Penn Station is New York's busiest transit hub, connecting millions of travelers to the Northeast Corridor, Long Island, and beyond.
Penn Station has anchored rail travel in New York City since 1910, when the original Beaux-Arts structure opened to widespread admiration. That building was demolished in the 1960s, a loss that galvanized the historic preservation movement across the United States and led directly to the creation of New York City's Landmarks Preservation Commission.
Today's Penn Station operates across multiple levels beneath Madison Square Garden, serving Amtrak's Northeast Corridor routes, NJ Transit commuter lines, and the Long Island Rail Road. It remains the busiest railroad station in North America by passenger volume, handling hundreds of thousands of riders daily.
The ongoing Penn Station Area Civic and Land Use Improvement Project aims to expand and modernize the facility in coming years. The adjacent Moynihan Train Hall, which opened in 2021 inside the restored James A. Farley Post Office building, already offers travelers a soaring, skylit space that echoes the grandeur of the original station.
For anyone traveling the Eastern Seaboard, Penn Station is an essential and fascinating node of urban life, where the history of American rail and the pace of modern New York meet on every platform.
Arrive at least 20 minutes before your Amtrak departure, as track assignments are posted only shortly before boarding and the rush to platforms can be intense.
Use the Moynihan Train Hall across Eighth Avenue for a quieter, more spacious waiting area with better seating and natural light.
Try the food options along the main concourse before your train, as several vendors offer quick, solid meals for travelers on the go.
Bring a portable charger, as available outlets in the main waiting areas fill up quickly during peak hours.
Travel on weekday midmornings or early afternoons to avoid the heaviest commuter crowds that pack Penn Station during morning and evening rush hours.
Walk Chelsea and the High Line with a licensed architect guide
Walk Chelsea, the High Line, and Hudson Yards with a licensed architect guide
Find hidden Penn Station remnants and tour Moynihan Train Hall