Based on the characterization of ribosome precursor particles and associated trans‐acting factors, a biogenesis pathway for the 40S and 60S subunits has emerged. After nuclear synthesis and assembly steps, pre‐ribosomal subunits are exported through the nuclear pore complex in a Crm1‐ and RanGTP‐dependent manner. Subsequent cytoplasmic biogenesis steps of pre‐60S particles include the facilitated release of several non‐ribosomal proteins, yielding fully functional 60S subunits. Cytoplasmic maturation of 40S subunit precursors includes rRNA dimethylation and pre‐rRNA cleavage, allowing 40S subunits to achieve translation competence. We review current knowledge of nuclear export and cytoplasmic maturation of ribosomal subunits.