The number one transit question we get from out-of-state attorneys: "I'm arriving at Penn Station at 8:30 — can I make a 9 AM deposition at 488 Madison?" Yes. Comfortably. Here's exactly how.
The 12-Minute Route (E or M Train)
This is the workhorse route for attorneys arriving from New Jersey or by Amtrak. It's direct, reliable, and puts you within a 4-minute walk of 488 Madison Ave.
Exit Penn Station toward 8th Ave
Follow signs for the A/C/E subway lines. You want the E or M train on the Queens-bound platform (downtown level of the 8th Ave subway station).
Take the E or M train — Queens direction
Board any Queens-bound E or M train. These run every 3–5 minutes during peak hours. Both trains stop at your destination — you don't need to choose.
Exit at Lexington Av/51 St (E/M)
Two stops from Penn Station. The ride takes under 5 minutes. Take the 51st Street exit from the station — it lets you out on Lexington Ave.
Walk 4 minutes west to 488 Madison
Walk one block west on 51st St from Lexington to Madison Ave. 488 Madison is at the corner of 51st and Madison. Total walk: 4 minutes at a normal pace.
Backup Routes (If the E/M Is Disrupted)
MTA service changes on weekends can reroute or skip the Lexington Ave stop. Here are two reliable backups:
1/2/3 Train to Times Square, then walk
Weekend backup~18 minutes total
Take the 1/2/3 train from Penn Station to Times Square (1 stop). Walk east on 51st St approximately 10 minutes to Madison Ave. Slightly longer but avoids any E/M service gaps.
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
Bad weather only~15–25 minutes (traffic dependent)
A direct rideshare from Penn Station to 488 Madison is $12–$18 base fare. Do not rely on this for tight timing — Midtown traffic can extend this to 40+ minutes during rush hour. Use only with 45+ minute buffer.
Walk via 8th Ave and 51st St
Good weather, no luggage~22 minutes on foot
Penn Station to 488 Madison is a 1.1-mile walk. Possible in good weather with time to spare. Walk east on 34th, north on Madison to 51st. Not recommended with luggage.
Timing Buffer Recommendations
Based on hosting thousands of out-of-state depositions at 488 Madison, here's what actually works:
Amtrak Acela from DC/Boston
Arrive 30 min earlyAcela runs on time 90% of the time. Trains pull into Penn Station Track 1-8 — short walk to E/M. A 30-min buffer gets you to 488 Madison with time for coffee.
NJ Transit from Newark/Hoboken
Arrive 45 min earlyNJ Transit delays are common during peak hours. Add a 45-minute buffer to ensure you're not sprinting across Midtown.
Amtrak long-haul from Chicago/Boston
Arrive 60 min earlyLong-haul trains have higher delay variance. Book into the day before when possible for multi-day depositions.
Arriving at 488 Madison — What to Expect
The building has a doorman and a security desk in the lobby. Tell them you're going to Suite 1120, Cindy Afanador Court Reporting. You'll be directed to the elevators on your left. Suite 1120 is on the 11th floor.
If you have luggage, our staff will take it from you at the suite entrance and store it securely until you're ready to leave for the airport. No fee, no paperwork.
488 Madison Ave, Suite 1120
New York, NY 10022 · Between 51st and 52nd Street · Elevators to the left of the lobby security desk
Full Visiting Counsel Guide
Transit from all three airports, hotel partners, luggage storage, and same-day logistics — everything in one place.
View the Full Visiting Counsel GuideCindy Afanador, RMR CRR RPR CSR
Registered Merit Reporter · 30+ Years NYC Experience
With 30+ years of hosting attorneys at 488 Madison Avenue, Cindy knows the transit questions before you ask them. This series answers the logistics questions she hears most.