Penn Station (Manhattan)
Pennsylvania Station, more commonly known as Penn Station, is New York City’s busiest transit hub and one of the busiest train stations in the United States. Located in Midtown Manhattan beneath Madison Square Garden, Penn Station serves as a major gateway for travelers commuting between Long Island, New Jersey, and beyond. For Long Islanders, it is the primary terminus for the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), offering direct access into Manhattan for work, leisure, and connections to other parts of the city.
History
- Original Station: The first Penn Station, built in 1910 by the Pennsylvania Railroad, was a grand Beaux-Arts structure. It was demolished in 1963, sparking public outcry and leading to the historic preservation movement in New York City.
- Current Station: Today’s Penn Station operates entirely underground, beneath Madison Square Garden and Penn Plaza, though plans for expansion and redesign have been ongoing for decades.
- Modernization: Recent improvements include the opening of the Moynihan Train Hall in 2021 across 8th Avenue, which restored a grand hall experience for Amtrak and LIRR passengers.
Services & Connections
Penn Station is a critical hub for multiple transit services:
- Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) – Primary terminal for Long Island commuters.
- Amtrak – Provides intercity rail service to cities across the Northeast Corridor (Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Boston, etc.).
- NJ Transit – Connects Manhattan to northern and central New Jersey suburbs.
- New York City Subway – Served by the A, C, E (8th Avenue Line) and 1, 2, 3 (7th Avenue Line) trains.
- MTA Buses – Multiple city bus routes connect to the station.
- Moynihan Train Hall – Amtrak and LIRR’s expanded concourse, with larger waiting areas and improved passenger amenities.
Importance for Long Island Travelers
For residents of Nassau and Suffolk Counties, Penn Station is the primary destination for Long Island Rail Road commuters. It provides:
- Direct Access to Midtown Manhattan – Convenient for work, dining, shopping, and entertainment.
- Connections to Subways – Making travel easy to the Financial District, Times Square, and beyond.
- Event Access – Located directly beneath Madison Square Garden, Penn Station is ideal for attending concerts, sporting events, and other shows.
- Transfers – To Amtrak and NJ Transit for trips outside New York City.
Nearby Landmarks
- Madison Square Garden – World-famous arena directly above Penn Station.
- Hudson Yards – A short walk west, featuring The Vessel, shops, and restaurants.
- Empire State Building – Located just a few blocks east on 34th Street.
- Herald Square – Shopping hub anchored by Macy’s flagship store.
Q&A – Penn Station
Q: What trains go to Penn Station from Long Island?
A: The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) provides direct service from numerous stations in Nassau and Suffolk counties.
Q: What’s the difference between Penn Station and Moynihan Train Hall?
A: Moynihan Train Hall, across 8th Avenue, serves Amtrak and some LIRR trains in a new, spacious concourse. Penn Station itself continues to serve LIRR, NJ Transit, and NYC Subway riders.
Q: Is Penn Station open 24 hours?
A: Yes, the station is open 24/7, though individual service schedules vary by train line.
Q: Can you walk from Penn Station to Times Square?
A: Yes, it’s about a 10-minute walk north along 7th Avenue.
Area Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Opened | 1910 (original), 1968 (current underground station) |
| Location | 7th Avenue & 34th Street, Midtown Manhattan |
| Major Operators | LIRR, Amtrak, NJ Transit |
| Nearby Subway Lines | A, C, E, 1, 2, 3 |
| Landmark Above | Madison Square Garden |
| Expansion | Moynihan Train Hall (opened 2021) |
Penn Station remains the beating heart of rail travel in New York City, linking Long Island to Manhattan and beyond. Though long criticized for its crowded underground design, recent improvements such as Moynihan Train Hall have enhanced the experience for riders. For Long Island commuters, visitors, and travelers, Penn Station is the essential hub for reaching the core of New York City.
