Horse Carriage Rides Central Park: Official NYC Tours Since 1979

Ride past the landmarks you came to see without leaving the park on foot.

The Official NYC Horse Carriage Rides is a family-owned tour operator running guided carriage rides through Central Park since 1979, covering over 20 landmarks including Bethesda Fountain, Bow Bridge, Strawberry Fields and the Dakota Building. A live guide narrates the route in English. The ride lasts 55 minutes and includes a warm blanket, treats to feed the horse, and designated photo stops at Cherry Hill and Strawberry Fields. The company is family-managed to ensure licensed guides, well-maintained carriages and documented horse welfare standards.

The experience

What makes a carriage ride different from walking Central Park is that you cover the ground without the fatigue, and you get a guide who knows which corners hold the movie scenes, the historical sites and the photo angles. The Official NYC Horse Carriage Rides operates from a single family management since 1979, which means the same people who book the tours also oversee the horses and the carriages. You'll ride past Wollman Rink, the Carousel, Bethesda Fountain, Bow Bridge, the Balto Statue, the Boathouse and Tavern on the Green, plus the Dakota Building and Strawberry Fields: stops the guide chooses for their story, not just their visibility.

The ride runs 55 minutes and includes a warm blanket, which matters in the shoulder seasons when the park gets cold and you're sitting still. You get treats to hand to the horse, a small thing that changes how children experience the ride. Two photo stops (Cherry Hill and Strawberry Fields) are built into the route so you're not choosing between listening and getting the shot. The guide speaks English and stays with the carriage the whole way, so questions about what you're passing get answered as you pass it.

The company has over 7,000 reviews and positions itself as the official operator. A distinction that matters because Central Park has multiple carriage vendors, and the difference between them is licensing, horse care standards and how long they've been doing it. This one has been running the same route for over 40 years under family management. Infants and small children can ride in a stroller or pram, and the company has specialized infant seats available. Public transportation stops are nearby if you need to reach the pickup point.

What’s included

• A live English-speaking guide who narrates the landmarks and history as you ride.
• a warm blanket for the 55-minute tour.
• treats to feed the horse.
• two designated photo stops at Cherry Hill and Strawberry Fields.
• coverage of over 20 Central Park landmarks including Bethesda Fountain, Bow Bridge, the Dakota Building and Strawberry Fields.

Options for this experience

7 options

Central Park Short Tour, 25 minutesGuide in English · 35 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 23:30One photo stop is included: your driver will pause briefly at The Dairy so you can take incredible pictures with their help. The 25-minute short tour winds through the world-famous historic Central Park and creates memories that last a lifetime.

Central Park Long Tour, 45 minutesGuide in English · 36 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 23:59Includes one photo stop, where your driver pauses briefly at Bethesda Terrace and takes pictures for you with your own cameras. Lasts 45 minutes.

Long Tour with drop-off at TavernGuide in English · 33 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 23:59This 45-minute Long Tour through Central Park is a scenic ride that finishes with a grand arrival at Tavern On The Green.

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Central Park Grand Tour, 55 minutesGuide in English · 34 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 23:30Includes two photo stops, where your driver will pause at Bethesda Terrace and Cherry Hill Fountain and take striking pictures with your own cameras. There is also a complimentary photo stop in Central Park where you can snap great shots and feed the horses carrots. The ride lasts 55 minutes, giving you a Central Park carriage ride in New York City that will create lasting memories for you and your loved ones.

Central Park VIP Tour, 65 minutesGuide in English · 35 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 23:59Three photo stops are included, at Bethesda Terrace, Cherry Hill and Strawberry Fields, where you can capture pictures with your own cameras. A free photo stop inside Central Park lets everyone take lovely photos and feed the horses carrots. Lasting 1 hour and 5 minutes, the VIP Tour is the best way to see Central Park on a visit, especially for first-timers. (MOST POPULAR)

Central Park Proposal, 65 minutesGuide in English · 33 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 23:30Your driver captures a magical surprise proposal, including a visit to Cherry Hill. Lasts 1 hour and 5 minutes, with a proposal stop at Cherry Hill.

City Light Tour at Magical ParkGuide in English · 8 departure times: the first at 20:30, the last at 23:59Lasting 1 hour and 5 minutes, this evening journey takes you through Central Park and midtown Manhattan and brings out the enchantment of the night.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day35 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 23:30

Book up toStart time

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by NYC Horse Carriage Rides

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want to see Central Park's major landmarks without the walking: the fixed 55-minute route and live guide mean the day unfolds without you planning which stops to hit or how long to spend at each one. The family management since 1979 is the reason the horse welfare, carriage maintenance and guide licensing are consistent, not a variable you're betting on.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is a Central Park carriage ride with this company?

The standard tour runs 55 minutes and covers over 20 landmarks and photo stops throughout the park, including Bethesda Fountain, Bow Bridge, Strawberry Fields and the Dakota Building.

What landmarks do you pass on the Official NYC Horse Carriage Rides tour?

The route includes Wollman Rink, the Carousel, Chess & Checker House, the Dairy, Plaza Hotel, Literary Mall, Balto Statue, Summer Stage, Boat Pond, Loeb Boathouse, Bethesda Fountain, Bandshell, the Lake, Bow Bridge, Cherry Hill, Strawberry Fields, Dakota Building, Sheep Meadow, Tavern on the Green, Heckscher Playground and Columbus Circle, plus additional sites depending on the specific tour option.

Can you feed the horse on the carriage ride?

Yes, treats to feed the horse are included with your ride, and there are designated moments built into the tour for this.

What's included in the carriage ride price?

The ride includes a warm blanket, a live English-speaking guide, treats for the horse, and two photo stops at Cherry Hill and Strawberry Fields. The company also guarantees horse welfare standards and maintains all carriages to licensed standards.

Can infants or very small children ride in a carriage?

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, and the company has specialized infant seats available. The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

How long has the Official NYC Horse Carriage Rides company been operating?

The company was founded in 1979 by Giuseppe, an immigrant from Sicily, and is now managed by his son Frank. It has been the same family-owned operation for over 40 years.