Three main lines connecting Grand Central to Westchester, Connecticut, and the Hudson Valley. Here's what you need to know before you board.
Metro-North operates three main lines from Grand Central Terminal, serving New York's northern suburbs and Connecticut. All lines depart from the lower level (Track 100s) or upper level (Track 200s) — check the departure board for your specific train.
Runs north through the Bronx, Westchester County (White Plains, Mount Kisco, Brewster), and into Dutchess County. The most heavily used Metro-North line for Westchester commuters.
Runs along the east bank of the Hudson River through Yonkers, Tarrytown, and Croton-on-Hudson, continuing north to Poughkeepsie. Scenic route with river views on the westbound side.
The longest Metro-North line, running east through the Bronx, into Connecticut via Greenwich, Stamford, Bridgeport, and terminating at New Haven. Has three branches: New Canaan, Danbury, and Waterbury.
Fares are zone-based — each station is assigned a zone, and the price depends on how many zones you cross. Peak and off-peak pricing applies based on departure time.
| Ticket Type | Peak | Off-Peak | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| CityTicket (within NYC) | $7.25 | $5.25 | Travel within NYC without changing direction |
| CityTicket Day Pass | $14.50 | $10.50 (weekends) | Unlimited trips within NYC on one day |
| Zone fares (Westchester/CT) | Varies by zone | Varies by zone | Use MTA fare calculator for exact price |
Peak hours: Trains arriving at Grand Central 6am–10am · Trains departing Grand Central 4pm–8pm · Trains leaving Grand Central 6am–9am on weekdays. All weekend trains are off-peak.
Save money: If you're traveling off-peak, you can often buy a round-trip off-peak ticket for less than two one-way peak tickets. Monthly passes offer the best per-trip value for regular commuters.
Good for a single trip between two stations. Valid until 4am the day after purchase. Best for occasional travelers.
Two one-way tickets at a slight discount. Return portion is valid for 30 days. Good if you're making a day trip.
Unlimited travel between two stations for one week (Mon–Sun). Best for commuters working 4+ days a week.
Unlimited travel between two stations for one calendar month. Best per-trip value for daily commuters.
Discounted fare for trips entirely within NYC (e.g. Grand Central to Harlem–125th St or Fordham). Great for in-city trips.
Travel to Grand Central on one line then transfer to another line to continue your trip. Useful for cross-line journeys.
Buy before you board. Purchasing a ticket on board from the conductor includes an on-board surcharge — unless your departure station has no ticket machine. Always buy at the machine, window, or via the TrainTime app first.
Check the departure board first. Metro-North track assignments at Grand Central are posted on the main departures board — tracks are announced shortly before departure and change frequently. Don't assume your usual track.
Upper vs. lower level. Grand Central has two levels of tracks. Upper level (200s) and lower level (100s). Your ticket and the board will tell you which level — give yourself a minute to navigate if you're unfamiliar with the terminal.
Skip peak if you can. Off-peak trains are significantly cheaper and often less crowded. If your schedule allows departing after 9am or before 4pm on weekdays, you'll save money and get a seat.
New Haven Line: express vs. local. Some New Haven Line trains skip stations between New York and Stamford — check the schedule carefully. An "express" to Stamford may not stop at Greenwich, for example.
Luggage on Metro-North. No formal luggage restrictions, but overhead racks are limited. During peak hours, large bags are difficult to manage. If you're heading to the airport, the AirTrain + LIRR to JFK from Penn Station is a better option.
Metro-North schedules change seasonally. Always check the official MTA site or app for current departure times — don't rely on third-party aggregators for exact times.
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