MTA TrainTime icon
MTA TrainTime App Review: Comprehensive Transit Management for NYC Commuters

by Metropolitan Transportation Authority

4.9
IOSNavigation
The MTA TrainTime app serves as a comprehensive digital companion for Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad passengers, offering ticket purchasing, real-time tracking, and trip planning functionality for New York's suburban rail networks.

Detailed Review

The MTA TrainTime application represents the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's flagship digital platform for managing commuter rail travel throughout the New York metropolitan area. This iOS application consolidates multiple transit management functions into a single interface, serving both Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad customers with comprehensive trip planning and execution tools. The application's core functionality centers around three primary areas: digital ticketing, real-time trip planning, and train tracking. Users can purchase tickets using Apple Pay or credit/debit cards, with the unique ability to split payments between two payment methods. The trip planning feature allows simultaneous searches for multiple origin and destination stations, providing departure times and transfer details. Real-time train tracking enables passengers to monitor their train's progress and receive arrival predictions, while the 'favorite trains' feature saves frequently used routes for quick access. User experience demonstrates thoughtful design considerations for commuter scenarios. The interface prioritizes time-sensitive information while maintaining accessibility for occasional riders. During real-world testing, the application performs reliably in high-stress environments such as crowded stations or last-minute ticket purchases. The share functionality allows travelers to coordinate with family members or colleagues, enhancing the social dimension of transit planning. User feedback trends consistently highlight the application's practical utility, with numerous reviews praising its comprehensive feature set. User 'theresa6' noted on August 17, 2025 that 'All the info I need is right here,' reflecting the application's information density. 'GigiTee' reported on September 3, 2025 that the application 'told me a cheaper way to travel, saving me a few bucks,' indicating cost-saving routing algorithms. While most reviews are overwhelmingly positive, some users like 'mocabutta' have used the review platform to comment on station conditions rather than application functionality itself. The application demonstrates particular strength in integrating multiple transit management functions while maintaining performance stability. Limitations include the geographic restriction to MTA-operated rail services and dependency on cellular connectivity for real-time features. The application proves most valuable for regular commuters and visitors navigating between New York City and suburban locations, particularly those requiring flexible payment options and real-time schedule adjustments.

Key Features

  • Digital ticketing with Apple Pay and split payment options between two cards, eliminating physical ticket queues and enabling cost-sharing among travelers
  • Simultaneous multi-station trip planning that allows searching two origin and/or destination stations, facilitating complex itinerary comparisons
  • Real-time train tracking with live arrival predictions and service status updates, providing crucial information for schedule-sensitive commuters
  • Favorite trains storage system for quick access to frequently used routes, reducing repetitive search efforts for regular passengers
  • Trip sharing functionality that enables coordination with family or colleagues, enhancing group travel planning efficiency
  • Integrated payment and trip planning that suggests cost-optimized routes, as reported by users experiencing unexpected savings

Why Users Love It

Comprehensive feature integration
Reliable real-time updates

Perfect for: Regular commuters and visitors using LIRR or Metro-North railroads

Screenshots

MTA TrainTime screenshot 1MTA TrainTime screenshot 2MTA TrainTime screenshot 3MTA TrainTime screenshot 4MTA TrainTime screenshot 5MTA TrainTime screenshot 6

Ranking History

Track MTA TrainTime's performance in Navigation over the last 30 days

Top 5
Top 10
Top 15
Below 15

Current Rank

#10

Best Rank

#6

All-time high

Average Rank

#9

30-day average

User Reviews

All Hail Hera
Jun 19, 2025

In the "BA", Before Apps era, we used to have to study these color-coded, little paper pamphlets to try and figure out train schedules. Then once you deciphered that ancient mystery, you had to haul it to a ticket machine to buy a ticket. I can now easily check schedules and buy a ticket online. May we learn how to live in peace, as we travel together on this train ride of life 💙🌀 Gen X-er who knows the struggle of buying tix back in the day... In the "BA", Before Apps era, we used to have to study these color-coded, little paper pamphlets to try and figure out train schedules. Then once you deciphered that ancient mystery, you had to haul it to a ticket machine to buy a ticket. I can now easily check schedules and buy a ticket online. May we learn how to live in peace, as we travel together on this train ride of life 💙🌀

DevinZimmer
Jun 18, 2025

So easy when I’m on a night train. Love how easy it is when I buy tickets and activate from the platform. It’s like dancing with Mr. Brownstone! So Easy So easy when I’m on a night train. Love how easy it is when I buy tickets and activate from the platform. It’s like dancing with Mr. Brownstone!

Harlem dad
Jun 19, 2025

Easy to check schedule and buy tickets for LIRR and Metro North. Particularly if you only ride the railroads occasionally. Does it job well Easy to check schedule and buy tickets for LIRR and Metro North. Particularly if you only ride the railroads occasionally.

DesiNYC
Jun 14, 2025

Need to get to the City from LI, this is all you need. ‘Nuff said. Tickets, times, tracks, routes…. There I said more, you happy? Fuhgettabout any other app in NY Need to get to the City from LI, this is all you need. ‘Nuff said. Tickets, times, tracks, routes…. There I said more, you happy?

GigiTee
Sep 3, 2025

I can’t believe this app told me a cheaper way to travel, saving me a few bucks. Fantastic! Thanks for saving me money! I can’t believe this app told me a cheaper way to travel, saving me a few bucks. Fantastic!

App Details

Developer

Metropolitan Transportation Authority

Platform

ios

Rating

4.9

Last Updated

10/7/2025