Penn Station — Local services in New York

Penn Station: The Heartbeat of East Coast Travel

If you're traveling through New York City, chances are you’ll pass through Penn Station—and for good reason. It’s not just the busiest train station in the Western Hemisphere, it's a gateway to the city and beyond. Owned by Amtrak, this station connects New York to major cities like Washington, D.C., Boston, and Philadelphia, while also serving as a hub for local commutes to New Jersey, Long Island, and more.

Best Ways to Commute Around NYC & Beyond

Penn Station offers endless commuting options, making it easy to get where you need to go:

NYC Subway: Directly accessible from Penn, the subway system takes you to all five boroughs. Fast, frequent, and affordable.

PATH Trains: Perfect for commuters to and from New Jersey. Fast service to Hoboken, Jersey City, and even Newark.

NJ Transit: Ideal for daily commuters or weekend travelers, NJ Transit connects New York with cities across New Jersey.

Amtrak: Traveling longer distances? Amtrak trains offer comfort and speed for regional and national travel.

Food for Every Craving

Hungry? You’ll never run out of options at Penn Station. Whether you need a quick coffee before your train, a hearty breakfast, or something vegan and fresh—Penn has it all. You’ll find:

Popular coffee shops for your morning fix

Breakfast spots with both classic and healthy options

Pizza, burgers, and fries for something fast and filling

Salads and vegan choices for those seeking a lighter meal

From sit-down eateries to grab-and-go kiosks, you’re covered.

Easy Ticketing & Friendly Service

Getting a ticket is hassle-free. Choose from:

Traditional ticket counters

Self-service kiosks for quick transactions

Mobile apps for Amtrak, NJ Transit, and more

And if you ever need help, there are uniformed officers and friendly staff at every turn, ready to assist.

Safe & Accessible for Everyone

Penn Station is designed with accessibility and safety in mind:

Clearly marked signs and frequent announcements keep you on track

Accessibility ramps and elevators make it easy for those with mobility needs

During holidays and festivals, there are extra staff and security to keep families safe and informed

Final Thoughts New York Penn Station isn’t just a train stop—it’s a full-on experience. Whether you're commuting, traveling, dining, or just passing through, it offers everything you need in one central location. Fast connections, great food, helpful staff, and top-tier security make it one of the best travel hubs...

It is nicely renovated with new stores and signage and a new exit stairway in the middle of the concourse. I like the options for food and drink purchases and the well informed schedules for trains. The layout is a bit confusing especially when trying to navigate between LIRR and Moynihan Hall for Amtrak. They show maps but it is even less clear. You find yourself still wondering “where am I in this 3-level drawing?!The best way to navigate is to ask official people when you first go there because after a few visits you will be more familiar with where you are in the building. But it is not easy especially when Some hallways to Moynihan lead to the outdoors and across the street, which I can’t stand! Also it would have been nice to have more bathrooms in LIRR. There are a couple new ones in Moynihan, but again not always easy to find even with signage. Moynihan should have some bench seating in the areas near the gates since people who are frequent travelers like to wait by the usual gate for their train. People have to stand for long periods of time to be sure they board on time or they sit on the floor. C’mon NYC. We can do better than that. Heathrow airport has a whole open area full of seats for people waiting for the next boarding announcement while they pick up Roscoe drink at the many vendors. I would give 3 1/2 stars because of the I important things I think could be improved. Need better technology and visual direction. But it is easier to manage than some other places I have been. Recently in Washington the renovated Union station was confusing and forget the Metro ticket buying with lack of staff and poorly designed ticket machines. It seems that many foreigners do it much better than Americans because foreign countries put more funding towards public transportation...

Wow! Penn Station in New York City is an absolute must-visit and must use when you're in Manhattan! 😃 This bustling transportation hub is the epitome of New York's energy and excitement. As soon as you step inside, you're immersed in the vibrant atmosphere that makes NYC so special.

The station's hustle and bustle is truly exhilarating! 🚉 It's amazing to see so many people from all walks of life coming and going, each with their own unique story. The constant movement and buzz of activity really make you feel like you're at the heart of the Big Apple.

While it can get crowded, especially during peak hours, that's all part of the authentic New York experience. Navigating through the station might seem a bit challenging at first, but it's an adventure in itself! It's like solving a fun puzzle as you figure out which platform you need or where to grab a quick bite.

Speaking of food, Penn Station has some great options to satisfy your cravings. You can grab a classic New York-style sandwich or try one of the many other delicious offerings available including Starbucks, Shake Shake, Walgreens, and many other well known providers. It's the perfect spot for a quick refuel before continuing your NYC adventures!

The station's central location makes it an ideal starting point for exploring Manhattan. From here, you can easily access some of the city's most iconic attractions or hop on a train to discover other parts of the Big Apple.

Don't miss out on this quintessential New York experience! Penn Station is more than just a transit hub – it's a vibrant slice of NYC life that every visitor should experience. So come on down, soak in the atmosphere, and get ready for an unforgettable New York...