Hours of Operation

  Sun-Thurs 6:00 AM to 2:00 AM 
  Friday and Saturday 6:00 AM to 3:30 AM

  Morning Rush Hours (M-F): 7:00 AM-10:00 AM 
  Evening Rush Hours (M-F): 3:00 PM-8:00 PM

  Non-Rush Hour Service runs every 15 minutes
  Rush Hour Service runs every 7 1/2 Minutes

  Red Bus Service on Roosevelt Island
  Mirrors the Tram Schedule
  Click Here for the R.I. Red Bus Information

Fare Information

MTA Metrocards are accepted

$2.25 One Way
$4.50 Round Trip
Children 5 years and older are full fare
Children under 5 years old are free
$1.00 Seniors (with MTA Metrocard)

History of the Roosevelt Island Tramway

The Roosevelt Island Tramway was born in 1976 as a means to shuttle residents to and from Manhattan. It was born due to resident frustration with the New York City Transit Authority, who had made unsuccessful plans to provide subway service from Roosevelt Island to Manhattan and Queens. Over twenty years later, the Tram has serviced over 20 million passengers and provided passengers with a breathtaking view of New York as they are quickly shuttled between Roosevelt Island and Manhattan.

The Tramway was built by the Swiss company Vonroll under designers Prentice & Chan and Ohlhausen in 1976. Holding 125 persons, the Roosevelt Island Tram is the only commuter cable car in North America. It travels a distance of 3,100 feet at an average speed of 16 mph in 4 1/2 minutes. It rises to a maximum height of 250 feet and travels at certain points parallel and slightly above the adjacent Queensboro Bridge, linking Long Island City, Queens, and 59th Street in Manhattan.