Train Stations in New York Travel Guide 2026 - Beyond Borders

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Train Stations in New York Travel Guide 2026

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Remitly Editorial Staff
The Remitly editorial team is a global group of writers and editors who are passionate about helping people thrive across borders.

Key Highlights

  • Discover the big train stops in New York City, like the old Grand Central Terminal and the busy Penn Station.

  • Check out Moynihan Train Hall, the new spot for Amtrak in New York City, with its up-to-date features.

  • Learn about the main services you can use, such as Amtrak’s long trips and commuter lines like the Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North.

  • This guide gives you the most important tips on how to go between big stations by using the subway, buses, and other ways to get around.

  • Get details about what passengers can use, how to get around if you need help, and links to the wide New York City Subway system.

Introduction

Welcome to your easy travel guide for train stations in New York City! Getting around on the train in New York can look hard at first, but it is a big part of life in this city. It’s how many people see all the best parts of New York City and other places in the United States. If it is your first trip or you travel a lot, this guide will show you the most important stations. You will learn what services the stations offer and how to move around the city in a simple way for your 2026 plans.

Comprehensive List of Train Stations in New York for 2026

New York City has many train stations that help people get around. These big station hubs are key parts of how people travel every day. This includes rides for people going to work and long trips across the country. Each train station gives something special, and they are needed for travel in and out of the city.

Below, you can see a close look at ten important places for trains in New York City. The list shows famous train terminals, busy spots where you can switch trains, and main subway stations. They help connect all five boroughs and areas outside the city. This will help you understand how the train and subway system works in New York.

1. Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central Terminal is much more than a train station in New York City. People from all over the world know it as a famous place in New York. The building is known for its stunning look, and the Main Concourse draws attention because of its beautiful ceiling. There is a sky scene painted above, and many people who visit the grand central terminal are amazed by it. This historic station is a great example of design from the early 1900s. It would not still be here if not for people like Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, who worked hard to save it from being torn down.

The grand central station is an important place for the Metro-North Railroad. It helps connect Manhattan to parts of New York and Connecticut. Each day, thousands of people use it to get to and from Midtown. Its size and beauty make it a must-see spot for those in new york city.

The grand central terminal is also very useful for other ways to move around new york city. Besides trains, you can get to the New York City Subway right from here. The Grand Central–42nd Street subway station lets you catch the 4, 5, 6, 7, and S (42nd Street Shuttle) lines. Because of this, it is one of the busiest and most useful places in the subway system.

2. Penn Station

Pennsylvania Station, or Penn Station, sits right in Midtown Manhattan under Madison Square Garden. It is the busiest rail station in North America. The original Penn Station was a large and special building, but today’s station is still very important for people who use the train. You will find it between Seventh Avenue and Eighth Avenue, so it is in a great spot in New York City.

The station works as the main spot for Amtrak, the Long Island Rail Road, and NJ Transit. The area under the ground at Penn Station is always full of people moving. Many travel to places all over New York, the rest of the East Coast, and far over the country. It is busy at almost any time of day.

There is also easy and direct access to the New York City Subway from Penn Station. You can get on the 1, 2, and 3 subway lines at Seventh Avenue, or the A, C, and E lines at Eighth Avenue. Because of how this is all set up, so many people pick Penn Station to get anywhere in or around New York. For any traveler or commuter, this is a key hub.

3. Moynihan Train Hall

Moynihan Train Hall is a new part of Penn Station. You can find it right across Eighth Avenue in the old James A. Farley Post Office building, which once held the New York Daily News. The hall opened in 2021 and now all Amtrak trains in New York City use it. This place gives you a whole new way to travel, and it feels better and less crowded than the older Penn Station.

What helps Moynihan Train Hall stand out is that the people who made it thought a lot about comfort and style. The main concourse has a huge glass skylight that is 92 feet high. Sunlight pours in, making the space bright and open. All of this helps travelers feel good when they are there.

The hall tries to make every travel experience smooth by using new ideas and handy features for people today. Here are some things you will find:

  • State-of-the-art technologies and clear signs that are easy to follow

  • A large waiting room and boarding area just for Amtrak passengers

  • A special Metropolitan Lounge for those who can use it

If you travel to or from New York or are just passing through Penn Station, Moynihan Train Hall is a great part of the city that gives people a better way to get around.

4. Harlem–125th Street Station

The Harlem–125th Street Station is an important spot for travel in Upper Manhattan. It is a main place for the Metro-North Railroad. The station is a good link for people in Harlem and nearby places. With this station, they can travel to places north of New York City like Westchester County and Connecticut. Riders can use the Harlem, Hudson, and New Haven lines.

Because of where it is, many commuters like to use this station instead of going all the way downtown to Grand Central Terminal. It is a big part of how people get around New York City. The station helps folks with work trips, having fun, and makes it easy to get across the area.

Besides being a commuter rail stop, the part of 125th Street near this station is also a busy place for the New York City Subway. There are many subway stations around here, like those on the IND Eighth Avenue Line and the IRT Lexington Avenue Line. These stations let people use many ways to get to other parts of Manhattan and to the other parts of New York City.

5. Jamaica Station (Queens)

Jamaica Station in Queens is one of the busiest transit places outside of Manhattan. It is the main hub and is where the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is based. Almost all the LIRR lines meet here. This makes it an important spot to switch trains for anyone going between Long Island and New York City.

Jamaica Station is also more than just a spot for the LIRR. It gives an easy link to the AirTrain JFK, so people can take a train right to John F. Kennedy International Airport. Because of this, a lot of travelers use Jamaica Station when they come to or leave New York.

The local connections are strong too. The station links to the New York City Subway at the Sutphin Boulevard–Archer Avenue–JFK Airport stop. Here, you can catch the E, J, and Z trains. This means the subway system and commuter trains work together well, so people in Queens or anyone visiting can move around New York City more easily.

6. Atlantic Terminal (Brooklyn)

Atlantic Terminal sits right in the middle of Downtown Brooklyn. It is the biggest and most important travel center in the borough. This spot is where the Atlantic Branch of the Long Island Rail Road ends in the west. So, it gives direct train rides to and from Long Island. The terminal is right next to Barclays Center, and this area is known for shopping, fun events, and easy travel.

This station makes getting around very simple. The connected Atlantic Avenue–Barclays Center subway stop is one of the busiest places in new york city. From here, you can get on nine subway lines: the 2, 3, 4, 5, B, D, N, Q, and R. If you want to go to another spot in new york or even come back to Brooklyn, this place has almost every subway covered.

The way the main lines come together here helps both people who ride every day and those who live here. If you need to switch from the LIRR to the subway or just move about Brooklyn, this hub is a big part of how people in new york work and live.

7. Fulton Center

The Fulton Center in Lower Manhattan is a modern example of transit design in New York City. The main goal of this place is to help people get around with ease and make travel simpler. It opened in 2014. This center brings together nine New York City Subway lines in one spot. People now find it much easier to get the train they want because it is one of the most connected train hubs in the city.

There is a large glass roof—called an oculus—that lets daylight shine all the way down to the bottom floors. People now have a clear, bright, and cool place to move between platforms. The Fulton Center links up the 2, 3, 4, 5, A, C, J, Z, and R lines. In the past, riders had to walk through long and confusing halls to change lines. Now they can get where they want to go much faster. There are many good places to shop and eat, too.

Fulton Center is a big step forward for the city’s train system. It is not just about moving people from one place to the next. It gives everyone a nice, open, and useful public space. The Fulton Center shows what new ideas and smart design can do. It makes day-to-day travel on the New York City Subway better for millions of people.

8. World Trade Center PATH Station

The World Trade Center PATH Station, called “the Oculus,” is a must-see spot and an important place for travel in Lower Manhattan. Santiago Calatrava designed it, and its big, wing-shaped look now stands out in the center of New York City. This new york city subway station helps connect New York and New Jersey through the Port Authority PATH system. People see the Oculus as part of the city now, and it is easy to find above by the downtown skyline and below by the hudson river.

This station is the last stop for the Newark–World Trade Center and Hoboken–World Trade Center PATH lines. Every day, thousands of people use it to cross the hudson river for work or other needs. The main hall is large, with shiny marble floors, and you will also find some high-end shops inside to visit.

It is not just for PATH riders. This world trade center station is linked with the new york city subway. Anyone can move inside this building and use it to reach many subway lines, like at the WTC Cortlandt station or at Fulton Center. This makes it easy to change trains or stay out of bad weather while getting around the city in Lower Manhattan.

9. Hoboken Terminal (PATH and NJ Transit Access)

Hoboken Terminal sits right across the Hudson River in New Jersey. It’s a key spot for many people going to New York City each day. The station has a classic look and stands by the water. Many people use it every day because it is a big center for both NJ Transit trains and the PATH system.

When NJ Transit trains reach Hoboken, they link people in north New Jersey to this busy stop. From here, riders can keep going into Manhattan. The terminal is where several PATH train lines start, and these trains go under the river to different parts of Manhattan, such as Christopher Street, 9th Street, and 33rd Street.

Getting around Hoboken Terminal is easy. The place is more laid back than some busier stations in Manhattan. It gives New Jersey riders an important choice besides Penn Station for trips to new york city or back. The terminal even has ferries, where you get a good view of the city skyline as you travel.

10. Long Island City Station

The Long Island City Station is a commuter rail stop for the Long Island Rail Road. It is in a fast-growing area of Long Island City, Queens, New York City. This station is smaller than big centers like Penn Station or Jamaica. But, it can be a good choice for people who travel between Long Island and this part of Queens, especially on busy weekday mornings and evenings.

Most LIRR trains at this station are limited in number. But, they offer a direct way to get around. This helps riders stay away from the busy crowds found at the bigger Manhattan and Brooklyn train stations. The station sits close to the waterfront and gives easy access to places where people work and live in the new parts of the neighborhood.

While the Long Island Rail Road service is the main use here, there are also many New York City Subway stops nearby. Some examples are Court Square–23rd Street and Vernon Boulevard–Jackson Avenue. At these stations, you can catch the 7, E, G, and M trains. This makes it easy to go from Long Island City to Manhattan, Brooklyn, and other areas in Queens with the New York City Subway.

Major Train Hubs and Their Key Features

New York City’s big train stations—Grand Central, Penn Station, and the new Moynihan Train Hall—are not just places to hop on a train. Each one has its own feel and special features that show off the city’s history and where it plans to go. These hubs are real spots to visit, mixing great building design with things people need while traveling.

From old beauty to helpful new setups, these stations give you many things to enjoy. Next, you will see the buildings, services for people, food spots to try, and easy access for all. These make each spot a key place for travel in New York City.

Historic Architecture and Design Highlights

New York has some of the best old train station buildings in the country. Grand Central Terminal is one of the top examples from the early 20th century. People love it for its big Main Concourse, its famous clock, and all the fancy touches inside. This station is a real sign of how great train travel used to be.

But the story of the original Penn Station is different. The city took it down in the 1960s, and that was a big blow to its history. Many people saw this loss, and it started a movement across the country to save old buildings. The new Penn Station that was built is just for getting around, with none of the old beauty. Still, many remember the grand style of the original Penn Station, and it inspires today’s designs.

Now, you can still see love for good design in new and fixed-up stations around New York. Some noticeable places are:

  • The tall and bright Oculus at the World Trade Center PATH station.

  • Moynihan Train Hall, which uses the old Farley Post Office building. It keeps some of the outside look from before, and mixes it with new, sunny space inside.

Passenger Services and Amenities

Major New York train stations do a lot to help you have a good travel experience. In these places, you will find useful things like a clean and big waiting room. There are also restrooms and ATMs close by. If you want to get a ticket, you can go to the ticket office or use a self-service kiosk. These give you a few ways to pay for your trip.

If you need help or want more info, you can always go to the information booth. The customer service representatives there wear uniforms so you know who to ask. They can help you with how to get around, when the trains come, and other travel questions. If you carry a lot of bags, some stations, like Moynihan Train Hall, will take care of your bags or store them for you. You just have to pay extra.

To help make your time at the train hall nice, stations give you the things below:

  • Clear signs that show gates and tracks. You can also get updates through apps like Amtrak’s.

  • Travel services for kids traveling alone at places with staff.

  • Payphones and Amtrak WiFi so you can keep in touch while you wait.

Dining, Shopping, and Leisure Options

Train stations in New York are not just places to catch your train. Now, you can enjoy dining, shopping, and relaxing while you wait. At big places like Grand Central and Moynihan Train Hall, there is a wide list of things to eat. You can grab a quick snack or sit down for a meal.

These train halls feel like small shopping centers. There are many types of stores. You might see newsstands, places that sell books, or even shops for clothes and electronics. It is simple to grab something you forgot, find something to remember your trip, or just spend time in a nice way before you leave.

Look for these if you want to enjoy all the train hall offers:

  • Curated food halls. You can try both local and world foods.

  • Specialty places like the well-known Grand Central Market. Here you will find fresh fruits, veggies, and nice treats.

  • Enjoy public art and pretty building features. These add fun and style to your time in the station.

With so much to see and do at Grand Central or Moynihan Train Hall, your visit can be about more than just catching a train.

Accessibility for Travelers with Disabilities

New York’s main train stations work to make sure everyone can get around, following the Disabilities Act. Moynihan Train Hall and other stations have clear, wide paths that make it simple for wheelchair users and people with other mobility needs to go from the door all the way to the train.

The stations offer restrooms, ticket offices, and waiting rooms that are easy to get to for everyone. You will also see clear signs, plus hear loudspeaker announcements, so people with vision or hearing problems know what is going on. If you ask, station workers are there to help you, and you can use a wheelchair if you need one to get around the train hall.

Key accessibility features include:

  • High platforms to make it easy to get onto the train.

  • Elevators, so people can reach all floors.

  • A lot of public seating and water fountains that everyone can use inside the station halls.

New York wants all people to have a good time and find what they need, with help for anyone who asks at Moynihan Train Hall.

Train Lines, Connections, and Services Offered

New York City’s train stations are where many train lines and services meet. You will find everything here, from Amtrak lines across the country to commuter lines that help people get around the tri-state area. If you want to plan your trip the right way, you have to know which trains run from each station.

You can take Metro-North up to upstate New York, or hop on the Long Island Rail Road to get out to the beach on Long Island. NJ Transit can get you to the suburbs. No matter where you start, these central hubs in New York City are the first step. The sections below show you the main train lines, their routes, and where to catch them.

Amtrak Routes and Destinations from New York

Amtrak trains operate out of Penn Station and the adjoining Moynihan Train Hall, offering connections across the United States. These services provide a comfortable and convenient way to travel, whether you are heading to a nearby city or embarking on a cross-country adventure to places as far as New Orleans.

The Northeast Corridor is the busiest and most prominent route, with high-speed Acela and Northeast Regional services connecting New York City to major hubs like Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. Other routes extend into upstate New York, across Pennsylvania, and beyond.

Amtrak provides several distinct services from New York, each catering to different travel needs.

Route Name

Key Features and Destinations

Acela

High-speed, premium service with downtown-to-downtown connections between Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.

Northeast Regional

Offers spacious seating and frequent service along the Northeast Corridor, stopping at many cities between Virginia and Boston.

Empire Service

Provides multiple daily trips between NYC and Albany, with service continuing to Buffalo and Niagara Falls.

Keystone Service

Connects New York City with Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, via Philadelphia, offering frequent daily service.

Metro-North Railroad and Commuter Services

The Metro-North Railroad is the main commuter rail line for people who want to travel north and east of New York City. The trains leave from Grand Central Terminal and make an important stop at Harlem–125th Street. This line connects Manhattan to many towns in New York State and Connecticut.

There are three main lines east of the Hudson River: the Hudson Line, the Harlem Line, and the New Haven Line. The Hudson Line goes next to the Hudson River and has great views. The Harlem Line goes through the middle of Westchester. The New Haven Line takes you along the coast in Connecticut and ends in New Haven.

If you are planning a trip in New York State, the Hudson Valley, or the northern suburbs, Metro-North is a good choice. The schedule has many trains during peak times, so you can count on it for work and for free time travel.

Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) Connections

The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is the busiest commuter train in North America. It connects all of Long Island to New York City, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. If you plan to go anywhere on Long Island, whether it is the Rockaways or Montauk, you will most likely use an LIRR train.

The LIRR has its main spot at Penn Station in Manhattan. There is also a big station in Brooklyn known as Atlantic Terminal. Jamaica Station in Queens is the main transfer stop for nearly all the main lines. People can change trains here to get to their final stop.

It is easy to find the right LIRR station. The service is set up to bring people right to these main hubs in New York City. Once you get there, you can move to the subway system or use other types of transit. The Long Island Rail Road is important for millions of people who ride in and out of the city for work. It is also a good choice if you want to take a day trip to visit the beaches or towns on Long Island.

NJ Transit Rail Lines and PATH Train Access

To get between New York City and New Jersey, you need to use one of two main ways: NJ Transit or the PATH train. The NJ Transit trains run from many spots in New Jersey and take people right to Penn Station in New York. This makes the train very important for the people who work in the area.

The PATH train is run by the Port Authority. It is a separate train system and works a lot like a subway. PATH trains travel between the two states, and they run all day and night. You can reach top spots in Manhattan, such as the World Trade Center, Christopher Street, and 33rd Street close to Herald Square. In New Jersey, the main PATH stations are Hoboken, Jersey City, and Newark.

Taking the PATH train is easy. You just pay using a MetroCard or with the OMNY system at some stations. PATH costs less than other ways of getting around. It is a good and quick way to go between lower and midtown Manhattan, over the Hudson River, and to the best cities in New Jersey.

Navigating Between Major New York Train Stations

Traveling between the big train stations in New York City is something a lot of people do. That includes people who live in the city and those who are just visiting. You might need to go from an Amtrak train at Penn Station to a Metro-North train at Grand Central. Or, you might need to switch to a different subway line. It’s important to know your different options.

The new york city subway is usually the best way to get around fast. When you go from the main entrance of one station to the other, there is more than one way to do this. In the next parts, you will see how to make these trips using the new york city transit system. That includes the subway system, buses, taxis, and rideshare services.

How to Travel from Penn Station to Grand Central Terminal

Going from Penn Station to Grand Central Terminal is fast and simple. The best way is to use the subway system. This helps you skip street traffic. It only takes a few minutes on the subway.

There is not one train that takes you straight from inside Penn Station to Grand Central. Still, the trip is easy. Take the uptown 1, 2, or 3 subway train just one stop from Penn Station to Times Square (42nd Street). At Times Square, switch to the S train (42nd Street Shuttle). This train goes right to Grand Central Terminal.

You can also try other ways, based on your time and your bags.

  • Walking: It is a little less than a mile and takes about 20 minutes.

  • Bus: You can take the M42 crosstown bus along 42nd Street. It can be slow because of all the traffic.

  • Taxi/Rideshare: This way costs the most but takes you right from your door to your stop.

Subway and Bus Connections at Key Stations

Almost every big train station in New York City is also a main spot for the subway and bus lines. These many subway links help make New York’s public transit work well. They let people switch from one type of travel to another with ease.

For example, Penn Station links people to the 1, 2, 3, A, C, and E lines. Grand Central lets you catch the 4, 5, 6, 7, and S lines. Other spots, like Atlantic Terminal–Barclays Center and Fulton Center, join even more subway lines. That is why these places are very important in the system.

Here are a few things to help you get around all these new york city connections:

  • Stations like Times Square–42nd Street are big areas where many lines come together.

  • Most train stations in new york have local bus service right outside the main door.

  • Watch for overhead signs in the station. These will tell you how to get to your subway or bus stop.

With these tips in mind, you will find it easier to use the new york city train stations like Penn Station, Grand Central, and Times Square.

Taxi, Rideshare, and Shuttle Options

For people who want a direct ride from one place to another, taxis and rideshare cars are easy to find at all big New York train stations. The official taxi lines are right outside the main doors, and places for rides like Uber and Lyft are easy to spot.

At Moynihan Train Hall, you can get a taxi on 31st Street. Rideshares pick up on 33rd Street. Grand Central Terminal has taxi stands along Park Avenue and Vanderbilt Avenue. Because of their central location, getting a cab or car does not take long. Still, using these rides can cost more than public transit.

There are also shuttles you might use, especially if you go to the airport or a certain hotel. Shuttle rides are often with other people but may cost less than a private car. Always check where you will be picked up and how much you will pay before your trip. This helps your travel stay easy to manage.

Conclusion

To sum up, getting around New York’s train stations can make your travel experience even better. You will see places with old design, new features, and many different services at each stop. Spots like Grand Central Terminal and Penn Station each have their own style. Knowing a bit about these big stations will help you enjoy your time in the city. Remember to check your transport choices and plan your rides so you can get the most out of your visit. If you want to know more or need travel tips about New York, reach out for advice to make your trip easier!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which train stations in New York are served by Amtrak?

Amtrak runs out of Pennsylvania Station in New York City. All Amtrak trains, like the Acela and the Northeast Corridor, now stop at the new Moynihan Train Hall. Moynihan Train Hall is right across from the main penn station building in new york.

What amenities can I expect at Grand Central Terminal?

At Grand Central Terminal, you will find many things for you. The main concourse has plenty of public seating. There is also a big information booth there. If you need help, customer service representatives are ready to give it. Grand Central is also known for good places to eat, many retail stores, and its strong connections to different subway lines.

Where can I find maps for navigating New York train stations and subways?

You can go to the MTA website to get official maps. The site has downloadable PDFs of the New York City Transit subway map. You will also see large maps on the walls inside subway stations. There is often a small printed map you can take for free at the information booth in subway stations in New York City.