Ride on retro subway trains to reach Coney Island and the Rockaways beaches this summer.
Catch a Ride Back to the Past!
Get ready for an old-school adventure as the New York Transit Museum takes you on a nostalgic journey to the beach!
Prepare to hop aboard vintage R1-9 cars from the 1930s for an unforgettable ride to the summer shores of either Coney Island or the Rockaways. Let's dive into the details!
First off, we've got the Coney Island trip scheduled for Saturday, July 19. You'll be embarking on a two-hour journey aboard these classic cars, filled with 1930s charm. Upon arrival, feel free to explore all that Coney Island has in store—from the thrilling rides at Luna Park to a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk or devouring a classic hot dog from Nathan's!
Stay for a while or choose to return to Manhattan—the decision is yours!
Next up, we've got the Rockaways tour lined up for Sunday, August 10. Departing from 96th Street-Second Avenue, this adventure will take you to Rockaway Park-Beach 116th Street, where you can enjoy the ocean, sunbathe on the sand, or explore the boardwalk. The choice is yours whether to dance the night away or catch the train back to Manhattan.
The R1-9 cars, an innovation during the early 1930s, were the first to arrive on the tracks when the Independent Subway System (IND) opened the Eighth Street line. Known for their efficiency and spacious interiors, these vehicles combined the speed of earlier IRT cars with the larger capacity of BMT cars.[1][4] Each 60-foot-long car could carry up to 280 passengers, boasting 60 seats in various configurations.[1][4]
These green, riveted-metal giants reminiscent of the Depression era inspired swing composer Billy Strayhorn's "Take the A Train."[3]
Tickets are now available for both trips, with prices set at $60 for adults and $40 for children. Members can grab tickets for $50 and $30, respectively.[2] Keep in mind that the vintage train cars lack air conditioning, so bring a portable fan for comfort.
And don't forget, you can still reach Rockaway Beach via the Rockaway Rocket and the Rockaway Reserve this summer!
Mark Your Calendars:
- Coney Island Summer Nostalgia Ride: Saturday, July 19 | 10:00 AM
- The Rockaways Summer Nostalgia Ride: Sunday, August 10 | 10:00 AM
Experience a unique blend of event, lifestyle, and travel as you embark on the Coney Island Summer Nostalgia Ride on July 19 or the Rockaways Summer Nostalgia Ride on August 10. Home-and-garden enthusiasts can delight in the vintage charm of the R1-9 cars, originally introduced in the 1930s, while enjoying the beach and the various activities these locations offer.
