Complete Guide To Citi Field Parking | New York Mets

Okay my friends, this is your much needed and long overdue (sorry about that) complete guide to parking at Citi Field, home of the Amazin’ New York Mets.

Parking is one of the pitfalls of this otherwise fantastic ballpark. It’s why most people, myself included, recommend using public transit to get there. If you do decide to drive to Citi, there are definitely things you should know.

Note: this article contains affiliate links. If you use a link to make a purchase, Ballpark E-Guides earns a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!

Whether you’re looking to go cheap, be close to the ballpark, and/or have an easy in or out, I’m covering it here. Skip to wherever you’re interested:

Official Mets Parking
Easier Exits From Mets Lots
The New Mets Shuttles
Cheaper Satellite Parking
Parking Near 7 + LIRR Stations
Free Street Parking
Tailgating at Citi Field
Avoiding Traffic Backups
Summary + A Couple More Tips

But before we begin, let me recommend my friends at SpotHero for parking anywhere in NYC. Booking your parking space in advance saves you time, money and lots of aggravation!

See the cars way in the back there? They are the savvy fans.

Citi Field Parking, Part 1: Official Mets Parking

As I write this, there are about 12,000 parking spaces operated by the Mets, which really isn’t much, especially if a game sells out. Here is their parking map.

You should plan to arrive early if you think the stands will be packed, especially on what the Mets call “Jewel Dates”, like Opening Day, Yankees games or during the U.S Open. Or just come early anyway, since traffic around Citi Field can be bad in any direction.

The only real advantage of parking in the Mets lots is their proximity to the ballpark…which I suppose is something if you’re nervous about walking in Queens. Unless you need a muffler, there’s not much to see.

Young Mr. Ballpark E-Guides Jr. here can help you find the Shea markers (they’re in Lot B).

If you’re early enough, getting into the Mets lots isn’t too much of a problem, but getting out can be a very long slog. (I’ll help you with that a little bit.)

It’s also the most expensive option. As of 2026, the Mets charge $40 for the official lots so long as you pre-pay in advance; it’s $50 at the gate. No cash is accepted, so just book it ahead of time.

There’s accessible parking in Lots B and F, but it’s first come first served. Did I mention to arrive early?

It’s like a roach motel. Getting in is the easy part.

Citi Field Parking, Part 1A: Exiting From Citi Field Lots

As someone who has personally experienced the slower-than-crawling exit from Citi Field lots, here are some tips I found to at least mitigate your exit difficulty.

The Mets (and many fans) officially recommend using Lot E for an easier exit to the Grand Central Parkway; but traffic still backs up there. I would say you could use Lots B, C, or E, but more importantly, park as close to the exit as you can, and back your car into your space.

Again, you’ll need to be there early to grab an exit area spot; people know this tip.

“Boat parking to the left, Mets parking to the right!”

If you’d like to avoid the mass egress getting out, you might be better off using the Marina West lot. It’s a bit longer of a walk, but that gives some traffic time to clear out and it offers a nice view of the Flushing Bay. Reportedly a much easier exit onto Grand Central.

The Stadium View East + West lots under the highway are across Shea Road from the ballpark; these have fewer spaces and should also be easier to exit.

Parking in the official lots at Citi is best for people who don’t mind the price and don’t want to walk far. But Citi Field is one of the slowest to exit that I’ve been to. In case I haven’t emphasized it enough, arrive very early to pick your spot.

Gametime has your cheap Mets tickets – with a lowest price guarantee, panoramic seat view photos, and great last minute deals, even after the game starts!

(See why Ballpark E-Guides loves Gametime here!)

Get your shopping at Bloomingdale’s done, and then hop on a Mets game bus!

Citi Field Parking, Part 2: Mets Game Shuttles

The Mets are aware that their parking situation is already an issue to fans, and the plans for a casino in the area won’t make things easier. So in 2026 they’ve offered a new solution: Mets game shuttles. Fans coming from New Jersey especially are very happy about this development.

This is a neat idea; I love ballpark shuttles. Not only are you avoiding navigating the chokehold of NYC ballgame traffic, you’re paying much less, and saving on parking, gas and NYC tolls to boot.

The shuttle ride isn’t free, but it’s much cheaper than parking at the game. Buses are reportedly comfortable, with air conditioning, reclining seats and power outlets.

These are popular, for good reason; you should book your ride in advance by clicking the location on this page. Here are the Google Maps locations of each bus station:

Roosevelt Field in Garden City, NY
Walt Whitman Shops in Huntington, NY
The Mall at Bay Plaza, Bronx NY
Newport Centre in Jersey City, NJ
Paramus Park in Paramus, NJ
Woodbridge Center, Woodbridge, NJ

Down and to the right for the shuttle bus.

Except for the Bay Plaza where it’s cheap, parking is free at the station lots. The best part is you won’t have to personally navigate postgame traffic. Plus you’ll be riding with other Mets fans. Kind of like the 7 train, but much more comfortable.

The buses (hopefully) arrive at the ballpark 90 minutes before the game and depart 30 minutes after the last out (or after post-game fireworks). Best not to dawdle after the game.

By the way, since you can bring your own grub into the ballpark, this is an opportunity to stop by a nearby store and fill up the goody bag before getting on the Mets bus.

Even when wet, the Southfield commuter lot offers excellent access to and from Citi Field.

Citi Field Parking, Part 3: Cheaper Satellite Lots

For some reason, Citi Field isn’t like Yankee Stadium, where there are many more non-team operated lots and garages to use. That said, it probably isn’t necessary; when it comes to non-Mets lots, you do have two very workable options.

First is the Southfield Commuter lot. This lot existed before Citi Field did; it’s designed for commuters to Manhattan or elsewhere in the city.

The Southfield lot is right across Roosevelt Avenue, on the other side of the 7 train tracks. It’s often said to be at least somewhat an easier exit than the Mets lots.

Cool Citi Field parking hack coming!

But that’s not the best part; this is my favorite Citi Field parking hack. Ready?

On game days the price is around the same as what you’ll pay in Mets lots. BUT out of fairness to commuters, the game day rate doesn’t kick in until noon for night games or 8:00 for day games. As of this writing, the commuter rate is just $6. The only exception for the commuter rate is on “Jewel” dates like Opening Day, Yankees games and U.S. Open events.

So you can arrive a few hours early and wander around Corona Park, visit the Hall of Science museum, take the little ones to Fantasy Forest, or take a train to Manhattan for lunch. Come back for the game, and walk a short distance to the lot that cost you just $6 for the day.

Happy to help.

With clearly marked targets to help you through the entrance.

If you’re looking to just park at the game more cheaply, the Skyview Mall is a better option. This is a bit farther from the ballpark on Roosevelt Avenue, about a ten minute walk which isn’t bad.

Parking in the Skyview garage is half the price of the Citi Field lots, sometimes even less. Needless to say, it being a mall, there are numerous dining options and places to fill up a goody bag.

The Skyview garages is definitely a favorite of Mets fans. In addition to being much cheaper, it’s kind of a nice walk across the pedestrian bridge with the ballpark coming into view. After the game just follow the crowd back. It’s also, according to comments I read, a much easier exit than Mets lots, although it can get backed up.

Some tips though; fans recommend parking on a lower level if you can for a quicker exit; also take a photo of where you parked ‘cause it’s a large garage.

Want to try iconic New York City foods, like Nom Wah dumplings, Essa bagels, or pizza from John’s of Bleecker Street?

The awesome folks at Goldbelly can ship these and so many more great NYC eats to your home.

Click here to try Goldbelly today!

The 7 is pretty convenient. Finding parking is the hard part.

Citi Field Parking, Part 4: Parking Near 7 + LIRR Stations

A less popular option than these two, but recommended by some, is to find cheap parking near a 7 or LIRR station and take a short and inexpensive train ride to Citi Field. I cover using those options to Citi in more detail here.

Parking near the 7 is generally done by locals who know the area. I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re not familiar with Queens. Finding free parking on streets nearby is challenging and there’s stiff competition for spots, so that’s not worth the trouble.

Just stay under the train tracks and search around. Or use the Skyview lot.

That said, there are some cheaper garages near 7 stations, like near Jackson Heights. You can book one ahead of time on SpotHero. Could save you at least a few bucks.

Some fans, especially coming from Long Island, do offer up some options for parking near an outer LIRR station on the Port Washington branch. There’s a fair amount of street parking at Bayside, for example. But again, if you’re not familiar with an area, try another route.

Again, for more info about transit look here.

And you can even see the ballpark.

Citi Field Parking, Part 5: Free Street Parking

Feeling a little adventurous and want to beat the man? You’re in luck. In my visits to Citi, I’ve seen a surprising amount of free street parking a fairly short walk to the ballpark.

There are several side streets with free parking west of the park, over the Grand Central Parkway, that are reasonably safe by most accounts. The most popular spots are on 114th Street or the numbered avenues along it. If you’re early enough (as in at least 90 minutes early) there’s usually enough spaces.

If you try this, be very sure to check the signs for restrictions like street cleaning days.

Easy peezy. Just wait for cars to go by.

This area is about a ten minute walk to the ballpark. Some streets are just a few steps further away than official Mets lots. You will likely have to cross a highway ramp, but it’s easy enough with basic caution.

I haven’t read any reports of fans being ticketed or having cars broken into, but it is Queens. Just saying, I wouldn’t park a Mercedes there. Keep your valuables out of sight.

I’ve also read that you can use the Perimeter Road off of Shea and park for free near the pitch and putt course, but I haven’t verified it and would be surprised if that was allowed.

Some fans also say there are free lots in Corona Park or at the Hall of Science farther away, but this is a hike and you probably wouldn’t want to do it at night.

“Hey, toss me a Bud Zero, would ya?”

Citi Field Parking, Part 6: Tailgating at Citi Field

The Mets allow tailgating, with certain restrictions, most importantly no open flames or alcohol. No catering vehicles, and no pre-sold or organized tailgates. Great.

In the past some wiseacres said that the fine for drinking a six-pack in the parking lot is still cheaper than six beers inside the ballpark. Funny, and maybe true, but I wouldn’t test this.

Despite the humorless restrictions, a small bit of tailgating does go on; people set up food tables, cornhole games, and music, so it’s not a total wash. Lot E is the favorite spot for its space and proximity to portable toilets. The Marina lots work too, but the rules are the same.

I’m sure people find ways to consume adult beverages; I won’t suggest any. I’ve read mixed reports over whether the alcohol consumption rule is enforced, but some have definitely been burned by it.

Probably needless to say, tailgating is prohibited in the Skyview garage and Southfield lots.

Don’t wait till you get to the ballpark to get your New York Mets gear…
Order your caps, jerseys, and more now at MLBShop.com and save!

Click here to order your Mets gear today!

All roads turn right…into congestion.

Citi Field Parking, Part 7: Driving to Citi Field ( + Alternate Routes)

I heart Google Maps, but it’s not always the best for arriving at Citi Field; it’s likely to send you on the most congested route and underestimate the backup time.

I’ve already hopefully stressed the importance of arriving early, but here’s a few more tips for avoiding the worst of Citi traffic.

Going through Manhattan from New Jersey I’ve read that the Holland Tunnel is a bit better than the Lincoln Tunnel going in, but the Lincoln is better coming back. Honestly though, speaking from experience, I would avoid driving through Manhattan if you can.

The Grand Central Parkway is also recommended over the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, if you’re coming from that direction.

Two major roads merging near a ballpark. Probably something to avoid.

In my experiences I’ve observed that the worst traffic backups come from the Whitestone Expressway (25A) north of the ballpark. I’ve read that fans recommend avoiding using College Point Boulevard until you have to.

Here are a few suggestions to avoid that mess:

Coming from the north on Grand Central, use exit 8 (111th Street), make a left onto Ditmars Boulevard and then a left onto 114th Street; from 114th you can turn left onto Roosevelt Avenue (under the 7 train tracks) and park in the Citi or Southfield Lots (same price).

From the south try Exit 9P (Flushing Meadows – Corona Park) and make a left onto Meridian Road; this becomes Shea Road, which leads to the Citi parking lots or you can turn right onto Roosevelt.

I’ve read that you can use the La Guardia parking exit and use 94th Street/Junction Boulevard to Roosevelt and turn left there.

Easier than from Shea Road.

For after the game, quite a few Mets fans recommend using area streets to get to a different entrance on the highway. Based on where you’re parking and where you’re going, look on a map, find another highway entrance, and use Roosevelt, Meridian or another alternative to Shea Road.

It’s slow going through streets but faster than not moving at all, and I’ve read it can be 10-15 minutes faster getting out.

I can’t guarantee that these routes will work better than using the Citi Field exits; New York City traffic is what it is.

You could always just wander around the Jackie Robinson Rotunda while traffic clears out; that’s well worth a look.

Let me know if something works better for you.

You get an “A” for your Citi Field parking knowledge!

Citi Field Parking, Part 8: Summary + A Few Tips

So permit me to sum up what I’ve offered here:

• Best for short walk to the ballpark: Citi Field official lots B, C, and E
• Easiest exit from Citi lots: Lot E (park near an exit and back the car in)
• Easiest exit alternatives: Marina lots
• Best for saving money and avoiding traffic: Mets shuttle buses
• Best for cheap parking: Skyview Center garage
• Best for a full day in NYC: Southfield commuter lot
• Best for free parking: side streets off of 114th Street
• Best for tailgating: Citi Field Lot E

You should also, needless to say, book a spot beforehand. You can do this through the Mets, to save $10 on parking. Or book your Skyview garage parking on their site. For other options, of course, always use my friends at SpotHero.

Finally again, arrive super early; if for no other reason, Citi is well worth a look around. If you can’t get there an hour before, just use a train to get to the ballpark.

You’re here? Great! Who’s hungry for a Shackburger?

Get all that? Most excellent. I hope you now have all the info you need for parking at your next game at Citi Field. By the way, once you’re there, check out the Amazin’ food selection! And here’s some help choosing a seat at the home of the Mets.

Thanks for visiting. Be sure to sign up for my newsletter for more great ballpark tips!