ONE of the busiest train stations in the world is set to receive a huge £5billion facelift – with the glow-up finally coming after decades of delays.
Construction for the long-awaited overhaul will begin in two years – transforming the iconic station into a more passenger-friendly hub with an eye-catching interior.
America’s busiest railway station maekover will get rid of the maze-like design that has confused commuters for years – replacing it with a much simpler layout.
Penn Station will be fitted with a 250,000 square-foot single-level facility – which will boast brighter concourses, actual amenities, new retailers and even built-in housing above.
The iconic New York transport hub which welcomes over 650,000 riders daily will be given a dazzling new design – scrapping its outdated and confusing interior.
Penn Station Mark II has already kicked off – a £1.2billion renovation restored the Farley Building which sits opposite the station.
It came with a central atrium featuring a glass roof, as well as shopper-friendly retail space and a huge 320-seat waiting area.
The Penn Station revamp is also set to tear up the old low ceilings and labyrinth-like corridors.
The station’s current design seriously lacks enough coffee stands, retail space or commuter-friendly walkways.
Amtrak is leading the charge for the ambitious megaproject – with a £32million federal grant to kick-start permitting, design and the hunt for a developer.
Penn Station is in an ‘unacceptable’ state
US Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy said: “Crumbling infrastructure, bleak and dirty architecture, unnavigable hallways, and no inviting spaces for families with kids – the current state of Penn Station is unacceptable.
“Under President Trump’s direction, we will transform Penn Station into a world-class transit hub that is beautiful, safe, and clean.
“The aggressive schedule we’ve outlined will ensure we are back on track to deliver a gleaming monument worthy of New York City.”
Meanwhile, an Amtrak spokesperson said: “The transformation of New York Penn Station is underway, and USDOT and Amtrak are strongly committed to beginning construction by the end of 2027.”
The firm’s spokesperson thanked Trump for “bringing urgency and clarity” to the station’s renovation which has long been plagued by delays and cancellations.
Disruption expected…
The project is being billed as a long-overdue transformation of one of New York’s busiest transport hubs – but the construction will not come without disruption.
Travellers should expect re-routed journeys, temporary closures and fresh signage across the station.
While officials insist the impact will be “minimal,” many commuters remain sceptical.
Delays, cancellations and sudden changes to train schedules are likely during the works.
The overhaul is expected to take two years to complete, with major construction beginning in 2027.
For now, passengers will still have to contend with the crowded, outdated station until the long-awaited facelift finally arrives.
Penn Station revamp timeline

THE US Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Amtrak have revealed next steps for the long-awaited transformation of New York’s iconic Penn Station.
Here is the scheduled timeline the project is aiming to deliver by the end of 2027:
August 2025: Master developer solicitation advance notice
Fall 2025: Contracting industry stakeholder engagement
Late 2025: Master developer solicitation release
May 2026: Master developer selection
Summer 2026 to End of 2027: Preliminary design and National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) activities
End of 2027: Construction initiation