What is the closest Amtrak station to Times Square?

Closest Amtrak station to Times Square: Quick transit guide

Finding the closest Amtrak station to Times Square helps streamline your New York City arrival. Navigating midtown transit smoothly ensures an efficient journey. Learn how to reach your destination effortlessly to maximize your time in the city.

What is the nearest train station to Times Square NYC?

New York Penn Station is the closest Amtrak station to Times Square, located just 0.7 miles away in Midtown Manhattan. Arriving trains serve both the historic subterranean platforms and the modern Moynihan Train Hall directly across 8th Avenue, making this complex the primary railway hub for travelers heading straight into the heart of New York City.

Navigating this massive transport hub can feel overwhelming, especially during rush hour when thousands of commuters scramble across the concourses. When I first stepped off an Amtrak train here with two heavy suitcases, I spent fifteen minutes completely turned around just looking for the right exit.

The trick is to ignore the sea of people and look up at the overhead signs pointing toward 7th Avenue or 8th Avenue depending on your travel strategy. While a single subway or local bus ride costs $3.00, choosing whether to walk or ride depends heavily on the weather and how much luggage you are carrying.

How to get from Penn Station to Times Square by foot

Walking from the train hub up to the entertainment district is straightforward, covering a distance of roughly 8-12 blocks north. Most pedestrians can easily complete the short stroll along the avenue within 10-20 minutes at a normal pace.

If you are arriving at the modern train hall extension, you can easily walk between the new train hall and Penn Station via 8th Avenue or indoors via the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) concourse level. The station is next to Madison Square Garden and near Hudson Yards, Times Square and the New York Penn Station location. For the most direct outdoor route to the bright lights of Broadway, exit onto 7th Avenue and walk straight north until you cross 42nd Street.

Subway transfer options from New York Penn Station location

Taking the underground subway is the fastest alternative, requiring just a single stop to reach your destination. Multiple transit lines converge right beneath the train station, offering a quick two-minute ride that completely bypasses midtown street traffic.

To ride the subway, you can use any contactless credit card, smartphone, or official transit card to tap through the turnstiles. From the 7th Avenue side of the station, board the uptown 1, 2, or 3 train to the 42 St-Times Square station. If you find yourself closer to the 8th Avenue side near the train hall, you can take the uptown A, C, or E train one stop to 42nd Street-Port Authority, which sits exactly one block west of the main plaza. Both options keep you completely sheltered from rain or winter snow.

Comparing transit options from the station to Times Square

Travelers can choose between walking, catching a subway, or hailing a street cab depending on their budget, physical luggage, and current weather conditions.

Walking Route (7th Ave)

• Typically takes 10-20 minutes depending on pedestrian traffic signals
• Ideal for travelers with light luggage arriving during pleasant weather
• Completely free

⭐ MTA Subway (Lines 1, 2, 3)

• A fast 2-minute subway ride operating every five minutes
• The recommended choice during heavy rain, winter snow, or summer heat waves
• Flat fare of $3.00 per single entry

Yellow Taxi / Rideshare

• Highly variable, taking anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes in gridlock
• Best for families handling multiple large bags or heavy luggage pieces
• Standard taxi meters range from $7.50 to $12.00 excluding tips

Navigating the commuter rush: A first-time visitor story

David, an independent traveler arriving on an early morning train, wanted to head straight to his hotel near Broadway. Stepping off the platform, the massive underground complex immediately triggered a sense of confusion as sea of hurried commuters rushed past him.

He initially tried to drag his heavy rolling suitcase up the nearest crowded stairway, only to find himself blocked by a broken turnstile gate. The minor friction left him sweating under his heavy winter coat, completely unsure which exit led toward 7th Avenue.

Instead of wandering blindly through the subterranean corridors, he paused near a structural pillar and looked up to read the color-coded transit signs carefully. He realized that following the green markers would lead him directly to the correct subway platforms.

He tapped his phone at the turnstile, boarded the uptown 1 train, and arrived at the grand central plaza just 2 minutes later, successfully avoiding a stressful trek through the freezing midtown rain.