MTA: Metro-North Railroad & Long Island Rail Road Official Fare Information →

Payment Methods

My Contactless Card

✗ No

QR Code Support

✓ Yes

Cash Support

✓ Yes

Contactless Card Sharing

✗ Separate card for each rider

Requires Tap Off

✗ No

Special Tap Reader for Transfer

✗ No

Transfer Policy

Transfer Time Limit

No free transfers

Unlimited Within Time

✗ No

About MTA-RR Fare Payment

MTA Railroad services include Metro-North Railroad and the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), providing commuter rail service to and from New York City.

Payment Methods

MTA-RR supports various payment methods:

  • MTA eTix Mobile App: QR code-based mobile ticketing
  • Mail&Ride: Monthly ticket subscription program
  • Ticket Vending Machines: Accept cash and credit/debit cards
  • Station Ticket Windows: Cash and card payments
  • On-board Purchase: Cash only, with additional surcharge

Transfer Policy

MTA Railroad uses a zone-based fare system. There are no free transfers within the railroad system or to other transit modes, but combination tickets may be available for connecting to NYC Transit services at specific stations.

Important Notes

  • QR code tickets purchased through MTA eTix app must be activated at least 1 minute before boarding. A surcharge may apply for tickets activated late.
  • Peak fares are charged during weekday rush hours on trains scheduled to arrive in NYC terminals between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. or depart NYC terminals between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. On Metro-North, peak fares also apply to weekday trains that leave Grand Central between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. Peak fares do not apply to weekends and holidays
  • Monthly passes and multi-ride tickets offer discounted rates
  • CityTicket program offers reduced fares for travel within NYC on weekends