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The Roosevelt Island Tramway

The Roosevelt Island Tramway

The Roosevelt Island Tramway
4.5
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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 • 4 min walk
  • 59th St • 5 min walk
Reach out directly

See what travelers are saying

  • therichastill
    Stevenage, United Kingdom3,460 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great Views of Queensboro Bridge
    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.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written October 25, 2023
  • Try2TravelSustainably
    Hamilton, Canada401 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A city in a city - worth the trip
    We have been to NYC more times than we can count and had never done this. Was so glad we finally took the trip. There is a machine to buy tickets when you arrive or you can use your Metro card/tap. The trip is quick and beautiful. We only took it one way and took the subway back. We walked around both ends of the island and took the free bus from end to end. Beauty at both ends including a sculpture garden. A nice almost free way to spend the afternoon.
    Visited May 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 26, 2023
  • MarkLA73
    Aberdeen, United Kingdom124 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Must do cable car experience
    Brilliant experience. Fortunately it was a sunny day which helped! Well organised and no queue. Stunning views of Queensboro bridge and east river all for the standard NY public transport cost of $2.90. We took the subway back to Manhattan. Station only a small walk from the tram stop. Must do during your visit😊
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written November 6, 2023
  • Amy D
    Mission, Texas1,052 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Roosevelt Island Tramway
    After multiple visits to Manhattan, I was finally able to add this to my itinerary. It was convenient since we were able to use our Metro Card. We waited for a quick 15 minutes as it made its way back to Manhattan from Roosevelt Island. No big deal, I was able to take pictures and video of the tram as it made its way in. It was a cramped and crowded tram ride, (mostly tourists). I didn’t care, I stood toward the front and I was able to snag great pictures of the scenery. Honestly, there's not much to do at Roosevelt Island. I did however enjoy the quick stroll down the few shops. It was peaceful and silent . A much needed rest from the busy Manhattan noise. We sat at the small park adjacent the Starbucks. We snagged great pics of Manhattan from there. I would love to return at night to see the skyline. We took the subway back to Manhattan.
    Visited March 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written December 3, 2023
  • Greg Harris
    Bronx, New York2,125 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Greg & Kat’s Roosevelt Island Tramway.
    The Roosevelt Island Tramway is an amazing aerial tramway that transports passengers to and from Roosevelt Island & the Upper East of Manhattan. Opened in May of 1976, the Roosevelt Island Tramway is the first commuter aerial tramway in the United States. It crosses the Harlem East River and operates parallel to the Ed Koch Queensborough Bridge. Since its opening, it’s been well received by passengers and has been featured in numerous films such as “City Slickers” “Spider-Man” (2002) & “Dark Water” (2005). In January of 2024, I brought and treated myself and my wife for a ride on Roosevelt Island Tramway and we highly enjoyed our experience. We’ve lived in New York our whole lives, but our January visit marked our first time on this aerial vehicle. Both my wife & I found our ride to be safe and comfortable and were impressed with the large volume of passengers that it was able to carry. The highlight of our ride were the spectacular views of the Harlem East River, Roosevelt Island, Ed Koch Queensborough Bridge & the New York City skyline. For anyone living or visiting New York, we highly recommend a ride on the Roosevelt Island Tramway!!! You’ll love it!!!
    Visited January 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written February 17, 2024
  • Try2TravelSustainably
    Hamilton, Canada401 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A city in a city - worth the trip
    We have been to NYC more times than we can count and had never done this. Was so glad we finally took the trip. There is a machine to buy tickets when you arrive or you can use your Metro card/tap. The trip is quick and beautiful. We only took it one way and took the subway back. We walked around both ends of the island and took the free bus from end to end. Beauty at both ends including a sculpture garden. A nice almost free way to spend the afternoon.
    Visited May 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written February 22, 2024
  • AlphaDelta2912
    Glasgow, United Kingdom2,815 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Different Experience
    A novel way to see New York from a different perspective. After a short queue and inexpensive fare over to the island we entered the tramway and managed to get a front window view. It only takes a few minutes but definitely something different to do when in the city and not far to walk to from Times Square area.
    Visited February 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written March 25, 2024
  • Jhell P
    Hong Kong, China176 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Tramway to RI
    We had a side trip to Roosevelt Isoand via the tramway (cable car). You’ll get a great view of the city from this short ride. And you’ll get to see the sights of RI. From there you’ll get a great view of the NY Manhattan side as well.
    Visited March 2024
    Traveled as a couple
    Written April 20, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles3,784 reviews
Excellent
2,185
Very good
1,262
Average
294
Poor
26
Terrible
17

Roberts69
Northampton, UK18,993 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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, WA2,068 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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, TN5,776 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
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.

Greg Harris
Bronx, NY2,125 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Couples
The Roosevelt Island Tramway is an amazing aerial tramway that transports passengers to and from Roosevelt Island & the Upper East of Manhattan.

Opened in May of 1976, the Roosevelt Island Tramway is the first commuter aerial tramway in the United States. It crosses the Harlem East River and operates parallel to the Ed Koch Queensborough Bridge. Since its opening, it’s been well received by passengers and has been featured in numerous films such as “City Slickers” “Spider-Man” (2002) & “Dark Water” (2005).

In January of 2024, I brought and treated myself and my wife for a ride on Roosevelt Island Tramway and we highly enjoyed our experience. We’ve lived in New York our whole lives, but our January visit marked our first time on this aerial vehicle.

Both my wife & I found our ride to be safe and comfortable and were impressed with the large volume of passengers that it was able to carry.

The highlight of our ride were the spectacular views of the Harlem East River, Roosevelt Island, Ed Koch Queensborough Bridge & the New York City skyline.

For anyone living or visiting New York, we highly recommend a ride on the Roosevelt Island Tramway!!! You’ll love it!!!
Written February 17, 2024
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, UK177 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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
9 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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, UK3,460 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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, GA95 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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
1.0 of 5 bubbles
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, TX523 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
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.

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The Roosevelt Island Tramway - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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