Jamaica Station (Queens)

Jamaica Station (Queens)
A platform sign at Jamaica Station in Queens displays the station name in bold black letters. Cars line the street in the background, underscoring the station’s role as a busy urban hub and central connection point for Long Island Rail Road commuters and JFK Airport travelers. File photo: yuriyt, licensed.

Jamaica Station in Queens is the beating heart of the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), serving as the central transfer point for nearly all lines traveling between Long Island and New York City. Located in the Jamaica neighborhood of Queens, the station also connects directly to the AirTrain JFK, New York City Subway, and numerous bus routes, making it one of the busiest and most important transportation hubs in the region.

History

  • Early Development: Jamaica Station has served as a major rail hub since the late 1800s, with the LIRR consolidating many services through Jamaica as the system expanded.
  • Modernization: The current elevated station complex was completed in 1913 and has undergone multiple upgrades.
  • Renovations: In the early 2000s, Jamaica Station was extensively modernized to accommodate the AirTrain JFK system and improve passenger transfers.
  • Current Role: Today, it is one of the busiest commuter rail stations in the U.S., handling hundreds of thousands of riders daily.

Services & Connections

  • Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) – All LIRR branches except the Port Washington line pass through Jamaica, making it the system’s key transfer point.
  • AirTrain JFK – Provides direct service from Jamaica Station to John F. Kennedy International Airport.
  • New York City Subway – Served by the E, J, and Z trains at the adjacent Sutphin Boulevard–Archer Avenue–JFK Airport station.
  • Buses – Numerous MTA bus routes serve the station area, connecting to neighborhoods across Queens.

Importance for Long Island Travelers

For residents of Nassau and Suffolk Counties, Jamaica Station is the main transfer hub for reaching destinations beyond Long Island:

  • To Manhattan – Connections via LIRR express trains to Penn Station and Grand Central Madison.
  • To Brooklyn – Transfers to Atlantic Terminal service.
  • To JFK Airport – Direct access via AirTrain JFK.
  • To Queens & Beyond – Convenient subway and bus connections into the rest of the city.

Nearby Landmarks

  • King Manor Museum – Historic site located in nearby Rufus King Park.
  • York College (CUNY) – A short walk from the station.
  • Downtown Jamaica Shopping District – A bustling area with retail stores, restaurants, and services.

Q&A – Jamaica Station

Q: Why is Jamaica Station important?
A: It’s the central transfer hub for the LIRR, serving nearly all branches, plus JFK Airport via AirTrain.

Q: Does every LIRR train stop at Jamaica?
A: Nearly all do, except Port Washington branch trains, which bypass Jamaica entirely.

Q: Can I get to JFK Airport from Jamaica Station?
A: Yes, AirTrain JFK runs directly from Jamaica to all airport terminals.

Q: What subway lines connect to Jamaica Station?
A: The E, J, and Z lines are accessible at Sutphin Boulevard–Archer Avenue.

Area Snapshot

FeatureDetails
Opened1913 (current elevated structure)
Rail ServiceLong Island Rail Road (LIRR)
Other TransitNYC Subway (E, J, Z), AirTrain JFK, MTA buses
RoleCentral hub for LIRR and JFK Airport transfers
LocationJamaica neighborhood, Queens, NY
NearbyYork College, Rufus King Park, Downtown Jamaica shopping district

Jamaica Station is the lifeline of the Long Island Rail Road system and the key transfer point for commuters and travelers alike. With its unmatched connectivity to Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and JFK Airport, it remains an essential hub for hundreds of thousands of daily riders. For Long Islanders, Jamaica is not just a station – it is the gateway to New York City and beyond.