Understanding the Train Lines serving Grand Central Terminal in New York City

Grand Central Terminal, often referred to as Grand Central Station, is a historic railroad station located in the Midtown section of Manhattan, stretching between 42nd Street and Park Avenue. Being a terminal rather than a traditional station, it acts as the destination rather than a transit hub for most train services. However, Grand Central Station still offers significant connectivity options to commuters and visitors alike.

Subway Lines Serving Grand Central Terminal

Grand Central Station is not only a terminal for regional rail services but also a major subway station. It connects with two NYC Subway lines, providing travelers with additional convenience and flexibility:

Lexington Avenue Line (4, 5, 6, R, Z, and S): This line runs at street level and provides direct access to the station from many parts of Manhattan. Flushing Line (7): While it does not provide direct access, passengers can transfer to the Lexington Avenue Line to reach Grand Central Station.

Regional Rail Services

In addition to the subway lines, Grand Central Terminal is also a hub for several regional rail services managed by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) through its Metro-North Railroad. These services cater to commuters traveling to various destinations in neighboring counties and states:

Metro-North Railroad

Metro-North runs several lines through or to Grand Central Terminal, including:

Harlem Hudson Line: This line serves destinations such as White Plains, Southeast Stamford, Bridgeport, New Haven, and Croton-Harmon. New Haven Line: It runs further east, serving Poughkeepsie, and other southern Connecticut towns. Hudson Line: It connects the terminal to northern Westchester County and Poughkeepsie.

Long Island Rail Road (LIRR)

While the Long Island Rail Road's main line terminates at the Madison Avenue Terminal, there are plans for expansion:

The new Madison Avenue Terminal opened recently, offering deeper-level platforms and direct access from the 63rd Street Tunnel. Future plans include the expansion of service from the Madison Avenue Terminal to serve all LIRR routes capable of using electric traction.

Important Note

While Grand Central Terminal is predominantly a rail terminal, it is also a mail address and serves as a significant transportation hub for New York City, providing a centralized location for both regional rail and subway services.

For further information, visit the websites of the Amtrak and Metro-North for detailed service schedules and routes.