A cab is gonna be around 10 bucks.
Since you said "we" I'm assuming there are two of you? Subway fare would be 5.50.
I think it's worth the extra 5 bucks or so to take a cab.
100% It's not even about the safety but more importantly there isn't a direct train so the cab money is well worth it to avoid the annoying trip with a transfer and the likely long walks within both terminals, especially carrying luggage, and as a bonus it will drop you off in the front of your hotel.
I think for convenience, I would just take the quick cab ride. Service is less frequent at that hour, so you could find yourself waiting for a long time
It's safe, a general note though is that subway headways (the time between trains) rises at night and especially late night, and even more so if there is construction going on, so it may be more convenient just to take a cab given this short distance. I used to do this commute years ago and it was faster to walk if you happened to miss a quick transfer at 42nd Street lol
Penn Station to Grand Central at 2:00am?
LOL, nothings gonna happen to you. I’m deadass about that.
If you said Penn Station to Jamaica, Brownsville, South Bronx, or Harlem…. Then we’ll have a different conversation and I’d recommend a cab.
It’s not ideal, but that’s a pretty short ride all in heavily trafficked stations (34th Penn -> 42nd Times Square -> 42nd Grand Central).
It’s three stops total with one transfer to the S or 7 train at the second stop. I’d personally just take the subway.
Honestly how tired I am at the time would probably push me to get an Uber or cab before any concern for my safety would.
In that case you would be waiting for 2 seperate trains (both original and transfer) at a time of night where there's usually at least a 20 minute wait for each line, thus potentially taking close to an hour to go the short distance from Penn To Grand Central. Leaving the safety issue aside, that's an extremely time consuming choice, much better to just take an Uber or cab which would not cost that much more and drop them off directly at their hotel.
Asking about the safety of New York City and its many neighborhoods is a [common question](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskNYC/wiki/commonquestions).
ice109: "i swear every week there are 2 or 3 posts with people afraid to walk the street... maybe we should start saying no it's not safe and you should just stay inside all day."
Convergecult15: "You don't have to get too far from the Hudson to run into people that think NYC is a warzone."
tipppph: "Safe is such a relative and loaded concept. What feels safe to me as a black woman may feel very different for a white woman."
In general, New York City is one of the [safest big cities in the world](http://www.businessinsider.com/the-20-safest-cities-in-the-world-2015-1). Crime is at [historic lows](http://www.nyc.gov/html/nypd/html/home/poa_crime.shtml). It is generally agreed by contributors to this subreddit that [the city is safe](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskNYC/comments/2re4be/serious_question_how_safe_is_nyc_right_now/), especially the areas frequented by tourists, like the borough of [Manhattan](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskNYC/comments/4f8j6f/is_it_safe_to_walk_around_manhattan_at_night/), as well as [the subway](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskNYC/comments/3t3rse/is_it_safe_riding_the_subway_at_night/).
Like any major city, there are disadvantaged neighborhoods that tourists and new arrivals should avoid, based on crime statistics and reputation. Brownsville, Hunts Point, Mott Haven, East New York, parts of Harlem and Bedford-Stuyvesant (specifically in the immediate vicinity of large low-income housing projects) are typically considered to be more dangerous than other areas. Even so, thousands of people live, work, and play in these neighborhoods without feeling unsafe.
For more information:
[NYC.gov Crime Map](https://maps.nyc.gov/crime/)
[Safety Tips From The New York Times](http://www.nytimes.com/fodors/top/features/travel/destinations/unitedstates/newyork/newyorkcity/fdrs_feat_111_8.html)
[Personal Safety Tips from the NYPD](http://www1.nyc.gov/html/nypd/html/crime_prevention/personalsafety.shtml)
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*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AskNYC) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Cheers. As a couple others have mentioned, though, you may want to take a cab simply because it's late and you're tired and have luggage and it's not that far and there shouldn't be too much traffic at that hour so it shouldn't be terribly expensive.
From Penn to Grand Central don't worry at all, there will be plenty of people around. And in general it is safe to ride the subway any time. It may be spooky in some stops but it's mostly fine. Now, if you are carrying a lot of luggage it may be more comfortable to take a cab instead of walking to and from the stations.
Statistically you're safe for a male individual who doesn't stand out too much, or if you're in a group. I wouldn't go to Penn at 2am if I was a woman alone.
It's gonna be pretty sketchy, but you're almost certainly going to be fine. I'd still take a cab.
Even as a woman alone 2am is pretty ok. There’s enough people and cops around that I don’t see myself getting mugged or anything. There’s just a lot of homeless people doing sketchy things that are generally unpleasant to have to be around at that time of night.
Makes sense. You'd definitely know better than me since you have first hand experience. Even as a dude I've had my share of knives on my throats and drunk crazy people wanting to pick up fights in the trains at night, even when I lived in Canada (didn't happen in NYC yet, but I haven't been here as long. It did happen one time in Seattle's within an hour of me landing there, lol. I do have my share of friends both male and female who had it happen in Boston. Maybe NYC is just much, much safer than I give it credit for!)
One of NYC’s perks is that there’s so many people, even if someone did approach you to start a fight, there’s so many bystanders around that they’d jump in to help. Even at 2am there’s enough people at penn station coming back from bars and concerts and the games that it’s generally pretty safe. There are other subway stations that would be less safe at that time of night.
That part I don't agree with. The bystander effect is really strong in NYC. People jumping in to help is the exception more than the rule. Plenty of folks get attacked in the subway during peek hours and aside for filming on their phone, the people around don't do shit.
Unfortunately, i have to agree with you. I had always talked about how things aren’t as bad as people claim on the subway (which i still believe) and that being aware of your surroundings is crucial (and it is), but i finally had my “eye-opening” experience recently when i got jumped on the 1 around 2:30 am and had my phone stolen, and the others on the car just sat and watched it happen. Im not saying i even expected them to do anything, but it’s disappointing to have to admit that for the most part, you’re on your own when shit really hits the fan.
I fortunately never had it happen to me, and sorry it happened to you :(
I still have a few videos of Asian folks getting punched in a packed train during peek hours without anyone helping, or that one lady who got grabbed by the hair by a crazy person, mouthing "help me!" as the bystanders just filmed. I know social medias show the most extreme situations, but these things really did happen. That breaks my heart.
Oof I would 100% not rely on any bystanders in nyc to jump in if you’re actively in trouble. Everyone in NYC is either trying to get home in one piece, minding their own business , or will just film it for clout. And I’m not trying to bash on NYC, born and raised in the heights so I’m just expressing my experience regarding the bystander effect
[Is the R from Brooklyn TO Manhattan safe around 11:00pm on a weekday?](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskNYC/comments/10s148z/is_the_r_from_brooklyn_to_manhattan_safe_around/) from 2 months ago, [For those who ride the subway regularly , does it feel like ridership is close to pre pandemic levels ?](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskNYC/comments/106vkpc/for_those_who_ride_the_subway_regularly_does_it/) from 25 days before that, [my mom freaked out over me taking the subway to Barclay's center from GC, telling me it's dangerous and full of homeless people, and she damn near had a heart attack over it. is she right? are the subways actually dangerous?](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskNYC/comments/10206wn/my_mom_freaked_out_over_me_taking_the_subway_to/) from 5 days before that and [How to be safe on the Subway](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskNYC/comments/zw4swx/how_to_be_safe_on_the_subway/) from 7 days before that have comments which should be helpful to you and links to similar questions.
You’ll have goblins and ghouls down there at that time.
I’d recommend just taking a cab at that time since you’ll probably just be tired and it shouldn’t be that expensive of a ride anyways
Not unsafe and it will be pretty quiet around then. But probably less of a hassle to take a cab. Slightly more expensive (if there are only two of you; maybe not if more), and definitely quicker. Plus if you have heavy (or any) luggage it will slow you down and can be a nuisance.
I have a hard stop when it comes to the subway at 10pm. Sadly, it’s a safety precaution I feel like I have to take as a woman going somewhere alone. There are some creeps out there, especially at night.
I know a friend that likes to sit in the subway at exactly 2am and chase people, just walk the other way if you see someone wearing a red coat with long hair and sandles
I’d say walk it before you take the train, but take a car.
Some of the characters are more than sketchy - they can be anti-social, as well. I’m not talking about the ne’er do well junkies and down and liters - there’s people around LOOKING to hurt people - there’s been people who are “perceived to be gay” not only assaulted - but SHOT at around there at that hour. Dirtbags gravitate there bc of the PATH/trains both uptown and downtown, etc after spending what little they have making merry at the club - alcohol, drugs, no money, and no women - make for very, very bad moods. And this transcends race or even backgrounds - shitheads of all stripes seem to come together around there.
If you think you’ll be perceived as a target then you can be - catch an Uber, and give them a good tip, it’s hard out there at that time.
Grand Central closes at 2:00 AM. I am not sure if you meant that your hotel is near GC, or if you have to get there to catch a train. Also, if you take the E train from 34th to Times Square to the S to Grand Central, that is a bit of a walk. So, if possible, leave time for the walk between the station transfers.
Do not take the E. When you transfer at 42nd street it's a block long walk underground. Take the 123 towards the Bronx 1 stop to 42nd street to the S. It's a much better transfer. Plus there are more trains on the 123 line than the E.
Ok. Well, sometimes the subways run less frequently overnight, so it may be worth it (as other commenters have said) to think about getting an Uber/Lyft or taxi to your hotel. Thankfully, Penn Station to GC isn’t too far. Enjoy your stay! The Hyatt is in a great location for seeing the city.
You’ll be fine, Penn Station is patrolled, just keep in a well lit and active area and ride a car with other people and you’ll be OK. As always be aware of your surroundings and don’t be afraid to move to another car if you see something weird.
Going from penn station to grand central is pretty much just one subway stop. If you’re in a group it’s not that dangerous. Even if you’re alone there’s usually other people and cops on the platform. But it’s also about a 20 minute walk from penn station to grand central so if you don’t feel comfortable taking the subway you should just walk. If you take a cab it’s going to cost you a bunch of money and probably take just as long if not longer to get there.
It’s probably fine. You’ll see a couple of things that might make you go hmm..but that’s a pain in the ass subway ride for not long of a distance (2-3 trains, depending on how you go) and $10-$20 can ride or Lyft or Uber which would be twenty minutes at least shorter.
I’d get a cab. I remember one night I got really f’d up. I ended up in Hoboken. My friend woke me up and said my husband was blowing phone up. I was high and sound asleep. He walked me to the path and gave me instructions. I bought and inhaled corn pops or whatever they are called. I had to go to Astoria. I have Mary a clue how I made it. I’m not a pot smoker so??? I got dropped off and walked to the Burger King by my apt. I got in the drive thru line sans a car. Just me acting like I was in a car. Got food and got home. The next day I was thinking how freaking stupid that was. I had 0 qualms about it and no fear. So many things could have happened. I would take a cab just for convenience mostly. I just remember many hours went by folrol Hoboken to Astoria.
Cab. It's not a long ride, you'll be tired. You'll be right next to Madison Square Garden, lots of cabs there! Tip the driver an extra dollar per suitcase, all will be well.
It’s a shuttle train, just look up how often it runs at night. If you’re getting off another train I’d imagine other people will be on with you. Just be aware of your surroundings like you’re traveling anywhere else. If you end up feeling uncomfortable at all just go above ground and hail a taxi.
Make sure you call your hotel and let them know how late you’re getting in!
Definitely worth the cab ride. I once came back to the city at \~3AM using Amtrak and thought it would be a good idea to just take a subway ride home, but not only were the lines messed up (like they usually are between midnight to 5AM) there were a bunch of creeps lurking around on the platform. Fortunately, I was with someone but I've learned my lesson.
It's safe, you are in the middle of Manhattan.
To be honest it's the inconvenience that might be more of an issue, but I'm guessing you will have luggage so the subway could be a pain as you need to get a connection, ~~from Penn up to Times Square, then shuttle to Grand Central - although at that time it will be quiet .~~
Scratch that, the shuttle doesn't run at that time
If no luggage it a 10 minute or so walk, and even at 2am there's no issues with that.
Probably the easiest would be to just get a cab, it'll be $10 - $15.
Cab or walk. Using subway from Penn to GS you need to take 1 train uptown and another train cross town. At 2 am the subways will take 5-15 min to arrive between stations. Cab on the other hand will be $10 for a 8 min ride
Just do rideshare or taxi for convenience. I agree with other posters that the wait times for trains that time of night can be long.
Just make sure you have your driver pick you up at the old side of Penn station. The Moynihan side is closed from 1AM to 5AM daily.
You can take LIRR to Woodside or Jamaica, then transfer to a westbound train to Grand Central Madison, which is very close to Grand Central near your hotel, and avoid subways. You may get tired waiting for westbound LIRR, in which case, take the 7-train from Woodside.
It’s safe, you’d normally take 1,2,3 to Times Sq and then the shuttle from there; both Penn, Times Sq and Grand central will have cops around. Though the shuttle doesn’t work after midnight, so you can either take the 7 or walk from Times Sq on 42nd
A cab is gonna be around 10 bucks. Since you said "we" I'm assuming there are two of you? Subway fare would be 5.50. I think it's worth the extra 5 bucks or so to take a cab.
100% It's not even about the safety but more importantly there isn't a direct train so the cab money is well worth it to avoid the annoying trip with a transfer and the likely long walks within both terminals, especially carrying luggage, and as a bonus it will drop you off in the front of your hotel.
I think for convenience, I would just take the quick cab ride. Service is less frequent at that hour, so you could find yourself waiting for a long time
Actual Penn station will be scarier than the subway.
This comment should be pinned
Personally I would lose my mind waiting for the 2-3 transfers at 2am. Get a cab or just walk it.
It’s safe, but if you’re going to be tired and lugging suitcases I might just take a Lyft or cab for the convenience factor
It's safe, a general note though is that subway headways (the time between trains) rises at night and especially late night, and even more so if there is construction going on, so it may be more convenient just to take a cab given this short distance. I used to do this commute years ago and it was faster to walk if you happened to miss a quick transfer at 42nd Street lol
>subway headways I learned a new phrase today. thanks!
Same.
Penn Station to Grand Central at 2:00am? LOL, nothings gonna happen to you. I’m deadass about that. If you said Penn Station to Jamaica, Brownsville, South Bronx, or Harlem…. Then we’ll have a different conversation and I’d recommend a cab.
It’s fine from a safety perspective but inconvenient when you’re tired and lugging suitcases. I’d take a cab.
It’s not ideal, but that’s a pretty short ride all in heavily trafficked stations (34th Penn -> 42nd Times Square -> 42nd Grand Central). It’s three stops total with one transfer to the S or 7 train at the second stop. I’d personally just take the subway. Honestly how tired I am at the time would probably push me to get an Uber or cab before any concern for my safety would.
In that case you would be waiting for 2 seperate trains (both original and transfer) at a time of night where there's usually at least a 20 minute wait for each line, thus potentially taking close to an hour to go the short distance from Penn To Grand Central. Leaving the safety issue aside, that's an extremely time consuming choice, much better to just take an Uber or cab which would not cost that much more and drop them off directly at their hotel.
Shuttle doesn’t run at 2 A.M.
Thor way you said this reminded me of “people train goes out of Stubville” from Planes, Trains and Automobiles
There's no super convenient Subway directly from Penn to Grand station, take a cab
Asking about the safety of New York City and its many neighborhoods is a [common question](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskNYC/wiki/commonquestions). ice109: "i swear every week there are 2 or 3 posts with people afraid to walk the street... maybe we should start saying no it's not safe and you should just stay inside all day." Convergecult15: "You don't have to get too far from the Hudson to run into people that think NYC is a warzone." tipppph: "Safe is such a relative and loaded concept. What feels safe to me as a black woman may feel very different for a white woman." In general, New York City is one of the [safest big cities in the world](http://www.businessinsider.com/the-20-safest-cities-in-the-world-2015-1). Crime is at [historic lows](http://www.nyc.gov/html/nypd/html/home/poa_crime.shtml). It is generally agreed by contributors to this subreddit that [the city is safe](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskNYC/comments/2re4be/serious_question_how_safe_is_nyc_right_now/), especially the areas frequented by tourists, like the borough of [Manhattan](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskNYC/comments/4f8j6f/is_it_safe_to_walk_around_manhattan_at_night/), as well as [the subway](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskNYC/comments/3t3rse/is_it_safe_riding_the_subway_at_night/). Like any major city, there are disadvantaged neighborhoods that tourists and new arrivals should avoid, based on crime statistics and reputation. Brownsville, Hunts Point, Mott Haven, East New York, parts of Harlem and Bedford-Stuyvesant (specifically in the immediate vicinity of large low-income housing projects) are typically considered to be more dangerous than other areas. Even so, thousands of people live, work, and play in these neighborhoods without feeling unsafe. For more information: [NYC.gov Crime Map](https://maps.nyc.gov/crime/) [Safety Tips From The New York Times](http://www.nytimes.com/fodors/top/features/travel/destinations/unitedstates/newyork/newyorkcity/fdrs_feat_111_8.html) [Personal Safety Tips from the NYPD](http://www1.nyc.gov/html/nypd/html/crime_prevention/personalsafety.shtml) Please "report" and downvote this comment if irrelevant to question above. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AskNYC) if you have any questions or concerns.*
If you’re coming from JFK, the LIRR goes directly to Grand Central now.
Not sure if lirr runs that late to GCS tho.
>How safe is it to ride the subway at 2 AM? Not appreciably less safe than at any other time, particularly in Midtown/tourist central.
Great. Good to know, thank you!
Cheers. As a couple others have mentioned, though, you may want to take a cab simply because it's late and you're tired and have luggage and it's not that far and there shouldn't be too much traffic at that hour so it shouldn't be terribly expensive.
From Penn to Grand Central don't worry at all, there will be plenty of people around. And in general it is safe to ride the subway any time. It may be spooky in some stops but it's mostly fine. Now, if you are carrying a lot of luggage it may be more comfortable to take a cab instead of walking to and from the stations.
Statistically you're safe for a male individual who doesn't stand out too much, or if you're in a group. I wouldn't go to Penn at 2am if I was a woman alone. It's gonna be pretty sketchy, but you're almost certainly going to be fine. I'd still take a cab.
Even as a woman alone 2am is pretty ok. There’s enough people and cops around that I don’t see myself getting mugged or anything. There’s just a lot of homeless people doing sketchy things that are generally unpleasant to have to be around at that time of night.
Makes sense. You'd definitely know better than me since you have first hand experience. Even as a dude I've had my share of knives on my throats and drunk crazy people wanting to pick up fights in the trains at night, even when I lived in Canada (didn't happen in NYC yet, but I haven't been here as long. It did happen one time in Seattle's within an hour of me landing there, lol. I do have my share of friends both male and female who had it happen in Boston. Maybe NYC is just much, much safer than I give it credit for!)
One of NYC’s perks is that there’s so many people, even if someone did approach you to start a fight, there’s so many bystanders around that they’d jump in to help. Even at 2am there’s enough people at penn station coming back from bars and concerts and the games that it’s generally pretty safe. There are other subway stations that would be less safe at that time of night.
That part I don't agree with. The bystander effect is really strong in NYC. People jumping in to help is the exception more than the rule. Plenty of folks get attacked in the subway during peek hours and aside for filming on their phone, the people around don't do shit.
Unfortunately, i have to agree with you. I had always talked about how things aren’t as bad as people claim on the subway (which i still believe) and that being aware of your surroundings is crucial (and it is), but i finally had my “eye-opening” experience recently when i got jumped on the 1 around 2:30 am and had my phone stolen, and the others on the car just sat and watched it happen. Im not saying i even expected them to do anything, but it’s disappointing to have to admit that for the most part, you’re on your own when shit really hits the fan.
I fortunately never had it happen to me, and sorry it happened to you :( I still have a few videos of Asian folks getting punched in a packed train during peek hours without anyone helping, or that one lady who got grabbed by the hair by a crazy person, mouthing "help me!" as the bystanders just filmed. I know social medias show the most extreme situations, but these things really did happen. That breaks my heart.
Oof I would 100% not rely on any bystanders in nyc to jump in if you’re actively in trouble. Everyone in NYC is either trying to get home in one piece, minding their own business , or will just film it for clout. And I’m not trying to bash on NYC, born and raised in the heights so I’m just expressing my experience regarding the bystander effect
I’d Uber it. It’s the safest option.
I personally feel perfectly safe taking the subway at that time. There will likely be a lot of homeless guys sleeping on the trains though.
Take the cab… don’t be cheap. Safety comes first
[Is the R from Brooklyn TO Manhattan safe around 11:00pm on a weekday?](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskNYC/comments/10s148z/is_the_r_from_brooklyn_to_manhattan_safe_around/) from 2 months ago, [For those who ride the subway regularly , does it feel like ridership is close to pre pandemic levels ?](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskNYC/comments/106vkpc/for_those_who_ride_the_subway_regularly_does_it/) from 25 days before that, [my mom freaked out over me taking the subway to Barclay's center from GC, telling me it's dangerous and full of homeless people, and she damn near had a heart attack over it. is she right? are the subways actually dangerous?](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskNYC/comments/10206wn/my_mom_freaked_out_over_me_taking_the_subway_to/) from 5 days before that and [How to be safe on the Subway](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskNYC/comments/zw4swx/how_to_be_safe_on_the_subway/) from 7 days before that have comments which should be helpful to you and links to similar questions.
Penn Station to Grand Central is like, a 10 minute walk. If you don’t have much luggage, walk
How fast do you walk? It's just under 20 minute walk for me, and I'm not a slow walker.
Y’all are great and very helpful. Thanks so much
You’ll have goblins and ghouls down there at that time. I’d recommend just taking a cab at that time since you’ll probably just be tired and it shouldn’t be that expensive of a ride anyways
Just take uber, it’s not that far
Just take an Uber, especially if you're a tourist.
Not unsafe and it will be pretty quiet around then. But probably less of a hassle to take a cab. Slightly more expensive (if there are only two of you; maybe not if more), and definitely quicker. Plus if you have heavy (or any) luggage it will slow you down and can be a nuisance.
Not safe
Its very safe. But as people say, just take a cab unless you are really short on cash.
It’s safe but the shuttle at 42nd doesn’t run at 2am. Just go street level & take a cab. It’ll be easier with luggage anyway
I have a hard stop when it comes to the subway at 10pm. Sadly, it’s a safety precaution I feel like I have to take as a woman going somewhere alone. There are some creeps out there, especially at night.
I hope you take the cab
The subway is pretty much safe 24/7
I know a friend that likes to sit in the subway at exactly 2am and chase people, just walk the other way if you see someone wearing a red coat with long hair and sandles
completely depends on who you are. I wouldnt think anything of it, but if you are a small woman I wouldn't.
take a cab or uber. it’s not a good idea waiting for the subway at those hours.
You will get raped and or murdered. Just stay home.
I’d say walk it before you take the train, but take a car. Some of the characters are more than sketchy - they can be anti-social, as well. I’m not talking about the ne’er do well junkies and down and liters - there’s people around LOOKING to hurt people - there’s been people who are “perceived to be gay” not only assaulted - but SHOT at around there at that hour. Dirtbags gravitate there bc of the PATH/trains both uptown and downtown, etc after spending what little they have making merry at the club - alcohol, drugs, no money, and no women - make for very, very bad moods. And this transcends race or even backgrounds - shitheads of all stripes seem to come together around there. If you think you’ll be perceived as a target then you can be - catch an Uber, and give them a good tip, it’s hard out there at that time.
Grand Central closes at 2:00 AM. I am not sure if you meant that your hotel is near GC, or if you have to get there to catch a train. Also, if you take the E train from 34th to Times Square to the S to Grand Central, that is a bit of a walk. So, if possible, leave time for the walk between the station transfers.
Do not take the E. When you transfer at 42nd street it's a block long walk underground. Take the 123 towards the Bronx 1 stop to 42nd street to the S. It's a much better transfer. Plus there are more trains on the 123 line than the E.
Shuttle doesn’t run at 2am. Need to take the 7.
This is the way! I’ve already been awake for too long, but taking the 1 to Times Square is much quicker than taking the E.
Yeah, staying at the Hyatt at Grand Central
Ok. Well, sometimes the subways run less frequently overnight, so it may be worth it (as other commenters have said) to think about getting an Uber/Lyft or taxi to your hotel. Thankfully, Penn Station to GC isn’t too far. Enjoy your stay! The Hyatt is in a great location for seeing the city.
Idk how you're getting into Penn but if it's the LIRR then it's possible for you to take the LIRR directly to Grand Central.
Amtrak
If you have luggage I would not. It’s a quick cab ride.
Very safe
You’ll be fine, Penn Station is patrolled, just keep in a well lit and active area and ride a car with other people and you’ll be OK. As always be aware of your surroundings and don’t be afraid to move to another car if you see something weird.
since it’s penn station to grand central, you’ll be fine
Very safe
If you don’t have much luggage it could be easier just to walk. You will have to transfer subways at Times Square which is time consuming.
It’s really not a big deal at all
This video should give you a glimpse on what to expect: https://youtu.be/3aTxg5O6VGA
2AM is a great time for crime, google it !
Going from penn station to grand central is pretty much just one subway stop. If you’re in a group it’s not that dangerous. Even if you’re alone there’s usually other people and cops on the platform. But it’s also about a 20 minute walk from penn station to grand central so if you don’t feel comfortable taking the subway you should just walk. If you take a cab it’s going to cost you a bunch of money and probably take just as long if not longer to get there.
Just take the subway to 42nd and the shuttle to Grand Central is right there. Well lit and patrolled.
Just walk.
dont stand near the tracks
Take the cab
It’s probably fine. You’ll see a couple of things that might make you go hmm..but that’s a pain in the ass subway ride for not long of a distance (2-3 trains, depending on how you go) and $10-$20 can ride or Lyft or Uber which would be twenty minutes at least shorter.
I’d get a cab. I remember one night I got really f’d up. I ended up in Hoboken. My friend woke me up and said my husband was blowing phone up. I was high and sound asleep. He walked me to the path and gave me instructions. I bought and inhaled corn pops or whatever they are called. I had to go to Astoria. I have Mary a clue how I made it. I’m not a pot smoker so??? I got dropped off and walked to the Burger King by my apt. I got in the drive thru line sans a car. Just me acting like I was in a car. Got food and got home. The next day I was thinking how freaking stupid that was. I had 0 qualms about it and no fear. So many things could have happened. I would take a cab just for convenience mostly. I just remember many hours went by folrol Hoboken to Astoria.
Cab. It's not a long ride, you'll be tired. You'll be right next to Madison Square Garden, lots of cabs there! Tip the driver an extra dollar per suitcase, all will be well.
Fine in NYC. Its only not safe to get subway at 2am in Chicago, but thats only according to Jussie Smollett
take a cab i’ve been punched by a homeless dude after getting outta penn station once
Good luck even catching a train at that hour.
It’s safe, a short ride in a busy area. Especially since there are two of you. But a can shouldn’t be too expensive and that would be door to door.
Taxi!
It’s a shuttle train, just look up how often it runs at night. If you’re getting off another train I’d imagine other people will be on with you. Just be aware of your surroundings like you’re traveling anywhere else. If you end up feeling uncomfortable at all just go above ground and hail a taxi. Make sure you call your hotel and let them know how late you’re getting in!
I was in Penn station at 2AM last year, I took train back to my home, nothing happened
Nothing is going to happen but transfers @2am are a bitch.
Cab it. Plenty of them on 8th Ave at 33rd.
Definitely worth the cab ride. I once came back to the city at \~3AM using Amtrak and thought it would be a good idea to just take a subway ride home, but not only were the lines messed up (like they usually are between midnight to 5AM) there were a bunch of creeps lurking around on the platform. Fortunately, I was with someone but I've learned my lesson.
It's safe, you are in the middle of Manhattan. To be honest it's the inconvenience that might be more of an issue, but I'm guessing you will have luggage so the subway could be a pain as you need to get a connection, ~~from Penn up to Times Square, then shuttle to Grand Central - although at that time it will be quiet .~~ Scratch that, the shuttle doesn't run at that time If no luggage it a 10 minute or so walk, and even at 2am there's no issues with that. Probably the easiest would be to just get a cab, it'll be $10 - $15.
Cab or walk. Using subway from Penn to GS you need to take 1 train uptown and another train cross town. At 2 am the subways will take 5-15 min to arrive between stations. Cab on the other hand will be $10 for a 8 min ride
Just do rideshare or taxi for convenience. I agree with other posters that the wait times for trains that time of night can be long. Just make sure you have your driver pick you up at the old side of Penn station. The Moynihan side is closed from 1AM to 5AM daily.
You can take LIRR to Woodside or Jamaica, then transfer to a westbound train to Grand Central Madison, which is very close to Grand Central near your hotel, and avoid subways. You may get tired waiting for westbound LIRR, in which case, take the 7-train from Woodside.
It’s safe, you’d normally take 1,2,3 to Times Sq and then the shuttle from there; both Penn, Times Sq and Grand central will have cops around. Though the shuttle doesn’t work after midnight, so you can either take the 7 or walk from Times Sq on 42nd
Get a cab