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Getting From Times Square to The Met Museum (82nd St) by Subway or Bus

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NYC Hotel & Travel Guide · 2026 Edition

Getting From Times Square to The Met Museum (82nd St) by Subway or Bus

Getting From Times Square to The Met Museum (82nd St) by Subway or Bus: addresses, subway lines, walking distance and 2026 NYC nightly rates with tax math.

By Matthew S Crawford · Updated October 2026 · Verified NYC Rates & Tax Math

Quick answer

The times square to met museum subway trip takes about 30 to 45 minutes door to door (an estimate; confirm live service with the MTA), because the museum sits on Fifth Avenue at 82nd Street, away from the main Midtown lines. Most routes combine a subway ride with a short bus ride or a walk.

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Times Square to Met Museum Subway and Bus Options: The Short Answer

The times square to met museum subway trip takes about 30 to 45 minutes door to door (an estimate; confirm live service with the MTA), because the museum sits on Fifth Avenue at 82nd Street, away from the main Midtown lines. Most routes combine a subway ride with a short bus ride or a walk.

This guide compares the Lexington Avenue subway, the crosstown bus, and a walk through Central Park, so New York City visitors in Midtown Manhattan can choose the route that matches their luggage, weather and energy.

4, 5 and 6 Trains: Grand Central to 86th Street or 77th Street

The most common route is a shuttle or a 7 train from Times Sq-42 St to Grand Central-42 St, then an uptown 4, 5 or 6 on the Lexington Avenue line. The 4 and 5 are express and the 6 is local, so confirm which is stopping where before you board, especially late in the evening or on weekends.

Exit at 86 St for a walk west to Fifth Avenue, or at 77 St for a walk up and across. Either exit leaves roughly 10 to 15 minutes on foot to the museum steps (estimate), and the route works well in rain or heat.

Arms and Armor hall at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, mounted knights under heraldic banners
Photo: Carol M. Highsmith, Library of Congress, public domain

Choosing Between the 86th Street and 77th Street Stations

Both Lexington stops work, but they feel different. 86th Street has more shops and crosstown buses, and the walk west is straightforward along 86th Street before turning down Fifth Avenue. 77th Street is quieter and passes Madison Avenue boutiques.

If you carry a bag or travel with children, the bus option at 86th Street may be easier, while 77th Street suits a scenic stroll past brownstones. Neither route is guaranteed faster, so pick based on weather and your tolerance for walking.

Crosstown Bus Options and the Fifth Avenue Bus Lines

Buses on Fifth and Madison Avenues serve the Metropolitan Museum’s entrance zone, and the M79 or M86 crosstown buses link the east and west sides. Route names and stops change, so confirm them on the MTA site or app before you rely on them.

A bus can be a relaxed alternative if you prefer sitting over stairs. The tradeoff is traffic, which can slow Midtown and Fifth Avenue stretches, especially in the afternoon, so allow extra time and keep a subway backup route saved.

Walking Through Central Park From the West Side

Another approach uses the B or C from the Eighth Avenue platforms to a stop on the park’s west side, then a walk east across the park. Expect roughly 15 to 25 minutes of walking depending on where you start (estimate).

The park route is scenic in good weather but less appealing at night or in storms, and paths can be confusing. Check the museum’s current hours and entrances, and consider a different route if the weather is poor or if you are carrying much.

Early double-decker Fifth Avenue buses by the Washington Square Arch, 1913
Photo: Bain News Service, Library of Congress, no known restrictions

Entrances, Hours and Timing at the Met

The main entrance is on Fifth Avenue near 82nd Street. Hours, ticket rules and special exhibitions change, so confirm everything on the museum’s official site. The rooftop garden is seasonal and weather dependent, so do not plan around it without checking first.

Weekday mornings are usually calmer than weekends, and the museum is large enough that you should pick a few priority galleries in advance and leave the rest for another day. Wear comfortable shoes and plan a break, since a full visit can easily last several hours.

Travel Time, OMNY Fare and Walking Distance Estimates

As a planning estimate, expect 15 to 25 minutes underground and 10 to 15 minutes of walking, plus waiting time. The subway fare has been reported at $3 per ride with OMNY tap payment, so confirm the current fare with the MTA, and check whether a bus transfer is included.

Leave a buffer for weekend track work on the 4/5/6 and the 7, which can reroute trains. Look at the MTA service-status page the morning you travel and again before the return trip so you are not stuck planning on the platform with a crowd.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Times Square to Met Museum Subway Route

Short answers help when you are navigating on the go. The details below are planning guidance, so verify live service, bus routes, fares and museum hours before you travel.

When in doubt, ride to Grand Central, take an uptown 4, 5 or 6, and walk west from 86th or 77th Street. Treat every time estimate here as approximate and keep a second route in mind.

What is the best subway route from Times Square to the Met?

Many visitors go to Grand Central and take an uptown 4, 5 or 6 to 86th or 77th Street, then walk roughly 10 to 15 minutes (estimate). Confirm service with the MTA.

Is there a direct subway to the Metropolitan Museum?

No single train stops at the door, so most routes combine a subway ride with a short walk or a bus. Confirm current options.

Can I walk through Central Park to reach the Met?

Yes, from the west side it is roughly 15 to 25 minutes (estimate), but weather and daylight matter. Choose a subway or bus route if conditions are poor.

Keep reading

NYC Museums Guide · The Met Museum · Hotels Near the Met Museum · Hotels Near Guggenheim Museum NYC · Guggenheim Museum Guide · Where to stay in NYC · NYCHotelss 20 Best Picks · Cheap hotels in NYC · All NYC guides

About the author. Matthew S Crawford grew up on Long Island, in Massapequa and then Deer Park. He runs NYCHotelss, an independent NYC hotel guide. Details change. Check rates, hours and policies before you book.
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