Long Island Rail Road (The LIRR)

The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is the oldest continuously operating railroad in the United States and one of the busiest commuter rail systems in North America. Owned and operated by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), the LIRR connects Long Island’s towns and suburbs to New York City, playing a vital role in daily commuting, regional travel, and economic activity.

Whether you’re commuting to Manhattan, heading to the beach, or exploring Long Island’s downtowns, the LIRR is an indispensable transit system for both residents and visitors.

Overview and Reach

Total Track Mileage: Over 700 miles
Number of Stations: 124 stations
Daily Ridership: Approximately 200,000 passengers (as of 2024)
Service Area: From Penn Station and Grand Central Madison in Manhattan to Montauk, Greenport, and everything in between

The LIRR offers 11 branches, covering Nassau and Suffolk counties extensively, with numerous connections to NYC subway lines, buses, and Amtrak.

This interior seating arrangement of a Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) commuter rail train. The photograph is taken from aisle-level, looking toward the exit door at the end of the rail car, with rows of blue and grey seats on either side. Ample legroom and straightforward access to exits accommodate high passenger turnover typical of commuter rail services. File photo: Scott Heaney, licensed.

Major Terminals and Hubs

Penn Station (Manhattan): Long Island’s historic connection to NYC’s west side
Grand Central Madison (Manhattan): Newly opened east-side terminal beneath Grand Central Terminal (2023)
Atlantic Terminal (Brooklyn): Major hub with access to the NYC subway
Jamaica Station (Queens): The central transfer point for most LIRR lines
Ronkonkoma, Hicksville, Babylon, Mineola: Key Long Island transfer stations

Sign for “JFK Airport via AirTrain” at Jamaica Station, one of the busiest transit hubs in Queens, New York City. Jamaica Station connects the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), numerous subway lines, and city buses, making it the primary transfer point for travelers heading to John F. Kennedy International Airport. The AirTrain JFK is a dedicated people mover that links the station directly to all airport terminals, providing convenient rail access for local commuters and international travelers. File photo: Here Now, licensed.

Branches of the LIRR

Branch	Route Highlights
Babylon Branch	High-frequency service to southern Nassau & Suffolk; connects to NYC via Babylon-Jamaica
Port Jefferson Branch	Northern Nassau to central Suffolk via Huntington, Stony Brook
Ronkonkoma Branch	Fastest central Suffolk access; main hub at Ronkonkoma
Montauk Branch	Scenic eastern route to the Hamptons and Montauk
Oyster Bay Branch	Historic North Shore towns like Locust Valley, Oyster Bay
Long Beach Branch	Direct link to Long Beach; popular for beach trips
Hempstead Branch	Dense service to central Nassau communities
Far Rockaway Branch	Serves Nassau’s Five Towns and connects to Queens
West Hempstead Branch	Shorter route with service to western Nassau
City Terminal Zone	Includes Manhattan and Brooklyn terminals
Greenport Branch	Seasonal eastern Suffolk branch with limited service to North Fork

Frequency and Schedule

Peak hours (weekdays): Trains every 15–30 minutes on core branches
Off-peak/weekends: Service every 30–60 minutes, depending on route
Overnight service: Available on some lines (e.g., Babylon, Port Washington)

Schedules are accessible on the MTA TrainTime app, at station kiosks, or online at mta.info.

The MTA TrainTime app is the official mobile platform for ticketing, scheduling, and trip management on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Metro-North Railroad. iders can purchase LIRR tickets directly in the app and activate them before boarding. Digital tickets cost the same as those bought at vending machines or stations. File photo: Anderson Reis, licensed.

Tickets & Fare Options

TrainTime App: Purchase, store, and activate tickets digitally
Ticket Machines: Available at most stations
Onboard Purchase: Available with surcharge (cashless)
Fare Types:
- Peak / Off-Peak
- Monthly, Weekly, Daily
- Reduced Fare for seniors, people with disabilities, Medicare recipients
- CityTicket: Discounted fares for NYC-only trips on weekends
- Atlantic Ticket: Discount for travel between Brooklyn and select Queens/L.I. stations

Pro Tip: Monthly passes include MetroCard options for subway transfers.

MetroCards offer discounted fares compared to single-ride tickets, saving money, especially for frequent riders. Riders can choose between Pay-Per-Ride (fixed rides) or Unlimited Ride cards for a set period. MetroCards are refillable at vending machines across the city, reducing the need for exact change. MetroCards can be used on MTA subway trains, express buses, the Staten Island Railway, and regional partners like PATH, AirTrain JFK, and Bee-Line buses. File photo: GagliardiPhotography, licensed.

Accessibility & Features

ADA Accessibility: Increasing number of stations have elevators, ramps, tactile surfaces
Wi-Fi & USB charging: Available on newer trains
Quiet Cars: Designated cars on select rush hour trains
Bikes: Permitted outside peak hours with permit

A Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) train prominently displays the blue and yellow MTA LIRR branding, along with the number 515. Above the logo is a banner reading “We Serve With Pride” and decorated with American flags and stars. The train in this image looks different from many other Long Island Rail Road trains because the LIRR operates several types of trainsets, including both electric and diesel-powered fleets, each with distinct appearances and uses. File photo: WoodysPhotos, licensed.

Grand Central Madison: A Major New Link

Opened in early 2023, Grand Central Madison is a modern terminal beneath Grand Central Terminal, providing LIRR access to Manhattan’s east side for the first time. This new option has:

Reduced crowding at Penn Station
Cut travel times for eastern Long Island commuters
Introduced direct rides from Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk to the East Midtown business district

A Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) commuter train traveling past the elevated Nostrand Avenue station in Brooklyn, New York, with busy Atlantic Avenue running parallel to the tracks. The photo, taken on June 4, 2025, captures the urban landscape with its mix of historic and modern architecture, dense residential and commercial buildings, and active rail and street traffic. File photo: yuriyt, licensed.

Popular Destinations via LIRR

Beaches: Long Beach, Jones Beach (via bus from Freeport), Fire Island (via Patchogue)
Events: Belmont Park, UBS Arena (Elmont station), Citi Field, Arthur Ashe Stadium
Hamptons & Montauk: Montauk branch offers scenic access, especially in summer
Downtowns & Villages: Port Jefferson, Huntington, Patchogue, Rockville Centre, Babylon

Service Alerts and Real-Time Tracking

Stay updated via:

MTA TrainTime app (real-time train locations, platform info)
Twitter/X: @LIRR
Station displays and announcements

The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is an essential transportation backbone for residents and commuters throughout Long Island, connecting communities to New York City and regional destinations. The LIRR provides reliable rail service between Nassau and Suffolk counties, New York City, and beyond, making it vital for daily commutes, social activities, and economic growth. File photo: Lamont Smalls, licensed.

LIRR’s Role in Long Island Life

Economic Engine: Moves hundreds of thousands of workers daily
Environmental Impact: Reduces car usage and congestion
Tourism Gateway: Connects NYC tourists with Long Island’s cultural and natural attractions
Development Driver: Transit-oriented developments (TODs) are transforming downtown areas across the Island

Summary Snapshot

Feature	Detail
Founded	1834 (oldest U.S. railroad still operating under original name)
Owner/Operator	MTA (Metropolitan Transportation Authority)
Daily Ridership	~200,000
Branches	11
Number of Stations	124
Major Terminals	Penn Station, Grand Central Madison, Atlantic Terminal
Real-Time App	MTA TrainTime
Website	https://www.mta.info

Whether you’re a daily commuter heading into Manhattan, a visitor planning a weekend trip to the Hamptons, or someone exploring Long Island’s beaches, parks, and towns, the Long Island Rail Road remains the most reliable and convenient way to get around. With its extensive network of branches, frequent service, and connections to subways, buses, and airports, the LIRR is more than just a transit system – it’s the gateway that keeps Long Island moving and connected to the heart of New York City.