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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: $69). THE RIDE is recommended for children ages 6 and up. *Prices may vary depending on season. 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. *Prices may vary depending on season. Learn more about THE TOUR here.
The Downtown Experience
THE DOWNTOWN EXPERIENCE is not currently being offered.
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Where do THE RIDE, & THE TOUR start and end?
The Ride
THE RIDE departs 42nd Street at 8th Avenue in front of Patrick’s Restaurant (near Five Guys Restaurant) and returns 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 departs from 45th Street, between Broadway & 8th Avenue in front of the stagedoors of the Marquis Theatre in Midtown Manhattan and returns at 46th Street & Boardway.
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 is not currently being offered.
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How long will THE RIDE & THE TOUR take around the city?
The Ride
THE RIDE is designed to take about 75 minutes.
Please note that the flow of New York City traffic can vary based on a variety of factors that are beyond our control. While planning your activities, we strongly advise allowing extra time between the conclusion of your RIDE and your next activity (dinner reservations, theater tickets, etc.)
The Tour
THE TOUR Powered by THE RIDE is designed to take about 90 minutes.
Please note that the flow of New York City traffic can vary based on a variety of factors that are beyond our control. While planning your activities, we strongly advise allowing extra time between the conclusion of your RIDE and your next activity (dinner reservations, theater tickets, etc.)
The Downtown Experience
THE DOWNTOWN EXPERIENCE is not currently being offered.
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What sights around NYC will we see while on THE RIDE or THE TOUR?
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
Not currently on offer.
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Are THE RIDE and THE TOUR safe?
SAFETY ADVISORY: THE RIDE, THE TOUR & THE DOWNTOWN EXPERIENCE COULD AGGRAVATE CERTAIN HEALTH CONDITIONS. The experience involves motion, sideways seating on the bus, constant starting and stopping, loud music, sounds effects, theatrical and strobe lighting, multiple television screens, and virtual reality moments specifically on THE DOWNTOWN EXPERIENCE. There is also a simulation which involved floor shaking, sudden tilting and jarring actions, in addition to loud sounds and flashing lights. THE RIDE, THE TOUR & THE DOWNTOWN EXPERIENCE are not recommended for guests with motion sickness or dizziness, sensitivity to strobe or other lighting effects, back, neck, or similar physical conditions, heart conditions or high blood pressure, or sensitivity to loud sounds. You are responsible for the use of your best judgements when deciding to experience our products. THE RIDE, THE TOUR & THE DOWNTOWN EXPERIENCE are not wheelchair or handicapped accessible. However, THE RIDE, LLC does try to accommodate passengers of all abilities, when possible. Disabled passengers would need to be able to ascend and descend 4 steps to board and deboard the bus, with assistance from members of their party. For liability reasons, THE RIDE, LLC staff is not allowed to assist, except in emergency. Folding wheelchair storage can be accommodated onboard or at the box office, depending on available space.
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What is THE EXPERIENCE PASS?
Not currently on offer.
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Can I get tickets online? In advance? The day of?
Advance reservations are required. Tickets can be booked online here, or by emailing our Customer Care Team at least 48 hours in advance: reservations@experiencetheride.com
Please note THE RIDE & THE TOUR are timed events with limited seating per departure.
*As of April 1st, 2018 our box office will be permanently closed. All reservations must be booked online or by contacting our Customer Care Team.
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Where is the Box Office and what are the hours of operation?
*As of April 1st, 2018 our box office will be permanently closed. All reservations must be booked online or by contacting our Customer Care Team.
You can get your hands on tickets anytime by clicking BUY TICKETS, by phone at 212- 221-085 or by email: reservations@experiencetheride.com. Our Customer Care hours are 9AM-9PM daily.
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How do I pick up my tickets?
All ticket are delivered electronically to your email address via your confirmation email.
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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
Not currently on offer.
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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 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 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 we do not allow patrons under the age of 6. 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 $69. Please note that there are no seat belts on THE RIDE and the vehicle features side-facing seating for 75-minutes. *Prices may vary depending on season.
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. *Prices may vary depending on season.
The Downtown Experience
Not currently on offer.
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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 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
Not currently on offer.
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Are THE RIDE & THE TOUR handicapped or wheelchair accessible? What about service animals?
Our vehicles are not wheelchair or handicapped accessible. Patrons must be able to ascend and descend 6 stairs to board and exit the vehicle.
Motorized Scooters: Unfortunately we cannot put motorized scooter on the buses and we cannot store the scooter elsewhere. Customers need to make arrangements to have the scooter stored elsewhere before boarding.Service Animals: Patrons must provide proof that their animal is a service pet. Customers with service animals will load the bus last and sit by the door just in case the pet is sensitive to loud nosies and must exit the show. If the pet is oversized, the customer must purchase a separate ticket for the animal. -
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 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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I have the New York Pass, Explorer Pass or Sightseeing Pass. How do I reserve tickets?
As a pass holder, you can now reserve your tickets online! Visit the applicable link below and follow the instructions. You will receive a confirmation email and eTickets for boarding. Be sure to read the confirmation email thoroughly; your boarding location and instructions are inside!
For New York Pass, reserve your tickets at: ExperienceTheRide.com/NYPass
For Explorer Pass, reserve your tickets at: ExperienceTheRide.com/ExplorerPass
THE RIDE no longer accepts the Sightseeing Pass. Please contact us for special discounted rates!
If pass eligible tickets for your desired date and time are unavailable, please contact our Customer Care Team at (212) 221-0853 or email us at reservations@experiencetheride.com.
You will be asked to enter a valid credit card to hold your reservation. Your card will not be charged at the time of purchase. If you cannot present your pass at boarding, if your pass is invalid/ expired, or if you do not show up for your departure, your card will be charged the full- price amount for your purchase. (THE RIDE: $69/ ticket, THE TOUR: $35/ ticket, THE DOWNTOWN EXPERIENC: $54/ ticket.)
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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.
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What is a Flex Ticket? How can I upgrade to a Flex Ticket?
Your plans may change. The Flex Ticket enables you to change the date and time of your reservation once at any time before the day of your reservation! Select the “Upgrade to Flex Ticket” option while making your reservation online at ExperienceTheRide.com.
Flex Ticket exchanges can be made with our customer care specialists by phone or email provided in the emailed ticket confirmation. Your one-time change of reservation must be made at least 12 hours in advance of scheduled departure time and is dependent on space available.
Regular reservations are fixed, no refunds or exchanges. If you would like to change the date and time of your reservation and do not have Flex Tickets, you will be subject to a rebooking fee of $10 per ticket. No reservation changes are permitted within 12 hours of your originally scheduled departure time.
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What is your cancellation policy?
ALL SALES ARE FINAL. No refunds. No exchanges. No rescheduling. All guests are required to meet at their designated boarding locations 15 minutes prior to their show. If you miss your bus, we cannot move you to another show.
If you purchased the Flex Ticket option, exchanges can be made with our customer care specialists by phone or email provided in the emailed ticket confirmation. Your one-time change of reservation must be made at least 12 hours in advance of scheduled departure time and is dependent on space available.
Regular reservations are fixed, no refunds or exchanges. If you would like to change the date and time of your reservation and do not have Flex Tickets, you will be subject to a rebooking fee of $10 per ticket. No reservation changes are permitted within 12 hours of your originally scheduled departure time.