Penn Railway Station

Pennsylvania Station (Penn Station) is the busiest transport hub not only in New York but in the entire Western Hemisphere. Located in the very heart of Manhattan, directly beneath the famous Madison Square Garden arena, this station serves hundreds of thousands of passengers daily, connecting the city with suburbs and other states. It is a key point for Amtrak, Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), and NJ Transit trains.

It is important for passengers to know that the station is a complex underground maze. The recently opened Moynihan Train Hall (across the street, in the Farley Post Office building) now serves most Amtrak and LIRR routes, offering a bright and modern space. The old part of the station (under the arena) is still used by NJ Transit and some other lines. Watch the signs carefully, as entrances are located on different streets between 7th and 8th Avenues.

• Official Website: It is recommended to use the carriers' websites (Amtrak, MTA LIRR, NJ Transit) for up-to-date information.
• Helpline: +1 800-872-7245 (Amtrak, general inquiries).
• Address: New York, NY 10119 (main entrances between 31st and 33rd Streets and 7th and 8th Avenues).
• Opening Hours: The station is open 24 hours a day, however, waiting halls and ticket counters have their own schedules (usually from 05:00 to 01:00).
• Luggage Storage: Available only for passengers with Amtrak tickets (service is chargeable).
• Accessibility: The station is equipped with elevators and escalators for passengers with reduced mobility; the Red Cap service (assistance with luggage) is available.

Getting to Penn Station is very easy, as it is the central hub of the city. The fastest way is the New York City Subway. The station 34th Street–Penn Station serves lines 1, 2, 3 (7th Avenue) and A, C, E (8th Avenue). Also within walking distance is the 34th St–Herald Sq station (lines N, Q, R, W, B, D, F, M).

From the airports:

• JFK: AirTrain to Jamaica station, then transfer to LIRR directly to Penn Station (total time about 35–45 minutes).
• Newark (EWR): AirTrain to the rail station, then NJ Transit or Amtrak to Penn Station (about 30–40 minutes).
• LaGuardia (LGA): Bus Q70-SBS to Woodside, then LIRR or subway (about 45–60 minutes).

Taxis and ride-sharing services (Uber/Lyft) are available at street-level entrances, but please consider the dense Manhattan traffic.

The station's infrastructure has significantly improved with the opening of Moynihan Train Hall. Here, passengers will find spacious waiting lounges with free Wi-Fi and charging stations. Exclusive lounges (Metropolitan Lounge) are available for premium Amtrak passengers.

Throughout the complex, you will find:

• Ticket counters and self-service kiosks for all operators (Amtrak, LIRR, NJ Transit).
• Toilets (in the new part of the station, they are significantly cleaner and more modern).
• ATMs and currency exchange points.
• Police station and information desks.
• Red Cap service — free assistance from porters (tipping is customary).

The station's culinary landscape is diverse. In the new Moynihan Train Hall, there is a modern food court with quality food: from New York bagels and craft coffee to substantial meals. Here you can find popular spots like Blue Bottle Coffee or Magnolia Bakery. The average bill here is higher than in the old part.

In the old part of the station (lower level), fast food outlets predominate: pizza, burgers, doughnuts (Dunkin', McDonald's), and delis. This is an excellent option for a quick and budget-friendly snack before departure. In the immediate vicinity of the station, on 32nd Street, lies Koreatown, where you can eat deliciously and inexpensively if you have at least an hour to spare.

The history of Penn Station is full of drama. The original building, opened in 1910, was a masterpiece of the Beaux-Arts style with majestic columns and glass vaults reminiscent of the Baths of Caracalla in Rome. It served as a monumental gateway to New York.

However, in 1963, despite public protests, the above-ground part of the station was demolished for the construction of the Madison Square Garden sports complex and office buildings. This event was a tragedy for the city's architectural heritage but served as a catalyst for the creation of historic preservation laws. For many years, the station existed exclusively as an underground hub. Justice was partially restored in 2021 with the opening of a new hall in the historic James Farley Post Office building across the street, returning grandeur and natural light to the station.

Arrive early. Penn Station is huge and intricate. It is recommended to arrive at least 30–45 minutes before departure, especially if you are travelling for the first time. The track number is usually announced 10–15 minutes before the train arrives — keep an eye on the display boards.

Safety and comfort tips:

• Download the Amtrak or NJ Transit apps to purchase tickets and track routes in real-time.
• During peak hours (morning and evening on weekdays), the station is overcrowded; keep to the right side and do not stop in the middle of the aisle.
• Always keep your luggage with you.
• If you have a long layover at night, it is better to wait in the Amtrak ticketing area, where there are seats and security, as general corridors can be uncomfortable.