Summer Vacation on Antiquated Trains: Journey Back in Time to Coney Island and the Rockaways via Classic Subway Rides
Head on back to the past with NYC's Vintage Train Rides to the Beach!
Step aboard a piece of history this summer as the New York Transit Museum unleashes old-school train cars onto the tracks, ferrying New Yorkers to popular beach destinations like Coney Island and the Rockaways in true '30s style! With two exciting nostalgia rides to choose from, you're guaranteed a memorable trip.
First up is the Saturday, July 19th Coney Island excursion. Hop aboard the classic R1-9 cars from the 1930s for a two-hour spin to the beach. Unwind in the sand and surf, take a spin on the thrilling rides at Luna Park, or down a hot dog from Nathan's — everyone's idea of summer fun! Whether you decide to make a day of it or head back to 96th Street-Second Avenue on the vintage train is completely up to you.
Looking for a different flavor of fun? Then join us on Sunday, August 10th and venture to Rockaway Beach at Beach 116th Street. Splash in the waves, bake on the sand, or enjoy the amenities along the boardwalk—it's all up to you!
The R1 vintage trains first hit the tracks during the opening of the Independent Subway System's (IND) Eighth Avenue line in 1932. These steely marvels combined the speed of IRT cars with the huge seating capacity of BMT cars, resulting in the innovative four double doors on each side for faster loading and unloading. Each 60-foot-long car carries 60 seats and can house a total of 280 passengers.
These trains are more than just a means of transportation; they inspired the legendary composer Billy Strayhorn to pen his swing anthem "Take the A Train."
Tickets, priced at $60 for adults and $40 for children, are now available for purchase. Wise tips? Dress for the heat, as the cars don't have air conditioning, and bring a foldable fan along.
And what about that Rockaway Rocket or the Rockaway Reserve? Don't forget you can also catch those summer rides to Rockaway Beach!
Vintage Ride to Coney Island | Saturday, July 19th | 10 am
Vintage Ride to Rockaways | Sunday, August 10th | 10 am
Experiencing a different other lifestyle, step off the train at Coney Island and immerse yourself in the charm of the 1930s, or embark on a home-and-garden escape to Rockaway Beach on August 10th. Complete your travel plans with a nostalgic journey aboard the R1 vintage trains, enjoying a taste of the swing era's ambiance along the way.
