Penn Station to Times Square Walk: The Basic Route Through Midtown Manhattan

The penn station to times square walk is one of the most common short trips in New York City, and it is easier than it looks on a map. You head north through Midtown Manhattan along Seventh Avenue or Eighth Avenue, roughly ten long blocks.

Plan on about 15 to 25 minutes on foot, depending on bags, crowds and how many lights catch you. That is a comfortable walking distance in dry weather but a slog in rain, heat or with heavy suitcases.

Seventh Avenue vs Eighth Avenue: Which Street to Walk From Penn Station

Seventh Avenue runs directly past the Penn Station corridor at 33rd and 34th Streets and leads straight toward Times Square at 42nd to 47th Streets. It has wide sidewalks, plenty of storefronts and steady pedestrian traffic.

Eighth Avenue passes Moynihan Train Hall at 421 Eighth Avenue and the Port Authority Bus Terminal at 625 Eighth Avenue. It can feel rougher and more congested around Port Authority, with construction detours.

Penn Station to Times Square Subway: Taking the 1, 2 or 3 Train One Stop

The fastest subway option from 34th Street-Penn Station on the Seventh Avenue line is the 1, 2 or 3 train toward Times Square-42nd Street. The ride is about one or two stops and can take only a few minutes.

Fares are paid with OMNY tap, which has been cited at about $3 per ride; confirm the current fare. Remember that Penn Station has separate station complexes for the 1/2/3 and the A/C/E, so follow signs and give yourself a few minutes to find the right platform.

Using the A, C or E Instead: Penn Station to 42nd Street-Port Authority

The A, C and E trains also connect Penn Station and Midtown. From 34th Street-Penn Station on Eighth Avenue, ride one stop to 42nd Street-Port Authority Bus Terminal, then walk east about five to ten blocks to the heart of Times Square.

This option can be convenient if you arrive through Moynihan Train Hall, since the Eighth Avenue entrances are close to the A/C/E platforms. It can also put you at the bus terminal’s crowded edge, so keep bags close.

Walking With Luggage: How to Decide Between the Walk and the Subway With Bags

With two small bags the walk is usually fine, especially in good weather and outside rush hour. With large suitcases, stairs and turnstiles on the subway can be harder than a few city blocks of flat sidewalk.

A taxi or rideshare over this short distance can be slow in traffic, particularly near Penn Plaza and the Theater District in the evening. Many hotels hold bags before check-in, but confirm the policy.

Best Times of Day for the Penn Station to Times Square Walk

Mid-morning on a weekday, from about 9:30 to 11:00 a.m., is often calmer on the sidewalks than the commuter rush. Early evening before curtain time, roughly 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., can be packed with theatergoers. Late night is quieter but needs more awareness.

On weekends, shoppers, tourists and event crowds can slow the pace around Seventh Avenue and 34th Street. If you have a tight connection, build in an extra 15 minutes.

Where to Stay Between Penn Station and Times Square: Hotel Area Options

Many travelers book a hotel room between Penn Station and Times Square to shorten the trip. Chelsea, the Garment District and Hell’s Kitchen offer a mix of chain properties, a boutique hotel or two and a few luxury hotel brands further north.

The New Yorker at 481 Eighth Avenue and the Ace Hotel at 20 West 29th Street are sometimes mentioned as area examples; confirm current status before booking. Staying near Eighth or Seventh Avenue can cut your walk to just a few blocks and make subway transfers simpler.

Food, Coffee and Rest Stops Along the Route From 34th to 42nd Street

There are plenty of quick bites along the route, from coffee shops and bakeries to pizza slices and delis.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Penn Station to Times Square Walk

Travelers often ask whether it is better to walk or ride, how long it takes and whether it is safe with luggage. The answers depend on bags, weather, the time of day and what you are carrying. The questions below cover the most common concerns.

Use them as a starting point and confirm service changes, elevator status and fares with the MTA before you leave. If you are staying nearby, ask your hotel front desk for walking directions and any construction detours that may affect your route.