If you’ve spent any time at the old Penn Station, you probably remember it as a subterranean labyrinth that smelled faintly of despair and wet concrete. It was the kind of place you wanted to escape as fast as humanly possible. But things changed. Big time.
The Moynihan Hall Amtrak Lounge 8th Avenue New York NY—officially called the Metropolitan Lounge—is the centerpiece of this massive transformation. Located inside the Daniel Patrick Moynihan Train Hall, this isn't just a waiting room. It's a massive, glass-ceilinged flex on what American train travel can actually look like.
Honestly, it feels more like a high-end boutique hotel lobby than a transit hub. But because it’s New York, there are rules, quirks, and a $50 price tag that makes people wonder if it’s actually worth the hype.
Where Exactly Is This Place?
Finding it can be a bit of a trek if you aren't paying attention. The lounge is perched on the mezzanine level of the Moynihan Train Hall. You enter at 421 8th Avenue, right between 31st and 33rd Streets.
Once you’re inside the main hall—which is breathtaking, by the way—look for the signs near the Amtrak ticket windows. You’ll take an escalator or elevator up. It’s tucked away from the main floor’s chaos, which is exactly why people love it.
The design is sharp. Dark woods, plush velvet seating, and those massive historic windows that look out over 8th Avenue.
The $50 Question: Who Gets In?
Access is the part that trips most people up. It used to be much more exclusive, but Amtrak loosened the reins a bit recently.
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- Acela First Class: If you’re riding First Class on the Acela, you’re in. No extra charge.
- Sleeper Car Passengers: Got a roomette or a bedroom on a long-distance train like the Lake Shore Limited? You’re in.
- High-Tier Rewards Members: Amtrak Guest Rewards Select Plus and Select Executive members get complimentary access.
- The Single-Day Pass: This is the big one. As of late 2025 and into 2026, Amtrak sells day passes for $50. You can also use 1,500 reward points if you’ve got them sitting around.
Is it worth fifty bucks? That depends. If you have a three-hour layover and you're starving, maybe. If you’re just there for 15 minutes, probably not.
What’s the Vibe Inside?
It’s quiet.
That’s the first thing you notice. The main hall downstairs is loud, echoing with announcements and the sound of thousands of commuters. Upstairs, it’s muffled. There are "neighborhoods" of seating—some areas for families with TV screens, some quiet nooks for solo travelers, and a business center with actual printers that work.
The balcony is the real star. There’s a terrace area that overlooks the main concourse. You can sit there with a coffee and watch the "theatrical ebb and flow" of travelers below without actually having to deal with them.
The Food Situation (It's Not Just Pre-Packaged Pretzels)
Amtrak upgraded the menu significantly in 2024 and 2025. They’ve moved away from a lot of the plastic packaging to be more sustainable, which means you’re seeing real plates and glassware now.
You’ll find things like:
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- Breakfast: Avocado toast (of course), overnight oats, and pastries from Amy’s Bread.
- Lunch/Dinner: Grilled chicken ciabatta, Santa Fe chicken flatbreads, and some surprisingly good salads.
- The Bar: There is a full-service bar that opens around 11:00 AM. They feature local New York beers from places like Brooklyn Brewery and Five Boroughs Brewing.
Pro tip: The snacks and non-alcoholic drinks (including La Colombe coffee) are free. The alcohol and "premium" hot food items at the bar usually cost extra. Don't walk in expecting a 5-course steak dinner for free.
Common Misconceptions and Frustrations
People often think this is the same as the "Ticketed Waiting Room" on the main floor. It is not. The ticketed area is fine—it has wooden benches and charging ports—but it’s a public space. The Metropolitan Lounge is a private club.
Another gripe? The "Three Hour Rule."
Usually, you can only enter the lounge within three hours of your scheduled departure. If you show up five hours early hoping to work a full day there, the agents might turn you away unless you have a connecting ticket.
Also, the Wi-Fi. It’s generally better than the free public Wi-Fi downstairs, but during peak holiday travel, it can still struggle. If you have a high-stakes Zoom call, have your hotspot ready just in case.
Real-World Logistics
The lounge hours are pretty generous, usually opening around 5:00 AM on weekdays (7:00 AM on weekends) and closing around 9:30 or 10:00 PM.
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If you have a lot of bags, they have luggage storage lockers inside. This is a game-changer. You can drop your stuff, grab a drink, and actually walk around the station unencumbered.
Speaking of the station, the bathrooms in the lounge are spotless. In a city like New York, a clean, private bathroom is worth its weight in gold.
Is the 8th Avenue Lounge Actually the Best?
Travelers on Reddit and travel forums often debate this. Compared to the lounges in Chicago or D.C., the Moynihan one is lightyears ahead. It’s newer, cleaner, and better designed.
However, some people argue that the food hall downstairs in Moynihan is so good (Jacob’s Pickles, H&H Bagels, Pastrami Queen) that paying $50 for lounge food feels silly.
But you aren't just paying for food. You're paying for the silence. You're paying for the power outlet that isn't broken. You're paying for the Red Cap service—the staff can help you get to your platform via a private elevator before the rest of the crowd is even allowed to move.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit
If you decide to go, don't just sit in the first chair you see.
Walk to the far end to see the views of the street through the historic Farley Building windows. Check out the rotating seasonal menu. If you’re an Amtrak Guest Rewards member, check your app before you pay cash—you might have a forgotten coupons or enough points to cover the entry.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your ticket: If you’re in Acela First Class or a Sleeper, your access is already paid for.
- Timing is everything: Aim to arrive about 90 minutes before your train to enjoy the amenities without feeling rushed.
- Locate the Red Cap: If you have heavy bags, ask the lounge staff for Red Cap assistance about 15 minutes before boarding begins; they’ll take you down the "secret" elevator to the tracks.