The New York Museum of Transportation is open on Sundays from 11am-4pm all year long, with special events and periodic trolley rides during the non-winter months.
Their impressive collection and engaging events are managed by dedicated volunteers who are excited to share stories of Rochester’s rich transportation history.
Day Trips Around Rochester, New York
Best of Rochester Award-Winning Book for Best Published Literary Work of 2023.
Take a ride on the trolley
Check their schedule as you plan your day trip—not every Sunday is a trolley-ride Sunday! It looks to be about once per month.
Included with admission is a scenic 2-mile round-trip ride on an 90-year-old electric trolley car. The trolley starts a new run every half-hour between roughly 11:30am to 4:30pm, with no reservations required except for the Halloween Trolley. You can ride as many times as you would like throughout the day.
Themed Events at the New York Museum of Transportation
In addition to the regular Sunday schedule, there are themed events offered throughout the year, including Father’s Day, Railroad Day, Fall Foliage, Halloween, and Holiday.
Explore the New York Museum of Transportation collection
The museum equipment includes fourteen trolley cars, a steam locomotive, emergency and other antique motor and horse-drawn vehicles.They also house a robust collection of historic photographs, a gallery of artwork, documents, maps, posters, advertisements, brochures, letters, news stories, and postcards.
Midtown Plaza Monorail Cars
NYMT and the City of Rochester have arranged to feature 2 monorail cars from the now-demolished Midtown Plaza as a permanent exhibit. They are on public display-only—no monorail rides to relive those childhood memories. But what a thrill to see them all the same!
There’s more toward the back of the New York Museum of Transportation
And, there’s more outside!
Check out the details in the model train exhibit
More information about the New York Museum of Transportation
Check website for current events and admission fees
Located in Rush, roughly 20 minutes / 18 miles from Rochester (get directions)
More info at nymtmuseum.org where you can also become a member or find out how to volunteer
All Aboard! Ride the Rails at These 4 Heritage Train Museums
Listen to the rhythmic chugga-chuggas and whistling choo-choos while enjoying the scenic landscape passing by on a Rochester-area train ride.
Rochester’s railfans can appreciate the remarkable structures preserved by dedicated preservationists who recognize their value.
Routes 5 & 20 is a 67-mile stretch of scenic highway where NY-5 & US-20 converge, following an ancient foot trail of the region’s first people.
Carefully preserved and restored to their former glory, these authentic dining-car diners will delight anyone who loves a bit of nostalgia.
Have you taken a trolley ride at the New York Museum of Transportation?
Your insights and experiences are valuable. Please share them in the comments.
People often ask me if I get free access to places while exploring. The answer is no unless I’m invited to previews or granted behind-the-scenes access as part of my media role. Generally, I don’t mention my project, Day Trips Around Rochester, NY, because I want the same experience you would have. I create and share content simply because it brings me joy. I would appreciate your support—a cup of coffee or two to help fuel future field trips—if you have found valuable information here that has helped you explore the Rochester area.
