Gallery of NYC’s Historical Train Maps
Get inspired by the iconic design of NYC’s transit system maps — the very blueprints that have seamlessly moved residents and visitors through the heart of New York. These maps not only navigate the city but also reflect the times they represent. Their simple and straightforward visual style has made many of these archives timeless pieces in graphic and communication design.
Rapid Transit Lines of the New York City Transit System
The Interborough Rapid Transit Company (IRT) was the first subway system in New York City, founded in 1902 and still is an essential part of the city’s transit history.

Manhattan Railway, 1881

Interborough Rapid Transit Company, 1924

1939 BMT World’s Fair Special Route Map
The 1939 BMT World’s Fair Special Route Map was produced in connection with the 1939 New York World’s Fair, which took place in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens, New York. The map was designed to guide visitors traveling on the Brooklyn-Manhattan Transit (BMT) system to the fairgrounds.

1936 System Map

1939 Subway and Elevated Combined System Route Map

1940s BMT Route Map

1959 System Map

1964 System Map

1966 System Map

1967 Chrystie Stree

1968 System Map

Manhattan Bus Route Map

1966 System Map

1972 System Map

Official New York City Subway Map 2013

NYC Late Night Service Map

1939 IND Second System

1940 BTM Division

2019 Subway Service

