About Us | NYC Horse Carriage Rides

35+

Years Operating

50K+

Happy Guests

4.9★

Google Rating

100%

Licensed & Insured

Our Story

35 Years of Central Park Magic

Founded in 1990 by head coachman Thomas McBride, NYC Horse Carriage Rides began with a simple mission: to share the timeless beauty of Central Park through the most authentic experience possible — a private horse-drawn carriage ride.

Over three decades, we've helped thousands of couples celebrate anniversaries and proposals, families create lasting memories, and visitors from around the world discover New York's most iconic park from a perspective unlike any other.

Fully licensed by the NYC Department of Health

All horses are registered, vetted, and well-cared for

Professional, uniformed coachmen with extensive training

Fully insured and compliant with NYC carriage regulations

Why Choose Us

Built on Trust & Excellence

Every ride reflects our commitment to safety, quality, and unforgettable experiences.

Fully Licensed

All operations comply with NYC carriage regulations. Our licenses, permits, and insurance are always current and publicly verifiable.

Animal Welfare First

Our horses receive premium care — regular veterinary check-ups, proper nutrition, mandatory rest periods, and stabling that exceeds industry standards.

4.9/5 Guest Rating

With over 2,400 verified reviews, we consistently rank as New York's top-rated carriage operator on Google, TripAdvisor, and Yelp.

Secure Booking

All payments are processed through Stripe with 256-bit SSL encryption. Your financial data is never stored on our servers.

Expert Coachmen

Our professional coachmen are not just drivers — they're knowledgeable guides who bring Central Park's history to life on every ride.

Flexible Cancellation

Plans change. We offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before your ride, giving you peace of mind when you book in advance.

Meet the Team

The People Behind Your Ride

Our experienced team ensures every Central Park ride is safe, memorable, and magical.

Thomas McBride

Head Coachman & Founder

35+ years guiding guests through Central Park. Thomas founded NYC Carriage Rides in 1990 with a mission to provide premium, licensed, and memorable experiences.

Maria Santos

Operations Manager

Maria oversees every booking and ensures each ride meets our high standards. With 12 years at NYC Carriage, she's the heart of our team operations.

James Park

Senior Coachman

James has been delighting guests for 18 years. Known for his encyclopedic knowledge of Central Park history and his infectious enthusiasm for the park.

Recognition

Awards & Press

Best of NYC

TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice 2024

5-Star Rating

Google Reviews — 2,400+ reviews

Featured In

NY Times, Time Out NY, Condé Nast Traveler

#1 Romantic

NYC Activity for Couples — Yelp 2023–2025

About NYC Horse Carriage Rides