Grand Central Terminal: Self-Guided NYC Walking Tour

Explore the iconic Grand Central Terminal in New York City with this self-guided walking tour. Discover the history, architecture, and hidden gems of this famous train station.

Duration: 2 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Grand Central Terminal - Grand Central Terminal is a commuter rail terminal located at 42nd Street and Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. Grand Central is the southern terminus of the Metro-North Railroad’s Harlem, Hudson and New Haven Lines, serving the northern parts of the New York metropolitan area.

Note: This 0.1+mile-tour covers the essentials of Grand Central Terminal in 1-2 hours

What's Included
  • Easy-to-use app: download Action’s Tour Guide App onto your phone
  • Engaging storytelling: Uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
  • Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. Proven with tons of rave reviews!
  • Offline maps: no signal, no problem! Works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
  • Comprehensive route and stops: See it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
  • Go at your own pace: Start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
  • Learn more: dive deeper into any story you enjoyed with extra stories.
  • Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. Easy to use!
What's Not Included
  • Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
Additional Information

Welcome to the most famous train station in the world: Grand Central. This walking tour will take you through this entire magnificent terminal, from the awe-inspiring Main Concourse to the often-missed Whispering Gallery and beyond. Hear the story behind the station’s construction, the absurdly wealthy Vanderbilts who funded it, and all the iconic sights which make this terminal so special.

After booking, check your email to download the separate Audio Tour Guide App by Action, enter your unique password, and access your tour. These steps require good internet/Wi-Fi access. From there, follow the audio instructions and the route.

New, extra validity — now yours for an entire year! Use multiple times over multiple trips!

This isn’t an entrance ticket. Check opening hours before your visit.

  • How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email with instructions. Follow the instructions right away: • Download the separate app • Enter the password • Download the tour • MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular.
  • How to start the tour: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction. • Go to the starting point. (Note: no one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided). • The audio will begin automatically at the starting point. If you face audio issues, visit the FAQ. • Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
  • Walking Tours: couples can share one using headphones.
  • Flexibility and Convenience: • Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. It’s perfect for tailoring your exploration and revisiting your favorite spots on future trips. • Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace, free from the constraints of a group.
  • Comprehensive Tour Experience: • The app provides a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated audio stories, scripts, images, videos, and recommendations for additional activities. • Enjoy a private experience without the crowds, ideal for personalized stops and photo opportunities.
  • Ease of Use and Accessibility: • The app is hands-free and activates stories via GPS, offering support through call, chat, or email. • There is no need for a continuous cell or Wi-Fi connection as the GPS map works offline.
  • Memorable Keepsakes: • Utilize the app’s images to create a photo book or share on social media, ensuring you have high-quality, crowd-free memories from your trip.
  • Preparation: • After booking, download the app and the tour using a strong Wi-Fi connection. • Review the tour at home before your trip for a better experience.
  • Starting the Tour: • Open the app upon arrival at your destination. • Select the appropriate tour based on your starting point. • Head to the starting location; the audio will begin automatically. • Follow the suggested route and adhere to the speed limit for an optimal experience. • By following these instructions and taking advantage of the app’s features, users can enjoy a personalized, flexible, and in-depth exploration of their destination at their own pace and convenience.
Location
Grand Central-42 St
After booking the tour, search your email for the phrase "Set up your self-guided tour now." Follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.3
(15 Ratings)
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1 star
Jennifer_c
Apr 26, 2024
Excellent!!! - This tour was a favorite of mine. I have used this company several times and am never disappointed. I will continue to use this service.
Review provided by Viator
Exploration287869
Apr 24, 2024
Solo Grand Central Station self-guided tour - I thoroughly enjoyed the tour. It was informative and I could take my time. I really liked learning about the history of the station.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Lorrie_s
Apr 6, 2024
Great tour of Grand Central Station! - Wonderful tour ! Very informative and interesting ! Just had a little problem opening up tour . Neede help and walk through with agent at tour website - then it all went smoothly!
Review provided by Viator
Wander760937
May 9, 2023
Living History - Facinating journey into history and architecture. The docent was an actor so he presented well. The meeting point was hard to find.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Suemax
Feb 8, 2023
Informative tour - Very interesting tour. We thoroughly enjoyed it. Will be looking for other audio tours from this company around New York City.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Odyssey44732496548
Dec 25, 2023
Great little tour! - Very detailed and great fun facts about grand central. Just long enough. We went on a less busy day, so it didn’t feel as hectic as it normally does.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Anonymous
Apr 19, 2023
Great history and facts of Grand Central - Great facts and very fun. A little long on Greek mythology for me personally but learned a lot about the station and it’s place in history.
Review provided by Viator
Robert
Jan 30, 2023
Very informative tour - Very comprehensive, I thought the detail on the. Astrological signs of the ceiling took too long. I I think that part could be shortened. otherwise, Great.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Heidi_l
Dec 2, 2023
Loved the historical... - Loved the historical aspects. Too much time spent talking about the ceiling. Would have loved to see the track workings.
Review provided by Viator
Kerry_a
May 16, 2024
Disappointed - I was never able to access the guide for our self tour. Terribly frustrating. Kept trying to log in, start over, access info. Even tried to get hel from a group tour guide. Dismissed by guide (understandably) but internet was no help.
Review provided by Viator
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up to 15 guests
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September 2024
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