On my way to JFK I just passed through the new Grand Central Madison, and thought I’d share my experience.
I arrived at Grand Central on Metro North, on a lower level track. I could have just descended further to the new section, but I needed a MetroCard. (Despite the whole of the subway system now accepting contactless payment, the AirTrain doesn’t. It’s a bottle neck, so best done before the AirTrain at Jamaica. 8.25/pp means I spent $17.50 for a round trip and a $1 card)
Signage to LIRR was good from the main level of Grand Central, but not so much from the lower level/food court.
After descending down and rounding a corner theres a long hall with escalator banks off the right side. Those escalators are LONG, and I had to dissociate to not get dizzy. They drop you off at the ‘mezzanine’ level, which is actually between the 200 tracks, above, and the 300 tracks, below.
In classic Long Island Railroad style, track assignments are only announced 10+ minutes before departure. The Mezzanine is the best place to wait for track assignment.
All trains except those to Port Washington stop at Jamaica for the AirTrain. To make that transfer, it’s best to ride towards the front of the train. (Walk the long hallway upstairs, or walk the length of the platform. Either way, you’re walking!)
I bought my ticket via the MTA Trian Time app. But it gave options for a $5 “City Ticket”, or a regular one-way for $7.10. I asked an agent and she said I could get the city ticket. (This might be off-peak only. Not sure.)
There aren’t any shops open yet in the new section, so get any snacks and drinks are in the old section. (Oyster Bar. Always Oyster Bar.)