MTA Offers $5 LIRR Discount for Mets Opener
MTA offers $5 LIRR fare discount for Mets home opener amid reduced stadium parking
MTA Cuts LIRR Fares $5 for Mets Home Opener
New York Mets fans heading to Thursday's home opener can save $5 on Long Island Rail Road tickets through a new promotion launched by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. The "Take the Train to the Game" discount applies to day passes and CityTicket purchases made through the TrainTime app for the March 26 game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citi Field. Officials said the promotion addresses reduced parking availability at the stadium due to ongoing construction.
Parking Constraints Drive Transit Push
The fare discount comes as Citi Field faces fewer available parking spots this season because of construction projects at the venue. Transit officials said the reduced parking capacity makes rail service a more practical option for many fans attending games. Weekday CityTicket Day Pass prices from Manhattan drop from $14.50 to $9.50 with the promotion, while weekend passes decrease from $10.50 to $5.50. The MTA and Mets are working together to expand affordable transportation options for the 2026 season.
Multiple Rail Options Serve Stadium
The Long Island Rail Road provides direct service to Mets-Willets Point station via the Port Washington Branch, with trips from Penn Station taking 19 minutes. Metro-North Railroad customers can reach the stadium in 30 minutes from Grand Central Madison using LIRR or subway connections. The Mets-Willets Point subway station sits directly in front of Citi Field on Roosevelt Avenue near 126th Street, accessible via both local and express 7 trains. The Q48 bus also stops at 126th Street and Roosevelt Avenue in front of the stadium.
Promotion Available Through TrainTime App
The $5 discount is available exclusively through the TrainTime app for Thursday's 1:15 p.m. game. Access-A-Ride paratransit service has a designated stop at 41 Seaver Way in the Passenger Loading Zone directly in front of the AMWAY awning. Officials said the MTA is marketing similar promotional opportunities to other venues, teams, and businesses interested in offering discounted or free railroad travel through the app.
Transit Options Expand for Season
The promotion marks the MTA's effort to position rail service as the primary transportation option for Mets games this season. Real-time tracking for buses and trains is available through the MYmta app, officials said. Riders can also use Moovit for real-time transit updates and trip planning to Citi Field and other destinations across the New York area. The agency didn't say whether the $5 discount will extend beyond opening day to other games during the season.
