Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Terminal
4.5
Points of Interest & LandmarksArchitectural Buildings
5:15 AM - 2:00 AM
Monday
5:15 AM - 2:00 AM
Tuesday
5:15 AM - 2:00 AM
Wednesday
5:15 AM - 2:00 AM
Thursday
5:15 AM - 2:00 AM
Friday
5:15 AM - 2:00 AM
Saturday
5:15 AM - 2:00 AM
Sunday
5:15 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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See what travelers are saying

  • therichastill
    Stevenage, United Kingdom3,326 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Majestic!
    Grand Central station was built as a terminal for trains coming into Manhattan from up state New York and was probably built when railways were really the main way to travel. It is truly a grand station! Nowadays it is served by the subway as well as metro trains coming from places like Poughkeepsie and also from New Haven, Conneticuit. The concourse it well worth taking a moment to admire. It is huge but bearing in mind the number of people who pass through every day it needs to be. There are places to get something to eat at the station as well as the Transit Museum which is a small display to the railways into the station. You can also get some MTA souvenirs here.
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written October 16, 2023
  • The Trusty Trip Gal!
    England, United Kingdom243 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A Grand Station!
    This has to be the most stunning train station I have ever seen! The detail that has gone into the decorating of the station is stunning! I have never seen a station with chandeliers before! The station gives off a rich vibe with it’s expensive look but welcomes everyone! It is a definite must see even if you’re not going to catch a train!
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written October 18, 2023
  • Adventure Diva
    Manchester, Connecticut2,781 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The six-week long 2023 holiday fair is up and running
    In addition to GCT being a subway and transportation hub, they have seasonal events throughout the year. Located adjacent to the Main Concourse, Vanderbilt Hall is a stunning event space area. From November 13- December 24, 2023, there are over 30 pop-up spaces for small business owners. Top of the line artistic textiles, knitwear, jewelry, prints, ornaments, accessories, homewear, etc. are available for your shopping pleasure.
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written November 20, 2023
  • stephens473
    Nottingham, United Kingdom443 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Memorable visit
    Wow! We had no idea what to expect , it is like an underground city ,full of shops , restaurants etc. The main hall is an incredible piece of architecture , quite mind blowing and so beautifully decorated for the holiday season. We spent ages walking around different parts of this architectural masterpiece. Definitely worth a visit.
    Visited November 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written November 30, 2023
  • Johnatan S
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Timeless Charm in the Heart of NYC
    If you're into history or just love pretty buildings, Grand Central is a gem. It's not just about the trains; it's a living, breathing part of New York's story. Whether you're a tourist or a local, it's a spot that connects you to the city's past while still being a happening place in the present. A must-visit for sure!
    Visited September 2023
    Traveled with friends
    Written December 3, 2023
  • Kittygal 🇺🇦 🌻
    Los Angeles, California8,842 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Always Grand
    On a long, busy day trip from DC, I made sure to stop by Grand Central Station. First, to pick up Li Lac chocolates for gifts to take home. And more importantly, to enjoy the sights, splendor and atmosphere of a classic piece of NYC. Didn't have time for a drink at the Campbell Apartment, but there's always next visit!
    Visited October 2023
    Traveled solo
    Written December 5, 2023
  • joseph w
    Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom108 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Icon to be visited.
    Great iconic free to visit experience. Beautifully kept. Had breakfast here very tasty eggs with avocado lush. Can't believe there is a street trader right in the front door. A must visit still.
    Visited December 2023
    Traveled as a couple
    Written December 10, 2023
  • Bea
    1,295 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Mind-blowing Grand Central Terminal
    A must visit when in New York. It was launched in 1913. More than 150,000 visited it on an opening day. The terminal was built on the site of two other stations, the first of which dated to 1871. It is the world's largest train station as far as the area it occupies is concerned and counting the number of platforms. And I found it absolutely the most beautiful one. It is the 10th most visited tourist attraction in the world. And the Tiffany clock (the 14-foot clock), what a beauty, is said to be the largest example of Tiffany glass on earth. Grand Central Terminal accommodates among others an Apple shop.
    Visited July 2023
    Traveled with family
    Written December 12, 2023
  • Rodalita B
    Francisco I. Madero Municipality, Mexico3,583 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Grand Central Terminal very famous at NYC great historical landmark. In Manhattan...
    Grand Central Terminal at New York City ( NYC) is one of the most famous -- visited destinations in NYC this historic world famous landmarks in Midtown. Manhattan...it was make a marble building with a nice view inside of the terminal..most visitors a must to visit this Grand Central Terminal. You must see the beauty of this place. Its a beautiful and very presentable. Come and visit the place you are not doubt it....
    Visited January 2024
    Traveled with family
    Written January 17, 2024
  • jason g
    Wayne, New Jersey10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Recommend 10/10!
    AMAZING! This very a great tour. We saw a ton of interesting things. Even learned some secrets of Grand Central. Guide was very outgoing and lead a very nice tour. I live in NYC and much of this was all new to me!
    Visited January 2024
    Traveled solo
    Written January 18, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles44,801 reviews
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28,995
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13,456
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2,155
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150
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49

Lockjawal
Bridgeport, CT51 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
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.
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, UK778 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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, Ireland70 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
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.
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, UK30 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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, LA38 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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
24 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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 Netherlands75 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
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.
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, NY31 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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
Dalcross, UK96 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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, Canada1,559 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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.
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.

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Grand Central Terminal - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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