New York Transit Museum

The Basics

The New York Transit Museum, which opened in 1976, tells the story of the city's development through three permanent exhibits—on transit construction, fare collection, and the old trolley system. Visitors experience decommissioned subway cars—dating to 1907—and can interact with the old equipment. Try sitting behind the wheel of a former city bus or hopping through classic subway turnstiles.

To get the most of a visit to the transit museum, consider booking a Brooklyn bus tour. Hop-on hop-off tours tend to pass by the museum, so you can easily check out the exhibits. Free guided tours are offered on weekends, a great option if you want to learn more about New York's infrastructure.

How to Get There

Located in Downtown Brooklyn, the New York Transit Museum is most easily accessed by subway. Take the 2, 3, 4, or 5 train to the Borough Hall stop. Alternatively, take the R train to the Jay Street–MetroTech stop. Garage parking is also an option if you drive, though day rates can be pricey.

Trip ideas

Brooklyn Bridge

Spanning the East River since 1883, the Brooklyn Bridge is both commuter necessity and New York City icon, with unbeatable views of Manhattan.

How to Spend 1 Day in Brooklyn

How to Spend 3 Days in Brooklyn

From historic brownstones and landmarks such as the Brooklyn Bridge to trendy bars and restaurants, Brooklyn has enough attractions to entertain you for a lifetime, but three days is a good start. Discover Brooklyn’s key sights, visit its worthiest eateries, and even hop over to another borough.

20 of the Coolest Winter Activities in the US

From snowshoeing in Sequoia National Park to singing carols on the Boston Harbor, add these winter activities to your holiday wishlist.

Top 5 Tips for Visiting the Dyker Heights Christmas Lights

A visit to Dyker Heights is a New York wintertime tradition, with both New Yorkers and out-of-state visitors flocking to this otherwise sleepy corner of southeast Brooklyn to admire its extravagant holiday light displays.

Williamsburg

Home to all things hip, Williamsburg is known for its eclectic shops, street art, and waterfront parks. Dig a bit deeper and you’ll find some surprises, too.

When to Get There

The New York Transit Museum is open Tuesday to Friday, from 10am to 4pm, and on Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 5pm; it's closed on Mondays and most holidays. The museum is a great choice on a rainy day—and on blustery winter afternoons—as the museum's exhibits are indoors. Weekends are busiest, so consider a weekday visit.

Ride a Vintage Train

Around the holidays, the New York Transit Museum brings vintage subway cars back to life for a few days with Holiday Nostalgia Rides. Rides give visitors the chance to hop on classic subway trains and buses on set routes through Manhattan. The vintage fleet is in operation on a very limited schedule, in November and December, and offers a family-friendly experience that's all yours for the cost of a Metrocard swipe.