SUMMER GROUP PROGRAMS

Group tours use the New York Transit Museum’s unique space and hands-on collection to explore how transportation helped shape New York from its early history to the present day. Our tours use a mix of inquiry, observation, primary and secondary sources, and inquiry-based discussions of archival images. This is a great field trip for summer camp groups and groups of youth wanting to explore the Museum.

Summer bookings are closed until June 2026. Please check out our School and Youth Tours page to schedule a field trip during the school year.

SUMMER GROUP TOURS

Court Street Station

Join us for an engaging tour that highlights our subway station and transit history. Preserved in time, Court Street Station was a real operating subway station from 1936-1946. In 1976 the station re-opened as the New York Transit Exhibit, and today is home to the New York Transit Museum. Your group will engage in hands-on activities and explore exhibits, objects, and vintage train cars currently on display. Along the way, you’ll hear stories about the evolution of public transportation through various exhibitions. (General & Special Education: K-12 Grade)

Subway Tracks

Explore New York City’s subway system from past to present. Track the history of our complex transit system on a tour of our vintage train collection while also discussing how we safely ride the subway today, from entering the system with a MetroCard or OMNY tap, to recognizing potential concerns and social cues. (Special Education only; 6th Grade – Adult Learners)

General Information

The information below will help you plan a smooth and successful visit to the Transit Museum, from making payments and scheduling your trip to knowing what to expect when you arrive.

Payment

Payments can be made by credit card or check. If payment is not received three weeks prior to your visit, your program will be canceled. Refunds cannot be given less than two weeks before your visit. If school bus service is suspended due to inclement weather or other factors, we may be able to reschedule groups. Additional payment information will be sent upon booking.

Planning Your Visit

Reservations are required for all group visits. The Museum does not allow self-guided or unscheduled groups at any time. The Museum does not have lunch facilities. We encourage groups to eat, weather permitting, at some nearby outdoor eating options including Columbus Park, Korean War Veterans Plaza, or Cadman Plaza Park. The Museum does not have a coat or bag check and cannot store backpacks and coats during your program. We recommend leaving backpacks and other personal items on your bus or at school.

Arrivals & Departures

Please arrive no more than 5 minutes before your scheduled tour; the Museum cannot accommodate entry any earlier. Upon arrival, your educator will meet you at the top of the stairs outside the Museum. Do not enter until you are with your educator. Late arriving groups will receive an abbreviated program. We cannot extend tours due to late arrival for any reason.  If you anticipate a late arrival, please email [email protected].

All groups must depart at their scheduled time. Groups may not stay in the Museum after the program ends.

Cancellations

Tours are non-refundable within three weeks of the scheduled visit, though changes to times and dates may be accommodated on a case-by-case basis and as space allows.

Accessibility

Upon booking, you will be asked to share any specific needs for your group so we can best assist you. The Transit Museum is wheelchair accessible via a lift which has a total weight limit of 450 pounds. The lift moves slowly and allows one person at a time, so please plan to arrive 15 minutes before your program’s start time. If you need to use the lift, please inform us in advance. For more information about accessibility options, including ASL Interpreters and listening devices, please visit the Museum’s accessibility page on our website.

Review and download a social narrative to prepare participants for a group tour at the New York Transit Museum.

Transportation

Traveling by Subway

Taking the train is the best way to begin your visit to the Transit Museum. We are conveniently located a short walk from:
Borough Hall station: 2, 3, 4, and 5 lines (0.2 miles)
Jay Street–MetroTech station: A, C, F, and R (0.2 miles)
Hoyt–Schermerhorn station: A, C, and G (0.2 miles)
Certificates for Free Transportation are provided by NYC Transit to travel to and from school trips. For more information and application link: Transportation Program – DYCD (nyc.gov)

Traveling by Charter Bus

Buses may drop off students on either Boerum Place or Schermerhorn Street. Parking is limited and unpredictable in Downtown Brooklyn.

Contact Us

For additional questions about camp group tours and the booking process, please email [email protected].

For questions about accessibility and Special Education programs, please email [email protected].