The Solo Scale:

---

I’m a frequent traveller to New York. This is in large part due to its proximity to where I live (the flight is just over an hour). I love going for a weekend if only to see a show on Broadway. Each time I go, I want to try out something new. Having been almost a dozen times, that list is shrinking. That doesn’t mean it’s empty yet. On my last trip, my “something new” was going to Roosevelt Island by tram. For one, I couldn’t believe it had taken so long. In fact, were it not for an episode of television (thanks White Collar!), I wouldn’t have known it even existed.

To access the island, you’ll take the tram from Roosevelt Island Tram Station, between 59th & 60th and 2nd Avenue. Luckily, it’s a tap turnstile like any other subway in New York City. Since those are now taking credit cards, you don’t have to purchase a metro card. You still can, if you want one as a souvenir, though!. The cost is $2.90 each way (as of 2025).

The tram does have limited space. It’s also the transportation for locals who live on the island. If you want to avoid missing a spot on the tram, I suggest going earlier in the day. The journey takes about four minutes. There’s limited seating, so keep in mind that there’s a chance you’ll have to stand on your way there & back. There’s also only one tram, so if you miss it, you have to wait for it to make its trip and return.

Once you arrive on the island, you can head out to explore. There’s a little kiosk nearby the station, but don’t let it deceive you. Unfortunately, it’s no longer open. That means it can’t offer any maps or information. However, the island is pretty easy to navigate. One direction has a lot of buildings and residences. The other is where you’ll go for Four Freedoms Park and the view of the NYC skyline.

If you go in fall, like I did, the walk along the river is lined with trees with amazing fall colours right beside the water. Because of the river, it gets chilly. Make sure to bring layers if you’re in a shoulder season.

Keep walking to reach a few notable landmarks like the FDR Hope Memorial. This was unveiled to celebrate the 31st anniversary of the ADA act. As you continue, you’ll run into the site of a condemned hospital that used to treat smallpox. This site was closed once a vaccine was developed and the disease was under control. On the other side of the island, a short walk away, is another abandoned building dedicated to medical research — the Strecker Laboratory.

Still open for visiting landmarks include the Lighthouse, the Octagon, Blackwell House, and the Chapel.

Continuing onward, you’ll arrive at Four Freedoms Park. If you chose a bike or a scooter, you’ll have to dismount here, but it wouldn’t have been that useful as it has plenty of stairs. Once you climb those, you’ll reach the point of the island and the beautifully manicured park that leads towards the monument to FDR at the very end. On the day I went (a Monday in November), they had workers tending to the lawn and fallen leaves, which is a great sign that the park is well cared for.

It’ll take just a few minutes to walk down to the end where you’ll see the monument and get even better views of the NYC skyline, as well as other sights like the famous Pepsi-Cola sign.

Roosevelt Island is a fantastic way to spend a morning or afternoon in New York City. It’s still a bit of a hidden gem, so it’s not going to be super packed. However, given that there’s only one tram that goes back and forth, it will be easier to get a spot if you’re visiting at off-peak hours.

For more information about the tram, you can visit the city’s site here. Otherwise, I highly recommend that you put this into your NYC itinerary the next time you’re in the city!