You’re standing on the platform at Times Square and the humidity is hitting about 90%. You’ve got a 7:10 PM first pitch to catch. If you’ve never taken the nyc subway to citi field, you probably think it’s a straightforward shot. Just get on the purple line and get off when you see the stadium, right? Sorta. But anyone who has spent a Tuesday night stuck in a signal delay at 33rd St-Rawson knows that the MTA has its own plans for your evening. Taking the subway to see the Mets is a rite of passage for New Yorkers, a sweaty, loud, surprisingly efficient gauntlet that beats paying $50 for parking every single time.
It's about the 7 train.
The 7 is the lifeline of Queens. It’s the "International Express," and it's also the only way most of us are getting to Willets Point without selling a kidney for an Uber. But there are rules. There are tricks. There are ways to make sure you aren't still underground while Francisco Lindor is taking his first hacks.
Understanding the 7 Train vs. The Express Illusion
First thing you need to know: the circle and the diamond. If you see a (7) in a circle, it’s the local. It stops at every single station in Queens. All 21 of them. If you see the (7) inside a diamond, that’s the express. It skips a massive chunk of the line, usually cutting about 10 to 15 minutes off the trip from Manhattan.
The express is great. Except when it isn't.
On game days, the MTA usually runs "Super Express" service to the stadium. Honestly, it’s a godsend. These trains skip even more stops and basically dump a thousand Mets fans directly onto the boardwalk at Mets-Willets Point. But here’s the kicker—the express only runs in one direction. Before the game, it goes toward Queens. After the game, it goes toward Manhattan. If you’re coming from Flushing or further east, you’re stuck on the local. No exceptions.
Keep an eye on the digital countdown clocks. They’re mostly accurate these days, which is a miracle compared to ten years ago. If the local is coming in 1 minute and the express is coming in 8, just take the local. You’ll probably beat the express anyway, or at least break even without the stress of watching an empty train roar past you.
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The Long Island Rail Road: The Secret High-Class Hack
Listen, I love the subway. I really do. But sometimes you just can't deal with the 7 train's vibe. That’s where the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) comes in. Most people forget this is an option for the nyc subway to citi field route, even though it’s technically a different system.
You go to Penn Station or Grand Central Madison. You hop on a Port Washington Branch train.
It takes about 18 to 20 minutes. That’s it.
You aren't stopping at 46th Street. You aren't stopping at Junction Blvd. You’re flying. The downside? It costs more. A CityTicket is currently about $5.00 or $7.00 depending on the time of day, which is double a subway fare, but you get a cushioned seat and air conditioning that actually works. If you’re coming from the West Side or the new Grand Central terminal, it is objectively the better way to travel. Just check the schedule on the TrainTime app. If you miss a Port Washington train, you might be waiting 30 minutes for the next one, and at that point, you should’ve just taken the 7.
What Nobody Tells You About the Willets Point Station
When the train pulls into Mets-Willets Point, don't just follow the crowd blindly like a lemming. The station has two main exits. Most people head toward the "Mets-Willets Point" side which leads to the main boardwalk and the Jackie Robinson Rotunda. It’s iconic. It’s where the statues are. It’s also where the line is 400 people deep for the metal detectors.
If your seats are in the outfield or the upper deck on the right-field side, there’s an alternate path.
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Walk toward the back of the train (if you’re coming from Manhattan). There’s a smaller staircase. It’s less crowded. It puts you closer to the right-field gate. People gatekeep this info because they don't want their "secret" exit getting flooded, but honestly, anything that thins out the crowd at the Rotunda is a win for everyone.
Also, be careful on the stairs. They’re old. They’re concrete. When it rains, they become a slip-and-slide. I’ve seen grown men in Pete Alonso jerseys take a spill that would end a pro athlete’s career. Take it slow.
Transferring Like a Pro (Avoiding the 42nd St Disaster)
Most people think they have to go to Times Square to get the 7. Please don't do that to yourself if you can avoid it. Times Square is a circle of hell during rush hour.
- From the East Side: Catch the 7 at Grand Central. It’s a shorter walk to the platform.
- From Brooklyn: Take the G to Court Square and transfer there. It’s a long walk through a tunnel, but it’s better than going all the way into Manhattan just to come back out.
- From the North: If you’re coming from the Bronx, take the 4 or 5 down to Grand Central.
The Court Square transfer is particularly clutch. It’s one of those long, moving-walkway-style transfers (except the moving walkway is usually broken). Even so, it saves you the headache of the midtown crowds. You’ll see a bunch of other fans there, which is usually a good sign you’re in the right place.
Why the "Train to the Game" is a Queens Cultural Event
Taking the nyc subway to citi field isn't just transport. It’s part of the game. You’ll see the guy selling unofficial "OMG" shirts. You’ll hear the drum line sometimes outside the station. You’ll definitely smell the street meat.
Queens is the most diverse place on the planet. The 7 train reflects that. One minute you’re surrounded by people speaking Mandarin or Spanish, and the next, everyone is screaming because the train just crested the hill and you can see the stadium lights glowing against the twilight. It’s a vibe.
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Is it crowded? Yes. Is it loud? Absolutely. But there is a communal energy on a 7 train full of fans that you don't get in an Uber. When the Mets win, that ride back is a party. When they lose, it’s a silent, collective funeral. Both are authentic New York experiences.
Survival Tips for the Post-Game Rush
The game ends. Edwin Diaz closed it out, or maybe we got walked off—doesn't matter. Now, 40,000 people want to get on the same train at the same time. This is where things get hairy.
The MTA usually has a row of empty trains waiting on the middle tracks to handle the surge. They call them "Gap Fillers." Don't panic if the platform looks packed. They move people out fast. However, if you want a seat, you need to be strategic.
Walk all the way to the ends of the platform. Everyone clusters by the stairs. If you walk 50 yards down, you’ll often find a car with actual breathing room. Also, if you’re heading back to Manhattan, look for the express. They usually run several "Super Express" trains back to 42nd St immediately after the final out. These skip almost everything. If you see a diamond 7, jump on it. It’ll get you back to the city in 25 minutes flat.
Practical Next Steps for Your Trip
To make sure your trip to Citi Field doesn't end in a transit nightmare, follow this checklist:
- Download the OMNY App or use Contactless: Don't be the person standing at a MetroCard machine while the national anthem is playing. Use your phone or a contactless credit card at the turnstile. It's the same $2.90.
- Check the MTA Service Status: The 7 train loves "planned work." Sometimes the 7 isn't even running to Manhattan on weekends, and you have to take a shuttle bus. Check the MTA website or the "MYmta" app before you leave your house.
- Check the LIRR Schedule: If the subway is showing major delays, the LIRR is your backup. It leaves from the same general area at Willets Point, just a slightly different platform.
- Hydrate: The 7 train platforms in the summer are essentially saunas. Bring a bottle of water (sealed, if you want to bring it into the stadium).
Don't overthink it. The nyc subway to citi field is the most reliable way to get to the ballpark, provided you know which train is which and you're prepared for a little bit of Queens chaos. Grab your hat, tap your phone at the turnstile, and enjoy the ride. Just make sure you get on the right 7—nobody wants to end up at Main St. Flushing when the game is starting a mile away.