Roosevelt Island Tram
Worth it if you care about the visual experience.
Short answer
Is Roosevelt Island Tram worth it?
Roosevelt Island Tram is a specialist choice, not a default stop.
The answer depends on your budget, time and travel style; the breakdown below shows who gets the most value.
A four-minute aerial cable-car ride over the East River with skyline and bridge views — for a subway fare.
How to do it right
- 01
Clear afternoons for the skyline; sunset adds drama over Midtown.
- 02
No booking; tap a MetroCard or OMNY at the tram station.
- 03
Tram boards at 59th St and Second Avenue; the F train also serves the island.
- 04
The tram cabins are wheelchair accessible with level boarding.
Is it a fit?
Go if
You care about the visual experience
Roosevelt Island Tram rewards a trip built around beauty & photography.
Think twice if
You want something active
Roosevelt Island Tram is the wrong stop for adventure.
You're watching the budget
Roosevelt Island Tram can strain a tight budget. Go only when it is a priority.
You only have one day
Keep Roosevelt Island Tram only when it outranks a half-day elsewhere.
You're traveling with kids
With kids, Roosevelt Island Tram needs the right timing and tolerance.
Plan it well
- Cost
- $2.90 (transit fare)
- Timing
- Clear afternoons for the skyline; sunset adds drama over Midtown.
- Booking
- No booking; tap a MetroCard or OMNY at the tram station.
- Allow
- 30 min (ride); 1.5 hrs with the island
- Accessibility
- The tram cabins are wheelchair accessible with level boarding.
- Getting there
- Tram boards at 59th St and Second Avenue; the F train also serves the island.
Consider instead
Keep exploring
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