Grand Central Terminal New York
Grand Central Terminal, located at 89 East 42nd Street in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, is a world-renowned train terminal and an iconic landmark. It was built in 1913 and is still one of the busiest train stations in the world, serving more than 750,000 people daily. It is the largest train station in the world by the number of platforms, with 44 platforms serving 67 tracks.
Grand Central Terminal was designed by the architects Reed and Stern and Warren and Wetmore. The building is a blend of Beaux-Arts and neoclassical architectural styles, and its design is considered one of the finest examples of American architecture. The terminal is also known for its massive clock, which sits atop the information booth at the center of the main concourse.
Grand Central Terminal is not just a train station, it’s a destination in its own right. The station is home to numerous shops, restaurants, and events throughout the year. The main concourse, with its vaulted ceiling, is home to an Apple Store and several food vendors, including Shake Shack, Magnolia Bakery, and Zaro’s Bakery. There are also more than 20 other restaurants and cafes located throughout the terminal.
One of the main attractions of Grand Central Terminal is the Vanderbilt Hall, named after the Vanderbilt family who owned the New York Central Railroad. The hall is used for special events, exhibitions, and live performances. During the holiday season, the hall is transformed into a holiday market with more than 70 vendors selling unique gifts, food, and other items.
Another highlight of Grand Central Terminal is the Whispering Gallery, located outside the Oyster Bar and Restaurant in the lower level of the terminal. The gallery is named for its unique acoustics, which allow visitors to hear whispers from across the room. Visitors can stand at opposite corners of the gallery and whisper into the corners, and the sound will be carried across the ceiling to the opposite corner.
The Campbell Apartment is another popular attraction in Grand Central Terminal. Originally a private office and salon for financier John W. Campbell in the 1920s, the space was converted into a bar in the 1990s. It has since been restored to its original splendor and is now a popular spot for cocktails and live jazz music.
In addition to its many attractions, Grand Central Terminal is also home to several galleries and exhibition spaces, including the New York Transit Museum Gallery Annex & Store. This museum explores the history of the New York City subway and features vintage subway cars, photographs, and other memorabilia.
Grand Central Terminal is also a hub for transportation in New York City. In addition to serving Metro-North Railroad and Amtrak trains, the terminal is also a stop on several subway lines and bus routes. The terminal is also located near several of New York City’s most popular attractions, including Times Square, the Empire State Building, and the Museum of Modern Art.
In conclusion, Grand Central Terminal is an iconic landmark and a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to New York City. With its beautiful architecture, unique acoustics, shops, restaurants, and events, there is always something new to discover at this bustling train station.
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FAQ's
Where is Grand Central Terminal located?
Grand Central Terminal is located at 89 E. 42nd Street at Park Avenue in New York, NY.
When is Grand Central Terminal open?
The building is open to the public from 5:15am-2:00am daily. Click here for shop and restaurant hours. Click here for tour hours. Individual store, restaurant, market, dining concourse, and holiday hours may differ. Please check the Shop and Dine and Plan Your Visit pages for details. These entrances are open daily 5:30am-2:00am: 42nd Street at Vanderbilt Avenue, Vanderbilt Avenue at 43rd Street, 45th Street between Vanderbilt Avenue and Madison Ave, Lexington Avenue at 43rd Street. North End Access Entrances are open Monday-Friday 6:30am-9:30pm: 48th Street between Park Avenue and Lexington Avenue, 47th Street at Madison Avenue, and the east and west sides of 230 Park Avenue.
Does Grand Central have a place to store luggage?
No. There are no luggage storage services at Grand Central. Please plan ahead if you are arriving with luggage.
Is there parking available?
There are a number of public parking garages located close to the Terminal. Click here for a map highlighting local garages and their contact information. In addition, to increase access to sustainable transportation options, Metro-North has established a pilot program to provide secure bike parking at the Terminal. In partnership with Brooklyn-based startup Oonee, a secure bike parking pod has been installed in Grand Central’s covered former taxi stand at 43rd St. and Vanderbilt Avenue. The pilot program is expected to last for the duration of 2022. To learn more, including how to reserve a bike parking space in the Oonee pod
How do I get to Grand Central?
Grand Central Terminal is accessible by subway, bus, train, and airport shuttle. Please click here for more information on these modes of travel. Please click here for directions from your location.
What accommodations are made for visitors with disabilities?
The Terminal is accessible to visitors with disabilities. It has public elevators and ramps to help visitors get around without the use of stairs. Please check our directory for exact locations. The Terminal does not provide wheelchair rental. In addition to wheelchair accessibility, the building offers: Large Print on Signage Braille Assisted Listening System available in the Main Concourse: Information Booth and Ticket windows Customer Service representatives on the Main Concourse and in the Station Master’s Office
Are there public restrooms in Grand Central?
There are public restrooms located on the Lower Level of Grand Central Terminal. There are also ladies and family restrooms located in the Station Master’s Office on the upper level next to Track 37. Please check our directory for exact locations.
Are pets allowed in the building?
You may bring your pet in the building and on Metro-North trains as long as they are on a leash or in a container or cage. Remember to show us your pet’s journey using the hashtag #dogsofGCT!
Are bikes allowed in the building?
You may bring your bike in the building, but you may NOT ride or park it inside. As of September 2021, bike permits are no longer required when bringing your bike onto Metro-North trains. In 2022, Metro-North, in partnership with Brooklyn-based startup Oonee, has established a pilot program to provide secure bike parking at the Terminal. The bike parking pod can be found in Grand Central’s covered former taxi stand at 43rd St. and Vanderbilt Avenue.
I am bringing a group to Grand Central. What should we do when we’re there?
– Take a tour! Contact our tour partners for group rates on tours. – Contact one of our restaurants & cocktail lounges to make a group reservation: Agern, Cipriani Dolci, The Oyster Bar & Restaurant, The Bar at Great Northern Food Hall, Prova Pizzabar, or The Campbell Bar. – See an exhibit or buy souvenirs at the New York Transit Museum Gallery Annex & Store. – Book your group trip with Metro-North. Metro-North Group travel offers substantial savings for groups of ten or more traveling during non-rush-hour periods.
Can you travel to the surrounding airports from Grand Central?
Yes. Taxis are available at the Grand Central Partnership taxi stand located on the northwest corner of 42nd Street and Vanderbilt Avenue. The stand is staffed 7:00am to 8:00pm on weekdays and 10am to 8pm on weekends. Shuttle buses travel to all major surrounding airports every half hour departing from 41st Street between Park Avenue & Lexington Avenue. Visit www.nycairporter.com for more information if you are traveling to JFK or La Guardia airports. Visit www.newarklibertyairportexpress.com for more information if you are traveling to Newark Liberty International Airport. To take NYC transit subways or buses to the airport using a MetroCard, visit the Trip Planner on mta.info for more information.
I am bringing a group to Grand Central. What should we do when we’re there?
– Take a tour! Contact our tour partners for group rates on tours. – Contact one of our restaurants & cocktail lounges to make a group reservation: Agern, Cipriani Dolci, The Oyster Bar & Restaurant, The Bar at Great Northern Food Hall, Prova Pizzabar, or The Campbell Bar. – See an exhibit or buy souvenirs at the New York Transit Museum Gallery Annex & Store. – Book your group trip with Metro-North. Metro-North Group travel offers substantial savings for groups of ten or more traveling during non-rush-hour periods.
Are meal vouchers or gift cards available?
Grand Central Terminal does not offer meal vouchers or gift cards. If you’re interested in a gift card to an individual shop or restaurant, please contact them directly.
Are there dining options at Grand Central Terminal?
Grand Central Terminal offers over 35 dining options from fast food in the Dining Concourse, to casual sit down eateries like Great Northern Food Hall and Prova Pizzabar, to world-famous fine dining, like Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant, Cipriani Dolci, or Michelin-starred Agern.
Are meal vouchers or gift cards available?
Grand Central Terminal does not offer meal vouchers or gift cards. If you’re interested in a gift card to an individual shop or restaurant, please contact them directly.
Does Grand Central have a place to store luggage?
No. There are no luggage storage services at Grand Central. Please plan ahead if you are arriving with luggage.
What accommodations are made for visitors with disabilities?
The Terminal is accessible to visitors with disabilities. It has public elevators and ramps to help visitors get around without the use of stairs. Please check our directory for exact locations. The Terminal does not provide wheelchair rental. In addition to wheelchair accessibility, the building offers: Large Print on Signage Braille Assisted Listening System available in the Main Concourse: Information Booth and Ticket windows Customer Service representatives on the Main Concourse and in the Station Master’s Office
Are there public restrooms in Grand Central?
There are public restrooms located on the Lower Level of Grand Central Terminal. There are also ladies and family restrooms located in the Station Master’s Office on the upper level next to Track 37. Please check our directory for exact locations.
I lost an item. How do I contact Lost and Found?
Dial 511 (877-690-5114 from Connecticut) Say “Metro-North Railroad” then: LOST AND FOUND: Say “More Options” then “Lost and Found” Before visiting the Lost & Found, please fill out this online form to help personnel assist you with your request. Please find the Lost & Found office inside Grand Central Terminal on the Lower Level next to Track 100.
Are pets allowed in the building?
You may bring your pet in the building and on Metro-North trains as long as they are on a leash or in a container or cage. Remember to show us your pet’s journey using the hashtag #dogsofGCT!
Are bikes allowed in the building?
You may bring your bike in the building, but you may NOT ride or park it inside. As of September 2021, bike permits are no longer required when bringing your bike onto Metro-North trains. In 2022, Metro-North, in partnership with Brooklyn-based startup Oonee, has established a pilot program to provide secure bike parking at the Terminal. The bike parking pod can be found in Grand Central’s covered former taxi stand at 43rd St. and Vanderbilt Avenue. To learn more about the program, including how to reserve a bike parking space in the Oonee pod, click here.
How do I find out about track changes, train information, and other Metro-North related issues?
Please visit www.mta.info/mnr or contact Metro-North Railroad Customer Service and Information at (212) 532-4900. You can also download the MTA Metro-North Train Time App for Apple and Android. If you’d like to purchase your Metro-North tickets with no hassle or lines, consider downloading the MTA eTix app for Apple and Android.
Is there a lactation room in Grand Central?
Yes. We are pleased to offer an ADA-accessible enclosed room to breastfeed or pump, located by Track 37, near Starbucks. The room is open to the public and available during Grand Central’s open hours. It comes outfitted with climate control, an easy chair, a table, an electrical outlet for plugging in a breast pump, and a door that can be locked for privacy. To access, first visit the Station Master’s Office, on the west side of the Main Concourse. An attendant will grant you access to the lactation room.
If I want to take pictures or video in Grand Central, will I need a permit?
Anyone is free to take pictures or video inside Grand Central. However, if you will be using professional equipment like a tripod or if you will be using the content for commercial purposes, you will need to get a permit through Metro-North’s Corporate & Public Affairs Department. Please use this form to contact them at least one week in advance of the date you wish to shoot, or more, depending on the scope of your request. There may be additional licensing and fee requirements if you will be using the resulting photos or videos for commercial purposes. Post your pictures of the Terminal on social media. Use #ShareGCT, and we may choose to share your picture on Instagram!
I am interested in renting event space in Grand Central. How can I obtain more information?
For an immediate response, please fill out and submit the Event Request Form. or Call our event line at (212) 340-3404 for all event inquiries. Please allow 2-3 days to receive a return call.
How do I become a vendor at the Grand Central Holiday Fair?
Applications for the Grand Central Holiday Fair are posted on the website around April every year. Applications are typically due in early June. Sign up for the weekly email to find out when the Holiday Fair application becomes available and for other happenings at the Terminal.
How do I lease retail space within Grand Central?
Please use this contact form for all retail leasing inquiries or call Loren Baron at (212) 984-8393. Please visit our Real Estate & Leasing page for more information.
How do I rent a kiosk at Grand Central?
You can visit our Real Estate & Leasing page for more information and to submit an application.
If I want to advertise in Grand Central, who would I contact?
The ads you see in the Main Concourse and other walls of the Terminal are managed by Outfront Media and can be reached at (212) 297-6400 by asking for sales. Please visit our Advertising page for more information.
I lost an item. How do I contact Lost and Found?
Dial 511 (877-690-5114 from Connecticut) Say “Metro-North Railroad” then: LOST AND FOUND: Say “More Options” then “Lost and Found” Before visiting the Lost & Found, please fill out this online form to help personnel assist you with your request. Please find the Lost & Found office inside Grand Central Terminal on the Lower Level next to Track 100.
If I want to take pictures or video in Grand Central, will I need a permit?
Anyone is free to take pictures or video inside Grand Central. However, if you will be using professional equipment like a tripod or if you will be using the content for commercial purposes, you will need to get a permit through Metro-North’s Corporate & Public Affairs Department. Please use this form to contact them at least one week in advance of the date you wish to shoot, or more, depending on the scope of your request. There may be additional licensing and fee requirements if you will be using the resulting photos or videos for commercial purposes. Post your pictures of the Terminal on social media. Use #ShareGCT, and we may choose to share your picture on Instagram!
