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.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The New York Transit Museum is a must for history enthusiasts.

• Kids and families enjoy the classic trains presented on actual subway tracks and the hands-on experience.

• The old subway station may have inconsistent climate control, so wear warm clothes.

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.

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.

How long does it take to visit the New York Transit Museum?

It takes around 1-2 hours to visit the New York Transit Museum, depending on how long you want to spend reading the information panels and interactive displays. If you book in advance, you'll get a time slot, so you can enter the museum within your assigned 30-minute window.

Does the New York Transit Museum have AC?

Several of the exhibits, including the mezzanine level, offer climate control with air-conditioning and heating. However, much of the museum, notably the historic train display area, lacks these facilities. Prepare for varying temperatures when visiting the museum, especially when exploring sections that house vintage transportation.

Is there parking at the New York Transit Museum?

No, the NY Transit Museum does not have parking. Most people use street parking or parking garages nearby, such as Park Kwik on 110 Livingston Street. For public transport, the nearby Boerum Pl/Schermerhorn St. bus stop is served by the B62 bus.

Is visiting the New York Transit Museum worth it?

Yes, the New York Transit Museum is worth a visit, as it offers a deep dive into the history of New York’s underground transportation system. Set in a decommissioned subway station, it showcases old trains, buses, signs, and exhibits that show the development of the city’s public transportation system.

What is the best time of day to visit the New York Transit Museum?

The museum can be very popular at weekends—especially on rainy days—and it can also attract school groups during the week. It’s typically closed Monday through Wednesday, so it’s best to visit on a Thursday or Friday, ideally between 1pm and 4pm, as these are usually the quietest hours.

Are there restrooms at the New York Transit Museum?

Yes, there are restrooms at the New York Transit Museum; these facilities include gender-neutral bathrooms and diaper-changing stations for travelers with babies. There’s also a wheelchair-accessible lift and water fountains available on-site, however, it's prohibited to bring food into the museum and there are no lunch tables.

Ways to explore

Centrally located in a decommissioned 1936 Brooklyn subway station, the New York Transit Museum is easy to pair with a tour of Brooklyn’s highlights. Book a walking or bike tour through the historic borough or a hop-on hop-off tour before or after your museum visit. You can also visit the museum after a morning of sightseeing in Manhattan or a boat cruise past the Statue of Liberty, since the museum is easy to reach from downtown by public transportation—making for a 360-degree New York City transit experience.

Accessibility

The wheelchair has a dedicated wheelchair-accessible entrance. Some vintage cars in the museum are not accessible.

Age limits

There is no minimum age to visit, and the interactive exhibits are kid-friendly.

What to pack

Camera, light jacket or sweater on cool days to visit the platform level

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, layers (most of the museum is not heated or air-conditioned)

Not allowed

Photo shoots, large bags, food and drinks

Amenities

Restrooms, gift shop

Address

Not surprisingly, the New York Transit Museum is easy to reach by public transportation from Brooklyn or Manhattan. It is also within walking distance of the borough’s vibrant dining hub, or you can take a bike share or taxi.

Driving

Driving in Brooklyn’s snarled traffic can be tricky, and garage parking near the New York Transit Museum is pricey. Opt to reach the museum with public transportation, the most stress-free (and on-theme) way to visit.

Public transportation

The New York Transit Museum is most easily accessed by more than 20 subway, bus, and rail lines. Take the 2, 3, 4, or 5 train to the Borough Hall stop. Alternatively, take the R train to the Jay Street–MetroTech stop.

Best times to visit

This museum is a great rainy-day activity for visitors of all ages, so pop in when the weather turns inclement.

Best days to visit

School groups visit on weekday mornings and families on the weekend. Weekday afternoons are the quietest times to visit. It’s closed on Monday and Tuesday.

Best months to visit

Much of the museum does not have climate control, so it can be cold in winter and hot in summer. Choose a mild spring or fall day to visit.

Special events

The New York Transit Museum holds temporary exhibitions year-round. Check the museum website for an updated calendar.