Celebrating its 115th birthday this year, Penn Station is decidedly not new--pan to the sections…read morethat look straight outta the late 60s--but to look on the brighter side at least part of the station looks better as of 2021! A welcome update if you ask most New Yorkers. Most recently renovated in 2020 to expand into the Farley Post Office building, this extensive transportation hub is situated between 7th and 9th Avenues, between 31st and 33rd Streets. To understand a little more on how this landmark fell from the general public's graces I delved into Penn's history: - built in 1910 to support the ambitious project led by Alexander Cassatt of the Pennsylvania Railroad company to connect Manhattan via under river tunnel to the vast railway network along the East Coast and Midwest. - designed by architect Charles McKim, the original structure was an immense Greco-Roman masterpiece modeled after St Peter's Basilica in Rome, with Doric columns wrapping around two city blocks, vaulted ceilings, a soaring glass dome, shopping arcade, mezzanines and massive waiting rooms with murals, friezes and sculptures. - peaked in 1945 at over 100 million annual passengers but but declined in volume and revenue through 1963 due to increases in automobile, airline and other public transit options, leading to the 1954 selling of air rights to sections above ground to Madison Square Garden. - demolished in 1963-66 with only the underground remnants and some sculptural elements saved, the station layout maintained separate concourses for Amtrak, NJ Transit (which operates the former PRR commuter lines from NJ), and the LIRR. The outdated design and crammed layout received much vitriolic denunciation and caused much traveler aggravation over the past several decades. - credited to senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, plans were hatched in the 1990s to build a newer version of a train hall, with two phases of construction that was finally completed by January 2021. This newer section, located between 8th and 9th Avenues, services Amtrak trains and includes a food hall, retail stores, and a glass roofed waiting lobby inspired by the past station's architecture. Don't forget to checkout the famous escalator with mural map of the surrounding NY metro area. Sooooo (yes with 5 Os) much nicer than the basement maze that is the section between 7th and 8th Avenues. Interesting fact: the only transit organization in business under the same name at Penn Station from inception to now is the MTA Long Island Railroad (LIRR). For much more extensive info: https://www.nytransitmuseum.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Penn-Station-Train-Talk-at-Plaza-33.pdf https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/the-rise-and-fall-of-penn-station-penn-station-today/

This review centers on the zero (or negative) Star disgusting, 1960s "original" Penn Station…read moresection under Madison Square Garden, not the great job with modern 4-5 Star updates to everywhere else that has had major modernizations, averaging the complex to 2 Stars in my opinion. This Penn Station "original" main train hall really needs to be rethought and opened up. Remember as a kid being driven up through the passage immediately under Madison Square Garden and dropped off for our trip back to Philly. With little to compare and excited about any train trip, we descended down the escalator (see pic) into this round hall, eventually over to the track stairs entry, waiting for our train to arrive for boarding. As the years advanced, that first trip "magical" episode melted into the reality it's drab, dark, and increasingly seedy with neglect, bare bone amenities and smelly derelicts. Understandably given security issues, that car passage leading to the escalator no longer operates as it did. This blueish gray, sad section no longer functions as those now likely dead planners and developers had envisioned. Now, the majestic Moynihan Hall becoming the main hall for Amtrak, updated NJ Transit section, and open LIRR corridor with fresh new arcade has brought needed modern amenities, yet this "original" (that is from the late '60s) is not just dated, it's an appendix without beneficial bacteria! Plus, Penn Station Access with allow Metro-North trains to come in and the Gateway Program will provide expanded capacity to the complex. It's ripe for a completely new life, in line with what we have learned from its failures and our learnings. Penn Station is a public resource and should be a pleasant, uplifting experience in both function and appearance. It the country's biggest train station in the country's biggest city. With the importance of mass transit, it should be a place to be proud of. Stop the infighting over who's responsible and whoever has the rights over this. Those stakeholders (including some greedy developers) who own/manage/contribute to running this area need to either have their rights revoked or get with the program. They had the opportunity to make things right and need to get out of the way of progress for the people! Reinvent this "original" Penn Station hall so we can burn sage to cleanse it of the toxic ghost of Robert Moses! Begone demon Moses! Begone!

We always come in and out of Moynihan Train Hall when visiting NYC. It's celebrating its 10 year…read moreanniversary as well. This is such a welcomed sight from coming into the older, darker Penn Station across the way. This new train station also has a food hall with a variety of food vendors, stores (including a Walgreens/Duane Reade), and a bar as well. There is a dedicated Amtrak lounge for first class ticket guests, and one for regular ticketed guests. All in all, this is my go to train depot when coming in and out of NYC by train.

This is one of the main train transit hubs in Manhattan, part deux of two sections of Penn Station,…read morenew-ish-ly renovated as of 2020-21. A lot on the history of Penn Station is covered in my separate review of the station, so I'll just add some logistical notes here: - Moynihan Hall is where Amtrak trains arrive and depart, LIRR and NJ transit trains still depart from the depths of the un-renovated hel% oh I mean half under Madison Square Garden. - there's a walkway that connects Moynihan with the MSG basement thru underground tunnel beneath 8th Avenue. You have to look for the signs that direct you to the right escalators downstairs, otherwise some signs will point you outside to walk across the street, which is a perfectly available way to connect, though less convenient in inclement weather. - food options are fancier in Moynihan since it's newer though some may feel pricier too. Personally I'm think most food options in the station (both sides) are over-priced, though Moynihan probably has the better tasting choices, and newer, more pleasant looking stores and stands. - for subway transfers, Moynihan is close to the A/C/E blue lines that run along 8th Ave and MSG section is between A/C/E and 1/2/3 red lines that run along 7th Ave. The MSG exit is closer to B/D/F/M orange and N/Q/R yellow lines at Herald Square too. - While Moynihan is shinier and newer, the older section does win out in that it's slightly more centrally located for those arriving or departing the city. I found this website helpful in discussing the differences between the two different sections of Penn Station, and how to traverse between them, so sharing here! https://www.remitly.com/blog/travel/new-york-penn-station/

Let's face it, Grand Central Terminal is somewhere you must visit whenever you're in NYC. Doesn't…read morematter if it's your first or 100th time coming to the city, this building is just magnificent. My friend is big into old historical buildings with intricate architecture and I'll admit it, I like it too. This place is like a little city. Besides transportation, there's plenty of shops and restaurants. So much history in this building. I can't help but think of all those who had to say goodbye to their loved ones as they took their long travels out of this terminal. There's so many photo ops and it's soooo large, you can spend hours here exploring.

As the name itself says, it is indeed grand. Beautiful decor and a must stop in NYC even if you…read moredon't need to ride one. Always under construction in one side or another, this iconic NYC stop was as familiar and grand as ever. Considering how long I am staying here, I could no longer be taking taxis and uber all the time, so I got much better acquainted with the station and more and more I love this!

As the biggest the Subway system's biggest connecting hub, this 42nd Street/Times Square Station…read morenow provides in-system. free, quick transfers* to every line that goes through Manhattan if you need it, except the 4,5,6 and L lines. (Full disclaimer - I regularly transfer at this station from/to my 2/3 train to home.) It's not your original 1904 subway station, baby! In 1917, the Dual Contracts between at the time separately run subway lines created the first Times Square connections, leading to today's massive modernized setup now all run by MTA with improved signage and numerous countdown clocks to help identify those next trains. But wait, my reco! While you may be in a rush to or from Times Square or connecting to your next subway line, it's worth making time to check out the treasures at this station!!! Amazingly, the MTA has put money towards what is in essence a Times Square Subway Station 24/7 museum of public art with 8 awesome works: + Norman B. Colp's "The Commuter's Lament" or "A Close Shave" 1991 - Overhead beams along the 42nd St. passageway from the 8th Avenue Lines entering this Times Square Station, the Bronx conceptual artist employed messaging inspired by an old Burma Shave ad, that reads in sequence "Overslept", "So tired", "If late", "Get fired", "Why bother?", "Why the pain?", "Just go home", "Do it again", then picture of a bed. + Roy Lichtenstein's "Times Square Mural" 1994 (designed 1990, installed 2002) - Perched high in the station's Times Square entrances' tall central hall, a long porcelain enamel on steel. pop art portrayal of a futuristic train going through the station in his iconic, signature, comic book style. + Jacob Lawrence's "New York in Transit" 2001 - The "dynamic cubism" artist's figurative mosaic of straphangers and their everyday activities around town. + Jack Beal's "The Return of Spring" 2001 and "The Onset of Winter" 2005 - Both of these American realist painter's mosaics reimagining the Greek myth of Persephone and Hades in modern times. They're dually bright homages, respectively, to filmmaking when this subway station becomes the location set as well as to the life above a station entrance with street repairmen and a fruit stand. Note, in one, her descent down and, in the other, the man offering a Pomegranate, a fruit Greeks associated with the Underworld, to people by the subway stairs. + Toby Buonagurio's "Times Square Times: 35 Times" 2005 - The Native New York sculptor's 35 unique, glazed ceramic shadow boxes that depict different delightful motifs connected to this central neighborhood either related to the performing arts, fashion, or general life. + Jane Dickson's "Revelers" 2008 - The American painter's Murano glass mosaics of New Year's Eve celebrators, some with horns, etc., dressed for the occasion. + Nick Cave's "Each One, Every One, Equal All" 2022 - This multi-talented sculptor, dancer and performing artist created the clusters of vibrant mosaics and video images that extend outside and inside the entrance closest to the S Shuttle plus along new the tunnel to the 6th Avenue lines. The figures in this extensive work are derived from his "Soundsuit" decorative sculptured costumes that allow the wearer to mask their identity as to race, gender, and class, thereby creating both a freedom for them as well as a state in which onlookers will observe these individuals with no prejudice. * All access at this Times Square station between 1,2,3,7,N,Q,R,W and S 42nd St Shuttle trains are ADA compliant. Nevertheless, the B/D/F/M 6th Avenue lines' 42nd Street-Bryant Park Station via the brand new S Shuttle train platform tunnel and A/C/E 8th Avenue Lines via the old passageway to 42nd Street-Port Authority Bus Terminal Station still do not have in-system ADA compliant access from this station. Perhaps one day they'll build elevators to those 6th Avenue trains or a better ramp to complement the steep one to the 8th Avenue trains.

Lots of trains and lots of music. Obviously not the cleanest station. Expect long walk to…read moretransfer for some lines. I think there are some nice mosaic art pieces to see. But it's most interesting to always see a crowd gathering for the varied musicians. A mix of tourists and NYC commuters pause for a smile.

The subway was really cool. Three Dollars for a ride, and we…read moresaved $50 From catching an Uber. There are some stairs going to the train and coming up from the train. My first time taking the train and I loved it! We took the 'E' train!

Not the cleanest station, and pretty deep underground, but E/F trains stop here (stacked, though,…read morenot on the same rails), and you can get up and down but the escalators are slower and people clog up the space as they wait on a long ride up / down. Convenient to 5th Ave shopping and closer to 57th Street if you need to catch the cross-town bus or walk up to the park.

I wanna thank the professional crew on train 164 and train 87 this weekend for their assistance as…read moreI missed my stop due to me helping a passenger get seated. I had been assured they would help in my panicked state & they did! I thank each one!

Amtrak is very affordable if you prepurchase your tickets before your trip. Due to the shutdown we…read morecouldn't get the flights we wanted l, so we took the train from NYC to Wilimgton. I had not been on a train in about 30 years. They've done a great job remodeling the interior. Lots of leg room, and can recline back further than a plane. If you haven't ridden in awhile, consider a train trip! I loved that the conductors have gone back to the retro caps I remember from my childhood. Very personable conductor and we really enjoyed our two hour trip.

Modern looking train station at Hudson Yards and glad that the 7 train extended all the way here as…read moreit is very convenient given there are no other trains stop over there and it is a very long walk from the next closest train station or waiting for the bus. It has 5 escalators at the main entrance and it is steep walk up /down if they don't work or being repaired. Elevator available for those with accessibility needs. Staff available at the station if any questions or if one needs help with refilling or purchasing at the machines. Crews clean the trains as they pull in. Watch your step while boarding and in the station as it does get slippery when wet esp during rain and snow.

You know I never been to this station in my life. Its actually really beautiful and my photos show…read moreit no justice. I didn't realize how steep that escalator was jesus. Theres also some cute artwork on the ceilings and such. I should have taken my camera out for that but that ride going up made me very dizzy. I really wish this train stop was around when I was a teen. I cant imagine having to walk up steps thought. You're seriously so underground. I'm not sure if I saw any elevators here, I hope for ADA reasons.

Newest part of Grand Central Terminal. It's right above Madison Ave so hence the name…read more Plenty of entrances to get here and it's deep below street level. There are escalators and elevators to get you down and there are some vendors on the concourse level as well. Bathrooms too and it does connect with the "main" part of Grand Central. GC Madison mainly serves the LIRR.

There are tons of escalators, so if you need to the catch the 2:17 train, you'll have to be in the…read morearea long before 2:17. And it's not the liveliest of train stations. But I have to award five stars for the clean bathroom. Due to basic geography, the ride itself is faster than Penn, so maybe if they were starting in 1908 they would have built Penn Station here, but consider all the terminated or "maybe someday in theory" rail links it's nice that this thing actually got built.

One of the main train hubs in NYC that connects to the LIRR, Madison Square Garden, Penn…read moreStation/Moynihan Train Hall for the Amtrak. Convenient to stay underground to walk during rain or inclement weather to save a few blocks if one knows the short cuts. Take the A/C/E trains to your destination or transfer to other trains. The boards are updated with incoming train times. With Metrocard retired, tap and go with your credit card or OMNY card. OMNY machines are available to reload. Though stations do need a cleaning...

I'm usually here at this station whenever I'm needing to head over to the nearby Jacob Javits…read moreConvention Center. It's convenient enough to have the A or E subway lines come through here whether you're flying into LaGuardia or JFK Airports. For my most recent trip out to NYC for the marathon, I walked over to the convention center from here for the race expo.

This 50th St. Subway Station, serviced by Eighth Ave. Local Lines (C,E trains), are incredibly…read moreawkward to use at this station. First, while C Train platforms in both directions are "basically," (i.e., they do require a step down,) E trains to both WTC and East Side/Queens require descent one more flight. Second, only the Downtown side is ADA compliant. That said, after going some distance from either street entrance to the fare control turnstiles, you must also go and an additional distance to reach the C platform. Unfortunately, MTA has no immediate plans for making the C Uptown / E East Side & Queens Platforms ADA compliant in the near future. Additionally, platform walls only have the blacked out ad space, making it just feel dismal to me. Outside the Downtown entry, behind the Customer Service booth, MTA installed in 1989 untitled artwork by American artist Matt Mullican, who often uses representative imagery within his pieces. This 68' long sandblasted, 68' long black granite wall creates a form of timeline for this location. After the period when only wildlife roamed, it leads to when a cabin and also reminds viewers that the third Madison Square Garden was located here for over 40 years until 1968. Unsure myself how to interpret all the icons employed in the final left block on the timeline. While there's a bullseye, don't believe it has anything to do with Target, which didn't appear in Manhattan until this century! Please message me on Yelp if you can figure what that panel is trying to say!

I was at this station in midtown several times during a recent trip to NYC. It's conveniently…read morelocated in Hell's Kitchen at 50th & 8th. I'll be back!