Best Things to Do in NYC for Train Fans
It is not uncommon to hear local New Yorkers grumbling about the MTA and giving long lasting orations about their complaints regarding the subway. In the summer the subway is too hot. In the winter the subway is too cold. The subway is always too crowded, too dirty, and way too slow. But did you know there is a group of New Yorkers who absolutely adore the subway. They can tell you its history, different train cars, different train lines, where the tracks meet and where trains can switch lines. They see the marvel of engineering and precision that it takes to run a mass transit system. As you can imagine, NYC is a train fan’s paradise. So what can you do in NYC if you are a train fanatic? Let’s explore.
Visit the New York Transit Museum
The New York Transit Museum is a mecca for New York transit fans. The New York Transit Museum is build in a decommissioned subway station. The Court Street subway station in Brooklyn to be precise. As such, even the walls of the museum are history. A trip to the New York Transit Museum offers one the opportunity to explore old vintage train cars, walk through the history of fare collection, secrets about how the subway was built, get a rare glimpse at a working signal tower, and even learn about the MTA band! Yes, the MTA had a marching band! Oh, and recently a Chapelle Roan music video was filmed in one of the New York Transit Museum’s decommissioned trains.
Step Back in Time with a NYTM Nostalgia Ride
What better way to learn about history than by experiencing it first hand! The New York Transit Museum’s Nostalgia Rides offer you an opportunity to do just that. Throughout the year, the New York Transit Museum will take vintage cars from their fleet and return them to service. Recently we tried their “Beach Bound” route where rides enjoyed an R 1/9 train ride out to the Rockaways! R 1/9 trains were first built in 1930 and ran through 1977! To get into the spirit, some riders dressed like the 1930s! Keep your eyes on the New York Transit Museum’s website to learn when the next nostalgia ride it. Pro-tip, most need reservations and they do sell out, especially around the holidays.
Visit Grand Central Terminal
It should go without saying that if you love New York City transportation, Grand Central Terminal is a must-see. Completed in 1913, many consider Grand Central Terminal an engineering marvel. It is also a marvel that the beautiful building was landmarked and preserved. Grand Central Terminal is the terminus for Metro-North Railroad’s Harlem, Hudson and New Having line, and also serves many NYC subways. There is a transit based gift-shop inside the terminal. You absolutely must visit the main concourse. With its brilliant team celestial ceiling, you will immediately recognize it from movies and television shows ranging from Home Alone 2: Lost in New York to Gossip Girl (XOXO).
Grand Central Terminal has many secrets. The absolute best way to learn the secrets of Grand Central Terminal is to book a tour. Trust us. Yes, you can learn a few fun facts about Grand Central Terminal on Instagram and TikTok and Wikipedia, but these tour guides take it to another level. Plus, Grand Central Terminal can be a bit confusing if you’ve never been, so learn from someone who really knows the ropes.
Which train takes you to our giant Times Square billboard? So glad you asked! The Welcome to Times Square billboard is located at 46th Street and Broadway, so you’ll essentially take any train to either Times Square or Grand Central terminal. Is visiting Times Square worth it? It is if your photo is on a billboard, and there’s only one way to do that. Book with Welcome to Times Square and appear on a Times Square billboard for 24 hours for as low as $150.