Roosevelt Island Tramway

For the cost of a subway ride (you use a metrocard swipe to board), you can see Manhattan, Queens, and Roosevelt Island from a different viewpoint. A gondola-​like car that holds up to 110 people speeds along (4 minute rides) next to the Queensboro Bridge so you can see everything around you from the sky viewpoint. Great pictures of midtown and downtown Manhattan and a nice overlook of Queens.
Once you get to Roosevelt Island there isn’t much to do tourist-​wise so I’m not sure the trip is entirely worth it, but it’s certainly a nice date idea or a fun away to show outsiders the city.

I love this tram. It provides an unparalleled view of the city (and some excellent fly on the wall ability to see elite housing the rest of us can only daydream about). I’d put it on your NYC bucketlist.

Inexpensive and exciting new perspective of NYC! Pleasantly surprised to find that we could transfer for FREE from the subway.
I would recommend not looking through any pictures before riding so you have no expectations. You can get a nice panoramic view of Manhattan from Roosevelt Island so stay a few minutes before taking your return trip.
A very smooth ride. A fear of heights should not stop anyone from taking this ride, tourists and residents alike.

That’s a nice short ride to enjoy some aerial view of Manhattan.
Please mind you cannot stay in the car for a return ride, you must get out and pay for another return ticket.
Not sure if there is anything to do on the Roosevelt Island, but the ride was nice, especially at night!

This tram should get more attention from visitors to NYC. It’s one of those things that don’t really make your typical list of touristy things-​to-​do but it should. Not to mention, you get to visit Roosevelt island! The best part is that if you have a metro subway card, that’ll work here too. The ride itself is pretty smooth and the views are spectacular, you get the see the iron details of Queensboro bridge upclose. Upon reaching the island you get an incredible panoramic view of the city. There’s a red bus that will take you around the island. There’s also a tourist information center right when you get off to answer any questions you may have. Whether you go around the island on the bus or just hop back on the returning tram. This is something that you won’t be disappointed to have done.

I’m giving it three stars since I’m a scaredy cat. No joke! The last time I took the tram I had visitors from out of town. It was the last week of March 2006. I hated every minute of the ride over to the island and back! The island is great. I enjoyed being there. I just had a feeling I was not safe getting there and back.
Within a couple weeks the tram was stuck! Premonition? Maybe, I am prone to sensing things before they happen. When those people were stranded for hours I felt their pain. I was thankful it was not me!
That was my one tram trip! You will not catch me using it again. It has been replaced since then! I will still enjoy watching it from the ground. I also don’t stand underneath it! ;)

What a lovely tram which take people to check out the Skyline of Midtown Manhattan east side in New York City. Since I got to know this place online, like to see this in person. So it was in my NYC Trip check list. Finally, I was here, this place just brilliant.
The station of Tramway isn’t so difficult to find, it was about 5 mins walk on foot from the subway station. I was worried it might cost some, but it wasn’t, it turned out to be just $ 2.79, same like any other trip with the subway. I just used my NYC Metrocard and it worked. It was quite a lot people on board, I guess most of them just like me, wanted take a small trip with this. It did’t take long, it started to run, the Cabin went along the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge, nice view of the Roosevelt Island and the east side of Manhattan, the whole exprierence was about 10 minutes or shorter. But I think, it was total worth it to pay a visit, esperically in the great weather.
Once I got to the Roovsevelt Island, I also walked around abit, the island offered few really brilliant spots to check out the Midtown Manhattan, plus the view of the Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge and East River. Brooklyn right at the other side. I did took quite some awesome pictures, so stay around abit.
Well, I know that, it’s more a public transport than tourist thing. But because of its view, it became popular for the tourist as well. If you want to travel back to the Uptown or Downtown, you can try to catch the Subway line F, which also on the island. you will save more money and time. Its schedule starts from 6:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. (3:30 a.m. on weekends), each round takes around 11 mins. I just love this, will visit this place next time in town again.

I love that this is an integrated part of the NYC metro system. You can use your metro card to transfer for free but can also just pay regular fare to experience taking this cable car to Roosevelt island, which is mostly residential but does have a park at its southern end.
The view is just OK because of the Queensboro bridge blocking a complete view. You will be able to catch glimpses of the UN building, the Chrysler building, and the Empire State Building.
Of note, the subway card machines take cash only unfortunately, at least when I was there.

The Tram is one of the few things that New York City has to offer that not many has tried yet. The Roosevelt Island Tram provides mesmerizing views of the Avenues going up and down Manhattan and you’re especially lucky if you catch a beautiful sunset while riding the tram.
The Tram provides excellent photo-​ops, and for the fare of one Metrocard swipe it can get you across to Roosevelt Island in about 5 short minutes.

Probably this is the only tram connecting Manhattan to somewhere else. People living on Roosevelt Island do rely on this public transportation especially those work/​study at the east side. You could literally view the whole east river when the tram was rising above, fantastic grand view and even better at night.

All I have to say is this is a MUST DO if you’re a tourist! Hey it’s cool even if your not. The view is spectacular and it’s definitely not expensive to ride. $ 2.75 it’s quick and depending on where you’re located on the Tram you really get a great view. I recommend getting off at the island and taking some pictures and if you get there when it get dark the lights are truly AMAZING…

For just a few bucks you can get breathtaking views of NYC! Sure it only lasts about 5 mins but oh so worth it. This tramway takes you from Roosevelt island to Manhattan and back. The ride is very smooth, seats are limited but there is plenty of standing room I’ll give a guesstimate and say around 40 – 50 standing and seats for let’s say 10 ppl chances are. youll be standing. Highly recommended.

NYC views for $ 2.75 nothing can beat that! Welcome to NYC with a little cliché «if you can make here, you can make it anywhere.» All you need is a metro card to ride the Roosevelt Island tramway a really cool, cheerful, cheap & ridiculously way to see the city in a cable car. Sit down, relax & enjoy the ride. The scenes from the Tram is amazing. I hate heights but this is incredible. The perfect summer scene a ray of sunshine against the blue sky.

Oh my oh my. What a treat to be taking a tram in this city. I love that you’re able to use a metrocard to pay for the ride as well.
The views are breathtaking ($ 2.75) and it easily brings you over to Roosevelt Island so you can visit the Four Freedoms Park. The air-​conditioned tram came pretty regularly too so that’s an added bonus.

My daughter wanted to go to NYC to sightsee. Ever the adrenaline junkie, she suggested we do a helicopter tour to see the city from above.
She’s five.
I don’t know what they’re teaching them on Sesame Street these days, but I needed her to know a jobless person’s place. I told her that we would soar above the city… on a tram. «It’s cooler than a helicopter and it only costs $ 3!»
It was my first time taking the tram. It ran about every six minutes that Sunday. It was packed on each leg of the trip, but we made sure to get on last in order to see through the huge window/​door. The view was very nice. It would make a perfect low-​budget romantic comedy type of date. The trip only takes about four minutes, so bask in it quickly.
Once we got on the island, we just walked over to a railing and stared at the view of the buildings and all of the people jetskiing. Even though the tram was packed, there weren’t a lot of people around. That was surprising given that it was a beautiful and unseasonably pleasant August day. Not a bad way to kill some time and do something outside the usual destinations.
My daughter still wants to get on a helicopter. I still want her to get a job… mining coal, making clothes… the possibilities are endless.

We took the tramway to and from Roosevelt Island today. Truly a cool and unique experience and all for the cost of a subway card swipe (or use your unlimited card!). You pick it up at 59^th and 2^nd ave in Manhattan and take the short trip (5 minutes or so) over to Roosevelt Island.
Pros:
–Awesome views from every window, you’ll see the city, East river, and island from a whole new perspective… great photo ops
–You can bring strollers and bikes on board
–Can’t beat the price (same cost as a subway ride, swipe on in!)
–Accessible drop off locations on each end; in Manhattan you’re super close to the 59^th street N-Q-R-4−5 subway stop, in Roosevelt Island you’re in walking distance (20 minutes or less) of everything on the island
–Conductors are friendly and keep the tram moving on time with the schedule
–Published schedule (leaves every 15 minutes from Roosevelt Island and from Manhattan)
Cons:
–Hot hot hot in the summer, luckily the ride is short but on warm days there’s no AC and little air movement through the tram car
–Packed with tourists on weekends/​summers (if you want a window view or seat, may be best to wait for the next tram).
–Can be cozy with strollers and bikes sometimes
A great place to check out for both locals and tourists… you won’t be disappointed!

I happen to be in the area & my friend suggested we take the tram I was like sure why not specially since I’d never done it.
I’ve lived in New York 20 plus years & never knew this was so accessible.
I Never knew the purpose of this is like taking the train for some reason I always thought it was some sort of tourist attraction u had to pay for living in New York it doesn’t really cross your mind to go ride this? All this time & no ones really ever made comments about taking the tram.
We got to the tram swiped our metro cards & done, best cheap easy ride.
We took the tram during the early evening nice views of the city at night from looking at pics seems like the better views are during the day.
Now that I know about this I will definitely try to check it out more often short quick ride, lovely city views & all for the simple price of just using your metro card.

Great alternative to the F train because you have quick access to the 4÷5÷6 or N/​Q/​R trains that take you to the east and west side of Manhattan, respectively. Plus, it is on a schedule so you know what time you need to leave to take the next one. Rush hour (every 7.5 minutes): 6am-​10am and 4pm-​8pm. All other times the tram runs every 15 minutes until 2am on weeknights and 4am on weekends.
For the best views of the city, you should ride between 11am-​2pm. Remember that you have to pay the fare both ways. If you have a fear of heights then you should not ride on windy days because there will be noticeable rocking of the tram.

I used to work on Roosevelt Island and prior to me driving there, this was my mode of transportation to get on the island. You swipe the Metrocard to get in. Once you get on the island, you gotta get off the cabin and swipe back in again. So it pays to have the Unlimited card in those cases. loll Many tourists from around the world, actually come to the Tram, to take it back and forth and snap some pics: D
Once in the cabin, it’s usually a smooth ride. The cabin doesn’t look it, but you can easily fit 100 adults inside, along with a few bikes and baby strollers. Rarely, but it happens, nearing the end of the ride usually, the computerized system has an error and the cabin will stop abruptly. 99% of the time, it’s no issue. The system automatically reboots and the cabin starts moving again. IF the cabin stays still for more than 5 mins, then there’s a problem and Public Safety on the island or Tram attendants will notify the Police and Fire Dept.
If you’re someone who loves to take pictures (like myself), the best times to take photos are during sunrise or sunsets. I usually like to stand on the side of the cabin not facing the 59^th St bridge, cuz you have an unobstructed view of the island, and Manhattan, and the East River. Again AMAZING views, whatever the weather may be like outside!

Seilbahnen sind «mein Thema» aktuell: nachdem in Hamburg monatelang eine Diskussion um eine Seilbahn über die Elbe die Gemüter erhitzte (warum eigentlich?), schwebten wir in Köln über den Rhein und (aller guten Dinge sind drei) erinnern uns gerne an eine Fahrt mit der Roosevelt Island Tram in New York. Ja, NYC hat tatsächlich eine Seilbahn!
Diese Seilbahn steht im Osten Manhattans und überbrückt immerhin den halben East River. Den halben deswegen, weil die Tram in der Flussmitte, auf der Insel Roosevelt Island, endet.
Historisch für Krankenhäuser und Strafanstalten genutzt, wurde die Insel mitten im East River sukzessive dem Wohnungsbau zugänglich gemacht und die vorab genannten Institutionen wurden verlegt. Ende der 60er Jahre wurden verstärkt mit dem Wohnungsbau begonnen und Mitte der 70er Jahre waren die ersten Blocks fertig.
Natürlich war eine U-​Bahn-​Anbindung an Manhattan geplant, um die Bewohner von Roosevelt Island zu ihren Arbeitsplätzen zu bringen, jedoch verzögerte sich der Bau dermaßen, dass man zunächst zu einer provisorischen Verbindung
griff, die schnell errichtet werden konnte. Die «Roosevelt Island Tramway» war geboren, 1976 von den Schweizer Eidgenossen flugs erbaut.
Als 1989 endlich die U-​Bahn-​Verbindung zwischen Roosevelt Island und Manhattan fertig war, war die Gondelbahn bereits derart in den Herzen der Bewohner und Touristen verankert, dass an einen Rückbau nicht mehr zu denken war. Ganz im Gegenteil: 2010 wurde die alte Seilbahn gar durch ein komplett neues System ersetzt und war schon oft Schauplatz spannungsgeladener Hollywood-​Streifen wie «Nighthawk» mit Silvester Stallone oder «Spidermann».
Die Strecke, die die beiden Kabinen mit einer maximalen Auslastung von 100 Personen zurücklegen, ist ca. 950 m lang, die Stahlseile werden von 3 Stützen gehalten und erreichen eine maximale Höhe von 75 Metern.
Die Nutzung der Seilbahn ist im New Yorker Metropass inbegriffen.
Obwohl eine absolute Besonderheit ist ein Ritt über den East River eher etwas für die «Trainspotter» unter uns, denn der East River ist an dieser Stelle ein nur wenig spektakuläres Fotomotiv.
Der Clou dieser Seilbahn liegt eigentlich eher darin, dass man seinen Augen nicht traut, wenn man Höhe Lexington plötzlich über sich eine rote Gondel schweben sieht, die man eher in Fels– denn in Häuserschluchten vermutet.
Ja, sind wir denn in Disneyland…

INEXPENSIVE WAY TO DISCOVER NYC. The Roosevelt Island Tramway is an aerial tramway that spans the East River and connects Roosevelt Island to the Upper East Side of Manhattan. The fare is only $ 2.50, but make sure you have a Merto Card. Up to three (3) children 44 inches tall and under ride for free on the Tram when accompanied by a fare paying adult.
You can take the tramway car from 59^th St and 2^nd Ave station. It’s about a 5 minute ride across. There WILL be a line, so if your not in a rush to get across, let all the rude people who want to push you out of the way get into the tramway and just wait in the front for the next one so you can enjoy the view across from the front. They have two tramways so the wait is minimal.
When you get to the other side, take the red bus for a FREE ride across the island. Did I say FREE… yes I couldn’t believe it myself, it’s free. When you get to the last stop, ask the bus driver for directions to the lighthouse and have fun.

Une traversée express du Queensboro Bridge, suspendu dans une cabine téléphérique c’est le Roosevelt Island Tramway.
Pour le prix d’un ticket de métro (2,25 $) ou totalement gratuit avec le pass illimité, on passé au dessus des voies de circulation et l’on profite d’un large panorama pour un parcours relativement rapide puisqu’en moins de cinq minutes, on est déjà à l’autre bout sur la paisible Roosevelt Island.

A todos los que ya han estado en NY anteriormente o los que ya han visto todo lo «imprescindible» les recomiendo una pequeña excursión a Roosevelt Island con el teleférico Roosevelt Island Tramway.
Antes de la construcción de una parada de metro, este teleférico era el medio de transporte público para todo el mundo que quería pasar de Manhattan a la otra isla pequeña.
Durante el viaje se pueden apreciar nuevas vistas de Midtown — y encima desde el aire… una maravilla! Luego un paseo por Roosevelt Island y de vuelta a Manhattan — otra vez en el teleférico o en metro… (además, da gusto ir en un teleférico suizo sin que te peguen mil personas con esquís y accesorios invernales varios)
Ah, y para todos los que ya dudaban — sí, es el teleférico de la peli de Spiderman…
El Tramway sale en el cruce 2^nd Avenue/​E 60^th Street y cuesta 2,50 $.
Para hacer fotos hay que darse prisa, ya que el viaje sólo dura entre 4 y 5 minutos.

Was für eine Super — Idee, eine Seilbahn in New York, der absolute Hammer … Die Bahn fährt ca. alle 15 minuten, man kann wirklich jede sekunde dieser Fahrt genießen, da wir die Metrocard hatten fielen keine weiteren kosten an. Man kann wenn man in Roosevelt Island angekommen ist wunderbar die Skyline bewundern. Leider war der Eingang auf dem «Festland «etwas vermüllt, was aber trotzdem den tollen Eindruck nicht getrübt hat. Unbedingt Empfehlenswert !!!

Moyen économique et pratique d’aller sur Roosevelt Island. Au prix d’un trajet de métro ou bien gratuit avec un pass. Vue splendide.

Tolle Seilbahn, die noch immer ein Geheimtipp ist, obwohl sie in Filmen, Dokumentationen und Reiseberichten immer wieder auftaucht.
Mittlerweile kostet eine Fahrt 2,50 Dollar, aber man sollte sich, wenn man in New York unterwegs ist, eine Metrocard holen und die U-​Bahn nutzen. Sie ist auch für diese Seilbahn gültig.
Die Überfahrt zur Roosevelt Island ist zwar kurz, aber echt toll.
Also, auf den Merkzettel für die nächste Reise nach NYC!

Ja, so sind sie die Ami’s: Nicht groß rumdiskutieren und überlegen, machen! Roosevelt Island wurde 1975 von einer Gefängnis-​Krankeninsel in ein Wohngebiet umgewandelt. Der versprochene Bau einer U-​Bahn unter dem East-​River hindurch, verzögerte sich immer wieder. So wurde 1976 kurzer Hand für die Anbindung an den öffentlichen Nahverkehr, eine Seilbahn installiert.
Photo link:
Roosevelt Island Arial Tramway Als am 29. Oktober 1989 endlich die U-​Bahn eröffnet wurde, war die Seilbahn viel zu populär, um sie stillzulegen. Heute ist sie vornehmlich eine Touristenattraktion. In diesem Fall: Danke, für diesen hemdsärmeligen Eingriff, liebe Ami’s!
&
Danke, für diesen tollen Tipp, lieber Odenwälder!
Photo link:
Blick aus der Roosevelt Island Arial Tramway
Photo link:
Blick aus der Roosevelt Island Arial Tramway
Photo link:
Blick aus der Roosevelt Island Arial Tramway P. S.: Der Roosevelt Island Arial Tramway, ist mit Metrocard kostenlos.

Die TRAM ist eine Original Schweizer Seilbahn, die man einfach nach Manhattan verpflanzt hat.
Man fährt entlang der (verrosteten) Queensboro Bridge in rund 5 Minuten für nur 2 Dollar nach Roosevelt Island (eine Insel inmitten des East River) hinüber. Die Bahn war schon Schauplatz zahlreicher Hollywood-​Produktionen (Spiderman, King Kong, usw.)
Wenn man drüben angekommen ist, sollte man unbedingt einen kleinen Spaziergang entlang der Uferpromenade des East River machen. Man hat von dort einen tollen Blick über den East River auf die Skyline von Midtown Manhattan, es gibt dort zahlreiche Bänke, wo man mal eine halbe Stunde Pause machen und einfach nur gucken kann.
Man ist dort manchmal ganz allein. Touristen kommen nicht oder nur sehr selten hierher. Die Insel ist AUTOFREI — es gibt dort nur Wohnungen für ältere Leute, ein paar Seniorenheime und eine Klinik.
Subway-​Station: TramPlaza is located at 59^th Street and Second Avenue in Manhattan (grüné Subway-​Linie /​59^th Straße)

Es el teleferico que une la isla de Manhattan con la isla de Rossevelt. Lo puedes coger en la calle 59, junto al puente de Queensboro. Las vistas desde este Telesferico son bastantes buenas, ya que con el cruzas el East river. a mi me gusto la experiencia.