September 23, 2025 • 3 min read

How to Check Real-Time Train Departures in New York Without Clutter

Tired of train apps filled with ads, popup notifications, and features you don't need? Here's how to get clean, real-time NYC subway departures that actually help your commute.

If you're a daily NYC subway commuter, you've probably tried the official MTA app, Citymapper, or Transit. While these apps have their place, many commuters find them cluttered with ads, social features, and unnecessary information that gets in the way of what you actually need: when is my train coming?

The Problem with Most Train Apps

Most popular transit apps suffer from feature creep:

Ads everywhere – Banner ads, interstitial ads, sponsored content
Social features – User reports, photos, comments you didn't ask for
Complex interfaces – Multiple taps to get to your station
Slow loading – Too much data being loaded at once
Privacy concerns – Tracking your location and usage patterns

When you're rushing to catch a train, you need information fast—not a social media experience.

What Makes a Good Train Time App

A good train app should be like a train station departure board: clear, immediate, and focused. Here's what to look for:

Real-time data from official MTA feeds
Instant access to your regular stations
Clear delay information without editorial commentary
Fast loading that works on crowded subway cell towers
No ads to distract from essential information

The MyCityRail Approach

MyCityRail was built specifically to solve this problem. Instead of trying to be everything to everyone, it focuses on one thing: giving you clean, real-time departure information.

          Key Features for NYC Commuters:
          Favorite stations – Save your home and work stations for one-tap access
iOS widgets – Check train times from your Home Screen or Lock Screen
Real-time MTA data – Official feeds with delay and service alert information
No ads or tracking – Just the information you need
Dark mode support – Easy to read in subway tunnels

        

Setting Up for Your Daily Commute

Here's how to optimize your setup for the fastest possible access to train times:

1. Add Your Favorite Stations

Add your most-used stations as favorites. Most commuters need just 2-4 stations: home station(s) and work station(s).

2. Set Up iOS Widgets

Add MyCityRail widgets to your Home Screen or Lock Screen. This lets you check train times without even opening the app—perfect for quick glances while walking to the station.

3. Enable Push Notifications

Get alerts about major service disruptions affecting your saved lines, so you can adjust your route before you're stuck underground.

Beyond Just Train Times

While MyCityRail focuses on simplicity, it also includes the essential features you need for NYC commuting:

Service alerts for planned work and disruptions
Multiple station support for complex commutes
Accessibility features following iOS guidelines
Offline capabilities for when you're between cell towers

Try Clean Train Times

Experience what subway apps should be: fast, clean, and focused on getting you where you need to go.

7-day free trial • No ads • Privacy-focused

The Bottom Line

Your train app should be a tool, not entertainment. When you're commuting in NYC, every second counts. Choose an app that respects your time and gives you the information you need without the clutter you don't.

Whether you're heading to work from Brooklyn, catching the express from Queens, or navigating weekend service changes in Manhattan, having clean, reliable train times makes all the difference in your daily commute.