What is a railroad apartment in NYC?

Question

Accepted Answer

A railroad apartment is one of the most distinctive — and polarizing — apartment types in New York City. Understanding what it is before you sign a lease saves surprises.

What is a railroad apartment:

A railroad apartment is a long, narrow apartment where the rooms are connected in a straight line, like train cars, with no hallway. To get from the front of the apartment to the back, you must walk through each room in sequence. There is typically no private access to bedrooms other than through another room.

Key characteristics:

Rooms are arranged in a straight line from front to back
No hallway — each room connects directly to the next
Common in pre-war buildings in Brooklyn, the Bronx and Manhattan (especially Lower East Side and Harlem)
Usually found in older tenement-style buildings from the late 1800s to early 1900s
Typically 3 to 5 rooms arranged sequentially

Pros and cons of a railroad apartment:

Pros:

Usually lower rent than comparable apartments with hallways
Often have high ceilings and good natural light from front and rear windows
Charming pre-war details — original hardwood floors, tin ceilings, large windows

Cons:

No private access to middle or rear bedrooms without walking through another room
Not ideal for roommates who want privacy
Limited layout flexibility

Tip: Railroad apartments can be excellent value if you live alone or with a partner. They are generally not recommended for unrelated roommates who need true bedroom privacy.