A New York subway ride, but with rattan seats, ceiling fans and vintage advertisements: the Holiday Nostalgia Rides let you ride in historic subway cars instead of just looking at them in a museum.
What to expect
During the holiday season, the New York Transit Museum brings historic cars back onto the tracks. The R1/9 cars date from the 1930s, and some remained in regular service until 1977. Take a look at the details while you ride: even the seats and old signs look quite different from what you’ll find on today’s trains.
The Holiday Nostalgia Rides usually run on Sundays in December. You pay the regular subway fare, with no extra charge for riding the historic train. This isn’t a separate, expensive museum excursion.
The route can change from year to year. In the past, the train ran between 2 Av / Houston St on the Lower East Side and 96 St / Second Avenue on the Upper East Side. You could also board at the designated stops along the way.
Good to know
- The regular subway fare is currently $3. Pay at the station entrance as you would for a normal ride.
- Plan around the special departure schedule. The historic train doesn’t run as frequently as regular subway service.
- Check the platform and direction, not just the station name.
- There are no restrooms on the historic trains.
