Skip to main content

πŸš„ Traveling from Connecticut

Your guide to visiting Vital Theatre Company via Metro-North

Quick Overview

From most of Connecticut, you're just 60-90 minutes from Broadway!

Take Metro-North to Grand Central Terminal, then a quick subway ride or taxi to our theatre at 339 W 47th Street.

Actors Temple Theatre
339 West 47th Street (between 8th & 9th Avenues)
New York, NY 10036

Step-by-Step Directions

  • Take Metro-North to Grand Central Terminal
    All three Metro-North lines serve Grand Central. Check mta.info/mnr for schedules.
    Lines: New Haven, Harlem, or Hudson
  • Option A: Subway from Grand Central (Recommended)
    From Grand Central, take the Shuttle (S train) to Times Square (1 stop, 5 minutes)
    Transfer to C or E train uptown to 50th Street (1 stop, 2 minutes)
    Walk west to 9th Avenue, then south to 47th Street (5 minutes)
  • Option B: Taxi/Uber from Grand Central
    Exit to street level and grab a taxi on 42nd Street
    Tell driver: "339 West 47th Street between 8th and 9th"
    About 10 minutes, $12-15 plus tip
  • Option C: Walk (20-25 minutes)
    Exit Grand Central to 42nd Street
    Walk west on 42nd to 8th Avenue (15 minutes)
    Walk north on 8th Avenue to 47th Street
    Turn left on 47th - theatre is mid-block
  • Arrive at the Theatre
    We recommend arriving 20-30 minutes before showtime
    Doors typically open 20 minutes before the performance

Show Times & Planning Your Trip

Typical Show Schedule: Sunday mornings at 11:00 AM

Show Duration: 55 minutes with no intermission

πŸ’‘ Travel Tip: For an 11:00 AM show, we recommend catching a train that arrives at Grand Central by 10:15 AM. This gives you time for the subway ride and arrival at the theatre.

Sample Metro-North Arrival Times for 11:00 AM Show:

  • New Haven Line:
    • From Stamford: Trains departing 9:20-9:35 AM arrive ~10:00-10:15 AM
    • From Greenwich: Trains departing 9:30-9:45 AM arrive ~10:05-10:20 AM
    • From New Haven: Trains departing 8:30-8:45 AM arrive ~10:00-10:15 AM
  • Harlem Line:
    • From White Plains: Trains departing 9:40-9:55 AM arrive ~10:15-10:30 AM
    • From Brewster: Trains departing 8:45-9:00 AM arrive ~10:00-10:15 AM
  • Hudson Line:
    • From Poughkeepsie: Trains departing 8:15-8:30 AM arrive ~9:50-10:05 AM

Always check current schedules at mta.info/mnr - weekend schedules vary

Make it a Full Day Trip!

Combine the show with other NYC activities:

Before the Show:

  • Explore Grand Central Terminal itself - beautiful architecture and food market
  • Visit Bryant Park (42nd & 6th Ave) - just 5 blocks from Grand Central
  • Walk through Times Square on your way to the theatre

After the Show (around 12:15 PM):

  • Lunch in the Theatre District - dozens of family restaurants
  • Central Park - 10 minute walk, perfect for kids to run around
  • Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum - 15 minute walk (Pier 86)
  • Madame Tussauds - 5 minute walk (234 W 42nd St)
  • Rockefeller Center - 15 minute walk or quick subway

Dining Options Nearby

Lots of family-friendly restaurants within 5 minutes of the theatre:

  • Ellen's Stardust Diner - Famous singing waitstaff, kids love it! (1650 Broadway)
  • Carmine's - Italian family-style, huge portions (200 W 44th St)
  • Shake Shack - Quick burgers (multiple Times Square locations)
  • Junior's - Classic diner with famous cheesecake (1515 Broadway)
  • Hard Rock Cafe - American classics, kid-friendly (1501 Broadway)
πŸ’‘ Tip: Eat after the show! Restaurants are less crowded before noon, and you won't rush.

Money-Saving Tips for CT Families

  • 🎫 CityTicket: On weekends, Metro-North offers discounted CityTicket fares within NYC
  • πŸ‘¨β€πŸ‘©β€πŸ‘§β€πŸ‘¦ Family Fare: Some weekend deals available - check MTA website
  • πŸš‡ Unlimited MetroCard: If doing multiple activities, get a 1-day unlimited ($8.50)
  • 🍽️ Early Dining: Many restaurants have brunch specials before 1 PM
  • 🎭 Group Discounts: Groups of 10+ qualify for ticket discounts - bring friends!

Family Travel Tips

  • πŸŽ’ Pack Light: Bring only essentials - theatre has limited storage
  • 🚽 Bathroom Breaks: Use Grand Central facilities before heading to theatre
  • 🍎 Snacks: Bring snacks for the train - kids can eat on Metro-North
  • πŸ“± Tickets: Can be on your phone or printed - have them ready at door
  • πŸ§₯ Dress: Layers recommended - theatres can be cool, subway warm
  • ⏰ Time: Build in buffer time for first visit - connections are easy but allow for delays
  • πŸ—ΊοΈ Navigation: Download offline Google Maps of the area in case of spotty service

Why Take the Train?

  • βœ… Stress-Free: No parking hassles or NYC traffic
  • βœ… Cost-Effective: Train fares much cheaper than parking ($30-50) + gas + tolls
  • βœ… Relaxing: Kids can move around, use devices, snack freely
  • βœ… Scenic: Beautiful views along Long Island Sound (New Haven Line)
  • βœ… Eco-Friendly: Reduce your carbon footprint
  • βœ… Part of the Adventure: Many kids love taking the train!
Get Tickets to Penguin Goes to Flight School View All Shows

Have an older child too? Kid Frankenstein, The Musical plays the same theatre for ages 7+.