New York Grand Central Terminal Tickets and Tours

Grand Central Terminal, with its impressive architecture and vibrant atmosphere, is a must-see in New York for any traveler arriving in the Big Apple.

Beyond being an important central station, this terminal is a true urban museum that reflects the history and culture of the city. In this definitive guide, you'll find everything you need to know to get the most out of your visit. Find out everything from opening hours, where to eat, how to get there, what to see, its secrets, and everything else you need to know about New York's Grand Central Terminal.

The most comprehensive option

New York Grand Central Terminal Guided Tour

Guided tour of New York's Grand Central Terminal

Explore the history, architecture, secrets, and curiosities of Grand Central Terminal on a guided tour so you don't miss a thing about this New York icon with an official guide.

From $40 at Hellotickets

A visit to Grand Central Terminal offers a 90-minute tour of this architectural gem of New York, with groups of up to 12 people, ensuring a more intimate experience. Originally opened in 1871 as the Grand Central Depot, the terminal has evolved over time into the iconic 200,000 m² building we know today, designed in the elegant Beaux-Arts style.

Your guide will reveal the terminal's architectural secrets, including details of its impressive celestial vault, inspired by the constellations, and the fascinating Whispering Gallery, where the acoustics allow you to whisper in one corner and be heard clearly in another. You'll also learn the story behind the iconic central clock, valued at millions of dollars.

Recommended if... You're interested in seeing one of New York's icons, which, in addition to being an architectural gem, is a world-renowned cultural center. Plus, as you walk through its spacious halls during your guided tour, you'll feel like you're in a classic Hollywood movie, a movie lover's fantasy.

You don't need a ticket to access the building itself. This is a space open to the general public, so you don't have to worry about buying tickets to get in. However, you can book a private guided tour of New York's Grand Central Terminal. In this case, there are different tour options that require advance booking.

Some tours focus on the history and architecture of the place, while others focus on the best locations in New York for movies and TV shows that were filmed there. For these tours, it is advisable to buy tickets online to secure a spot and avoid queues, as demand can be high, especially during the holiday season. For example, among the things to do in New York in winter, a visit to this terminal usually tops the list. Keep this in mind.

Are tickets to Grand Central Terminal in New York included in any city sightseeing passes?

As we saw earlier, admission to Grand Central Terminal is free, but guided tours do have a cost. Luckily, with the main tourist cards in New York, such as the New York Explorer Pass, which includes a Marvel and DC superhero tour that takes you through the iconic terminal, these passes can be a convenient option if you are interested in seeing several attractions during your stay, as they save you money and simplify your trip planning.

Opting for a guided tour is highly recommended, especially if you are a history or architecture lover.

In addition, some guided tours focus on specific topics, such as the train track hidden deep within the station and many other fascinating secrets of the station that, even if you have heard some of them before, the expert guides will provide you with detailed information and interesting facts that will enrich your experience.

Yes, several operators offer a 10% discount for seniors over 65. In addition, groups of more than 20 people can receive a special personalized guided tour subject to the considerations of the Grand Central office, which must be contacted directly by filling out this form.

Guided tours of this New York landmark are usually suitable for the whole family, but many tour operators offer tours of New York's Grand Central Terminal at reduced prices for children.

The pricing policy for children varies depending on the operator and the type of tour you choose. In some cases, children under a certain age (usually under four) can participate for free, while others offer discounted rates for children up to 12 or 13 years old.

Monday through Sunday, the terminal is open from 5:15 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. Grand Central Terminal is a public space that is open virtually 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This is because it is a train station in constant operation. However, the hours of the shops and restaurants inside the station vary.

Most shops open around 10:00 a.m. and close between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., while restaurants may be open later, depending on the day. In addition, during holidays, hours may vary, so it is advisable to check the hours on their website.

The time you'll need to visit Grand Central Terminal will depend on your interests and how thoroughly you want to explore the station, but the average is 60 minutes.

• For a quick visit: if you just want to admire the architecture and take some photos, you can walk through the terminal in about 30 minutes.
• For a complete visit: if you want to explore all the shops, restaurants, and corners of the station, it is best to book a private guided tour of Grand Central Terminal in New York; the tour takes about 90 minutes.

It's quite ambitious to define the "best time to go to New York"because it's subjective and will depend on your specific interests and tastes. Every time of year has its own charm, but in my opinion there are three factors to consider:

• The season: during the summer months and school holidays, the station tends to be busier. On the other hand, the dynamics that take place in the off-season allow you to appreciate the place more peacefully. If you prefer to avoid crowds, I recommend visiting the station during the off-season.
• Special events: Throughout the year , Grand Central Terminal, New York's most iconic station, hosts a variety of special events, such as Christmas markets, concerts, and exhibitions. The experience at these times is magical, perfect for those who love crowds.
• Hours: If you prefer to explore the terminal at your own pace, it is best to visit early, shortly after it opens, or during the afternoon between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., when passenger traffic is usually lighter. On the other hand, if you want to see this hub in full swing, stroll around from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Grand Central Terminal is located at the intersection of 42nd Street and Park Avenue, making it easily accessible from almost anywhere in the city, so getting there is a breeze. Here are a few options:

• Subway: Lines 4, 5, 6, 7, and S stop directly at Grand Central - 42nd Street station, leaving you right at the terminal. You can use the subway route planner, available on Android and Apple iOS. Or, if you prefer, you can visit the New York City Subway guide.
• Bus: Several routes stop near the terminal, including the M1, M2, M3, M4, M42, and M101 lines. If you've planned your visit for after sunset, you can also hop on the New York Night Bus.
• Taxi: Taking a taxi is a quick and convenient option for getting to Grand Central Terminal, especially if you are traveling with a lot of luggage. You can choose the classic yellow cabs or the popular Uber or Lyft services.
• On foot: If you are in other central areas of Manhattan, such as Times Square or the Empire State Building, you can walk to the terminal in less than 15 minutes.

Grand Central Terminal is a paradise for those who want to take a food tour in New York. Here you will find options for all tastes and budgets. Some of the most popular places to eat at the station include:

• Grand Central Oyster Bar & Restaurant: a New York City classic, famous for its fresh oysters and elegant atmosphere. It stands out among the best restaurants in New York according to Forbes.
• Shake Shack: a chain of hamburger restaurants very popular with New Yorkers and tourists alike. This place is a guilty pleasure for fast food lovers.
• Central Market: a gourmet market where you can find a wide variety of fresh produce, artisan breads, and prepared dishes.

Fancy a good beer, a glass of wine, or a cocktail? Visit the hidden bar at The Campbell

• The Whispering Gallery: this acoustic space allows you to whisper a message to someone on the other side of the gallery and hear them perfectly!
• The Four-Faced Clock: this iconic clock is one of the most visited landmarks in Grand Central Terminal. You've probably seen it in a movie or TV show, which is why it ranks among the most famous locations on the silver screen. When you book a Manhattan movie tour, you'll see and hear the story behind this opal clock, whose hands are synchronized with the atomic clock in Maryland.
• The ceiling of the main hall: admire the impressive blue sky painted on the ceiling of the main hall, which depicts the constellations in vibrant colors and, interestingly, is painted upside down.
• The Glory of Commerce: this is the name given to the sculpture that greets you at the entrance, featuring Minerva, Mercury, and Hercules, just above the world's largest Tiffany clock.
• The shopping area: there is a wide range of shops, restaurants, and even a market, where you can see one of the city's best Christmas trees every year.
• Vanderbilt Hall: once the main waiting room, it now hosts such a variety of events and exhibitions that you can take a tour of New York's contrasts in a single venue. This space is an impressive example of the terminal's architectural grandeur.

• Plan your visit. First, try to arrive early or during off-peak hours to avoid crowds, which will allow you to explore the place more peacefully. However, if you prefer to see the terminal in all its glory, visiting during rush hour is also interesting. Just be prepared for a more hectic atmosphere.
• Wear comfortable shoes. The station is quite large, so I recommend wearing comfortable shoes so you can explore every corner.
• Download an app. There are several mobile apps that can help you find your way around the station and locate the places you're interested in.
• Combine your visit. If you are interested in the history and architecture of New York, consider combining your visit with other nearby attractions such as the Empire State Building or the Central Park Zoo in New York; the latter is an alternative to consider, especially if you are looking for things to do in New York with children.