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

The most complete 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 of this New York icon with an official guide.

From £28 at Hellotickets

The Grand Central Terminal tour offers a 90-minute tour of this New York architectural gem, 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 to become 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 the 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 getting to know one of New York's icons which, as well as being an architectural jewel, is a cultural centre of world reference. What's more, as you walk through its ample spaces during your guided tour, you'll feel like you're in a classic Hollywood film, a movie buff's fantasy.

At Grand Central Terminal you don't need a ticket to enter the building itself. It is open to the general public, so you don'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 this case, there are several different tour options that require an entrance ticket.

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

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

Another alternative is to buy the New York Explorer Pass, which with its Marvel and DC superhero tour takes you around the iconic terminal. These passes can be a convenient option if you're 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 many other fascinating station secrets that, beyond having heard some of them, expert guides provide detailed information and live trivia 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 personalised guided tour at the discretion of the Grand Central office. 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 the age of 12 or 13.

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 shops and restaurants within 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. Also, during public holidays, the opening hours may vary, so it is advisable to check the opening hours on their website.

The time you'll 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 shops, 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 holidays the season tends to be busier. On the other hand, the dynamics that take place in the low season allow you to appreciate the place in a more relaxed way. 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 iconic station, hosts a number of 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, it's best to visit 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 at its slowest. 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:

• Underground: the 4, 5, 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 underground route planner, available on Android and also on Apple IOS. Or, if you prefer, you can visit the New York City Subway guide.
• Bus: With several routes stopping near the terminal, including the M1, M2, M3, M4, M42 and M101. If you've booked your visit for after sundown, you can also hop on the New York Night Sightseeing Bus
• Taxi: Getting into a taxi is a quick and convenient way to get to Grand Central Terminal, especially if you're travelling with a lot of luggage. You can choose the classic yellow cab, the popular Uber or Lyft.
• Walking: 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 of New York Here you'll find options to suit 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. A standout among Forbes' top New York restaurants
• Shake Shack: a burger chain 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 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 film or series, which is why it's at the top of the big screen's list of locations. When you book a Manhattan movie location tour you can see and hear the story of this opal clock that synchronises its hands with the Maryland atomic clock.
• The Main Hall Ceiling: admire the impressive celestial vault painted on the ceiling of the Main Hall, which depicts the constellations in vibrant colours and, interestingly, 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 above the world's largest Tiffany clock.
• The shopping area: there is a wide range of shops, 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, Vanderbilt Hall now hosts events and exhibitions so diverse that it's enough to give you a tour of New York's contrasts in one venue. This space is a stunning 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 glory, visiting during peak hours is also worthwhile. However, be prepared for a more hectic pace.
• Wear comfortable shoes. The station is quite large, so I recommend wearing comfortable shoes so you can explore all the 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 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.