Tours/New York City/Guided Private Underground New York Subway Tour
Guided Private Underground New York Subway Tour
4.8(54)New York City2h 30min
VIATOR4.8(33)TRIPADVISOR4.8(21)
+4 photos
At a glance
Duration
2h 30min
Price from
$220 / person
Location
New York City
Rating
4.8 / 5 · 54 reviews
Languages
EN
Group
Private
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Confirmation
Instant
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operator
New York Tours by Gary
Description
This private tour will completely demystify New York's famous subway system. and give you the secret history and inside story of the creation of the original 1904 subway line and how it grew into one of the most extensive transportation systems in the world. All the art, all the history, all the technical breakthroughs, all the "whys" and all the shenanigans that went into this spectacular achievement. This is a unique experience for visitors and locals alike. The tour is approximately 2.5-hours.
Please read the activity details for more information.
Schedule & prices
Runs
Every day
Start times
11 times a day, 9:00 AM–2:00 PM
Next available
Mon, Oct 19
Group price
$220 per group of up to 8
In demand: 77 of the next 330 departures are already sold out.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 18.
Tour Options
Guided Private Underground New York Subway Tour
Itinerary
Brooklyn Bridge
Admission not included30 min
The subway station, not the bridge. It is here, out side the station, were we get a bulk of the history. We enter the system here and it is here where the admission is paid. TIMING IS APPROXIMATE.
New York City Subway
Admission not included40 min
We ride the original route and see the most beautiful abandoned station in the world. We will stop at Astor Place, then Grand Central Station and switch to the Shuttle to Times Square. Admission is paid one time only when we enter the system. TIMING IS APPROXIMATE.
Times Square
Admission not included20 min
The subway station, how it became the most important station in the system as well as the several million dollars worth of art installed there. Admission is paid when you enter the system at the beginning of the tour. TIMING IS APPROXIMATE.
Astor Place
Admission not included10 min
Subway Station with gorgeous terra cotta work. Admission is paid at the beginning of the tour when we enter the system. TIMING IS APPROXIMATE.
Grand Central Terminal
25 min
How Grand Central Terminal Came to be, the prior 2 stations, how and why we almost lost the Terminal and the drastic steps to save it and renovate it. TIMING IS APPROXIMATE.
What's included
Included
Professional local guide for a group up to five MAXIMUM.
Not included
Entrance fees (the cost of one subway ride).
Food and drinks
Gratuities
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.8
54 reviews
5
48
4
3
3
2
2
1
1
0
Important Information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Price shown is per group
A small amount of walking is involved and there are some stairs
We DO NOT enter the tunnels. We view the City Hall Station from the safety of the train. We do not do anything illegal. We visit areas that are open to the public but, in some cases, overlooked.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Guided Private Underground New York Subway Tour take?
Guided Private Underground New York Subway Tour lasts about 2h 30min. The itinerary has 5 stops.
How much does Guided Private Underground New York Subway Tour cost?
Prices start at $220 per person for this New York City experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Guided Private Underground New York Subway Tour run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, with 11 departures a day between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM.
Does Guided Private Underground New York Subway Tour sell out?
It can: 77 of the next 330 departures are already sold out, so booking ahead is a good idea.
Can I cancel Guided Private Underground New York Subway Tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
What languages is Guided Private Underground New York Subway Tour offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 8 travellers can book together.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Guided Private Underground New York Subway Tour worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.8 out of 5 across 54 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by New York Tours by Gary.
Reviews(54)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
S
Stay13174006737
August 31, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Amazing, informative tour!!
Gary does an amazing job!! This tour is in-depth and very detailed. It’s not just a history of the NYC subway- it’s a history of NYC and all the various factors that made the subway system what it is today. Our tour was 3 hours long and was so informative and interesting!! I would highly recommend this tour if you want to dive in depth into NYC and the subway system!! Gary is very funny and so knowledgeable it is crazy!!
Operator response
Thank you so much for your very kind words. I had a blast with you and I am so glad you enjoyed the tour.
L
Laura_K
August 30, 2026 · via Viator
Incredible tour about NYC subway system!
Gary is the best! His knowledge is nothing short of incredible, and he made every minute of our tour interesting with amazing details and colorful storytelling. His knowledge of the history of New York and every aspect of the subway system is truly amazing.
Operator response
Thank you so much for your kind words. You were a tour guide’s dream of a group.
M
Margaret_K
August 3, 2026 · via Viator
Great tour!
Gary was an amazing tour guide! Fascinating tour!! Would definitely recommend. I went with my brother, mother in law and 21 year old daughter. Kids and teenagers may find it not quite as interesting.
Operator response
Thank you for your kind words. I hope that you enjoyed the speakeasy.
3
382jarak
January 12, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Detailed and interesting tour of the NYC subway's past and present
I really enjoyed Gary's guided underground New York subway tour. Whether you have a lot of experience and knowledge of the subway or this is your first experience, Gary knows a ton. He has pictures, engaging questions and a really fun show-and-tell experience including seeing an abandoned station on the Lex Avenue line (that was my favorite part of the tour). Plus Gary is not only passionate about his subject but also funny. Would highly recommend.
Operator response
Thank you so much for your very kind words. You were really great to take around on my beloed Subway system. Thank you.
M
micha_v
June 22, 2024 · via Viator
Recommended. This tour turns you into a new yorker
Great experience. Guide knowledgeable and attentive to our needs and questions. Filled with many little facts unknown to us
T
Tourist292070
February 10, 2024 · via Tripadvisor
NYC Subways…WOW!
Gary is amazing! He steeped us in the history of the subway/train system before we even set foot in the subway itself. His knowledge and visual aids on his tablet made for an engaging and enlightening tour. We will definitely be looking him up again for some of his other tours. There were just three of us on our tour so it felt extra personal and intimate. If you live in NYC or are visiting, don’t miss out on this fabulous subway tour with Gary!
Y
YezminL
January 7, 2024 · via Tripadvisor
Chevere Mobilizarce
It is incredible to get around in New York, but it is inevitable to get lost, when you get the hang of it it is super easy to get your bearings.
C
ChrisF856
December 30, 2023 · via Tripadvisor
Very informative tour in a relaxed and enjoyable way
Gary was a great tour guide, with lots of information. The use of the photos on his ipad added valuable context to what he was talking about. Our group of five ranged in ages 18-55 and he ensured everyone was engaged throughout, through jokes and TV/Movie location references. Highly recommend this tour
G
Gina_B
September 11, 2023 · via Viator
Very interesting
Gary my guide was very knowledgeable and funny .. we are New Yorkers and learned a lot of things I never knew and it was very interesting.. I would definitely suggest it to tourist and people from New York if you wanna know the history .. I did think we were supposed to see areas that the public doesn’t go too but he explained that from the beginning that those are completely different tickets
B
bosco49
August 12, 2023 · via Tripadvisor
gary knows his stuff
A few weeks ago, I signed up for a subway tour; sounded cool.
Well, let me tell you that it was great! Gary is a wonderful tour guide,He is knowledgeable and engaging. the tour was just the right amount of time. After this morning, I will see the subway in a totally different way.
Operator response
Thank you so much for your kind words.
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