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 traveller 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 will find everything you need to know to get the most out of your visit. Find out about 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 single detail of this New York icon alongside an official guide.

From S$52 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 more intimate and personalised experience. Originally opened in 1871 as 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 architectural secrets of the terminal, 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 centre 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 centre. What's more, as you walk through its spacious halls during your guided tour, you'll feel like you're in a classic Hollywood film, a film buff's fantasy.

You do not need a ticket to access the building itself. This space is open to the general public, so you do not have to worry about buying tickets to enter. 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 a ticket in advance.

Some tours focus on the history and architecture of the place, while others focus on the best locations in New York for films and series that were filmed there. For these tours, it is advisable to buy tickets online to secure a place 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 to-do list. Keep this in mind.

As we saw earlier, admission to Grand Central Terminal is free, but guided tours do have a cost. Fortunately, 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 travel 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 railway track hidden in the depths of the station and many other fascinating secrets of the station. Beyond what you may have heard, the expert guides provide detailed information and interesting facts that enrich your experience.

Yes, several operators offer a 10% discount for people over 65. Likewise, groups of more than 20 people can receive a special personalised guided tour in accordance with 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 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) can participate for free, while others offer discounted rates for children up to 12 or 13 years old.

From Monday to 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 practically 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This is because it is a constantly operating train station. However, the opening hours of the shops and restaurants inside the station are different.

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 will 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 around 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 season 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 calmly. If you prefer to avoid the crowds, I recommend visiting the station out of season.
• Special events: throughout the year , Grand Central Terminal, New York's most iconic station, organises various special events, such as Christmas markets, concerts and exhibitions. The experience at these times is magical, perfect for those who love crowds.
• Opening hours: if you prefer to explore the terminal at your leisure, it is best to visit early, shortly after it opens, or in 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, visit between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. and between 5:00 p.m. and 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:

• Metro: Lines 4, 5, 6, 7 and S stop directly at Grand Central - 42nd Street station, dropping you right at the terminal. You can use the metro route planner, available on Android and Apple iOS. Or, if you prefer, you can visit the New York Metro guide.
• Bus: Several routes stop near the terminal, including lines M1, M2, M3, M4, M42 and M101. If you've planned your visit for after sunset, you can also hop on the New York Night Tourist Bus.
• Taxi: Taking a taxi is a quick and convenient option for getting to Grand Central Terminal, especially if you are travelling with a lot of luggage. You can choose the classic yellow cab, 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 who fancy 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 burger joints 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 meeting points in Grand Central Terminal. You've probably seen it in a film or TV series, which is why it ranks among the most famous locations on the big screen. When you book a tour of film locations in Manhattan, you'll see and hear the story of this opal clock, whose hands are synchronised with the atomic clock in Maryland.
• The ceiling of the main hall: admire the impressive blue vault painted on the ceiling of the main hall, which depicts the constellations in vibrant colours and, curiously, 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 the crowds, which will allow you to explore the place more calmly. However, if you prefer to see the terminal in all its splendour, 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 are interested in.
• Combine your visit. If you are interested in New York's history and architecture, 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.