New York Transit Museum

The New York Transit Museum, which opened in 1976, tells the story of the city's development through three permanent exhibits—on transit construction, fare collection, and the old trolley system. Visitors experience decommissioned subway cars—dating to 1907—and can interact with the old equipment. Try sitting behind the wheel of a former city bus or hopping through classic subway turnstiles.

To get the most of a visit to the transit museum, consider booking a Brooklyn bus tour. Hop-on hop-off tours tend to pass by the museum, so you can easily check out the exhibits. Free guided tours are offered on weekends, a great option if you want to learn more about New York's infrastructure.

• The New York Transit Museum is a must for history enthusiasts.

• Kids and families enjoy the classic trains presented on actual subway tracks and the hands-on experience.

• The old subway station may have inconsistent climate control, so wear warm clothes.

Located in Downtown Brooklyn, the New York Transit Museum is most easily accessed by subway. Take the 2, 3, 4, or 5 train to the Borough Hall stop. Alternatively, take the R train to the Jay Street–MetroTech stop. Garage parking is also an option if you drive, though day rates can be pricey.

The New York Transit Museum is open Tuesday to Friday, from 10am to 4pm, and on Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 5pm; it's closed on Mondays and most holidays. The museum is a great choice on a rainy day—and on blustery winter afternoons—as the museum's exhibits are indoors. Weekends are busiest, so consider a weekday visit.

Around the holidays, the New York Transit Museum brings vintage subway cars back to life for a few days with Holiday Nostalgia Rides. Rides give visitors the chance to hop on classic subway trains and buses on set routes through Manhattan. The vintage fleet is in operation on a very limited schedule, in November and December, and offers a family-friendly experience that's all yours for the cost of a Metrocard swipe.

It takes around 1-2 hours to visit the New York Transit Museum, depending on how long you want to spend reading the information panels and interactive displays. If you book in advance, you'll get a time slot, so you can enter the museum within your assigned 30-minute window.

Several of the exhibits, including the mezzanine level, offer climate control with air-conditioning and heating. However, much of the museum, notably the historic train display area, lacks these facilities. Prepare for varying temperatures when visiting the museum, especially when exploring sections that house vintage transportation.

No, the NY Transit Museum does not have parking. Most people use street parking or parking garages nearby, such as Park Kwik on 110 Livingston Street. For public transport, the nearby Boerum Pl/Schermerhorn St. bus stop is served by the B62 bus.

Yes, the New York Transit Museum is worth a visit, as it offers a deep dive into the history of New York’s underground transportation system. Set in a decommissioned subway station, it showcases old trains, buses, signs, and exhibits that show the development of the city’s public transportation system.

The museum can be very popular at weekends—especially on rainy days—and it can also attract school groups during the week. It’s typically closed Monday through Wednesday, so it’s best to visit on a Thursday or Friday, ideally between 1pm and 4pm, as these are usually the quietest hours.

Yes, there are restrooms at the New York Transit Museum; these facilities include gender-neutral bathrooms and diaper-changing stations for travelers with babies. There’s also a wheelchair-accessible lift and water fountains available on-site, however, it's prohibited to bring food into the museum and there are no lunch tables.