Central Park in New York City is a beloved destination for locals and travelers alike. For over 50 years, the Carriage Ride in Central Park (VIP – PRIVATE) has offered a unique way to experience the park’s iconic landmarks and natural beauty. Offering a personalized 50-minute journey, this private tour allows visitors to explore Wollman Rink, Balto Statue, Loeb Boathouse, and Cherry Hill from the comfort of a horse-drawn carriage. Whether you’re planning a romantic outing or a family adventure, this accessible experience promises an unforgettable journey through one of the world’s most iconic urban green spaces.

Contents show

Key Points

Private horse-drawn carriage tour in Central Park operating since 1964, offering a 50-minute experience with stops at iconic sites like Wollman Rink and Balto Statue.
Wheelchair-accessible carriages and suitable for all ages, providing a personalized sightseeing experience with knowledgeable and friendly drivers.
Tour highlights include the Loeb Boathouse and Cherry Hill, showcasing the park’s natural beauty and landmarks.
Pricing starts from £13.14 per group (up to 1 passenger), with free cancellation up to 24 hours prior and the option to pay cash or card for gratuities.
Generally positive reviews highlighting the enjoyable experience, though some concerns were raised about the tour duration and overall value for money.

Overview

The carriage ride in Central Park, New York City, offers visitors a unique and time-honored experience.

Established since 1964, the private horse-drawn carriage tour allows guests to explore the iconic park’s highlights, including the Wollman Rink, Balto Statue, Loeb Boathouse, and Cherry Hill.

The approximately 50-minute experience, including photo stops, is accessible for all ages and wheelchair users.

With 960 reviews and a 4.1/5 rating, the tour provides tax, blankets, carrots for the horse, and photo opportunities, meeting at 200 Central Park S and returning to the same location.

Here are more experiences we've reviewed in New York City

Tour Highlights

Carriage rides in Central Park treat guests to a tour of the iconic sites that dot the sprawling landscape.

The journey takes passengers past the picturesque Wollman Rink, a popular winter attraction. They’ll also catch a glimpse of the Balto Statue, dedicated to the heroic sled dog.

Along the way, the carriage glides by the serene Loeb Boathouse, a beloved landmark. The tour culminates at Cherry Hill, offering stunning vistas of the park’s natural beauty.

Throughout the ride, passengers can enjoy photo opportunities and interact with the knowledgeable driver, who provides insights into the park’s history and hidden gems.

Accessibility and Suitability

How accessible are the carriage rides in Central Park for visitors?

All the carriages are wheelchair accessible, making this experience suitable for guests of all ages, from infants to seniors.

The private nature of the tour allows for a personalized and comfortable journey, with the carriage drivers providing helpful information and accommodating individual needs.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic outing or a family adventure, the Central Park carriage ride offers an accessible and inclusive way to explore the iconic sights of New York City.

Carriage Experience

Riding in a private horse-drawn carriage through the serene landscapes of Central Park offers visitors a truly unique and enchanting experience.

Passengers can expect a personalized journey with their group, without sharing the carriage with strangers. The drivers provide historical insights and insider information, although the level of engagement may vary.

Blankets are provided during colder weather, ensuring comfort for all. The tour includes iconic sights such as Wollman Rink and Balto Statue, with ample opportunities for photo-taking.

While the experience is generally positive, some travelers have noted concerns regarding ride duration and driver enthusiasm.

Booking and Pricing

The private horse-drawn carriage rides in Central Park can be booked at rates starting from £13.14 per group (up to 1 passenger). Booking can be done in advance, with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours prior to the experience. Payment is accepted in cash or card for gratuities, though the ticket price does not include the tip.

Booking Information
Price	From £13.14 per group (up to 1)
Cancellation Policy	Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Payment	Cash and card accepted for gratuities	Gratuity not included in ticket price

Prefer keeping things personal? Here are more private experiences we've reviewed in New York City

Customer Feedback

Many travelers have shared their experiences and perspectives on the private horse-drawn carriage rides in Central Park. The feedback paints a mixed picture:

Positive comments highlight the experience as enjoyable, particularly for families and special occasions, with drivers noted for their knowledge and friendliness.
However, some customers reported issues with the ride duration, booking errors, and varying quality of driver engagement.
Concerns over pricing and value for money have been voiced by several travelers.
The reviews suggest a generally positive experience, but with some room for improvement in consistency and customer satisfaction.

Meeting and End Points

The meeting point for the private horse-drawn carriage ride in Central Park is located at 200 Central Park S, New York, NY 10019, USA.

Passengers will meet their driver at this designated pickup location, which is conveniently situated at the southern entrance of the park.

After the approximately 50-minute tour, the carriage will return to the same meeting point, where the experience concludes.

Throughout the ride, passengers will have opportunities to capture photos of iconic Central Park landmarks, including the Wollman Rink, Balto Statue, Loeb Boathouse, and Cherry Hill.

Inclusions and Amenities

Included in the private horse-drawn carriage ride are several amenities to enhance the experience.

Riders are provided with:

Blankets for warmth during colder weather.
Carrots to feed the horse during the tour.
Opportunities for photo ops along the route.
The tour fee, which covers all taxes and fees.

These inclusions aim to ensure a comfortable and memorable journey through the iconic sights of Central Park.

The carriage ride offers a unique and leisurely way to experience the park’s natural beauty and historic landmarks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Horse Treats?

According to the provided information, the private horse-drawn carriage ride in Central Park allows passengers to bring their own carrots for the horse. No specific restrictions on other treats are mentioned.

How Often Are the Horses Rested During the Tour?

The horses used for the carriage rides are given regular breaks during the tour to rest and hydrate. The tour operator ensures the animals’ well-being by adhering to local regulations and best practices for animal welfare.

Are There Any Restrictions on Photography During the Ride?

There are no restrictions on photography during the private carriage ride. Passengers are free to take photos throughout the experience, capturing the iconic sights of Central Park along the way.

Can I Request a Specific Driver or Carriage?

While specific driver or carriage requests may be possible, they are not guaranteed. Customers are generally assigned a carriage and driver based on availability at the time of the tour. Advanced requests should be made at the time of booking.

Do the Horses Have Names and Can I Interact With Them?

The horses do typically have names, and guests are often encouraged to interact with them by feeding carrots provided during the tour. However, the level of interaction may vary based on the individual driver’s preferences.

The Sum Up

The Carriage Ride in Central Park (VIP – Private) Since 1964™ offers a unique and enchanting way to explore the iconic landmarks of the park. With a commendable rating, the private tour is accessible for all ages and suitable for romantic outings or family adventures. Guests can expect a memorable 50-minute journey with knowledgeable drivers, making it a must-try experience for visitors to Central Park.