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What is the difference between THE RIDE, THE TOUR & THE DOWNTOWN EXPERIENCE?
The Ride
THE RIDE is a 75-minute interactive entertainment experience with 2 comedic hosts and 5-7 live street performances (Full Retail: $55). THE RIDE is recommended for children ages 6 and up. Learn more about THE RIDE here.
The Tour
THE TOUR Powered by THE RIDE is a 90-minute multimedia sightseeing experience with 1 NYC licensed tour navigator (Full Retail: $35) THE TOUR is great for all ages. Learn more about THE TOUR here.
The Downtown Experience
THE DOWNTOWN EXPERIENCE Powered by THE RIDE is a 90-minute multimedia historical adventure exploring Downtown Manhattan, featuring the magic of virtual reality that allows visitors to relive historical moments in time. (Full Retail: $49) Learn more about THE DOWNTOWN EXPERIENCE here.
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Where do THE RIDE, THE TOUR & THE DOWNTOWN EXPERIENCE start and end?
The Ride
THE RIDE will depart from the northeast corner 42nd Street at 8th Avenue in front of Chevy’s Mexican restaurant and return to the same location.
Please note there is no climate controlled area to wait for the bus during the boarding process. All guests must line up outside. Please dress appropriately.
The Tour
THE TOUR Powered by THE RIDE will depart from the Marriott Marquis on the northwest corner of 45th Street and Broadway, across the street from the Minskoff Theare and return to 46th Street and Broadway.
Please note there is no climate controlled area to wait for the bus during the boarding process. All guests must line up outside. Please dress appropriately.
The Downtown Experience
THE DOWNTOWN EXPERIENCE Powered by THE RIDE will depart from 200 Water Street in front of Starbucks and end at the South Street Seaport near Pier 15 & 16.
Please note there is no climate controlled area to wait for the bus during the boarding process. All guests must line up outside. Please dress appropriately.
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How long will THE RIDE, THE TOUR & THE DOWNTOWN EXPERIENCE take around the city?
The Ride
THE RIDE is designed to take about 75 minutes.
The Tour
THE TOUR Powered by THE RIDE is designed to take about 90 minutes.
The Downtown Experience
THE DOWNTOWN EXPERIENCE Powered by THE RIDE is designed to take about 90 minutes.
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What sights around NYC will we see while on THE RIDE, THE TOUR & THE DOWNTOWN EXPERIENCE?
The Ride
Please keep in mind that THE RIDE is an interactive entertainment experience, not a city tour. However, you will see some of the most iconic sights of Midtown Manhattan and Times Square such as The Chrysler Building, Grand Central Station, Bryant Park, NYC Main Branch of the Public Library, 42nd street, Carnegie Hall, Columbus Circle and Central Park. *Route is subject to change.
The Tour
The 90-minute route on THE TOUR Powered by THE RIDE will give audiences a look into over 10 NYC neighborhoods and over 50 sights such as the Broadway District, Columbus Circle, the Time Warner Center, Lincoln Center, Central Park, 5th Avenue, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, Times Square, Empire State Building, New NYC Main Branch of the Public Library, Bryant Park and SO MUCH MORE! * Route is subject to change.
The Downtown Experience
The 90-minute route on THE DOWNTOWN EXPERIENCE Powered by THE RIDE will give audiences a look into Downtown Manhattan’s most notable landmarks and neighborhoods. Locations include South Street Seaport, Brooklyn Bridge, Governor’s Island, Battery Park, New York Harbor plus Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, Battery Park City, 9/11 Memorial, One World Trade Center & One World Observatory, China Town, Wall Street, Federal Hall & more!
Enhanced with the magic of virtual reality, you will experience moments that will lift your imagination out of your seat as you participate in George Washington’s Inaugural, experience Black Tuesday 1929, fly to the astounding view of One World Observatory, and endure an immigrant’s passage across the sea, and more!
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What is THE EXPERIENCE PASS?
THE EXPERIENCE PASS will combine THE RIDE, THE TOUR, THE DOWNTOWN EXPERIENCE and a 60-Minute Sightseeing Cruise with Hornblower into one low price of $109! That’s a $65 savings per person! To learn more & purchase your Experience Pass, click here.
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Can I get tickets online? In advance? The day of?
Yes, yes and yes. Tickets can be purchased here, in advance and the day of from our Box Office Locations. Please note THE RIDE, THE TOUR & THE DOWNTOWN EXPERIENCE are timed events with limited seating per departure. Advance reservations through our website are always best!
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Where is the Box Office and what are the hours of operation?
THE RIDE has three box office locations:
Inside the Gift Shop at 584 8th Avenue
(between 38th & 39th Streets)
New York, NY 10018
Open Daily 9AM-9PMDowntown – Pier 15
Inside Hornblower Cruises
78 South Street
New York, NY 10038
Open Daily 10AM – 4PMYou can get your hands on tickets anytime by clicking BUY TICKETS or by phone at 212- 221-0853.
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How do I pick up my tickets?
Tickets can be picked up at our 8th Avenue Box Office at 584 8th Avenue – Inside the Gift Shop. We recommend that you arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time of THE RIDE and THE TOUR Powered by THE RIDE.
If you are picking up tickets for THE DOWNTOWN EXPERIENCE Powered by THE RIDE, we recommend that you go to our Downtown Box Office Location at Pier 15 at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure time.
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I know New York City traffic is bad.What happens if the bus gets struck in traffic?
The Ride
If you get stuck in traffic consider it free entertainment. Our performers are handpicked from the worlds of stand-up and improv comedy and can turn even the most unexpected situations—traffic, weather, police motorcades—into hilarious moments.
The Tour
If you get stuck in traffic consider it free entertainment. Our bus is equipped with deeply researched audio, visual and fun technology to support the tour navigators historical information.
The Downtown Experience
If you get stuck in traffic consider it free entertainment. Our bus is equipped with fun, original and informative music and videos that support our Storyteller’s deeply researched historical narrative.
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Do you have group rates? Do you offer private charters?
Yes! Group rates and private charter information can be found under Groups Sales.
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Can I hop on and off like other bus tours?
The Ride
THE RIDE isn’t a bus tour through New York, it’s a 75-minute entertainment experience that highlights Midtown Manhattan. So, hopping on or off THE RIDE would mean you’d miss a huge part of the experience. Not to mention you’d probably really hurt yourself hopping on or off the tallest vehicle allowed on the streets of New York by federal law.
The Tour
THE TOUR Powered by THE RIDE isn’t a bus tour through New York, it’s a 90-minute sightseeing experience that highlights Midtown Manhattan & the Upper West Side. So, hopping on or off THE TOUR would mean you’d miss a huge part of the experience. Not to mention you’d probably really hurt yourself hopping on or off the tallest vehicle allowed on the streets of New York by federal law.
The Downtown Experience
THE DOWNTOWN EXPERIENCE Powered by THE RIDE isn’t a bus tour through New York, it’s a multimedia historical experience that highlights Downtown Manhattan. So, hopping on or off THE DOWNTOWN EXPERIENCE would mean you’d miss a huge part of the experience. Not to mention you’d probably really hurt yourself hopping on or off the tallest vehicle allowed on the streets of New York by federal law.
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Are there seat belts on the bus?
Just like a regular tour, city or private charter bus, there are no seat belts on our vehicles. And you’ve heard about NYC traffic, right? We don’t go fast enough to warrant seat belts
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Is there a bathroom on the bus?
Sorry, there are no bathrooms on the bus. THE RIDE cannot guarantee access to available facilities in any surrounding retail store or restaurant.
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Are food and drink allowed on the bus?
We only allow bottled water on THE RIDE—all other beverages and food are prohibited.
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Do THE RIDE, THE TOUR & THE DOWNTOWN EXPERIENCE happen in bad weather?
Yes, we operate in all kinds of weather except for the occasional blizzard or hurricane. If either of those freak weather occurrences do happen, we will be in touch by phone or email.
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What if I’m prone to motion sickness?
THE RIDE, THE TOUR Powered by THE RIDE and THE DOWNTOWN EXPERIENCE Powered by THE RIDE do not travel at high speeds. However, the bus does have the audience members facing sideways as we travel through New York City, so you can expect some repetitive starting and stopping that may affect some patrons.
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Are THE RIDE, THE TOUR & THE DOWNTOWN EXPERIENCE kid-friendly? What ages are appropriate?
The Ride
THE RIDE is a family-friendly entertainment experience, however it is not recommended for children under the age of 6 as they may cause a distraction to other patrons on board. If a disruption occurs, you may be asked to exit the vehicle. Please be advised that certain content may not be appropriate for children. You never know what might happen on the streets of New York! All tickets are $55. Please note that there are no seat belts on THE RIDE and the vehicle features side-facing seating for 75-minutes.
The Tour
THE TOUR Powered by THE RIDE is family friendly for all ages. All tickets are $35 and children under 2 are considered a lap child. Please note that there are no seat belts on THE TOUR and the vehicle features side-facing seating for 90-minutes.
The Downtown Experience
THE DOWNTOWN EXPERIENCE Powered by THE RIDE is family friendly but may not be suitable for children under the age of 6 due to the Virtual Reality component. All tickets are $49. Please note that there are no seat belts on THE DOWNTOWN EXPERIENCE and the vehicle features side-facing seating for 90-minutes.
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Can i choose my own seat on the bus?
Our Customer Care Representative seat patrons based on party size and may adjust your place in line to ensure your party is seated together. We cannot make seating guarantees of any kind.
Every seat on our bus provides an excellent view of the city and of our show! As our bus moves along our route, your perspective in constantly changing offering spectacular sights at each turn! Take lots of photos and tag us @TheRideNYC!
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Do you consider THE RIDE, THE TOUR & THE DOWNTOWN EXPERIENCE to be educational? What will I learn about onboard?
The Ride
THE RIDE is a moving theater that turns the streets of NYC into a stage, and turns the history of New York City and its famous landmarks into fun facts, tidbits and onboard trivia!
The Tour
THE TOUR Powered by THE RIDE is family friendly and educational! Onboard, you will discover the past of New York City as the present unfolds before your very eyes in an immersive multimedia sightseeing experience.
The Downtown Experience
THE DOWNTOWN EXPERIENCE Powered by THE RIDE is a historical adventure exploring Downtown Manhattan’s most notable landmarks and neighborhoods, enhanced with the magic of virtual reality that allows visitors to travel back in time a revisit iconic moments in history.
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Are THE RIDE, THE TOUR & THE DOWNTOWN EXPERIENCE handicapped or wheelchair accessible?
Our vehicles are not wheelchair or handicapped accessible. Patrons must be able to ascend and descend stairs to board and deboard the vehicle.
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Does THE RIDE bus effect the environment?
THE RIDE realizes the impact that we have on the environment and uses best practices to keep that impact as small as we can.
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Is THE RIDE bus using bio-diesel?
THE RIDE uses a diesel particulate filter (try saying that 10 times fast!) making it the cleanest large vehicle on the road today.
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Are THE RIDE, THE TOUR & THE DOWNTOWN EXPERIENCE affected by extreme heat in the summer?
THE RIDE’S PATENTED, AWARD WINNING CONSTRUCTION INCLUDES FLOOR-TO-CEILING GLASS. DURING PERIODS OF “NEW YORK CITY HEAT ADVISORIES,” MANAGEMENT MAY CANCEL PERFORMANCES FOR OUR PATRONS’ SAFETY AND COMFORT. IN SUCH AN EVENT, ANY PATRONS UNABLE TO RESCHEDULE WILL BE REFUNDED IN FULL FOR ANY MONIES PAID DIRECTLY TO THE RIDE.
Thank you!
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Can I combine or match deals, discounts, special offers or New York City attraction passes to access THE RIDE, THE TOUR or THE DOWNTOWN EXPERIENCE with a group of 10+?
Other deals, discounts, special offerings or New York City attraction passes cannot be matched or combined for groups of 10+ to access THE RIDE, THE TOUR or THE DOWNTOWN EXPERIENCE. For NO reason can you purchase an attraction pass and apply it to a Groups, Private or Corporate Events for THE RIDE, THE TOUR or THE DOWNTOWN EXPERIENCE. For Groups of 10+, Private and Corporate bookings, please visit our Group Sales page. For questions, please call 212-244-2551 ext. 142.
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I have the New York Pass. How do I reserve tickets?
NY PASS IMPORTANT NOTICES:
1. NY PASS tickets are limited availability.
2. Having the pass does not guarantee you a ticket.
3. Same day reservations only. You cannot reserve for tomorrow or for a future date.
4. First-come, first-serve each morning, by coming in the morning you are still not guaranteed a ticket.
5. Arrive early for the most availability.
6. Box Office opens at 9am, we recommend being here before that.
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What is THE RIDE in Masquerade and THE RIDE: Holiday Edition?
The Ride
THE RIDE in Masquerade is our annual fall-themed experience. THE RIDE takes a twisted turn to capture the spirit and enchantment of fall in NYC! THE RIDE in Masquerade features themed characters, performance, costumes and music.
THE RIDE: Holiday Edition is our annual holiday-themed experience. See the city during everyone’s favorite time of year aboard the world’s only moving theater as you are treated to surprise performances and winter magic. THE RIDE: Holidays features themed characters, performance, costumes and music. Our route does not pass any Christmas lights and or The Rockefeller Center Tree. Route is subject to change due to heavy vehicular traffic and pedestrian traffic during the holiday season.
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Will I see any Christmas lights or the tree on THE RIDE: Holiday Edition?
THE RIDE: Holiday Edition is a holiday-themed experience. Our route does not pass any Christmas lights and or The Rockefeller Center Tree. Route is subject to change due to heavy vehicular traffic and pedestrian traffic during the holiday season.