Penn Station Visitor Guide 2024: Everything You Need To Know

To some, it might be known as Pennsylvania Station or New York Penn Station, but for New Yorkers, this one is simply Penn Station. Situated beneath the famous Madison Square Gardens, where could you ask for that would provide a better hop-off point for exploring the famous Big Apple?

The station provides the perfect base from which to check out famous addresses such as the Empire State Building, Korea Town and Macy’s department store, to name but a few of the possibilities that are available to you. 

There is a downside, however. Six hundred thousand people pass through here on any given workday, so to suggest this station is busy would be something of an understatement.  The one thing that might hinder any adventure could be the fact that you are dragging bulky luggage with you. Luckily there are plenty of baggage storage points near Penn Station. It’s a good idea to find one as soon as possible and free yourself of that burden as quickly as you can.

Penn Station bag policy 

This is one of the largest railroad stations in the world, so it is not unreasonable to expect to see plenty of people dragging or hauling bags with them. The problem you will face is that the station itself does not have a baggage storage facility. Having to take your luggage with you could seriously hamper your enjoyment.

There are many luggage lockers near Penn Station. The best approach is to find one that allows you to book online in advance. That way, you are assured of a secure place to leave your luggage while you get on with the important job of exploring this city. If you are going to store luggage, look for a company that offers a good insurance policy.

Penn Station food policy

For starters, drinking in public is illegal so that is something you need to be aware of. On the dining side, this whole area is teeming with food outlets selling everything from bagels to pizza. You will find both sit down and takeout options so, rest assured, you are not going to go hungry. 

If you are more of a foodie and want something a little more along the gourmet lines, don’t think that fast food is your only option. Within easy walking distance, you will find restaurants that offer a wide variety of international choices cooked by chefs of world renown.

Penn Station camera policy

Taking photographs or videos within the station is legal, and provides a convenient and cheap way to acquire personalized souvenirs of your trip. If you are looking to produce something a little more professional for public consumption, you are requested to contact the Penn Station media center. It is unlikely that they will hamper your endeavors, but they would like to ensure that the traveling public aren’t having their journeys disrupted.   

Penn Station rules

• Public consumption of alcohol is illegal across most of New York and this includes Penn Station. 
• Though the station is open twenty-four hours a day, it is not permitted to sleep on either the floor or the benches. This rule was introduced to prevent the city’s homeless from settling in for the night, but it could easily be applied to transiting passengers late at night.
• Smoking is not allowed anywhere inside Penn Station.

Penn Station lockers

Penn Station lies at the heart of New York, and as such, this makes it the perfect place from which to explore all that the legendary city has to offer. Whether you are passing through, visiting for pleasure or on a business trip, you couldn’t ask for a more convenient kick-off point. 

Surprisingly, for such a large travel hub, the station itself does not cater to people wishing to store bags or suitcases. This could become a major inconvenience if you are carrying baggage. Fortunately, there are many luggage storage Lockers near Penn Station which allow you to overcome this problem. 

If you look around, you will be able to find options that you can book online, and in advance, so that you can avoid dragging your bags from storage center to storage center. Look out for options that provide good insurance cover for your belongings while you explore.