Grand Central Terminal and Penn Station, the largest train stations in Manhattan, are also the two biggest hubs for traveling in and around New York. Both stations afford access to at least six subway lines, and connections to New Jersey, Connecticut, Long Island, Westchester and Rockland County. Knowing how to get from one to the other is vital to traveling within the New York area.

Travel by Subway

Board the 1, 2 or 3 subway lines from Penn Station. You will be able to differentiate them from the other lines, as they are all color-coded red. Board any of the three trains going in the uptown direction.

Take the 1, 2 or 3 one stop to Times Square and get off the train. Go upstairs and follow the signs to the shuttle. It will be designated by an “S” in a gray circle. Take the shuttle to Grand Central Station.

Consider the time -- the shuttle does not operate between midnight and 6 a.m. Instead, take the 7 (purple) train two stops to Grand Central.

Travel by Bus and Other Options

Exit Penn Station and walk to the corner of Eighth Avenue and 34th Street. Board either the M20, M16 or M10 bus. Get off at 42nd Street, Times Square.

Board the M42 bus on 42nd Street, ride across town and exit at Grand Central Terminal.

Hail a cab to travel by taxi and tell the driver you would like to go to Grand Central Terminal; he will handle the rest. To travel by foot, Grand Central Terminal is located at 42nd Street and Lexington Avenue. Penn Station is located at 34th Street and Seventh Avenue.

Tip

During rush hour and at night, the fastest way between the two terminals is by subway.

Walking is the most enjoyable method if the weather is nice. The walk is a little more than a mile and will take about 20 minutes.

The fares for the subway and buses are the same.

Warning

The taxi is the most expensive way to travel if you are alone.