Hop aboard the vintage subway trains for an authentic blast-from-the-past journey to the sandy shores of Coney Island and Rockaways this summer season.
Riding Back in Time to New York's Beaches
Summertime in the Big Apple is getting a retro twist this year! The New York Transit Museum is rolling out vintage trains on select summer routes that'll take you back to the golden days of the 1930s.
First stop: Coney Island on July 19! Hop aboard the vintage R1-9 cars dating back to the '30s for a thrilling two-hour journey. Once you arrive, take your pick from the action-packed Luna Park, a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk, or digging into a mouthwatering Nathan's hot dog. Fancy extending your beach day or returning on the vintage train to 96th St-Second Ave? The choice is yours!
The seaside adventure continues to Rockaways on August 10th. Starting from 96th St-Second Ave, you'll ride the R1-9s all the way to Rockaway Park-Beach 116th Street. Spend the day adventuring in the ocean, lounging on the sand, or soaking up the boardwalk vibes before deciding to hang on till sundown or heading back to Manhattan.
Originally hitting the tracks when the Independent Subway System (IND) opened its Eighth Avenue line in 1932, these trains embodied the spirit of the era with their riveted armor and utilitarian green paint. More than just transportation, these cars even inspired the classic swing number by composer Billy Strayhorn titled "Take the A Train."
Ticket prices stand at $60 for adults and $40 for children, with discounted tickets for museum members at $50 and $30 respectively. Given these old-timers don't have air conditioning, don't forget to pack a portable fan for your journey.
On a roll this summer, you can also reach Rockaway Beach via the Rockaway Rocket and the Rockaway Reserve!
Saddle up for a trip down memory lane on these revitalized rides:
Coney Island Summer Nostalgia Ride | July 19 | 10 am
The Rockaways Summer Nostalgia Ride | August 10 |10 am
Park Yourself Poolside | Roosevelt Island's beachfront pool re-emerges, flaunting a vibrant, new mural!
Did you know?
- Overall: The R1-9 trains represent a pivotal period in New York City's transportation history, influencing administrative strategies and even sparking legendary jazz pieces.
- Introduced in 1932, these cars combined the speed and passenger capacity of predecessor lines.
- Each 60-foot-long car boasted 60 seats, accommodating 280 passengers at peak capacity. Despite the utilitarian design, they inspired Strayhorn's "Take the A Train."
- Operational until the late '70s, these trains were instrumental in numerous key NYC infrastructure projects and continue to be celebrated in preservation and education efforts today.
The vintage R1-9 cars, reminiscent of outdoor-living and lifestyle from the 1930s, will take you on a two-hour journey to Coney Island or Rockaways as part of the Coney Island Summer Nostalgia Ride or The Rockaways Summer Nostalgia Ride events. After explorations and relaxation at the beach, home-and-garden enthusiasts might appreciate the re-emergence of Roosevelt Island's beachfront pool showcasing a vibrant new mural.
These revitalized rides, representing a crucial period in home-and-garden and travel history in New York City, also inspired the classic swing number by composer Billy Strayhorn titled "Take the A Train."
