34th Street–Penn Station: A Vital Interchange in Midtown Manhattan

The 34th Street–Penn Station is a fundamental subway complex located in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. It serves as a crucial connection point with the Pennsylvania Station train station and between various subway lines, making it one of the busiest stations in the system. Its strategic location beneath Penn Station and Madison Square Garden makes it a primary access point to one of the city’s most important transportation and entertainment hubs.

Connections and Services

The 34th Street–Penn Station complex comprises two distinct subway stations, interconnected and directly linked to the Pennsylvania Station train station:

34th Street–Penn Station (Eighth Avenue Line)

• This part of the complex is a station on the IND (Independent Subway System) Eighth Avenue Line.
• It is served by trains of the following services:
  • A (blue)
  • C (blue)
  • E (blue)
• Main entrance address: Access via Penn Station and entrances on 8th Avenue between 33rd and 35th Streets, New York, NY.

34th Street–Penn Station (Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line)

• This part of the complex is a station on the IRT (Interborough Rapid Transit Company) Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line.
• It is served by trains of the following services:
  • 1 (red)
  • 2 (red)
  • 3 (red)
• Entrances to this section are primarily found via Penn Station and on 7th Avenue between 32nd and 34th Streets.

The interconnection between these two subway stations and with Penn Station allows passengers to make convenient transfers between subway lines and LIRR, NJ Transit, and Amtrak train services.

Importance and Location

• The station is located beneath Pennsylvania Station and Madison Square Garden, between Seventh and Eighth Avenues, in the heart of Midtown Manhattan.
• Its strategic location makes it a key access point to important destinations such as:

  • Pennsylvania Station

    • Main intermodal railway station in New York City, with services from Amtrak, Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), and NJ Transit.
    • Direct connection from the subway platforms.

  • Madison Square Garden

    • Famous multi-purpose arena that hosts sporting events (Knicks, Rangers) and concerts.
    • Located directly above Penn Station.

  • Additional Nearby Attractions

    • Macy’s Herald Square: Iconic department store.
    • Empire State Building: Iconic skyscraper a few blocks away.
    • Fashion District (Garment District).
    • Manhattan Mall.

History and Evolution

• The IRT Broadway–Seventh Avenue Line station was inaugurated on June 3, 1917 (local platforms) and November 1, 1918 (express platforms).
• The IND Eighth Avenue Line station was inaugurated on September 10, 1932.
• The complex has undergone continuous renovations and improvements, especially in coordination with Penn Station modernizations, to manage the enormous flow of passengers and improve connections.

Key Facts

• It is one of the busiest subway stations in North America due to its connection with Penn Station.
• It offers direct access to commuter trains (LIRR, NJ Transit) and long-distance trains (Amtrak).
• It serves as a main gateway to Manhattan for many travelers from New Jersey and Long Island.