Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Terminal
4.5
5:30 AM - 2:00 AM
Monday
5:30 AM - 2:00 AM
Tuesday
5:30 AM - 2:00 AM
Wednesday
5:30 AM - 2:00 AM
Thursday
5:30 AM - 2:00 AM
Friday
5:30 AM - 2:00 AM
Saturday
5:30 AM - 2:00 AM
Sunday
5:30 AM - 2:00 AM
About
Grand Central Terminal is the most extraordinary public space in New York City. Opened to the public in 1913, this historic train terminal is a world-famous landmark in Midtown. Its rich history is a story of immense wealth and great engineering. Grand Central is one of the busiest train stations in the world, with approximately 750,000 visitors every day. It is the home of Metro-North Railroad, a subway station, iconic restaurants, shops, and the world's most alluring Apple Store. Some of the highlights to see along your tour of Grand Central include the opal-faced clock, valued at $20 million, above the Information Booth, the Largest Tiffany Glass Clock in the World below the 48-foot, 1500-ton Transportation statue overlooking 42nd Street at Park Avenue, and the mystifying acoustics of the Whispering Gallery in front of the Oyster Bar and Restaurant. Audio and guided tours are available for those with a passion for history. More information regarding tours and ways to plan your visit can be found on the Grand Central Terminal website.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Midtown East
How to get there
- Grand Central • 1 min walk
- Grand Central • 1 min walk
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Best nearby
Restaurants
10,000 within 3 miles
Attractions
2,594 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- holidayhoney65Chessington, United Kingdom1,192 contributionsQuick visit would like to have spent more time exploringWe popped to Grand Central while passing as we had a huge itinerary for the day, had I realised just how much there was to see and do here it would have been allocated more time. The station is huge over a few levels, I am not sure how many. When you go into the main concourse you see the scale of the building and the amazing architecture. There is plenty to see and do here to explore for a couple of hours without even getting on a train! If I visit NY again I will return and spend more time there, the most beautiful and amazing station I have ever seen.Visited December 2022Written January 2, 2023
- 891cynthiazDallas, Texas18 contributionsRemarkable stationThis well-known landmark is not only an efficient and picturesque train terminal, but is also a famous movie set, tourist attraction and place of fantastic sights, smells and sounds. Seeing hockey fans in the fall, workers traveling to and from and tourists, this is a people-watching paradise. You really must go.Visited November 2022Written January 3, 2023
- Adventure DivaManchester, Connecticut2,138 contributionsWorld famous landmarkSo glad this iconic structure was saved by a celebrity in the 1990s. She used her status and connections to have a necessary major restoration done. Home to Metro-North Railroad, this is my go-to terminal when needing a cultural fix. It truly is a gateway in exploring the Big Apple. Staff is friendly and efficient.Visited January 2023Traveled soloWritten January 13, 2023
- reise31,083 contributionsIconicGrand Central never disappoints. It’s beauty & function, hand in hand. Take a few minutes to bring your kids to the Whispering Walls on the lower level by the Oyster Bar & Restaurant. Stand facing diagonal corners of the archways & whisper to each other. Kids find it mystifying.Visited January 2023Traveled with familyWritten January 15, 2023
- bwardwell1Hartford, Connecticut34 contributionsVery informative.A group of 3 couples took the tour over the MLK weekend, Our guide Luis was very energetic and enthusiastic presenter. You can imagine how difficult it must be to run a tour through the hustle and bustle of Grand Cental Station. All on the tour were given ear pieces so we were able to hear Luis over the background noise. The tour gives a great history lesson of this iconic building. Who knew there was a tennis court in this building? The tour is scheduled for 90 minutes, but Luis asked if were all OK to go another 15 minutes so he could cover all the material. (Nice) My only issue was the manner in which the historical photos were presented, Luis showed the pictures that were in a three ring binder in protective plastic, Uploaded these photos to laptop would make the pictures much easier to view.Visited January 2023Written January 17, 2023
- Ashfield531Ringwood, United Kingdom1,026 contributionsThe most impressive railway stationAs abuilding it its own right this is a wonder but in effect the central hall is basically a cathedral for the railway age. It is incredible that they contemplated knocking it down and redeveloping with a skyscraper on top. The marble is wonderful and the ceiling is superb. Our guide pointed out the dirty spot that they left to indicate what it was like before the restoration.Visited January 2023Written January 21, 2023
- Conny WylieOttawa, Canada781 contributionsMediterranean Sky in NYC.The Grand Central Terminal is a hub of landmark architecture, top-notch dining, shopping and of course a bustling train station. I went for the architectural gawking and picked my visiting time in late morning when commuters were at a minimum. I spent most of my time at the Grand Central admiring the features of this Beaux-Art building and the astronomical ceiling depicting a 2500-star Mediterranean sky above the Grand's Main Concourse. So much more than a train station.Visited January 2023Written January 23, 2023
- drglennmoLong Beach, California7 contributionsJohn is a consummate Host......a long-time local who is passionate about his Subject and sharing it with his Charges. His friendly, energetic and infectious style will hold your interest as he relates the history of this beautiful and glorious piece of American Gilded Age architecture. Actually, his is the only tour I've ever taken twice, now and a year ago while on vacation to NYC. There's a lot of history, interesting facts, and much to see and hear on his tour. Don't miss it!Visited January 2023Written January 29, 2023
- L TranNew York City, New York132 contributionsBeautiful train station is now even better.Now with the opening of the new LIRR section, Grand Central is a more convenient transportation hub than ever. This new section, at some 14 stories below the main hall, now offers easier ride to JFK airport from Midtown East. The original structure is certainly an architectural masterpiece. The new section is a nice addition to it.Visited February 2023Traveled with friendsWritten February 10, 2023
- PennsypeteNorthampton, Pennsylvania163 contributionsOld and the NewFascinating rail terminal. Absolutely huge. Old section is like a museum. New section FIFTEEN stores down is ultra modern. Nice food court. Whole place does lack seating.Visited February 2023Written February 10, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
44,729 reviews
Excellent
28,934
Very good
13,446
Average
2,154
Poor
150
Terrible
49
Lockjawal
Bridgeport, CT97 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
Nice looking train terminal. Recently renovated both interior and train signage. Easy to navigate. Biggest issue: Barely any place to sit.
The downstairs level used to have ample seating for waiting. Now they seem to have gotten rid of 95% of the seats in order to put in food establishments and to discourage squatters. These food establishments strongly discourage sitting in THEIR seats unless you are buying from them. When they are closed, the seats are put up & chained to prevent usage.
The few open seating areas that are available are pretty much taken up by the homeless who are camped out there all day. Even if there is a seat available, the smell will drive you away. There is one small "official" waiting area on the upper level that is supposedly "for ticket holders only." Unfortunately,it is usually half filled with homeless folks as well. Sitting on the steps is generally discouraged and fuggetabout sitting on the stairs to the Apple Store. They will chase you off.
I guess the lack of seating is due to GCT's attempt to stem the tide of homeless folks from camping out in the terminal. Unfortunately, it inconveniences the actual traveller & makes for an unpleasant wait.
If you have issues standing, I recommend that you arrive to your train no more than 20 mins before departure time. By that time, the trains are usually beginning to board passengers and you can sit in the cars.
Aside from that issue it's a nice Terminal.
The downstairs level used to have ample seating for waiting. Now they seem to have gotten rid of 95% of the seats in order to put in food establishments and to discourage squatters. These food establishments strongly discourage sitting in THEIR seats unless you are buying from them. When they are closed, the seats are put up & chained to prevent usage.
The few open seating areas that are available are pretty much taken up by the homeless who are camped out there all day. Even if there is a seat available, the smell will drive you away. There is one small "official" waiting area on the upper level that is supposedly "for ticket holders only." Unfortunately,it is usually half filled with homeless folks as well. Sitting on the steps is generally discouraged and fuggetabout sitting on the stairs to the Apple Store. They will chase you off.
I guess the lack of seating is due to GCT's attempt to stem the tide of homeless folks from camping out in the terminal. Unfortunately, it inconveniences the actual traveller & makes for an unpleasant wait.
If you have issues standing, I recommend that you arrive to your train no more than 20 mins before departure time. By that time, the trains are usually beginning to board passengers and you can sit in the cars.
Aside from that issue it's a nice Terminal.
Written January 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelly
London, UK740 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
It is just stunning every single detail is beautiful and exceeded our expectations. This place is a must see, it truly is as grand as you would expect. When I was there all I could picture was flash mobs I’d seen in the movies. Some people I had spoken to prior to visiting New York said the terminal is a bit overrated but I loved it and would recommend.
Written January 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LivMcGiv
Dublin, Ireland64 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
Grand Central Terminal is so much bigger than you expect it to be. Tracks and the subway go off in every direction and it is reasonably easy to buy tickets, find your track and know where you should be going.
The main concourse is absolutely fabulous with its huge chandeliers, beautiful ceiling and booth. I found the staff to be incredibly helpful.
If you want to come and take photos or videos of the terminal don’t try and do it during rush hour. I came for the touristy thing on a Sunday, but I had to catch a train during rush hour and it’s a totally different experience.....people are on a mission during rush hour and you will be in the way.
It’s so iconic and well worth a visit.
The main concourse is absolutely fabulous with its huge chandeliers, beautiful ceiling and booth. I found the staff to be incredibly helpful.
If you want to come and take photos or videos of the terminal don’t try and do it during rush hour. I came for the touristy thing on a Sunday, but I had to catch a train during rush hour and it’s a totally different experience.....people are on a mission during rush hour and you will be in the way.
It’s so iconic and well worth a visit.
Written January 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SarahKP19
Bradford, UK31 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Beautiful building, lots of history. We did the audio tour which was $12 per person. We found it good, was easy to navigate yourself around the building using the map provided, very informative and you could go at your own pace. I loved the whispering gallery. Would definitely recommend visiting and doing the audio tour if you want a little more information.
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
L3656JArichardf
Slidell, LA41 contributions
Feb 2020
This was an amazing place to visit. It is one of the heart throb places to visit in New York. Many places to eat, got the famous chocolate/Vanilla cookie. Watch all the hustle and bustle of all the people heading for the trains that went all over was fascinating. From the Double Tree on Lexington we walked about 6-8 blocks up walk in to the Terminal Be prepared the bottom floor is amazing, I highly recommend this attraction.
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Christeen
21 contributions
Feb 2020
Had a great tour with our tour guide Bic. Bic was a great tour guide, answered many questions and ensure that by the time the tour was completed we would know many aspects of this magnificent building. So many things to see and do, including a tennis court on level 4 and a beautiful bar "The Campbell". Thoroughly enjoyed this tour with Bic.
Written February 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Piterknyn
Amsterdam, The Netherlands71 contributions
Dec 2019
The ambiance is great. The oysters are great - just like elsewhere in NYC everything was quite expensive, but apparently that's no reason to avoid this location considering it was very very busy. With a party of four we had difficulty getting seated; luckily a very kind South African gentleman spontaneously moved over to a single seat at another table to make room for us.
We were here before and loved it because of the great location and food. However, this time we had an unexpected and very off-putting experience: the waiter did not agree with his gratuity and loudly and rudely said so and insisted on a greater tip as was suggested on the bill (this nowadays seems to be ubiquitous in NYC). So beware for this kind of behaviour as the gratuity stated on the bill is a recommendation only, but by no means mandatory and, in our opinion, should reflect the waiter's service and attitude towards guests. This experience made me give 3 stars and not 5.
We were here before and loved it because of the great location and food. However, this time we had an unexpected and very off-putting experience: the waiter did not agree with his gratuity and loudly and rudely said so and insisted on a greater tip as was suggested on the bill (this nowadays seems to be ubiquitous in NYC). So beware for this kind of behaviour as the gratuity stated on the bill is a recommendation only, but by no means mandatory and, in our opinion, should reflect the waiter's service and attitude towards guests. This experience made me give 3 stars and not 5.
Written January 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NewYorkToAsia
New York City, NY32 contributions
Mar 2020
Once of the more magnificent spaces I have ever seen. The physical structure of space including the vaulted ceiling with the zodiac painted on it. And add the energy of the commuters scurrying back and forth to catch a train. Get some food in the lower level food market and you are good to go.
Written March 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tug H
Rosemarkie, UK96 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
We visited New York for the 3rd time this month and were fortunate enough to spend a little more time exploring the market street with in Grand central. The variety of shops and range of food was superb and it didn't seem to attract the premium that other shops seem to be fond of charging. The highlights were the Chicken Ceaser salad and creamy coronation chicken style salad from Dishes. The chefs choice sushi and the Carrot cake and the Chocolate cakes from NoGlu at Eli zebra bakery. If you are hitting the city in the summer then I would highly reccomend a shopping trip here for a picnic in Central Park or to take out to Coney island.
Written January 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lets_Cruise_13
Ottawa, Canada1,431 contributions
Jan 2020
On January 19th, 2020, my wife and I with other travellers of the Ottawa Valley Tours group stopped at the famous Grand Central Terminal (GCT). This scheduled stop was included in our New York City tour. GCT is a commuter train terminal that opened in February 1913 in Midtown Manhattan and is located at East 42nd Street and Park Avenue. GCT is one of the worlds most visited tourist attractions for its landmark designations, its distinctive architecture and beautiful interior design.
GCT’s main terminal’s concourse with its iconic four-faced opal clock above the Information Booth, is used as a meeting place for visitors and locals alike and has been featured in many films and television. Two years ago, GCT celebrated two landmark events, 40 years rescued, and 20 years renewed. On its lower-level concourse GCT has a variety of stores and food vendors, including a food court where our Ottawa Valley Tour group had lunch that day. We took many photos of the interior and exterior architecture and design.
We would recommend this landmark stop to family and friends.
GCT’s main terminal’s concourse with its iconic four-faced opal clock above the Information Booth, is used as a meeting place for visitors and locals alike and has been featured in many films and television. Two years ago, GCT celebrated two landmark events, 40 years rescued, and 20 years renewed. On its lower-level concourse GCT has a variety of stores and food vendors, including a food court where our Ottawa Valley Tour group had lunch that day. We took many photos of the interior and exterior architecture and design.
We would recommend this landmark stop to family and friends.
Written February 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elisabeth Supit
Bitung, Indonesia82 contributions
hows to get grand central terminal from times squere 34 st
roj1281
Houston, TX515 contributions
I recommend getting the New York Subway MTA App on your phone. It will save you a lot of time. That being said you can take the subway S line from Times Square and 42 St to Grand Central and 42 St. Its only 2 stops away. Or just walk down 42 St.
AdamMorgan85
Sittingbourne, UK153 contributions
Whispering Gallery? Where will I find it?
demeer717
Blantyre, UK49 contributions
??? Might be rather difficult to find as everyone will be whispering...🤣
Kaybe123
4 contributions
Is there somewhere to get breakfast? Not too expensive?
Margie Villa
Costa Rica224 contributions
Yes, there is some places into the Market
Getaway64763020739
Watertown, WI1 contribution
how much are the train fares
MnKaren
Superior, WI81 contributions
We didn't use a train. Best Buy for subway is $34 unlimited pass. Off and on as ,as many times as you want or need.
Benfleetboo72
Benfleet, UK29 contributions
Hi can you buy Chinese food here in the dining/cafe section? Many thanks
PSGumby
New York City, NY174 contributions
Yes in the lower level food court
Is there a day pass for NYC subways
Ryszard L
Sydney, Australia330 contributions
I believe so.
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Claim your listingGrand Central Terminal - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Grand Central Terminal
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Grand Central Terminal:
- NYC Secrets of Grand Central Walking Tour (From $35.10)
- Full-Day New York "Must See" Small-Group Tour plus One World Observatory Ticket (From $129.00)
- Big Bus New York Hop-On Hop-Off Open Top Tour (From $54.00)
- Superheroes in New York Walking Tour (From $39.00)
- Guided Private Underground New York Subway Tour (From $185.00)
- Hotels near Grand Central Terminal:
- (0.12 mi) Library Hotel by Library Hotel Collection
- (0.12 mi) Dylan Hotel NYC
- (0.14 mi) Fitzpatrick Grand Central
- (0.15 mi) Club Quarters Hotel Grand Central, New York
- (0.15 mi) Hotel Boutique At Grand Central
- Restaurants near Grand Central Terminal:
- (0.00 mi) Frankies Dogs On The Go
- (0.00 mi) Luke's Lobster - Grand Central Terminal
- (0.00 mi) TasteNY
- (0.00 mi) Central Market New York
- (0.00 mi) Prova Pizza Bar - GCT
- Attractions near Grand Central Terminal:
- (0.00 mi) Wonderen Stroopwafels
- (0.00 mi) Grand Central Station Official Tours
- (0.01 mi) Gotham Bicycle Tours
- (0.01 mi) Leather Spa
- (0.02 mi) Campbell Apartment
Grand Central Terminal Information
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