Roosevelt Island Tram
A four-minute aerial cable-car ride over the East River with skyline and bridge views — for a subway fare.
The call
Worth it if you care about the visual experience.
Why
- 01
An aerial tram that floats over the East River beside the Queensboro Bridge with great Midtown skyline views — for a single subway swipe.
Our read - 02
The hook: ride the front-facing window and sit on the south (right-hand, downtown) side going out for the bridge-and-skyline sweep, and time it for the half-hour before sunset when Midtown lights start to come up.
Our read
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 are 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 are 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.