Island Tramway
4.5
6:00 AM - 2:00 AM
Monday
6:00 AM - 2:00 AM
Tuesday
6:00 AM - 2:00 AM
Wednesday
6:00 AM - 2:00 AM
Thursday
6:00 AM - 2:00 AM
Friday
6:00 AM - 3:30 AM
Saturday
6:00 AM - 3:30 AM
Sunday
6:00 AM - 2:00 AM
About
Duration: < 1 hour
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Upper East Side
Combining quiet residential neighborhoods that have easy access to Central Park with world-famous cultural institutions, the Upper East Side is one of the most livable places in the city. Along beautiful Fifth Avenue, you’ll find Museum Mile, which houses many of the nation's most famous attractions in a single stretch, like The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim Museum. Walk a few blocks into the neighborhood, and you’ll come to Park Avenue, the poshest address in the city, lined with grand apartment buildings as far as the eye can see. Even if you can’t afford the luxury goods along Madison Avenue, it’s still a great spot to window shop an afternoon away.
How to get there
  • Lexington Ave / 59th St • 5 min walk
  • 59th St • 5 min walk
Reach out directly
See what travelers are saying
  • Nic C
    London, United Kingdom36 contributions
    For a good view this is the one
    We came across this by chance when we was researching things to do before our holidays and wow was we glad we did . For 2.75$ each way was amazing . We had a quick wizz round Roosevelt Island ( mainly residential but good views of the city) and back again
    Visited December 2022
    Traveled as a couple
    Written December 20, 2022
  • Rachel S
    Staffordshire, United Kingdom105 contributions
    Fantastic
    We hopped on the tramway to see the city views. It is quick, clean and efficient . Having the 7 day subway pass allowed us to use the cable car for free. The kids loved it and the views were magnificent.
    Visited January 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written February 3, 2023
  • jansteve_8
    Isle of Wight, United Kingdom351 contributions
    Something a little different in NY
    We were looking for different things to do on this trip and the Roosevelt Tram did’nt disappoint. You can use your Metrocard for the short trip over try to stand at the front of the car for some great shots. Lovely elevated views only a short trip but well worth it ,you do have to get off but ride the free red bus around the town before the return journey. Something different and not expensive .
    Visited January 2023
    Written February 13, 2023
  • BronteBucket
    Harrogate, United Kingdom646 contributions
    Nice aerial views from the tramway
    Wanted to do something different on this trip to NYC so caught the aerial Tramway to Roosevelt Island. Once we mastered the ticket machine, we boarded the tram and took the short journey alongside the Ed Koch Queensborough Bridge. It was a nice view of the streets and across the water but over relatively quickly. Would be a nice commute to work from the island!
    Visited February 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written March 4, 2023
  • Explorer
    142 contributions
    Fantastic aerial view - confusing ticketing
    This was lovely trip across to Roosevelt Island with amazing views. Unfortunately the ticket machine was confusing as when we put our code in we needed a zip code. We live in UK so no zip code. There was an assistant and he was busy trying to help others so when he came to us and the car was about to leave he let us on without paying. The machine did accept cash but we had none. We had been using tap on the subway so had thought this would be the same - hopefully it will be soon. We returned to Manhattan on the ferry - easy to buy tickets as I had downloaded app and great way to travel.
    Visited March 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written March 24, 2023
  • dg2014jg
    Magnolia, Texas917 contributions
    What fun
    We were early for our reservation at Serendipity so we walked the two or three minutes to the tram. Thankfully, staff were available on both sides of the tram to help with the ticket purchases. The tram was clean and a gentle ride both ways. We enjoyed the easy walk to the East River for the view of Manhattan.
    Visited April 2023
    Written April 18, 2023
  • Jolie J
    Gatineau, Canada288 contributions
    Beautiful views
    The views were beautiful. I didn't give 5 stars because the lines were long and the trams were crowded. The line for the people who already have money on their metro card is much quicker than the line for those who don't. The ride itself doesn't take long but account for more time because of the lines. You have to pay both ways.
    Visited April 2023
    Written April 26, 2023
  • Kittygal 🇺🇦 🌻
    Los Angeles, California8,278 contributions
    A Unique and Enjoyable Experience
    I finally got a chance to take this unique aerial tram ride over to Roosevelt Island. It's a popular excursion, but having an MTA weekly pass meant quick and easy access. I visited late one afternoon and enjoyed decompressing after a long day out. The sunset had a Manhattan-henge moment, too, which added to the atmosphere. Hoping to get back again for further exploration on my next visit.
    Visited June 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written July 2, 2023
  • Katie S
    Doncaster, United Kingdom25 contributions
    Quirky way to travel
    Riding the Roosevelt Tramway was so much fun - I wish it took longer! Entry was quick and payable on my metrocard. There were no queues and it was clearly signposted where to go etc. The tram itself was clean, today and felt very safe. It moved at a slow enough pace so that you could look out of the window at the great view. The carriage was almost empty on both my trips so not sure how much fun it would be if it was full? It's a novel way to travel! I wish my commute to work at home was like that!
    Visited June 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written July 8, 2023
  • Skiuseme
    Woodbridge, California191 contributions
    Surprise location!
    We took the tram to Roosevelt Island to tour the island. Use the Metrocard same as subway ride. The Island was nice to see we walk along the outer trail many trees for shade which provided cooler temp. We had a very good lunch at Granny Annie. Island provide free bus riiide around island.
    Visited July 2023
    Written July 12, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions

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Roberts69
Northampton, UK18,252 contributions
Dec 2021
A really fun and inexpensive thing to do when in NYC. As a regular visitor to the City I had already done most of the tourist attractions and so was looking for something different to do... A trip on the cable-car (tramway) over to Roosevelt Island (RI) For the cost of a single trip on a METRO Subway ticket (US$2.75) you can take this really fun and exciting journey from Manhattan to RI. The trip literally takes a few minutes but it give great views of the rive, the island, Manhattan and the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge. Once on the island there are free buses or you can walk to visit the FDR Four Freedoms Park and Memorial and the Lighthouse (at opposite end of the island). Really enjoyed this trip and will do it again for sure.
Written February 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Nostalgiyeah
Bothell, WA1,891 contributions
Sep 2022
Short, nice ride on the tramway across the East River with some beautiful views. Riding this does require the metro card, which is available for purchase at either end points of the tramway. The journey on the tram itself takes only a few minutes and on one side, you have a good view of the bridge, and on the other side, you will be treated to a nice view of the New York skyline with East River forming a perfect backdrop. I really loved the views while riding on the tramway. The tramway terminal at the Roosevelt Island is near their visitor center. If taking this tramway, I would highly recommend spending some time exploring Roosevelt Island as well - the island offers some spectacular views of the city skyline.
Written October 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

hrobinson1114
Nashville, TN2,785 contributions
May 2020 • Business
A fun, cost effective way to see more of the city and to visit Roosevelt island. The island is also accessible by train, but the views on the tram are better! You can only pay with metrocard, which you can buy onsite. The cost is around 2.50-2.75 (you do have to pay both ways). It’s a fairly brief ride, but you get a cool view of the city and the river. I had plenty of room because rides were limited to 13 people while I visited due to COVID 19, but from what I understand, it can get fairly crowded. The trams run every 10-15 minutes, more often during rush times. Definitely worth taking a ride.
Written May 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Harriet
Exeter, UK108 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
This was free for us because we had paid for a weeks metro pass. It was easy to find and easy to access. We literally swiped our cards and that was it!

The views are really cool and it’s a really unique experience. We hopped straight back on as soon as the journey was over and it probably took us no more than 30 mins to do the whole thing. It’s nice and quiet and a really nice addition to a trip to NYC, especially if you’re craving a quieter and cheaper activity!
Written February 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Lucy K
10 contributions
Mar 2022 • Family
A hidden gem - tucked away in Upper East Manhattan - the tram offers great aerial views of the New York skyline. It was only $3 for a one way ride (I believe it is free with a MetroCard). Although most of the passengers appeared to be residents and commuters, I would definitely recommend this as a quick and inexpensive touristy thing to do. The pictures are worth it!
Written March 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

therichastill
Stevenage, UK2,568 contributions
Oct 2023 • Solo
I was first made aware of the Roosevelt Island Tramway from the TV show America's Next Top Model when the aspiring models had to do a challenge on the cable car.

As a result it was something I wanted to check out on my visit to New York City.

The cable car runs from Second Avenue to Roosevelt Island. There is a road that links the Island to Queens but this is probably the fastest way to get to the Island from Manhattan.

The cable car runs parallel to the Queensboro Bridge and you get some great views of the East River and the Bridge as you soar over.

You can use your metrocard or credit/debit card to pay for your journey and you pay for each journey.

The cabins are not huge but have got some seats round the edge and also handrails if you stand and don't want to lose your balance.

On both my journeys on the tramway there was a member of staff in the cabins in case there was an issue and to operate the machinery.

An alternative form of transport to check out on your visit.
Written October 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

CAZ485
Atlanta, GA98 contributions
Feb 2020
I had a NYC native tell me about the Tram that goes to Roosevelt Island - right over the East River. It was chilly when I went so I didn't do much exploring but the trip over and back afforded great views up and down. For something a little different ......
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Shogun V
2 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
This is one of the most horrible experiences. The lines are long, its too hot and there is close to zero ventilation inside. Moreover tourists from all over the world visit this tiny metal box with no ventilation and get crammed in. You are pretty much guaranteed to catch a variant of covid after this ride. It only lasts 4mins but wait time is >30-40mins. Avoid it! Completely overrated.
Written September 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

roj1281
Houston, TX515 contributions
Jul 2021
The tramway is just a short ride from Manhattan to Roosevelt island. The ride offers some nice views of the East River and the city so you can get some nice photos. I didn't stay on Roosevelt Island, just turned around and came back. I had a week long subway ticket and didn't have to buy a ticket for the tramway. Even so they are cheap.
Written August 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

jcmtl1965
Montreal, Canada9,169 contributions
May 2022
I took the tram on a beautiful Sunday morning. I had meant to go to Roosevelt Island for a few years and am happy that I finally went.
I knew that you could pay with a metrocard, but as I don't take the subway much when I go to New York, I was happy to see that I could get one directly at the tram.
The conductor was really nice going and come back and since it was a Sunday morning, it was not too filled up.
Written May 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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