Quick Overview

Address: SUMMIT One Vanderbilt, 45 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017 (attached to Grand Central Terminal).
Official Entrances: Grand Central Main Concourse (follow SUMMIT signs), Transit Hall at Vanderbilt Ave & 43rd St, or 45 E 42nd St. (Do not use the office lobby.)
Closest Subway/Rail: Grand Central–42 St for 4/5/6/7/S subways, Metro-North; LIRR at Grand Central Madison.

Best First-Time Route

Take the 7 train or S (Shuttle) to Grand Central–42 St. From the Main Concourse, follow clearly marked SUMMIT signs to the Transit Hall and ticketing/security.

From Bryant Park/Times Sq

Walk 7–15 minutes along 42nd Street to Vanderbilt Ave, or ride a single stop on the 7 or S to Grand Central.

Book Timed Entry Midtown Tour + SUMMIT

Option 1 — From Times Square / West Side

Perfect if you’re near Times Sq, Port Authority, or Broadway theaters.

  • Subway (fast): Times Sq–42 St → take the 7 or S (Shuttle) east one stop to Grand Central–42 St, then follow SUMMIT signs.
  • Walk: 12–15 minutes along 42nd St toward Grand Central’s Vanderbilt Ave side.
  • Bus: M42 crosstown along 42nd St to Grand Central stop (can be slower at peak times).

Paying for Transit

Use contactless OMNY or a MetroCard. Taps are capped daily—multiple rides won’t exceed the day cap.

Option 2 — Subway & Regional Rail (Fastest for Most)

Grand Central–42 St (4/5/6/7/S)

Use any exit into the Main Concourse and follow SUMMIT wayfinding. The Transit Hall connects directly to the experience.

Metro-North Railroad

Trains from Hudson, Harlem & New Haven Lines arrive inside Grand Central. After you disembark, follow SUMMIT signs—no street exit needed.

LIRR — Grand Central Madison

Long Island Rail Road runs directly to Grand Central Madison. Follow corridor signage up to Grand Central and the SUMMIT Transit Hall.

Penn Station (Amtrak/NJT/LIRR)

Take the 1/2/3 to Times Sq then 7/S to Grand Central, or walk 25–30 minutes across Midtown via 34th/42nd St.

Wayfinding

Look for signs to Vanderbilt Avenue / 42–43 St Transit Hall or SUMMIT. Staff are on hand to direct you.

Option 3 — Buses & Scenic Walks

Midtown buses along 42nd St, Madison Ave, and 5th Ave stop near Grand Central. Walking is often the quickest: from Bryant Park (7–8 min), Times Sq (12–15 min), or Fifth Ave shops (6–10 min).

  • From Bryant Park: Head east on 42nd St; Grand Central is two blocks past the library.
  • From Fifth Ave: Walk east to Madison or Vanderbilt Ave; look for the SUMMIT signage.

Photo Tip

Snap Grand Central’s celestial ceiling inside the Main Concourse before heading up—then compare with skyline views at SUMMIT.

From NYC Airports

JFK

AirTrain JFK → Jamaica; then LIRR to Grand Central Madison (fastest) or Subway E to Court Sq → transfer to 7 for Grand Central.

LaGuardia (LGA)

Q70 SBS to Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Av → take the 7 train to Grand Central–42 St.

Newark (EWR)

AirTrain Newark → NJ Transit to Penn Station → 7/S to Grand Central or 12–15 min walk from Times Sq.

Rideshare/Taxi

Ask for drop-off near 45 E 42nd St or at Vanderbilt Ave & 43rd St Transit Hall for the clearest SUMMIT access.

Luggage

Avoid large suitcases; security screening is airport-style. If needed, use nearby luggage storage services before your time slot.

Driving, Parking & Bikes

Driving

Midtown traffic is heavy and curb space is limited. Consider transit. If you drive, allow extra time for drop-off near Vanderbilt Ave.

Parking

Use nearby paid garages around Grand Central/Bryant Park; street parking is scarce. Check garage hours and maximum vehicle heights.

Citi Bike

Numerous docks ring Grand Central and Bryant Park. Park only at designated docks; riding is not permitted inside the terminal.

Accessibility

Grand Central has elevators and ramps; SUMMIT is ADA-compliant with step-free access. Ask staff for elevator routes if needed.

Practical Tips

Arrive Early

Plan to be at security 15–20 minutes before your timed entry. Sunset slots sell out fastest—book ahead.

What to Wear

Mirrored floors are highly reflective—many guests prefer pants/shorts. Wear comfortable, flat shoes.

Weather & Areas

Outdoor terraces are open-air. Operations like Ascent can pause in bad weather—check status on the day.

Check Times & Prices Grand Central + Optional SUMMIT

Getting There Cheatsheet

Closest Station

Grand Central–42 St (4/5/6/7/S) • Metro-North • LIRR (Grand Central Madison)

Typical Walk Times

Times Sq → SUMMIT: 12–15 min • Bryant Park → SUMMIT: 7–8 min • Penn Station → SUMMIT: 25–30 min.

Wayfinding

Follow signs to Vanderbilt Ave / Transit Hall or SUMMIT; avoid the office lobby entrance.

Crowd Strategy

Weekday mornings are calmer. For golden hour + night lights, book a sunset slot (arrive early).

Accessibility

Elevators available in Grand Central and at SUMMIT; staff can direct you to step-free routes.

Nearby Essentials

Cafés and restrooms inside Grand Central; additional options around Bryant Park and 5th Ave.

Browse All Options Architecture + SUMMIT

Ready to Go?

Ride the subway to Grand Central, follow the SUMMIT signs, and enjoy soaring views over Midtown Manhattan.

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