Guided Private Underground New York Subway Tour
Recommended by 94% of travelers
New York City, USA
- 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
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Overview
Learn the secrets of New York City’s subway system on this private guided underground tour. Hear stories about the engineering, technology, and people behind the subway’s construction. As you ride the rails from Lower Manhattan to Midtown, hear legends abandoned stations, and see official and unofficial art. As you travel from the Brooklyn Bridge to Grand Central Terminal, get a look at places many New Yorkers see—but few notice.
- Explore the New York City subway on a private guided tour
- Perfect for visitors or lifelong residents
- Flexible tour times to work with your schedule
- Ideal for groups; pay one price for up to five people
What's Included
- Professional local guide for a group up to five MAXIMUM.
- Entrance fees (the cost of one subway ride).
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- 1 Centre St, New York, NY 10007, USA
End point
- Grand Central Terminal89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017, USA
Itinerary
1
Brooklyn Bridge
30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
2
New York City Subway
40 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
3
Times Square
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
4
Astor Place
10 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
5
Grand Central Terminal
25 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Price shown is per group
- A small amount of walking is involved and there are some stairs
- We DO NOT enter the tunnels. We view the City Hall Station from the safety of the train. We do not do anything illegal. We visit areas that are open to the public but, in some cases, overlooked.
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
4.8
based on 51 reviews
micha_v, Jun 2024
Great experience. Guide knowledgeable and attentive to our needs and questions. Filled with many little facts unknown to us
Gina_B, Sep 2023
Gary my guide was very knowledgeable and funny .. we are New Yorkers and learned a lot of things I never knew and it was very interesting.. I would definitely suggest it to tourist and people from New York if you wanna know the history .. I did think we were supposed to see areas that the public doesn’t go too but he explained that from the beginning that those are completely different tickets
Cyndi_C, Aug 2023
Guide Gary was very knowledgeable and did a great job!!!! We enjoyed it very much. Kids with me….ages 12, 16, 17. We all learned a good bit about the subway.
Sean_M, Jul 2023
Great pictures Gary did a great job -I really enjoyed the tour and learned a lot -it was a lot of fun -I’ll definitely do it again
Karen_S, Jan 2023
I was very disappointed in this tour. We all were really looking forward to seeing parts of the subway system most people don’t usually see or pay attention to and towards the end we did finally see some unusual artwork. The problem is that for half of the 2.5 hr time we were with the tour guide all we did was listen to him talk ( standing ) about the evolution of the subway cars. He had a prepared speech and no matter how load the noise was around us he proceeded weather we could hear or not. Gary is a very personable man obviously knows almost everything there is to know about the history of the NYC subway system but it would be so much more enjoyable if he would ask “ is there something in particular you would like to know about on this tour “. To me the evolution of the subway car should have been a small part not the main part of the presentation.
Response from Host, Jan 2023
I am sorry that you did not enjoy the tour. This tour has received at least 72, Viator / Trip Advisor 5 Star reviews. Out of the over 75 reviews, I have only received 3 reviews that complained. Most of the complaints come from people that do not read the tour listing.
Two of the reviews were for the large group version of the tour that is listed elsewhere – not on Viator (even though that tour is not sold through Viator, Viator left the reviews up anyway). One of those reviews basically complained that I did not take into account the schedule of the Long Island Rail Road for the start time of the tour. The one actual Viator purchased tour that complained was from someone who literally said he wanted to commit a serious criminal offense as well as put his life in incredible danger and was upset over the fact that we did not go down into the tracks. As I point out in the tour listing:
We DO NOT enter the tunnels. We view the City Hall Station from the safety of the train. We do not do anything illegal. We visit areas that are open to the public but, in some cases, overlooked.
I believe, and so did over 70 others, that I do point out the overlooked “areas”.
And:
This private tour will completely demystify New York's famous subway system. and give you the secret history and inside story of the creation of the original 1904 subway line and how it grew into one of the most extensive transportation systems in the world. All the art, all the history, all the technical breakthroughs, all the "whys" and all the shenanigans that went into this spectacular achievement.
I have had people complain that we did not walk the tunnels, but no one has ever said that I only talked about the evolution of the IRT subway cars. I believe that I do demystify the history of the system and explain why it took New York City as long as it did to get a system. I talk about why the system is as safe as it is.
I always ask my guests if they can hear me. I am aware that the system is noisy. The scenario of “no matter how load the noise was around us he proceeded weather we could hear or not” just does not happen. If an express train goes by, I stop talking until it has passed. As I say, “the tour is for you – not me”.
When we are at Astor Place, the station with the ceramic beavers, we are at the midpoint of the tour. Starting with the ceramic double B’s near the beginning of the tour along with what I show you on my image pad, there is art, before the end of the tour. I am not sure if it is “unusual” or not but it is art.
My “prepared speech” is the history of how the system happened. It gives everything context. The evolution of the IRT subway car is a small but important part of the tour and it is part of the history. I use it to show the development of what we have today based on lessons from the past – placement of doors for example. I also talk about the signal system and the use of Automatic Train Stops.
What would you have said if I did ask “is there something in particular you would like to know about on this tour”? Would you have known what to ask? I always encourage questions; I always ask my guests, several times throughout the tour, if they have any questions. Is that not essentially the same thing?
Pam_S, Sep 2022
This tour is one of the best tours we've ever taken! Gary was extremely knowledgable about everything New York subway. He provided pictures to accent the stories he told. I'd be willing to bet we have seen and know more about the subway than most New Yorkers. I could have listened to his stories all day. I highly recommend this tour. You won't be sorry.
Response from Host, Sep 2022
Thank you so much for your kind words. I had a great time with you 2.
Faisal_L, Apr 2022
The tour was fantastic!!! I would certainly go on the tour again when I am next in NYC.
Garry is extremely knowledgeable and articulate, also great with kids
Response from Host, May 2022
Your son was great and a tour guide's dream of a guest. Thank you for your kind words.
Michael_M, Mar 2022
The original art/tile work in the subway. Plus the restored ceiling in Grand Central vs the unrestored piece.
Kenneth_A, Sep 2021
Gary was fantastic providing us a great review of the history of the subway, and a better understanding of how to use the subway. His has enabled us to make much better use of the NY Subway!!!! This is a highly recommended tour!!!!
Response from Host, Sep 2021
Thank you for your kind words and I am very glad you enjoyed the tour.
Laurie_F, Jan 2020
As born and bred New Yorkers, and users of the NYC subway system, we were excited and amazed to learn so much about its history, from the 19th Century to present time.
Gary, our guide, made the tour fun and informative. He talked about: how it got started, who were the men behind it all, how the NYC government played a part in it, what countries and states influenced them, and the different types of engines and materials used to make the train cars throughout the decades. Plus, other interesting tidbits and newsworthy facts about the subway stations and tunnels.
This tour brought back fond memories of us traveling the different trains and subway lines of our youth.
Gary instructed us to look up, down and around the subway stations to see the beautiful craftsmanship, murals, art and tiles that is and has been part of its history. Which is easily missed when you are rushing to get to your train.
Whether you are a born New Yorker or new to the city, this amazing tour is one that shouldn't be missed. The time just "speeds" and you don't want it to end.
Thank you Gary for an enjoyable experience! by R. Festa
Response from Host, Jan 2020
Thank you so much, you guys were an amazing group and so great to be with. Please send my best to the others.
Chester_B, Jan 2020
Gary deserves more than five stars. He gave us the background and rich history of what has lied below our feet and what we had taken for granted for so long. the tour was great value.
Response from Host, Jan 2020
Thank you for your kind words. I am very glad that you had a good time.
Tricia_S, Dec 2019
Best tour with the best tour guide! Gary was a wealth of knowledge on the NY subway system, it's history and workings.
Response from Host, Dec 2019
Thank you so much. You two were wonderful.
Robert_H, Dec 2019
This tour was excellent. If you are interested in the history of New York City and/or the history of the elevated/subways of New York, this is the tour to take. Gary is a wealth of knowledge on both and is able to tie them together so you understand the progression of both the city starting at the tip of the island and moving uptown and how the transportation system grew as the city did – along with all of the problems and obstacles that were put on the companies building the elevates and the subway. Gary spent nearly 3 hours with us and I wish that we could have stayed with him for another 3 hours as he knows so much and you want to know it all.
Response from Host, Dec 2019
I am so blushing right now. Thank you so much for your kind words.
Frances_D, Dec 2019
This tour was EXCELLENT!!!! And so reasonably priced. Gary is just a wealth of information on the New York City subway system and he loves to share it . He talked nonstop for three hours and gave us such a history of the subway system . He was personable , pleasant and answered all of our questions and listened to.our comments . I would highly recommend this tour to anyone . There were a group of six of us and the only issue we had is that at the beginning , because he had to give us so much history , we stood in one spot for about 40 minutes , which was very tiring . It might it may have been easier if we were walking around a bit instead of standing in one spot . Once we started touring the subway system itself it was easier.
rozh2013, Nov 2019
We were a group of four on a Saturday morning and we grew up, lived, worked and have played in NYC, yet this tour still taught us things we didn’t know about what is right under our noses. Informative, entertaining, and hilariously funny, Gary, our tour guide, made three hours disappear! The tour starts in front of City Hall downtown and ends in Grand Central terminal. You do need a metro card for getting on the subway, which you can buy in any subway station. I highly recommend this tour, even for locals.
Response from Host, Nov 2019
Thank you so much for your very kind words. The tour flew by for me as your were a terrific group.
Carol C, Oct 2019
Interesting tour. Gary, our tour guide was excellent. Very knowledgeable about the history of the subway system. Loved that we ended up in Grand Central Station.
622craigf, Sep 2019
enjoyed it. nice small (private) tour. Gary knows his stuff and was feeding information for a full 3 hours. If you want a history of the subway system including the political gossip as to the "how" or "why" this is the tour.
Response from Host, Oct 2019
Thank you, you 2 were a pleasure to take around.
Frank R, Jul 2019
This tour was one the best things we did in New York.
It was entertaining, informative and interesting and our guide Gary was fantastic!
I cannot recommend this tour enough!
Response from Host, Jul 2019
WOW!! Thank you for your kind words. I am very happy that you had a good time. Best to you,
Gary
Ruth_R, Feb 2019
Our guide Gary was terrific - so knowledgeable and passionate about the history of the NYC underground! It was so interesting. We could have spent another 1/2 day learning more!
Laurence_P, Jan 2019
Gary is the MTA's greatest ambassador, he loves the subject and it really comes through in his presentation. He brings you through the history of the formation of the subway and how it all came together to create what we have today. We really enjoyed this tour and highly recommend it!!
Voyager23862306739, Nov 2018
Gary, our tour guide was very knowledgeable and super passionate about the city and the history. Would recommend him every time.
Patricia_M, Jun 2018
Grear tour guy! Gary was very informative and an awesome guide. Great tour to learn about the trains and how it all got started.
Harriet C, Jan 2018
Fabulous tour guide. Deeply knowledgeable about the subways and NYC history. Engaging manner. Tailored tour to our group. We had lots of fun and learned a lot. Book this tour!!!!
Charles H, Jun 2017
We expected to be doing a lot of walking in the old subways only to find out that it is illegal. There was a lot of time sitting on a bench while the guide very knowledgable went over pictures on his computer. Would have been better walking and looking, that's why we booked the trip.
Still had a relatively good time despite not being what we signed up for.
Response from Host, Jun 2017
TOUR OPERATOR COMMENT: Thank you for your feedback. Please note, it is illegal to “enter or cross upon the tracks” in the New York City subway system. What I strive to do on this tour is explain how our subway system came to be, the original art in the system, and the meaning of the art itself. What I never wish to do is break the law, risk arrest, injury, or death to my tour participants. Safety is one of my top priorities. As such, I'm sorry to hear this tour did not meet your expectations, but we are glad to hear you still enjoyed the overall tour experience.
Joseph E, Jun 2017
Great tour! Gary took time to answer our questions and provide history and background. I would highly recommend this tour for rail fans, history buffs, and those interested in getting some background about the system that moves the city.
Erik W, Dec 2016
Gary is spectacular!!! Highly recommend for tourists and New Yorkers alike!
David G, Oct 2016
If you are into train and or NYC history this is a wonderful tour.
Lorie A, Oct 2016
Very interesting tour and knowledgeable as well. A lot of information and very cool tour.
Penny_R, Oct 2016
Gary met with us for this tour and it was probably our favorite one of the week. It was just the two of us with him and we really got an appreciation for the subway system. He was so knowledgeable about the history and also the meaning behind the mosiacs that line the subway walls. I would highly recommend taking this tour while in New York!
debra L, Jun 2016
The subway system and the history prior to it's use is very interesting. Gary, our guide, is an amazing
historian about rail transportation.
From $220.00
per group (up to 8)up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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