Atlantic Terminal (Brooklyn)
Atlantic Terminal, located in Downtown Brooklyn, is one of the Long Island Rail Road’s (LIRR) three major New York City terminals, alongside Penn Station and Grand Central Madison. Serving as the western terminus of the Atlantic Branch, the terminal provides direct service between Brooklyn and Nassau/Suffolk Counties. With seamless connections to the New York City Subway and its location in the heart of Brooklyn, Atlantic Terminal is a vital hub for commuters, shoppers, and visitors alike.
History
- Early Years: The station first opened in 1877 as Flatbush Avenue Station, making it one of the oldest LIRR terminals.
- Redevelopment: Over the decades, the terminal was rebuilt and modernized several times to keep up with ridership growth.
- Recent Upgrades: In 2010, the Atlantic Terminal Pavilion was completed, giving the station a modern glass-and-steel entrance directly adjacent to the Atlantic Center Mall and Barclays Center arena.
Services & Connections
- Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) – Direct service on the Atlantic Branch with connections to Jamaica, Queens, and the wider Long Island rail network.
- Subway Connections – Direct access to nine NYC Subway lines: 2, 3, 4, 5, B, D, N, Q, and R.
- Bus Links – Several MTA bus routes serve the surrounding area.
- Barclays Center – Located immediately above the terminal, providing easy access for concerts, sports, and events.
Importance for Long Island Travelers
For many Long Islanders, Atlantic Terminal is a convenient alternative to Manhattan terminals:
- Brooklyn Access – Provides direct access to Downtown Brooklyn, one of New York’s fastest-growing commercial and residential districts.
- Manhattan Connections – Multiple subway lines allow easy travel into Lower Manhattan and Midtown.
- Event Access – The terminal sits directly beside the Barclays Center, home of the Brooklyn Nets and New York Liberty.
- Shopping & Transit Hub – Directly connected to Atlantic Center Mall and near the busy Fulton Street commercial corridor.
Nearby Landmarks
- Barclays Center – Major sports and entertainment arena.
- Atlantic Center Mall – Shopping and dining destination.
- Fort Greene – Historic Brooklyn neighborhood known for tree-lined streets and cultural institutions.
- Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) – Renowned performing arts center just a short walk away.
Q&A – Atlantic Terminal
Q: What LIRR trains go to Atlantic Terminal?
A: The Atlantic Branch trains, with frequent service connecting to Jamaica and beyond to Nassau and Suffolk.
Q: Can I get to Manhattan from Atlantic Terminal?
A: Yes, via multiple direct subway lines including the 2, 3, 4, 5, B, D, N, Q, and R.
Q: Is Atlantic Terminal connected to Barclays Center?
A: Yes, the arena sits directly above the terminal for easy event access.
Q: Does Atlantic Terminal have shopping and dining?
A: Yes, it connects to Atlantic Center Mall, offering retail, food, and convenience for commuters.
Area Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Opened | 1877 (as Flatbush Avenue Station) |
| Renovated | 2010 (modern glass pavilion completed) |
| Rail Service | Long Island Rail Road (Atlantic Branch) |
| Subway Lines | 2, 3, 4, 5, B, D, N, Q, R |
| Nearby Landmarks | Barclays Center, Atlantic Center Mall, BAM, Fort Greene |
| Role | Brooklyn’s main LIRR terminal and transit hub |
Atlantic Terminal stands as a critical gateway between Long Island and Brooklyn. With direct LIRR service, extensive subway connections, and its location in the heart of one of New York City’s most vibrant neighborhoods, the terminal is far more than just a commuter stop – it’s a destination in its own right. Whether traveling for work, an event at Barclays Center, or a night out in Brooklyn, Atlantic Terminal continues to serve as a cornerstone of New York’s transportation network.
