Grand Central Terminal: Self-Guided NYC Walking Tour
4.3
10 Ratings
New York
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.
What's Included
  • GPS-activated storytelling for hands-free, helpful touring experience
  • Comprehensive package with itinerary, tips, audio, video, text, and hidden spots
  • Works offline with GPS maps and turn-by-turn directions, no wifi needed
  • Easy access through a downloadable app with provided link and password
  • Tour on your own terms, anytime, over multiple days with no expiration
What's Not Included
  • Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations
Additional Information

Join us for an exploration of the world’s most renowned train hub: Grand Central. This guided walk leads you across its splendid entirety, from the breath-taking Main Concourse to the often-undiscovered Whispering Gallery and further. Uncover the narrative of the station’s building and the extravagantly wealthy Vanderbilts who financed it, along with all the unique views that grant this terminal its distinctiveness.

Post reservation, kindly check your inbox before installing the Tour Guide App designed by Action. Input your distinct code and begin your tour. The aforementioned steps demand stable internet/wifi connectivity. From that stage onwards, the audio directions will steer you along the route.

Please note that this is not a pass to enter. Confirm operating hours prior to your visit.

No expiry — The tour guarantees lifetime validity!

  • How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email and an instructions email. Follow the instructions right away: • Download the app • Enter the password • Download the tour • MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular
  • How to start the tour: Once onsite, open the Action’s Tour Guide App: • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If there are multiple tour versions, 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.
  • Amazing savings: Walking Tours: While each person typically needs their tour, couples or small groups can share one using split 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
(10 Ratings)
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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
488ceciliah
Jan 2, 2023
Enlightening Value - This tour was very interesting, offering many little known facts about the history of the station and the Vanderbilt family. Loved the architectural information, whispering gallery and oyster room details. The best gem was the location of the station master's office and its less crowded ladies' room! Although interesting, the background and detailed history of all of the constellations were a bit lengthy. Very useful tour and worth the price.
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
Eric_s
Dec 13, 2022
Absolutely fascinating for history fans! - Really well done (even though we were late for a plane and had to physically leave the site early). It spends a little too much time on the astrological characters on the ceiling. It also does not discuss the legend of the M42 substation in the basement, but I can also understand that since there is no getting down there. Regardless, I enjoyed it immensely.
Review provided by Viator
Gerardo_p
Nov 19, 2022
It was Ok, but could have stuck to history of Grand Central - Tour was good at times, except when it became a zodiac tour instead of history tour. Narrator voice was very inviting and demanding.
Review provided by Viator
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
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up to 15 guests
1
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May 2024
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