Quite by accident, I came across the Roosevelt Island Aerial Tramway in New York City.
Walking along Second Avenue at 59th Street, I saw the tram leaving a platform and heading out alongside the Queensboro Bridge. Intrigued by this new discovery, I bought a ticket and took the ride high over the East River to Roosevelt Island, a residential community with parks, schools, historic sites and scenic views. It’s a short, four minute ride as the tram travels at about 16 miles per hour and climbs to 250 feet.
From the west side of Roosevelt Island, there are wonderful vantage points for views of Midtown Manhattan, the Upper East Side and passing boats. On the east side, the borough of Queens is across the river.
It’s well worth the $2.25 fare to take a fun ride and explore a quiet, less crowded area of New York City.
On the tram over First Avenue
Looking back at the platform at 59th Street and Second Avenue
East River and Roosevelt Island
Upper East Side from tram over the East River
Tram arriving at platform on Roosevelt Island (you many want to zoom in to see better)
Manhattan from Roosevelt Island
For more information: Roosevelt Island Tramway
Quite great views from that aerial tramway. Will certainly have to ride that on our next visit to New York.
Loved the views from the tramway — especially gliding over the traffic on First Ave. looking north.
Nice photo essay. You know when I was last there? 1977! It’s time to visit NC again 😉
Fida — definitely time to go back! I’m sure you’ll find that much has changed & think for the better!
Great post and info! Love your photos. Boy – you were up quite high!!
http://www.mariscamera.blogspot.com/
Thanks, Mari — it was so unexpected to find the tram. Much fun!
Nice shots, Cathy! It is always interesting to find “undiscovered” neighborhoods.
Thanks, Nancie — one of the best things about traveling or exploring your own area is finding something new!
What a great find! I will make a note to take this tram for my next visit to NYC. Oh gosh I just remembers I’m actually going this summer!
How cool that you’re heading to NYC this summer. One of my favorite cities. Have a great time!
Wow! I lived in NYC for five years and never made it to Roosevelt Island. This is awesome! What a cool way to see the skyline.
I’m sure there’s a lot of people in NYC who haven’t been there. Since it’s a quiet residential area without restaurants, clubs, etc. I’m sure they don’t think of it as a place to go. But it really is a fun ride and great views from the island.
these are great Aerial photos
Thanks, Zablon 🙂
Fabulous view – unless you suffer from vertigo 🙂
Ooh — probably not for people with vertigo!
I’ve always wanted to do this but never got the chance!
Next time, maybe?? 🙂
We have a friend who lives on Roosevelt Island, so have had the opportunity to take that tram (which is pretty fun). Roosevelt Island itself is a little strange, isn’t it?
Hmmm.. maybe a little strange in that it’s so quiet yet so close to all of the Manhattan hustle and bustle. It did seem almost deserted when we were walking around. Great views there from there, however, and there’s some interesting history, too.
Wow, great views, tha first picture is stunning!
Thanks, Angela. I like that first photo, too. In fact, I’ve got a copy of it framed at home 🙂
Nice photos – no idea when I’ll be in New York again but I would enjoy this ride 🙂
Thanks, Robin. 🙂
Been to NYC lots of times, and never knew about this one–thanks for the tip!
You’re welcome! Thanks for coming by.
I didn’t know they had something like this in NYC! I’m definitely doing this next time we visit family in Jersey. Great shots!
Sorry Cathy, thought I had been across. Hey is that tramway really that high? Gee, those are magnificent shots, great perspective!
Looks like a fun ride! 🙂
I have always wanted to do this. Next time I go to New York for sure! 🙂
I always enjoy views of New York, you can visit many times and find something new and special every time.
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