The Roosevelt Island Tramway

City-Kid Review:

Can we go again? And again? Please?

Every city has its quirks and foibles – because they are designed by people – and New York is no exception. Like the Staten Island Ferry, I am astonished that it exists and grateful that it does.

The Roosevelt Island Tramway was originally created in 1909 to as part of the transportation between Manhattan and Queens. It would stop halfway across the route, and bridge, so folks could take an elevator down to the island.

In the late fifties it was stopped and dismantled, all the while earning the title of last trolly line in New York State.  When Roosevelt island was developed for low and middle-income housing in the 70s, the idea of the tramway was reinstated. The former structures had fallen into massive disrepair and so an entirely new one was built and opened in 1976.

There have been a couple times the tram has been stuck halfway and the tramway was completely renovated in 2010. I rode it before and afterwards and it is shiny red and still feels – rather amazingly – spanking new feeling.

Need to Knows:

Location:  You can catch the tram on the Manhattan side at East 59th and 2nd Avenue. You can catch it on the Roosevelt Island side right next to the subway stop in the middle of the island, at Tramway Plaza.

Cost: It costs the same a single subway ride. You need to use a metro card. Children under 44″ are free.

Food places on the Roosevelt Island side are limited but there are a couple of restaurants. On the Manhattan side there are several places to eat and get food on 2nd Avenue.

Opening times: Sunday-Thursday: 6am-2am
Friday-Saturday: 6am-3.30am
On holidays it runs a rush hour schedule.
Runs every 7-15 mins.

You can find out more here.

Information correct at time of writing. 

Top-Tip

It is a wonderful opportunity for NYC views.

See if you can ride at sunset for a spectacular option.

Extend your trip to Queensbridge Park and look back at Queensboro bridge. It’s quite  a view.

Oh, and try to get to the front of the cable car for the best views!

I’m so curious why the Queensboro is spelled that way and not Queensborough. Any ideas?
Please let me know if you know!

What is your favorite New York City quirk? Post below!

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