A gang of armed professionals hijack a New York subway train somewhere outside the Pelham station threatening to kill one hostage per minute unless their demands are met. Forced to stall these unknown assailants until a ransom is delivered or a rescue is made, Detective Anthony Piscotti (Edward James Olmos) must shrewdly outmaneuver one of the craftiest and cruelest villains (Vincent D'Onofrio) in a battle of wits that will either end heroically or tragically.