History of the Haunted Subways of New York City

Running deep through the dark underworld of New York City, the subway system is the setting of a fair share of spooky stories and unexplained occurrences. Since the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) first opened in 1904, New Yorkers have shared accounts of their scary sightings — real and imagined — on the city’s underground tracks.

Then why do people in NYC still ride the subway? It takes a lot to scare New Yorkers — they’re not going to let some ghosts come between them and their commute! Besides, a chance encounter with a ghost on the subway would make a good story to tell people. 

So swipe your MetroCard and stand clear of the closing doors if you dare. We’ve dug up these spooky tales about New York City’s haunted subways.

1. The ghost train of Astor Place

When traveling alone through Astor Place station, double check the number of the train you’re boarding — it might not be the six train. 

It might not be a real train at all, but the mysterious spectral train late-night travelers and subway workers have claimed to see since the early 20th century. Late at night, an antiquated subway car would reportedly pull into the station without any passengers on board before vanishing into darkness. 

Riders who have been inside and lived to tell the tale say that this phantom train is lavishly furnished with leather couches, silk curtains, and even a wood-burning stove. They likely stepped into the private car of August Belmont, Jr., whose company built the Lexington Avenue line. He used this car to entertain guests while they rode the subway to a racetrack in Queens. 

Is the ghost train of Astor Place only an urban legend? It’s hard to say — I’d have to see the train for myself.

2. The ghost of FDR’s dog in Grand Central Terminal

Visitors to Grand Central Terminal claim they’ve seen a small Scottish Terrier wandering around. Try to follow him, however, and you’ll run into solid walls — ouch! 

It turns out the pup’s name is Fala, and he was once former President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s loyal sidekick. During FDR’s presidency, the two were inseparable, and Roosevelt even had to defend his love for Fala against a malicious falsehood spread by Republican opponents.  

Fala outlived FDR and was buried in Hyde Park, New York, near the family homePeople who have seen Fala’s ghost claim that he wanders the halls of Grand Central still searching for his master. 

Follow the little dog long enough, and he might just lead you to Track 61 hidden under the station that FDR used to travel unseen to the Waldorf Astoria so he could keep his paralysis secret. The train track is no longer in use, but Fala’s ghost hopes to find his owner there.

3. The beautiful and abandoned City Hall Station

Once considered the jewel of the subway system with its skylights and colored glass tiles, City Hall Station now lies empty and abandoned at the end of the 6 line. Designed by the Spanish engineer Rafael Guastavino, this now deserted subway station looks more like a palace than the stations New Yorkers are used to waiting for a train in today.

Since commuters weren’t really using the stop and the city couldn’t extend the line in order to support more commuters, the station closed in 1945 and Brooklyn Bridge Station has long been the last stop on the 6 line. 

Fun fact: While the station is closed off to the public, the occasional brave soul will ignore the announcements and stay on the 6 Train for the chance to ride through this abandoned but still elegant subway stop.    

Now considered a ghost station because it’s abandoned, it was also once thought to be haunted. 

During the construction of the station, workers claimed they heard strange noises at night. It turns out that City Hall Station was being built on the site of an ancient battle, and the agitated spirits were moaning to lament that they were never properly buried.  

Or so the story goes…

4. A ghostly mayor rides the rails

The day the subway opened for passengers, New York City changed forever. Everyone was thrilled at the freedom the system provided. Crossing from Harlem to Wall Street went from a two-hour journey to a 15-minute jaunt.

Even the mayor was swept up in the excitement. George McClellan was so enthralled with the new trains, he asked the conductor if he might take the throttle. Concerned, but unwilling to offend the most powerful man in the city, the IRT officials demurred for a few seconds. Imagine their frustration when Mayor McClellan refused to yield, driving the train most of the way to Harlem before relinquishing the controls.

Even death couldn’t smoother the mayor’s infatuation with the rails. Many travelers claim to have seen this spectral engineer running the controls on the 6 train to this day.

5. The Tunnel of Doom

The former 191st Street “tunnel of doom” is a tunnel of doom no more!

But before this 900-foot tunnel — which connects St. Nicholas Avenue with Broadway — got a colorful makeover in 2015, New Yorkers called it the “tunnel of doom.” What other nickname could you give a dark and dingy underground passageway 173-feet deep? 

Fun fact: Why was the tunnel built? In the early 20th century, riders needed a way to reach St. Nicholas Avenue More easily. The tunnel is also credited with boosting development in this section of Washington Heights. 

For years the terrifying appearance of the tunnel made people wary of walking through it, so the city commissioned several well-respected artists to redecorate it. With colorful murals lit by warm LED lamps, this once gloomy passageway now feels safe from danger, both normal and paranormal.

Ride the NYC subway if you dare

Will the haunted subways keep you from riding them on your next trip to NYC? Luckily, they’re not the only way to get around and learn about the city. Join a local for a guided stroll, like our Greenwich Village Walking Tour, or take in the sights by bus on our NYC boroughs bus tour.

But I think it’s worth riding the subways. It’s a classic NYC experience, after all. Maybe just bring a friend.