Travellers visiting New York often wonder Does Amtrak go to Grand Central Station? Previously, Amtrak trains did use Grand Central, but the last regular Amtrak train stopped at Grand Central Terminal on April 7, 1991. Now, the Amtrak passengers travelling to New York can use the nearby stations, such as Pennsylvania Station and Moynihan Train Hall. After reaching Grand Central Terminal, passengers can take the subway, taxi, ride share service, or even walk to reach Penn Station for an Amtrak departure.
Does Amtrak go to Grand Central Station in NYC?
Currently, Amtrak trains do not operate from Grand Central Terminal. Grand Central Terminal mainly serves Metro-North Railroad to Westchester, Connecticut, and the Hudson Valley, and the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) rather than long-distance trains. The major reasons why Amtrak does not go to Grand Central are:
Historical Changes: In the past, some Amtrak trains did operate from Grand Central, but the service ended in 1991 when operations were consolidated at Penn Station for better rail connections and efficiency.
Track and Tunnel Infrastructure: The track and tunnel were designed for Metro-North commuter trains, not for Amtrak’s long intercity network.
Different Rail Connections: Grand Central Terminal connects mainly to commuter rail lines operated by Metro-North Railroad. These tracks do not link directly to the main intercity rail routes used by Amtrak.
Access to the Northeast Corridor: Like Amtrak Penn Station, Grand Central does not serve the Northeast Corridor, such as Washington, Philadelphia, and Boston.
Station Capacity: Grand Central already handles a large number of daily commuter trains. Adding Amtrak’s long-distance and regional services could make the station overcrowded and difficult to manage.
Where Do Amtrak Trains Stop in New York City?
Amtrak trains usually arrive and depart from Pennsylvania Station and Moynihan Train Hall. Both stations are located in Midtown Manhattan.
Amtrak Pennsylvania Station: It is the primary Amtrak station in New York City. It is the major hub for Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor. Most Amtrak routes, including Acela, Northeast Regional, and long-distance trains, use this station.
Moynihan Train Hall: It is located at 350 West 31st Street, between 8th and 9th Avenues. It is the main hub for many trains operated by Amtrak, including the Northeast Regional and Acela. It also serves long-distance routes such as the Cardinal, Crescent, and Silver Service.
Note: Read the blog on how to find the Amtrak station near me.
How to Get from Grand Central to the Amtrak Penn Station?
The distance between Grand Central and the Amtrak Penn Station is about 1-2 miles. The options to transfer between these two stations involve walking, subway, taxi, and bus.
Walking: Since the stations are close to each other, many travellers prefer to walk. The walk between stations usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. After leaving Grand Central, walk west toward 7th Avenue.
Subway: The subway is one of the quickest and most affordable ways to travel between stations. From Grand Central, take the S (Shuttle) train to Times Square Street and transfer to the 1, 2, or 3 train heading downtown. The MTA subway takes 10 to 20 minutes and costs around $2.75-$3.0 per ride.
Taxi or Ride Share: Taxis and rideshare services, such as Uber and Lyft, are widely available outside Grand Central Terminal. The ride takes 10 to 15 minutes and costs approximately between $12 and $18.
City Bus: City buses operated by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority also connect Midtown Manhattan. Several bus routes travel along 34th Street or nearby avenues.
Quick Travel Tips for Amtrak Passengers in New York
The following are some helpful travel tips:
- Arrive early at the Amtrak station to find the track and boarding area.
- Use Moynihan Train Hall to enjoy the modern seating areas and services.
- Check the updates on information boards or online from the Amtrak mobile app and website.
- Check the subway routes when heading to Grand Central or another station.
- Keep luggage manageable.
End Notes!
So, does Amtrak go to Grand Central Station? No, currently, Amtrak does not operate from Grand Central Terminal, as it stopped its services in 1971. Instead, Amtrak passengers travelling to New York City arrive at Penn Station or Moynihan Train Hall, both located in Midtown Manhattan. Passengers arriving at Grand Central Terminal can walk, or use subway, taxi, or ride services to transfer between the stations.
FAQs
No, Amtrak trains do not stop at Grand Central Terminal.
Amtrak primarily operates from Pennsylvania Station and Moynihan Train Hall in Manhattan.
The station mainly serves commuter trains and is not connected to Amtrak’s main rail network.
The distance between these two stations is around 1-2 miles.
Metro-North Railroad commuter trains operate from Grand Central.
Yes, the walk between these two stations takes 20-30 minutes.
Currently, there are no official plans for regular Amtrak service from Grand Central Terminal.
