Three Yellow Cab stands, two rideshare zones — here's exactly where to go depending on which exit you take.
Yellow Cab
Taxi Stand Locations
Penn Station has three official Yellow Cab dispatch stands. All are managed by TLC-licensed dispatchers — join the queue and a dispatcher assigns you the next cab. Do not accept rides from drivers approaching you inside the station.
1
7th Avenue Stand
SE Corner, 31st St & 7th Ave
Exit Penn Station toward 7th Avenue (follow "7th Ave / Downtown" signs from the main concourse). The taxi stand is at the southeast corner of 31st Street and 7th Avenue. Best if you're heading downtown or to the East Side.
💡 7th Avenue runs downtown (south). If your destination is below 31st Street or east of Penn, this is your stand.
2
8th Avenue Stand
SE Corner, 33rd St & 8th Ave
Exit toward 8th Avenue and walk to the southeast corner of 33rd Street. Best if you're heading uptown or to the West Side. This is typically the busiest stand during peak hours.
💡 8th Avenue runs uptown (north). Use this stand if you're heading to the Upper West Side, midtown West, or Hell's Kitchen.
3
Moynihan Train Hall Stand
NW Corner, 31st St & 8th Ave
If you arrived via Amtrak or entered through Moynihan Train Hall (the main hall on the west side of 8th Avenue), exit onto 8th Avenue — the taxi stand is immediately outside on the northwest corner of 31st Street. Often shorter queues than the main Penn Station stands.
💡 Moynihan's stand is frequently overlooked — if the 8th Avenue stand at 33rd has a long queue, walk one block south to this one.
Pricing
What Does a Taxi Cost?
Yellow Cabs from Penn Station are metered — there is no flat rate for trips within NYC (unlike JFK to Manhattan, which has a $70 flat rate). The meter starts at $2.50 and runs $0.50 per 1/5 mile.
Destination
Est. Fare
Notes
Midtown (34th–59th St)
$10–$18
5–15 min depending on traffic
Times Square area
$8–$12
Very short trip — consider walking
Upper West/East Side
$18–$28
Longer trip, more traffic exposure
Downtown / Financial District
$20–$32
Can be slow in afternoon traffic
JFK Airport
$70 flat
Fixed rate to any Manhattan address from JFK, not from Penn
Surcharges apply: All trips in Manhattan south of 96th Street include a $2.50 NY State congestion surcharge. Trips in the congestion pricing zone (south of 60th St) add $0.75. Plus tip — 20% is standard. Source: NYC TLC official fare page.
Uber · Lyft
Rideshare Pickup Zones
Uber and Lyft do not operate from the taxi stands. Rideshare pickup is in designated zones on the street — request your car after you've exited the station, not while you're still inside.
Penn Station Rideshare
33rd St between 8th & 9th Ave
Main rideshare pickup zone for Penn Station. Walk out the 8th Avenue exit, turn left on 33rd Street, and head toward 9th Avenue. Set your pin on the middle of the block.
Moynihan Train Hall
8th Ave side — designated pickup points
Moynihan has dedicated rideshare pickup and drop-off points on the 8th Avenue side of the building. Check the app for the exact pin — it varies by carrier.
Tip: Don't request your Uber while you're still at baggage or waiting on the platform. Walk outside first, confirm your location, then request — otherwise your driver may cancel before you reach the pickup zone.
Insider Tips
What Locals Know
Avoid unlicensed drivers. Inside Penn Station and on the surrounding blocks, you'll be approached by people offering car service. These are not Yellow Cabs and are not metered — prices are negotiated and almost always inflated. Only use the official taxi dispatch queues at the three stands above.
Peak hours: Taxi queues are longest weekdays 5–7pm and Friday afternoons. If the 8th Avenue stand has a long line, try the Moynihan stand on 31st Street — it's one block south and often has shorter waits.
Yellow Cab vs. rideshare: During surge pricing (rainy days, rush hour, late Friday nights), a metered Yellow Cab is often cheaper than Uber or Lyft. Yellow Cabs never surge. Check both before you commit.
Heading to an airport? JFK has a $70 flat rate — but only from JFK to Manhattan, not the reverse. From Penn Station to JFK, EWR, or LGA, the meter runs. The AirTrain + LIRR is almost always cheaper and more predictable.
FAQ
Common Questions
Where is the taxi stand at Penn Station?
Penn Station has three taxi stand locations: 7th Avenue at 31st Street (southeast corner), 8th Avenue at 33rd Street (southeast corner), and outside Moynihan Train Hall at 31st Street and 8th Avenue (northwest corner). All are Yellow Cab dispatched stands.
How much does a taxi from Penn Station cost?
Yellow Cabs are metered from Penn Station — there is no flat rate. The meter starts at $2.50, plus $0.50 per 1/5 mile. A typical midtown trip runs $10–$18 before tip and surcharges. A $2.50 NY State congestion surcharge applies to all Manhattan trips south of 96th Street.
Where do Uber and Lyft pick up at Penn Station?
Rideshare pickup is on 33rd Street between 8th and 9th Avenues — in the middle of the block. Do not request your car from inside the station; walk outside first, then open the app. Moynihan Train Hall also has dedicated rideshare pickup points on the 8th Avenue side.
Which exit should I use to get a taxi?
For the 7th Avenue stand, follow "7th Ave / Downtown" signs from the main concourse. For the 8th Avenue stand, use the 8th Avenue exit toward 33rd Street. If arriving on Amtrak via Moynihan Train Hall, exit onto 8th Avenue — the taxi stand is immediately outside on 31st Street.
Is there a taxi line at Penn Station?
Yes — all three stands are managed queues with TLC-licensed dispatchers. Join the line and wait for your turn. Do not approach parked cabs directly or accept offers from drivers inside the terminal — these are unlicensed and will overcharge.
Can I get a taxi to JFK, LGA, or EWR from Penn Station?
Yes, but it's expensive. Metered cabs to JFK run $55–$85+ depending on traffic, plus tolls and tip. The $70 JFK flat rate only applies in the reverse direction (from JFK to Manhattan). For airport trips, the AirTrain + LIRR to JFK is faster and cheaper — see our Penn Station to JFK guide.