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 a major central station, this terminal is a true urban museum that reflects the history and culture of the city. In this definitive guide you will find everything you need to know to make the most of your visit. From hours, where to eat, how to get there, what to see, its secrets and everything about New York's Grand Central Terminal.

The most complete option

New York Grand Central Terminal Guided Tour

Guided tour of Grand Central Terminal in New York City

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

From $34 at Hellotickets

The Grand Central Terminal tour offers a 90-minute tour of this architectural gem of New York, with groups of up to 12 people, ensuring a closer and 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 constellation-inspired sky vault and the fascinating Whispering Gallery, where acoustics allow you to whisper in one corner and be heard clearly in another. You will also learn the story behind the iconic central clock, valued at millions of dollars.

Recommended if... You are interested in knowing one of the icons of New York, which, besides being an architectural jewel, is a cultural center of world reference. In addition, walking through its ample spaces during your guided tour, you will feel as if you were in a classic Hollywood movie, a movie buff's fantasy.

At this terminal you don't need a ticket to access the building itself. This is a space open to the general public, so you won't have to worry about buying tickets to enter. However, it is possible to book a private guided tour of New York's Grand Central Terminal In such a case, there are different tour options that require an advance ticket.

There are tours that focus on the history and architecture of the place, while others focus on the best locations of movies and series in New York that were filmed there. For these tours, it is advisable to purchase tickets online to secure your spot and avoid lines, as demand can be high, especially during the vacation season. For example, among the things to do in winter in New York, a visit to this terminal is usually at the top of the to-do list. Keep in mind.

As we saw above, admission to Grand Central Terminal is free, however, guided tours do come at a cost. Luckily, with New York's major tourist cards, as is the case when purchasing the New York Sightseeing Day Pass, walking tours of New York' s 5 main neighborhoods are included with a stop to explore the terminal.

Another alternative is to purchase the New York Explorer Pass, which with its Marvel and DC superheroes tour takes you around the iconic terminal. These passes can be a convenient option if you are interested in seeing several attractions during your stay, as it saves you money and simplifies your trip planning.

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

In addition, some guided tours focus on specific topics, such as the train track hidden in the depths of the station and so many other fascinating station secrets that, beyond having heard some, the expert guides provide detailed information and live tidbits that enrich your experience.

Yes, several operators offer a 10% discount for seniors over the age of 65. Also, groups of more than 20 people can receive a special personalized guided tour according to Grand Central's office considerations. Please contact them directly by filling out this form.

Guided tours of this New York landmark are usually suitable for the whole family, but with many tour operators you can book a tour 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 years old) 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 constantly operating train station. However, the hours of stores and restaurants within the station are different.

Most stores 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. Also, during holidays, hours may vary, so it is advisable to check the hours on their website.

The time you will need to visit Grand Central Terminal will depend on your interests and the level of detail with which you want to explore the station, the average is 60 minutes.

• For a quick visit: if you just want to admire the architecture and take some photos, you could tour the terminal in about 30 minutes.
• For a full tour: if you want to explore all the stores, restaurants and nooks and crannies of the station, it's best to book a private guided tour of New York's Grand Central Terminal; the tour takes about 90 minutes.

It is quite ambitious to define the "best time to go to New York" because it is subjective and will depend on your specific interests and tastes. Each time of the year has its own charm, however, in my opinion there are 3 factors to consider:

• The season: during the summer months and school vacations the season is usually busier. On the other hand, the dynamics that take place during the low season allow you to appreciate the place with more tranquility. If you prefer to avoid the crowds, I recommend visiting the resort out of season.
• Special events: Throughout the year Grand Central Terminal, New York's most emblematic station, organizes several special events, such as Christmas markets, concerts and exhibitions. The experience at these times is magical, perfect for those who love crowds.
• The schedule: if you prefer to explore the terminal at your leisure, the ideal time to visit is early in the morning, shortly after it opens, or during the afternoon hours between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m., when passenger traffic is usually lower. On the other hand, if you feel like seeing this hotspot 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 simple. Here are a few options:

• Subway: the 4, 5, 6, 6, 7 and S lines stop directly at the Grand Central - 42nd Street station, dropping you off right at the terminal. You can use the subway route planner, available on Android and also on Apple IOS. Or, if you prefer, you can visit the New York Subway guide.
• Bus: with several routes that stop near the terminal, including the M1, M2, M3, M4, M42 and M101 lines. If you have booked your visit for after sunset, you can also hop on the New York City Night Sightseeing Bus.
• Cab: getting into a cab is a quick and comfortable option to get to Grand Central Terminal, especially if you are traveling with a lot of luggage. You can choose the classic yellow, the popular Uber or Lyft.
• 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 in the mood for 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 ambiance. A standout among the best restaurants in New York according to Forbes.
• Shake Shack: a burger chain popular with New Yorkers and tourists. 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 nice beer, a glass of wine or a cocktail? Visit the hidden bar of 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 it perfectly!
• The Four-Faced Clock: this iconic clock is one of the most visited meeting points in Grand Central Terminal. Chances are you've seen it in a movie or series, which puts it at the top of the big screen sets. By hiring a tour of movie locations in Manhattan you can see and hear the history of this opal clock that synchronizes its hands with the atomic clock in Maryland.
• The ceiling of the main hall: admire the impressive celestial vault painted on the ceiling of the main hall, which depicts the constellations among vibrant colors and, curiously, is painted upside down.
• The glory of commerce: this is the name given to the sculpture that greets you at the entrance where Minerva, Mercury and Hercules are sculpted, just above the largest Tiffany clock in the world.
• The shopping area: there is a wide range of stores, restaurants, even a market, where you can annually see one of the best Christmas trees in the city.
• Vanderbilt Hall: once the main waiting room, it now hosts events and exhibitions so diverse that they are enough to make a tour of New York contrasts in one place. 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 the crowds, which will allow you to explore the site at your leisure. However, if you prefer to see the terminal in all its splendor, visiting during peak hours is also interesting. However, be prepared for a more hectic dynamic.
• Wear comfortable shoes. The station is quite large, so I recommend wearing comfortable shoes to be able to explore all its nooks and crannies.
• Download an app. There are several mobile apps that can help you find your way around the resort and find the places that interest you.
• 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.