MTA Nostalgia Trains: Take a ride back in time in NYC

Among the many things we romanticize during the Holidays, trains are right up at the top, but usually it's the “Choo Choo!” kind, not the “Screeeech screech unh, unh eh” variety—i.e. the subway. The exception to this rule is the Nostalgia Trains, special retro subway trains running on the V line.

Little strap hangers (and big ones too) can look forward to an entire month of Sunday rides on vintage, classic, historic (totally cool!) subway trains that were in use from the 1930’s through the 1970’s. For the price of regular subway admission (no extra fee for the old trains) you get a ride back in time. Vintage advertisements (from quaint to downright funny) adorn the side panels and overhead displays and trains have all been maintained and refurbished for your riding pleasure by the New York Transit Museum. “Nostalgia Trains” run on the V line from 10am to 4pm between Queens Plaza down to the Lower East Side

Departure times from the from the 2nd Av station are 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. and from Queens Plaza station at 10:45 a.m., 12:15 p.m., 1:45 p.m., 3:15 p.m. and 4:45pm. The vintage trains will hit ALL the V-line stops in-between as well, running every 90 minutes so check the schedule from your station to minimize your wait.

Both Herald Square and Bryant Park are V-line stops so you can take an old fashioned train to have some old fashioned fun at Macy’s Santaland or enjoy ice skating at The Pond or to see the Holiday Train Shows at Grand Central or Rock Center.

If your kiddos still want more after enjoying their retro ride, know that you can climb aboard MANY vintage subway cars from all eras at the New York Transit Museum (Boerum Place at Schermerhorn St 718 694-5100). When we first visited the museum we’d only expected to see one or two retired cars but there is literally a whole station filled with vintage trains to explore. They don’t move, of course, which is why you might want to take advantage of one of the Sunday rides.

More details at mta.info.

For more subway lore, all young subway fans should get a hand in paying a virtual visit to Forgotten New York, a wonderful online resource of great photos and subway history.
You can also take a peak at a vintage Mommy Poppins post on all things subway.

photo by OliverN5