Travel Back in Time: NYC’s Holiday Nostalgia Train Rides This December

Straphangers can experience a piece of New York City’s transit history next month. The New York Transit Museum will run its 1930s-era R1/9 train cars on Sundays in December. This event, known as the “Holiday Nostalgia Rides,” offers a unique way to appreciate the city’s transit history.

The R1/9 trains debuted on the Eighth Avenue line in 1932 and were retired in 1977. These vintage cars feature rattan seats, ceiling fans, incandescent lights, and vintage advertisements. They inspired Billy Strayhorn’s famous song “Take the A Train.”

The trains will operate from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on December 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29. Passengers can board the train at the Second Avenue – Houston Street station on the uptown F line or the 96th Street – Second Avenue station on the Q line.

Schedule:

• Departure from Second Avenue – Houston Street (F):

  • 10 a.m.
  • Noon
  • 2 p.m.
  • 4 p.m.
• Departure from 96th Street – Second Avenue (Q):
  • 11 a.m.
  • 1 p.m.
  • 3 p.m.
  • 5 p.m.

Uptown Stops:

• 2nd Avenue – Houston Street (F)
• Broadway – Lafayette Street (D, 6)
• West 4th Street – Washington Square (A/C/E, D/F)
• 34th Street – Herald Square (D/F, N/Q/R)
• 42nd Street – Bryant Park (A/C/E, D/F, N/Q/R, S, 7)
• 47th-50th Streets – Rockefeller Center (D/F)
• 57th Street – 6th Avenue (F)
• Lexington Avenue – 63rd Street (F, Q)
• 72nd Street – 2nd Avenue (Q)
• 86th Street – 2nd Avenue (Q)
• 96th Street – 2nd Avenue (Q)

Downtown Stops:

• 96th Street – 2nd Avenue (Q)
• 86th Street – 2nd Avenue (Q)
• 72nd Street – 2nd Avenue (Q)
• Lexington Avenue – 63rd Street (F, Q)
• 57th Street – 6th Avenue (F)
• 47th-50th Streets – Rockefeller Center (D/F)
• 42nd Street – Bryant Park (A/C/E, D/F, N/Q/R, S, 7)
• 34th Street – Herald Square (D/F, N/Q/R)
• West 4th Street – Washington Square (A/C/E, D/F)
• Broadway – Lafayette Street (D, 6)
• 2nd Avenue – Houston Street (F)

Join the Holiday Nostalgia Rides and step back in time in New York City’s subway system!