How to Get to the US Open from Manhattan | Train Or Subway

The 7 train is the cheapest route from Manhattan; the LIRR is faster, and both stop at Mets-Willets Point beside the US Open.

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Traffic across Queens can turn a simple ride into a missed first set. For most visitors, how to get to the US Open from Manhattan comes down to two sensible choices: take the 7 subway for $3 or use the Long Island Rail Road from Penn Station or Grand Central Madison for a shorter ride.

Both routes end at Mets-Willets Point, followed by a signed walk to the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. The subway suits travelers staying near Times Square, Bryant Park, Grand Central, or Hudson Yards; the LIRR is worth the higher fare when every minute matters.

Which Train Should You Take From Manhattan?

The 7 train is the low-cost choice, while the LIRR is the time-saving choice. A taxi or rideshare makes sense mainly for travelers who cannot use rail or are moving as a group with mobility needs.

• Choose the 7 train for one fare, frequent service, and a direct ride from four Midtown stations.
• Choose the LIRR from Penn Station or Grand Central Madison when a direct Port Washington Branch train fits your session time.
• Skip driving when possible. Tournament traffic, limited parking, and event controls make rail more predictable.

Compare the available rail and transfer choices for your travel date before leaving Manhattan:

Manhattan To Flushing Meadows: Subway And Rail Choices

Midtown offers direct service, while Lower Manhattan and the Upper West Side require one transfer. Travel times below include a normal wait but not the walk from your hotel or security at the tennis center.

The MTA charges $3 for a subway ride in 2026. LIRR Zone 1 fares between Manhattan and Mets-Willets Point are $5.25 off-peak or $7.25 peak when purchased before boarding.

Taking The 7 Subway

The 7 subway gives most Manhattan visitors the simplest trip because no separate ticket is needed. Board a Queens-bound 7 at 34 St-Hudson Yards, Times Sq-42 St, 5 Av-Bryant Park, or Grand Central-42 St and exit at Mets-Willets Point.

Local and express 7 trains both serve Mets-Willets Point when scheduled. Do not wait for an express unless the MTA app shows one arriving soon; the local is usually the safer choice when service patterns change.

Pay by tapping the same contactless bank card, phone, wearable, or OMNY Card at the turnstile. MetroCard sales ended on January 1, 2026, so visitors should plan to use OMNY.

Taking The LIRR From Penn Station Or Grand Central

The LIRR is the quickest scheduled ride from Midtown, with direct Port Washington Branch trains serving Mets-Willets Point. Penn Station trips can take 19 minutes, while Grand Central Madison trips commonly take about 20-30 minutes.

Buy the ticket in the MTA TrainTime app or at a machine before boarding. The 2026 onboard Zone 1 fare is much higher than the advance fare, reaching $15 peak or $13 off-peak.

Check the departure board carefully because only Port Washington Branch trains that list Mets-Willets Point will stop there. Event service can differ from the normal timetable, especially late at night.

Arrival At The Tennis Center

Mets-Willets Point places fans beside Flushing Meadows Corona Park, not at the stadium door. Follow US Open signs and the boardwalk toward the Main Entry, allowing roughly 10-15 minutes for the walk.

The official US Open transportation page confirms the 7 train, LIRR, rideshare location, and current driving approaches. The official US Open app can also show gate wait times during the tournament.

Accessibility: The Mets-Willets Point LIRR station is not accessible. Guests needing a step-free route should use the 7 train and check MTA elevator status before departure.

Taxi, Rideshare, And Driving

Cars offer door-to-area travel, but they are less predictable than rail during tournament sessions. Rideshare and black-car pickups and drop-offs use the New York Hall of Science area in Lot H, followed by a walking path to Champions’ Entry.

A complimentary shuttle is available for guests who need assistance between the rideshare area and Champions’ Entry. Drivers should enter the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Flushing Meadow Corona Park, Flushing, NY 11368, and then follow police and event signs rather than relying on the final turns from a navigation app.

Common approaches use Grand Central Parkway exit 9E, Whitestone Expressway exit 13D, or Long Island Expressway exit 22B at College Point Boulevard. Parking locations can change when another large event is scheduled nearby.

Stay Near A Direct Route

A Manhattan hotel near the 7 train removes the need for a transfer on both the outbound and late-night return. Grand Central, Bryant Park, Times Square, and Hudson Yards all provide direct subway service, while Penn Station and Grand Central also offer LIRR departures.

Use the map to compare stays near the stations that match your preferred route:

How Early Should You Leave Manhattan?

Aim to reach Mets-Willets Point 45-60 minutes before the first match you want to see. The station-to-gate walk, bag check, crowds, and an occasional service delay can consume that buffer quickly.

• Add 15-20 minutes when leaving a hotel that is not beside your departure station.
• Add more time for a day-session opening, a marquee night match, or a large bag that may slow screening.
• Check the MTA app before walking out; planned work can change transfers or express service.
• For the return, save the route to your Manhattan stop before entering the grounds.

Pick Your Route By Priority

The right choice depends on whether fare, speed, accessibility, or late-night frequency matters most. These picks cover the main decisions without adding an unnecessary car trip.

• Lowest cost: Take the Queens-bound 7 train for $3.
• Shortest scheduled ride: Take a direct Port Washington Branch LIRR train from Penn Station or Grand Central Madison.
• Step-free planning: Use the 7 train, confirm elevator status, and allow 10-15 minutes from the station to Main Entry.
• Late-night flexibility: Favor the 7 unless a listed LIRR departure lines up with the end of your session.
• Rideshare: Use the New York Hall of Science pickup area and expect traffic after the final match.