Roosevelt Island can be reached via the Q102 bus from Queens. RIOC also provides the Red Bus, which is free and makes convenient stops throughout the island. Strollers and shopping carts must be folded upon request of the bus operator.
The Tram takes the MetroCard, which can be purchased from machines located at either Tram Station. 2. Do you have to pay for the Tram each way? Yes, you must pay each way (two MetroCard fares).
There is no fee to enter Theodore Roosevelt Island. Enjoy your visit! If you plan to visit other parks with an entrance fee, learn more about the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass series and fee-free days in the national parks.
Top ways to experience The Roosevelt Island Tramway and nearby attractions. 93% of travelers recommend this experience. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 92% of travelers recommend this experience.
During weekdays, commuters use the tram to get to and from work in the mornings and evenings. As a result, you can expect these hours to be especially busy from Monday to Friday. Note that most New Yorkers are commuting from Roosevelt Island to Manhattan in the morning rush hour.
On Roosevelt Island, which was developed as a middle-class neighborhood from the ruins of prisons and hospitals, affordable housing was plentiful, thanks to state programs that awarded public subsidies to apartment buildings in exchange for keeping rents low.
The island is only 2 miles (3.2 km) long and very walkable. From the south to the north, it's the equivalent of 35 city blocks. Touring the Island will take about 3 hours. It's best to go when the weather is pleasant as all the sights are outdoors.
Roosevelt Island BridgeThe bridge is the only means of vehicular access to Roosevelt Island. Prior to construction, the bridge carried two 17-foot lanes of vehicular traffic and a 6-foot sidewalk. The bridge is used by both pedestrians and vehicles with increased volume during rush hours.
Roosevelt Island Tram TicketsFor adults, the ride costs just $2.90 each way. Those with an unlimited MetroCard won't have to pay anything. For a round-trip cost of just $5.80 for an adult, this is an awesome deal for an incredible view!
It's about 4 miles around the perimeter, with parks on each end. To access the island by foot you have to cross the Queensboro Bridge over the island to Queens and then double back — about 1.6 miles. More direct access is via tram or subway.