Mets Fans Arrive at Citi Field in Amazin’ Fashion for Home Opener

Hundreds of Mets Fans Ride Vintage Redbird Trains to Citi Field

View Photos and Video of Nostalgia Train Ride to Citi Field

Mets Fans Taking LIRR to Game Save $5.00 by Using 'Take the Train to the Game' Promotion

The New York Mets opened their 2026 season in Queens today, hosting the Pittsburgh Pirates. Thousands of Mets fans filled the transit system on their way to Citi Field, and a lucky few thousand rode in style on a train synonymous with the team.

The Redbirds rode the rails again. After returning from a seven-year hiatus for last year's home opener, fans got the opportunity to take the classic Redbird trains to Mets-Willets Point station.

Fans boarded the Redbirds at the line's Manhattan terminal, 34 St-Hudson Yards, at approximately 11:00 a.m., making all stops in Manhattan and Queens, including Vernon Blvd-Jackson Av, Hunters Point Av, Court Sq-23 St, Queensboro Plaza, 61 St-Woodside, Junction Blvd, and Mets-Willets Point.

Originally operated by the Interborough Rapid Transit (IRT) system, the first Redbird trains entered service in 1959-three years before the New York Mets were founded. The Redbirds consisted of several car types, including R26, R28, R29, R33, and R36 models, all painted in a distinctive deep red.

LIRR's "Take the Train to the Game" Promotion

Through the new "Take the Train to the Game" promotion announced with the Mets ahead of today's home opener, customers attending Mets home games can receive $5 off select Long Island Rail Road tickets for travel on the day of the game. The discount applies to Day Pass and CityTicket Day Pass purchases to Mets-Willets Point made in the TrainTime app.

The LIRR provides direct service to Mets-Willets Point throughout the season via the Port Washington Branch, just a 19-minute ride from Penn Station. Fans traveling from Long Island on other branches can transfer at Woodside, less than a 10-minute ride from the stadium.

Fewer parking spaces are available at Citi Field this season due to ongoing construction around the stadium. Mets fans are encouraged to take public transportation, with multiple MTA options available to get to the game.

New York City Subway and Buses

The Mets-Willets Point subway station is right in front of Citi Field on Roosevelt Av near 126 St. Fans can always take either the local or express to reach Mets-Willets Point.

Following the Queens Bus Redesign, the new Q90 bus stops on Seaver Way. For more details, see our Queens bus schedules, or the Queens bus map.

Metro-North Railroad

Grand Central Madison makes it easier than ever for Mets fans in Metro-North territory to get to the game.

Customers can take a one-seat ride into Grand Central and finish their trip either on the LIRR or the train. Either option can get a customer to the stadium in 30 minutes from Grand Central.

Access-A-Ride

Access-A-Ride paratransit has a designated stop at Citi Field located at 41 Seaver Way (126 St and 37 Av), south of the Bullpen Gate in the Passenger Loading Zone (second cut out) directly in front of the AMWAY awning. Customers have ample shelter and a clear sight line of 126 St from Bullpen Gate.

To book a trip, customers can use MyAAR, the MTA app, or call (877)-337-2017.