NYC Underground Subway Walking Tour

Overview

Available languages

English

2 hours

Mobile ticket

Explore the world’s largest subway system, the beating heart of the city that never sleeps.

- See the architectural ghosts of the nearly forgotten and partially abandoned, Chambers Street station nicknamed the “Grand Central of Downtown”

- Discover the remnants of Union Square Station as you learn about a hidden art installation thousands of riders walk by everyday

- Use the 6 train as your own time machine as you ride through abandoned subway stations that most seasoned NYC commuters don’t know exist

- Explore the birth of the NYC subway system through amazing archival photos not available to the public

- Learn about the comically short route of the mythical “Subway before the Subway,” Alfred Ely Beach’s Pneumatic Transit System

Guests will need one MetroCard swipe or OMNY tap to enter the subway.

Please note that although you will see abandoned subway stations from the train, the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) doesn't grant public access into them under any circumstances.

Additional Info

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What‘s Included

Ear pieces provided to each guests ensuring everyone hears the guide perfectly

Guided walking tour with a native New Yorker!

Gratuities

Metro Card (1 swipe)

What To Expect

City Hall Park

You will learn about the creation of the very first NYC subway station while looking at visible remnants from City Hall park!

15 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

Brooklyn Bridge

We will see the Brooklyn at the beginning of the tour

Admission Not Applicable

Options

Guided Walking Tour in English

Led by a local New Yorker!

Reviews

4.62

346 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

273

Great Learning Experience for Families/Teenagers
marydQ1394IN,
Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We took this tour with our teenage sons for my husband's birthday trip to NYC. Our guide was extremely friendly and knowledgeable, and we learned a lot and had fun. We especially enjoyed checking out some of the abandoned stations and looking at beautiful tile mosaics and other decorative station elements from the early 20th century. Highly recommend!
NY Underground-Subway history
Jennifer F,
Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
So incredibly informative and engaging. Pete was knowledgeable and friendly. Great experience underground in the city!
Very interesting and worth knowing tour
christophhX2455RR,
Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00
Very interesting tour. It was a bit hard for us to find the meeting place, but that worked out well. In a small group we were informed about the historical background of public transport and today's metro. The guide also had pictures on the tablet. The tour then went over some subway stations with interesting information about each. The tour was in English.
NY Subway Tour
jasonwL4702NV,
Oct 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Such an enjoyable tour of the metro system. We saw and experienced things we would have otherwise missed, the highlights of which included abandoned stations.
Greatly enjoyed this...
Stephanie R,
Oct 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
Greatly enjoyed this tour. Our guide was knowledgeable and enthusiastic. A fair bit of walking and stairs. Brings a new appreciation for the subway.
Excellent tour
Bharti P,
Oct 1, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00
It was so much fun! Learned a lot about the subway system. Cullen was excellent and so helpful to direct me how to do to my next stop. Very personable too.
Great tour!
dev0ran,
Sep 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great and unique tour of a central but overlooked part of any NYC visit! Richard was very knowledgeable and helpful, pointing out all the cool and interesting details about the subway system!
For railway fans
Irit T,
Sep 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
3.00
lots of history and data about railway and trains. Guide is a railway museum expert. Enthusiastic. Some business history, but, missing stories about the people in the subway, singers, beggers, criminals (?) or even about animals there (?). So, a bit boring in my eyes. Plus, after almost 2 hours in the subway we felt short in clear air.
Underground SubwayArt
michaelbL7065JS,
Sep 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This is the fourth tour I have done and there's always something new I found out even though I have been a NYC resident for over 50 years! Excellent guides (Thanks Justin on this one) and a very reasonable price for two hours of info and entertainment. Mike
Fun and culturally enriching!
stevemM5943TI,
Sep 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Our guide Rayn was beyond knowledgeable and a great story teller. My wife and I live in Manhattan and really enjoyed learning more about the vast network of tunnels right beneath our feet. I highly recommend this tour!