The New York Transit Museum pulls R10, R16 and R32 'Brightliner' cars out of storage and runs them in passenger service from 96 St-Second Avenue out to Rockaway Park, so the ride itself is the attraction. Open windows, ceiling fans and roll signs make the trip across the Jamaica Bay trestle feel like another decade, and you get hours to swim and walk the boardwalk before the vintage train heads home. If your kid likes trains even slightly, book it.
What to expect
You board a full train of restored vintage subway cars in Manhattan and ride out over the water to Rockaway Park with the windows open. At the beach you're free to swim, picnic, ride again or walk the boardwalk, then reboard for the run back to Second Avenue. Photographers get long stretches of open-window shooting on both legs, and the crew is happy to talk about the equipment.
Good to know
- Departure is from 96 St-Second Avenue on the Q; arrive well before roll call.
- Children ages two and up need their own ticket, and anyone 15 or under must stay with an adult.
- Pack a proper beach bag: towels, swimsuits, sunscreen and a picnic, since it's a long day.
- The vintage train heads back from Rockaway Park in mid-afternoon; you can also stay on and take the A home.
- These cars have no air conditioning, just open windows and ceiling fans.
- It sells out, and museum members get early access through the ticket portal.
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Common questions
Which vintage cars are used?
The trip runs R10, R16 and R32 'Brightliner' cars from the New York Transit Museum's fleet of preserved rolling stock.
Do we have to ride back on the vintage train?
No. The vintage consist returns to 96 St-Second Avenue in mid-afternoon, but you can stay in the Rockaways and take the A train home instead.
Is it suitable for young kids?
Yes, with supervision. Children two and up need their own ticket, and anyone 15 or under must be accompanied by an adult the whole time.
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