How the Subway Built New York
Overview
Millions ride New York's subway every day. Few realize it built the city around them.
Ride the historic 42nd Street Shuttle and discover how transportation transformed Midtown Manhattan into one of the world's greatest centers of business, entertainment, and commerce.
From Grand Central Terminal to Times Square, Broadway, the Diamond District, Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, and St. Patrick's Cathedral, you'll uncover how moving millions of people every day created billions of dollars in economic activity—and shaped the skyline we know today.
You'll never look at New York's subway the same way again.
What's Included
- Admission fee
- Subway Fare for train ride on the GCT to Times Square shuttle
Meeting Location
89 East 42nd Street
New York, NY 10017, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
5th Avenue
New York, NY 10022, USA
The tour will end at the church
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Grand Central Terminal
20 minutes Admission Ticket Included
42nd Street
15 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Times Square / Theater District
10 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Shubert Theatre
10 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Diamond District
10 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Rockefeller Plaza Manhattan New York City
10 minutes Admission Ticket Free
St. Patrick's Cathedral
15 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- We will be walking about 1.7 miles and have to go up and down stairs
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (8)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the How the Subway Built New York?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-5665556P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 5.00 out of 5 stars based on 2 traveler reviews collected by Cool Broadway and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
Similar Tours & Activities
Brooklyn Literary Pub Crawl
On this 3 hour literary tour of Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill and Boerum Hill, you’ll see the sites and sip drinks at the pubs. You’ll...
$49
Experience the timeless charm of Central Park with our enchanting horse carriage tour! Step into a world of tranquility as you glide through iconic landmarks,...
$125
- See the footprint of the largest single residence ever built in Manhattan - Take in outrageous stories of Gilded Age wealth, architecture, and art...
$42
Escape the Manhattan bubble and explore the soul of the city in total comfort. This 100% private, chauffeur-led tour takes you through the vibrant culture...
$2,300
On this 3 hour literary tour of Brooklyn Heights, Cobble Hill and Boerum Hill, you’ll see the sites and sip drinks at the pubs. You’ll...
$49
Experience the timeless charm of Central Park with our enchanting horse carriage tour! Step into a world of tranquility as you glide through iconic landmarks,...
$125
- See the footprint of the largest single residence ever built in Manhattan - Take in outrageous stories of Gilded Age wealth, architecture, and art...
$42
Escape the Manhattan bubble and explore the soul of the city in total comfort. This 100% private, chauffeur-led tour takes you through the vibrant culture...
$2,300
Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
New York Catacombs by Candlelight
Enjoy this fascinating 90 minute group tour that introduces you to all of the secrets of the Basilica of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral. Enter off...
$38
New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour (includes bus, walking tour and ferry ride!)
Experience the best of New York City with a knowledgeable, licensed tour guide by your side. Our guides will make your journey unforgettable as they...
$99
Taste your way through global ice cream flavors, explore immersive installations, ride NYC’s longest indoor slide, dive into the iconic Sprinkle Pool, and create sweet...
$49
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt Experience Ticket
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt blends elements of art and technology, taking the concept of an “observation deck” to entirely new heights. Explore three levels of mind-bending...
$48
Enjoy this fascinating 90 minute group tour that introduces you to all of the secrets of the Basilica of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral. Enter off...
$38
New York in One Day Guided Sightseeing Tour (includes bus, walking tour and ferry ride!)
Experience the best of New York City with a knowledgeable, licensed tour guide by your side. Our guides will make your journey unforgettable as they...
$99
Taste your way through global ice cream flavors, explore immersive installations, ride NYC’s longest indoor slide, dive into the iconic Sprinkle Pool, and create sweet...
$49
SUMMIT One Vanderbilt blends elements of art and technology, taking the concept of an “observation deck” to entirely new heights. Explore three levels of mind-bending...
$48
Frequently Asked Questions (8)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Broadway customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (EST).
- Admission fee.
- Subway Fare for train ride on the GCT to Times Square shuttle.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025The minimum age to participate is 5..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the How the Subway Built New York is as follows:
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- We will be walking about 1.7 miles and have to go up and down stairs
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for How the Subway Built New York will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Broadway. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- Admission fee
- Subway Fare for train ride on the GCT to Times Square shuttle
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- We will be walking about 1.7 miles and have to go up and down stairs
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
