Penn Station to Empire State Building: Distance, Routes, and Tips

Distance: 1.4 miles (2.25 km) — approximately a 25-30 minute walk, or 5-10 minutes by subway.

Walking Route (Most Direct)

1. Exit Penn Station onto 7th Avenue (south side, near 31st St)
2. Walk north on 7th Ave / Fashion Ave (becomes 6th Ave / Ave of the Americas at 34th St)
3. Continue to 34th Street
4. Turn left (west) on 34th St — Empire State Building at 350 5th Ave (between 33rd & 34th)
5. Time: 25 min average; 20 min brisk; 35 min leisurely

Subway Options (Fastest)

Key insight: Penn Station and 34th St–Herald Square are essentially the same underground complex. Follow signs for "34 St–Herald Square" or "Empire State Building" — exit at 34th St & 5th/6th Ave. The building's entrance is directly above the subway.

Bus Options

• M34 SBS (Select Bus Service): 34th St crosstown; stops at 5th Ave / Empire State Building
• M1/M2/M3/M4: 5th/Madison Ave routes; stop at 34th St
• Time: 10-15 min depending on traffic

Rideshare / Taxi

• Time: 5-15 min (highly traffic-dependent)
• Cost: $10-20 + tip
• Pickup: Penn Station designated rideshare zones (31st/33rd Sts)
• Note: Often slower than walking in midtown traffic

Accessibility

• Walking: Sidewalks generally accessible; curb cuts at intersections
• Subway: 34th St–Herald Square has elevator access (check MTA status for outages)
• Empire State Building: Fully accessible; dedicated entrance at 34th St & 5th Ave

Pro Tips

• First visit? Walk — you'll see Herald Square, Macy's, Koreatown, the building approach
• Rushing? Subway — 1 train is one stop, but walking through the connected complex takes 3 min
• Luggage? Rideshare or taxi; subway stairs/elevators with bags are miserable
• Weather? Subway (underground) or rideshare
• Night? All options safe; well-lit, busy area until late

Empire State Building Visitor Info

• Hours: 9 AM - 11 PM (last entry 10:15 PM); 365 days
• Tickets: Buy online for timed entry; Main Deck (86th floor) $44+; Top Deck (102nd) $75+
• Security: Airport-style screening; no large bags, tripods, weapons

Whether you walk the historic blocks or zip underground, you're covering one of NYC's most iconic short journeys—from the city's busiest transit hub to its most famous skyscraper.