Enjoy a blast from the past this summer as you ride vintage subway trains to popular destinations like Coney Island and the Rockaways for a retro experience.
Jump Aboard a Piece of History this Summer!
Hop on board a slice of New York's past as the New York Transit Museum brings vintage train cars roaring back to life! This summer, catch a ride on tracks leading to two quintessential NYC beach destinations - Coney Island and the Rockaways - with trips dating back to the 1930s.
Trips of a Lifetime
On Saturday, July 19th, join the festivities aboard R1-9 cars from the 1930s for a two-hour adventure to the legendary Coney Island. Soak up all the fun Coney has to offer, from the wild rides at Luna Park, a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk, or sinking your teeth into a legendary Nathan's hot dog. If you're in the mood for more beach fun, feel free to stick around or catch the vintage train back to Manhattan at 96th Street, 2nd Avenue.
Your second chance to soak up the summer sun comes on Sunday, August 10th, as we whisk you away to the Rockaways aboard the 96th Street-Second Avenue station. Dive into the inviting ocean, bask in the sand, or explore the boardwalk's endless attractions. When the fun ends, you can opt to prolong the party until nightfall or hop the train back to NYC.
A Glimpse into the Past
The iconic R1 trains first rolled onto the tracks when the Independent Subway System (IND) opened its 8th Avenue line in 1932. Marrying the speed of IRT cars with the high passenger capacity of BMT cars, the trains' most notable innovation was the four series of double doors on each side, expediting passenger boarding and disembarking. Each car spans 60 feet and holds 280 passengers with 60 seats. The rugged, riveted hull and utilitarian green paint of these trains echo the industrial aesthetic of the Depression era, yet they still inspired classic swing number "Take the A Train" by composer Billy Strayhorn.
Tickets are on sale now for both incredible trips, priced at $60 for adults and $40 for children. New York Transit Museum members can snag a discounted ticket for just $50 for adults and $30 for kids. Don't forget to pack a portable fan (the train cars aren't air-conditioned).
And here's a fun bonus: you can make your way to Rockaway Beach this summer by riding the Rockaway Rocket and the Rockaway Reserve!
Don't Miss These Can't-Miss Rides!
☛ Coney Island Nostalgia Ride | Saturday, July 19th | 10am
☛ The Rockaways Nostalgia Ride | Sunday, August 10th | 10am
Roosevelt Island's beach pool returns this summer with a vibrant, new mural painting!
In the midst of your summer adventures, don't forget to experience the nostalgia of a bygone era. On July 19th, take a trip back in time with the Coney Island Nostalgia Ride, taking place on vintage 1930s R1 cars. Or, on August 10th, immerse yourself in the past with the Rockaways Nostalgia Ride, riding on the same trains that echo the industrial aesthetic of the Depression era. It's not just travel – it's a glimpse into home-and-garden and lifestyle history.
