Take the Roosevelt Island Tramway above the East River
A cable car over the East River for a subway fare. Upper East Side, Manhattan.
The short answer
The Roosevelt Island Tramway is a cable car that glides over the East River from East 60th Street and Second Avenue in Manhattan to Tramway Plaza on Roosevelt Island, and it costs the same as a subway ride. You tap OMNY or use an unlimited pass and you are in the air, which is a better deal than most things that call themselves a viewing experience.
What it is like
It is a short ride rather than a day out. I have not verified what is on the island for children, so I would treat this as the ride itself plus a look around, not an itinerary. The sensible plan is to pair it with something on the Upper East Side or in Central Park and take the tram as the interlude.
It is genuinely practical for families. The tram's own page says the cabins accommodate strollers, mobility devices and bicycles. Service runs Sunday to Thursday from 6am to 2am and Friday and Saturday from 6am to 3:30am, with a cabin about every 7.5 minutes during weekday rush hours (7 to 10am and 2:30 to 7pm) and every 15 minutes the rest of the time.
The honest warning: the wait at off-peak times can be up to fifteen minutes with a child who has just been told they are riding a cable car. Bring a snack and a plan.
Best time to go
Off-peak weekdays or around sunset.
Tips before you go
- Tap OMNY at the turnstile; the tram accepts standard MTA fares and unlimited passes.
- Go off peak for a quieter cabin and an easier stroller boarding.
- Sunset rides give the best light on the East River and the Queensboro Bridge.
Where it is
Roosevelt Island Tramway, E 60th St at 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10022. OpenStreetMap ↗ · Directions ↗
What's on here
From The New York Almanac, the next 60 days.
- Nothing listed here in The New York Almanac for the next two months. It is refreshed every week.
Nearby on the Brood List
A Central Park day: Heckscher Playground, the carousel and the zoo
Central Park, Midtown to Upper West Side · 0.7 mile away
Skate at Rockefeller Center and see the tree
Midtown · 0.7 mile away
Whisper across the arch at Grand Central and watch the trains
Midtown East · 0.9 mile away · Free
The Metropolitan Museum of Art with kids: three rooms, not three floors
Upper East Side · 1.3 miles away
Questions people ask
How much does the Roosevelt Island Tram cost?
The standard MTA fare. The tram accepts OMNY tap-to-pay and unlimited passes.
Can you take a stroller on the Roosevelt Island Tram?
Yes. The tram says its cabins provide accessible service for strollers, mobility devices and bicycles.
How often does the Roosevelt Island Tram run?
About every 7.5 minutes at weekday rush hours (7 to 10am and 2:30 to 7pm) and every 15 minutes the rest of the time.
Which subway stop is nearest?
N/R/W to Lexington Av/59 St or 4/5/6 to 59 St (neither listed as accessible); Q to Lexington Av/63 St (listed accessible, a few blocks away). Check elevator status before relying on one.
How long do you need?
30 to 60 minutes for the ride, longer if you explore the island.
The whole list
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The printable list
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