Moynihan Train Hall vs Penn Station
They share the same tracks underground, but Moynihan Train Hall and Penn Station are two different buildings with different entrances, different operators, and very different experiences. Here's how to know which one you need.
The Short Answer
Go to Moynihan if you're taking:
- ✓Amtrak (Acela, Northeast Regional, all routes)
- ✓LIRR (if your track is 5–21 west side)
Enter via 8th Avenue between 31st & 33rd Streets
Go to Underground Penn if you're taking:
- ✓NJ Transit (all commuter rail lines)
- ✓LIRR (if your track is 13–21 east side)
Enter via 7th Avenue between 31st & 33rd Streets
Don't know your track?Track assignments are posted ~10–15 minutes before departure. If you're on Amtrak, go to Moynihan regardless — all Amtrak departures are managed from there. For NJ Transit, go underground and watch the departure boards.
Why Is This So Confusing?
Moynihan Train Hall opened in January 2021 inside the historic James A. Farley Post Office building, directly across 8th Avenue from the original Penn Station site. It was built to relieve the underground Penn Station, which had been the sole passenger facility since the demolition of the original above-ground Penn Station in 1963.
The confusing part: they share the same 21 tracks underground. A train on Track 7 can be accessed from either Moynihan or the underground concourse. But the ticketing, waiting areas, departure boards, and food are in completely different buildings.
To make it worse, both are commonly called “Penn Station” — your Amtrak ticket says “New York Penn Station,” but you should go to Moynihan. Your NJ Transit ticket also says “New York Penn Station,” but you should go underground. The name on the ticket doesn't distinguish between the two buildings. For a complete overview of the station complex, entrances, and transit connections, see our NYC Penn Station guide.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Moynihan Train Hall | Underground Penn Station | |
|---|---|---|
| Location | 8th Avenue between 31st & 33rd Streets (inside the James A. Farley Post Office building) | Beneath Madison Square Garden, 7th to 8th Avenue, 31st to 33rd Streets |
| Opened | January 1, 2021 | 1968 (after the original 1910 station was demolished) |
| Train operators | Amtrak (all trains), LIRR (West End tracks 5–21) | NJ Transit (all trains), LIRR (East End tracks 13–21), Amtrak overflow |
| Tracks served | Tracks 5–21 (west side access) | Tracks 1–21 (but primarily 13–21 for NJ Transit/LIRR East) |
| Ticket offices | Amtrak ticket counter, self-service kiosks, Metropolitan Lounge | NJ Transit ticket office, LIRR ticket windows, self-service kiosks for both |
| Atmosphere | Bright, modern, spacious — 92-foot skylit atrium, wide corridors, ample seating | Cramped, poorly lit, narrow corridors — the legacy of the 1960s demolition |
| Food options | Upscale food hall: Magnolia Bakery, H&H Bagels, Tartinery, Shake Shack, Starbucks | Basic fast food: Au Bon Pain, Krispy Kreme, Auntie Anne's, convenience stores |
| Restrooms | Clean, modern, well-maintained with changing stations | Basic, often crowded at rush hour, variable cleanliness |
| Wi-Fi | Free, fast (network: Moynihan-Free-WiFi) | Spotty — cell signal is also weak underground |
| Hours | 5:00 AM – 1:00 AM daily | 24/7 |
| Subway connection | A, C, E trains (8th Avenue) — direct underground connection | 1, 2, 3 trains (7th Avenue) — direct underground connection |
| Accessibility | Fully ADA-compliant, modern elevators, hearing loops, wide corridors | Elevators exist but can be out of service; narrow corridors are difficult for wheelchairs |
Need departure times for your train? Check our Penn Station schedule page for real-time timetables from every operator.
How to Walk Between Them
Moynihan and the underground Penn Station are connected underground via a passageway along 33rd Street. You do not need to go outside to walk between them, though going outside via 8th Avenue is sometimes faster when the underground corridors are crowded. The walk takes 3-5 minutes — plenty of time to grab a bite along the way from the Moynihan food hall or nearby restaurants.
Three Ways to Get Between Them
- 1.Underground connector (33rd St passage): Follow signs for “Moynihan Train Hall” from the NJ Transit concourse, or follow signs for “Penn Station / NJ Transit” from Moynihan. Takes 3–5 minutes. Can be crowded at rush hour.
- 2.Walk outside via 8th Avenue: Exit either building and cross 8th Avenue. The Moynihan entrance is obvious (Farley Building). Takes 2–3 minutes and is often faster than the underground route.
- 3.Via the platforms: Since both buildings access the same tracks, you can walk along the platform level from one side to the other. Not recommended — the platforms are narrow and confusing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
✗ Going to Moynihan for NJ Transit
NJ Transit's ticket office, departure boards, and waiting area are in the underground concourse (7th Ave entrance). Moynihan has no NJ Transit facilities. You can access NJ Transit platforms from Moynihan's lower level, but you won't see departure info or be able to buy tickets.
✗ Going underground for Amtrak
Amtrak's ticket counters, Metropolitan Lounge, and departure displays are in Moynihan (8th Ave). The underground concourse has no Amtrak presence. You'll waste time and end up walking to Moynihan anyway.
✗ Assuming the Moynihan food hall is accessible from underground
Moynihan's food hall is on the upper level of the Farley Building. You can reach it via the underground connector, but it's a walk. If you want Moynihan food, enter directly from 8th Avenue.
✗ Thinking LIRR is only in one building
LIRR serves tracks in both buildings. West End tracks (5–21) are accessed from Moynihan. East End tracks (13–21) are accessed from the underground 7th Ave concourse. Check your track assignment to know which side you need.
✗ Arriving late at night expecting Moynihan to be open
Moynihan closes at 1 AM. The underground concourse is open 24/7. Late-night Amtrak arrivals exit through the underground station.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Moynihan Train Hall part of Penn Station?
Technically, yes — they share the same tracks underground and both serve New York Penn Station. But they are separate buildings with separate entrances, facilities, and operators. Think of Moynihan as the "Amtrak side" and underground Penn as the "NJ Transit side."
Can I buy NJ Transit tickets at Moynihan?
No. NJ Transit ticket offices and machines are only in the underground concourse. You can buy tickets on the NJ Transit app from anywhere, though — download it before arriving.
My Uber dropped me at 8th Avenue. Where do I go for NJ Transit?
You're at Moynihan. Walk through to the underground connector (follow signs for "Penn Station / NJ Transit") or go outside and enter at 7th Avenue. The underground connector takes about 3–5 minutes.
Is the Metropolitan Lounge in Penn Station or Moynihan?
Moynihan. The Amtrak Metropolitan Lounge is on the upper level of Moynihan Train Hall. Enter from 8th Avenue. Access is included with Acela First Class and Amtrak Guest Rewards Select Executive status.
Where do I go if I don't know which building I need?
When in doubt, go to Moynihan (8th Avenue). It has better signage, more helpful staff, and you can reach the underground concourse from there if needed. Going underground first and then trying to find Moynihan is harder.