dr_rambler t1_j0qd74z wrote on December 18, 2022 at 5:17 PM

Reply to comment by ntvblls in Flying out of EWR. Flight too early to take amtrak by Ok_Director2635

I would keep 30 mins between the time my Metro North arrives at Grand Central and the departure of the NJ Transit from Penn. There’s always quite a walk interspersed between the subway rides.

ntvblls t1_j0qe1sa wrote on December 18, 2022 at 5:23 PM

Absolutely – 30 mins seems about right, possibly even a bit more if you aren't taking the subway during peak hours just in case (the S train especially runs well during commuter hours but is a bit sparser otherwise).

FWIW the S and the 1/2/3 are right next to each other in Times Square station, but yes still plenty of walking otherwise, don't want to cut it too close.

dr_rambler t1_j0qhc32 wrote on December 18, 2022 at 5:44 PM

That’s great advice—I think the main obstacles are getting to the S from the Metro North platforms, and then getting from the 1-2-3 platforms to the NJ transit platforms. Both are hikes, especially with baggage

ntvblls t1_j0qixf6 wrote on December 18, 2022 at 5:54 PM

Yes true – if your luggage is stair-friendly, its not too bad, but if you need an elevator it can be difficult. And again, the entire trip is much easier if you already know where you're going. In both GCT and especially Penn, it's easy to follow a few poorly planned signs and get lost in a labyrinth of hallways if you don't already know your way around.

FWIW: From the main terminal in Grand Central, the S platform can be most easily accessed from the southwest hallway (to find south quickly, it's opposite from the train platforms). If you're coming in from the lower level, the S platform is inconveniently located on the opposite side of the station from the escalator that leads up to the market.

Penn OTOH is just a labyrinthine shitshow. I've somehow developed instincts on where to go myself, but the best advice is to just follow signs for NJTransit.

Ecofre-33919 t1_j0qmowh wrote on December 18, 2022 at 6:15 PM

This is all good advice. I’ve never had luck with the s train late at night. If it were me i’d probably uber to penn station or just walk to the timesquare stations.