Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central Terminal is the world's largest train station and helped shape the history of New York and America

Taxi Cabs Lined up outside the iconic Grand Central Terminal in New York City
Taxi Cabs Lined up outside the iconic Grand Central Terminal in New York City cc licensed photo by Trodel

Over one hundred years old, Grand Central Terminal was instrumental in shaping the history of New York and America. Locally referred to as "Grand Central Station," the Grand Central Terminal in midtown Manhattan is one of New York's busiest transportation hubs as well as a destination in itself complete with a wide range of shopping and dining choices. The Beaux-arts building built and operated by the New York Central Railroad is the largest train station in the world by a considerable margin.

Two levels of tracks offer passenger service for the Metro North Railroad with services to Westchester, Dutchess and Putnam in New York State and Fairfield and New Haven in Connecticut.

The century old Grand Central Terminal underwent a 12 year restoration to restore it to its former splendour from when it opened in 1913. The astrological ceiling mural in the Main Concourse was revealed after years of being obscured by residue. A small patch above the Michael Jordan Steakhouse was left untouched to demonstrate the extent of the environmental damage. Eagle eyed visitors will notice that the zodiac constellations appear in reverse; one explanation is that the artist based their rendering on a medieval interpretation of how the night sky would appear to God, while many others chalk it up to human error. The famous four-sided brass clock with its opal clock faces and many decadent gold chandeliers was also returned to its original luster.

One of Grand Central Terminals many oddities, the unofficial "whispering gallery" is located on the dining concourse near the Oyster Bar and Restaurant. The low dome ceilings create an acoustic anomaly; when two people stand opposite and whisper into the corner, you can hear them as if they are standing next to you making it a popular spot for uniquely New York marriage proposals.

Audio tours and walking tour brochures covering historically and architecturally significant features such as the Kissing Room, Grand Staircases, stain glass and wrought-iron installations as well as the Transportation sculpture are available from the Information Booth.

Nearby attractions: Chrysler Building and the New York Public Library

Facts For Your Visit

Official Website: Grand Central Terminal

Fee: No

Open Now

Regular Hours:
Hours may be subject to change. Please verify on the official website.

  • 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

Category: Landmarks & Historical Buildings Train Stations

Address: 89 E 42nd St
New York, NY 10017

Phone: (212) 340-2583

Reviews

Yelp Rating:
4.5 out of 5 4.5 Star Rating
Based on 1529 Reviews.

See all reviews on Yelp

5 Star Rating Customer Service: 5 Cleanliness: 5 Location: 5 Affordability: 5 There is public restrooms available for their customers. This has been on my BucketList... Read More

Danielle P. Sep-15-2023

5 Star Rating Grand Central Terminal is a historic train station in Manhattan. It opened in 1913 and is a hub for a number of railroads, subways and mass transit. It's... Read More

Andrea H. Aug-10-2023

1 Star Rating AT&T services at Grand Central Terminal fail in every possible way. During two years of low use during the pandemic, AT&T did nothing to noticeably improve... Read More

Troy D. Aug-04-2023

Accommodations near Grand Central Terminal:

Directions

Subway Line Nearest Station Walking Time
4, 5, 6 or 7Grand Central Terminal0 minutes

How to get to Grand Central Terminal by Subway

Take the 4, 5, 6 or 7 train to Grand Central Terminal.

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Photo Gallery

Video


This CNN video gives you an interesting overview of Grand Central's features and 100 year history

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