The Roosevelt Island Tramway is both a form of resident transportation and tourist curiosity. Roosevelt Island, which is in the middle of the East River, has three ways off the island: a single road, the F Train subway line, and this tram – the tram being the most convenient option for people on the Upper East Side. It rises 250 feet above the river, giving residents and guests an unique view of the city skyline.
Official site: Roosevelt Island Tramway
Operated by Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation, which was “created in 1984 by the State of New York as a public benefit corporation with a mission to plan, design, develop, operate, and maintain Roosevelt Island.”
Hours, Location, & Frequency
The tram runs from early morning until way late at night, about 7 to 15 minutes apart depending on the time of day.
Western Terminus: 60th St & 2nd Ave
Easter Terminus: Main St on Roosevelt Island
Hours:
- Sun-Thur 6am-2am
- Fri-Sat 6am-3:30am
Price and Tickets
$2.75. Metrocard payments only, no OMNY. You can swipe your Metrocard and any transfers on your MetroCard apply. There is a MetroCard station at street level.
What To Do On Roosevelt Island
Many New Yorkers live and/or work on Roosevelt Island, but there plenty of reasons to visit. Check the Big City NYC post about Roosevelt Island learn more about the island.
- Cornell Tech
- Southpoint Park
- Smallpox Memorial Hospital
- Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms State Park
- Cherry blossoms in the early spring
- Roosevelt Island Lighthouse
- NYC Health + Hospitals/Coler
- Blackwell House
- parks, some restaurants, limited shopping
More Information
- NYC Insider Guide: Riding the Roosevelt Island Tram
- Lonely Planet: Best things to do on Roosevelt Island in New York City