The Babylon LIRR Station is located in the center of Babylon Village, New York, and is the end-of-line stop on the Long Island Rail Road’s electrified Babylon Branch. It first opened on October 28, 1867, as the South Side Railroad of Long Island and was used for a short time as Seaside Station before reverting to Babylon in 1869. Trains at LIRR Babylon runs at a frequency of every 30min in peak hours, whereas every 60 minutes in non-peak hours. The first train from Babylon Station on the LIRR starts at 5 AM, and the last train departs at 12:30 AM.
It grew in importance following the electrification of the line in May 1925. The current elevated station of two island platforms and three tracks opened on 9 September 1964, as part of a program to eliminate grade crossings for added safety and efficiency in service. It is fully accessible, with elevators, tactile warning strips, and audiovisual systems for passenger information. The Babylon Station facilities include a large waiting area, ticket machines, and a customer service area. Suffolk County Transit and taxis also operate to Babylon. A major refurbishment began in September 2024, with upgrade works to finish by May 2026.
Babylon LIRR
Babylon Station on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is a major point in Babylon, NY, and is the eastern terminus of the electrified Babylon Branch. It opened in 1867 and was rebuilt as an elevated station in 1964, with three tracks and two island platforms, which feed both electrified trains to New York City and diesel service to Montauk.
It serves approximately 5,000 passengers per day and connects with Suffolk County Transit buses. In 2024, it started a major reconstruction—building new platforms, canopies, lighting, ADA-compliant elevators, renovated waiting areas, and enhanced security—that is to be completed by 2026.
LIRR Babylon Line
The LIRR Babylon Line is an important offshoot of the Long Island Rail Road between Penn Station and Grand Central in Manhattan and Babylon in Suffolk County. It is a busy and reliable line, fully electrified, and serving key stations like Jamaica, Rockville Centre, and Freeport. The line carries frequent commuter service and has an interchange with other LIRR branches at Jamaica. Renowned for its heavy ridership and efficiency, this Line plays an important role in linking New York City to the South Shore communities of Long Island.
LIRR Schedule Babylon [Weekday & Weekend Schedule]
The LIRR Babylon schedule provides regular and reliable train service to Penn Station and Grand Central, with trains running every 30 minutes during peak hours and every 60 minutes during off-peak times. Service is available throughout the week, including weekends, making it a convenient option for daily commuters and weekend travellers alike.
Babylon Weekday Schedule (Monday–Friday)
| Time | Line | Direction | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 AM – 08:00 AM | Babylon Branch | To Jamaica, Penn Station, GCM | First trains begin around this time with limited early-morning service. |
| 08:00 AM – 11:00 AM | Babylon Branch | To Jamaica, Penn Station, GCM | Trains run every 30–60 minutes, alternating between Penn Station and GCM. |
| 11:00 AM – 02:00 PM | Babylon Branch | To Jamaica, Penn Station, GCM | Service continues every 30–60 minutes with alternating destinations. |
| 02:00 PM – 05:00 PM | Babylon Branch | To Jamaica, Penn Station, GCM | Mid-afternoon trains operate every 30–60 minutes with alternating stops. |
| 05:00 PM – 08:00 PM | Babylon Branch | To Jamaica, Penn Station, GCM | Early evening service every 30–60 minutes, alternating destinations. |
| 08:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Babylon Branch | To Jamaica, Penn Station, GCM | Service gradually reduces; last direct trains operate until ~11:30 PM. |
| 11:00 PM | Babylon Branch | To Jamaica, Penn Station, GCM (limited) | Very limited late-night service; transfers at Jamaica may be required. |
| Varies | Montauk Branch | To Patchogue, Speonk, Montauk | Infrequent service; check the Montauk Branch timetable for exact times. |
Babylon Weekend Schedule (Saturday–Sunday)
| Time | Branch | Direction | Service Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 AM – 09:00 AM | Babylon Branch | Towards Jamaica, Penn Station, GCM | Early morning trains with less frequent service, usually about once per hour. |
| 09:00 AM – 05:00 PM | Babylon Branch | Towards Jamaica, Penn Station, GCM | Regular weekend service every 30–60 minutes, alternating between Penn Station and GCM. Typical stops between Babylon and Rockville Centre. |
| 05:00 PM – 09:00 PM | Babylon Branch | Towards Jamaica, Penn Station, GCM | Consistent evening trains running every 30–60 minutes. |
| 09:00 PM – 11:30 PM | Babylon Branch | Towards Jamaica, Penn Station, GCM | Service begins to taper off; trains run approximately hourly. |
| 11:30 PM | Babylon Branch | Towards Jamaica, Penn Station (limited) | Final trains of the night. May require a transfer at Jamaica for certain destinations. Very limited service. |
| Specific Departures | Montauk Branch | Towards Patchogue, Speonk, Montauk | Infrequent weekend service. Check the Montauk Branch timetable for details, as it does not follow the regular Babylon Branch pattern. |
Jamaica to Babylon lirr
Weekday Schedule
| Time Period | Frequency | Sample Departures (Jamaica → Babylon) | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Morning | Every 30 min (5-6 AM) | 5:15 AM, 5:45 AM | 40-45 min |
| Morning Peak | Every 12-15 min (6-10 AM) | 6:15 AM, 6:30 AM, 6:45 AM, 7:00 AM | 35-38 min (express) |
| Midday Off-Peak | Every 20-30 min (10 AM-4 PM) | 10:15 AM, 10:45 AM, 11:15 AM | 45-50 min (local) |
| Evening Peak | Every 12-15 min (4-8 PM) | 4:15 PM, 4:30 PM, 4:45 PM, 5:00 PM | 35-38 min (express) |
| Late Evening | Every 30-60 min (8 PM-12 AM) | 8:15 PM, 9:15 PM, 10:15 PM | 45-50 min |
Weekend Schedule
| Time Period | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Every 60 min | 7:15 AM onwards |
| Midday | Every 30 min | 9:15 AM - 8:15 PM |
| Evening | Every 60 min | After 8:15 PM |
Service Frequency
- Rush Hours (6 – 10 am/ 4 – 8 pm weekdays) : Every 15 – 20 minutes
- Off-Peak:Trains operate every 30 – 60 minutes.
- Weekend – every 30-60 minutes alternating destinations
Travel Duration
- Average journey time: 46-53 minutes
- Fastest service: 33 minutes (by way of Montauk Branch trains)
Penn Station to Babylon LIRR
Penn Station to Babylon LIRR Schedule
Service between Penn Station and Babylon: Take the train you arrive on and follow the information for service to Babylon above Direct Service : Travel time to Babylon approx hours Babylon Branch … 1 of the busiest LIRR lines, offering direct service all day with travel time approximately 59-78 minutes depending on type of service and stops.
Service Overview
- Route: Babylon Branch
- Travel Time: 59-78 minutes
- Distance: Approximately 34 miles
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes during peak times
- Service Pattern: Express and Local trains combined
WEEKDAY SCHEDULE
| Depart Penn Station | Arrive Babylon | Travel Time | Service Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12:35 AM | 1:32 AM | 57 min | Direct via Jamaica | Late-night service |
| 12:44 AM | 1:38 AM | 54 min | Express | |
| 2:44 AM | 4:00 AM | 1h 16m | Local | |
| 4:11 AM | 5:35 AM | 1h 24m | Local | |
| 5:40 AM | 6:56 AM | 1h 16m | Via Jamaica | Morning peak begins |
| 6:27 AM | 7:33 AM | 1h 06m | Express | |
| 7:20 AM | 8:28 AM | 1h 08m | Direct | |
| 8:44 AM | 9:58 AM | 1h 14m | Via Jamaica | |
| 9:19 AM | 10:28 AM | 1h 09m | Express | Morning peak ends |
| 10:24 AM | 11:28 AM | 1h 04m | Local | Midday off-peak |
| 11:24 AM | 12:28 PM | 1h 04m | Local | |
| 12:24 PM | 1:28 PM | 1h 04m | Local | |
| 1:24 PM | 2:28 PM | 1h 04m | Local | |
| 2:32 PM | 3:35 PM | 1h 03m | Local | Midday off-peak |
| 4:06 PM | 5:12 PM | 1h 06m | Express | Evening peak begins |
| 4:32 PM | 5:46 PM | 1h 14m | Via Jamaica | |
| 5:03 PM | 6:09 PM | 1h 06m | Express | |
| 5:34 PM | 6:48 PM | 1h 14m | Via Jamaica | |
| 6:05 PM | 7:11 PM | 1h 06m | Express | |
| 6:36 PM | 7:50 PM | 1h 14m | Via Jamaica | Evening peak ends |
| 7:15 PM | 8:19 PM | 1h 04m | Local | Off-peak evening |
| 8:15 PM | 9:32 PM | 1h 17m | Local | Late evening |
| 9:46 PM | 11:00 PM | 1h 14m | Direct | Last direct train |
| 10:45 PM | 12:00 AM | 1h 15m | Via multiple stops | Final late-night service |
| 11:36 PM | 12:17 AM | 41 min | Requires transfer | Connect via Jamaica (last service) |
Babylon LIRR Station Parking Lot 3
Babylon LIRR Station Parking Lot 3 is located at 51 Sammis Avenue, Babylon, NY, which is within short walking distance of the Babylon railroad station. The Village of Babylon manages this lot, and it’s primarily occupied by visitors passing through the Long Island Rail Road. For assistance related to further details, one can reach out by calling on 631-669-1500 for the Village Hall.
Parking Permit Details
- Parking in Lot 3 requires a valid residential permit issued by the Village of Babylon.
- Enforcement hours are Monday through Friday, from 6:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Public parking is free during enforcement hours, including weekends and holidays.
- Unauthorised vehicles during operational hours can be ticketed or fined.
How to Obtain a Permit
- Parking permits may be requested only by the residents of the Village.
- Permits can be accessed online from the Village of Babylon website or in person.
- Proof of residency and vehicle registration must usually be displayed.
- Permits are good on a calendar-year basis (January 1st – December 31st).
Alternative Babylon LIRR Parking Options
- Private Lot at 15 Sammis Avenue: Offers monthly parking for $156.25, with a refundable deposit of $100. Privately owned and run, well-lit, and close to the station.
- Other Public Lots: Other public and municipal lots are closed, though not guaranteed availability, particularly during peak hours.
Accessibility & Special Provisions
- Handicap Spaces: There are separate handicap parking areas; legitimate permit holders should use these. Contact Village Hall for full regulations.
- Customer Service: For concerns or advice, riders can call Village Hall at 631-669-1500.
Key Notes: Due to high rider demand, Lot 3 fills quickly, particularly on weekday mornings. Residents are requested to arrive early or find other parking spaces to avoid delay.
Babylon LIRR Stops
The Babylon Branch of the Long Island Rail Road is a major commuter line connecting New York City with the South Shore of Long Island, ending at Babylon Station in Suffolk County. This busy branch serves both local and express trains, containing thousands of daily commuters.
Babylon Branch Stations (West to East)
- Penn Station (Manhattan)
- Grand Central Madison (Manhattan)
- Forest Hills (Queens)
- Kew Gardens (Queens)
- Jamaica (Queens)
- Lynbrook (Nassau)
- Rockville Centre
- Baldwin
- Freeport
- Merrick
- Bellmore
- Wantagh
- Seaford
- Massapequa
- Massapequa Park
- Amityville
- Copiague
- Lindenhurst
- Babylon
Note: Some trains skip certain stops during rush hour to conserve time for the trip for longer-distance riders.
Service Overview
-
Rush Hour: At rush hours, service is split into two zones. One consists of all local stops from the city to Wantagh, and express trains skipping some stations stop at Wantagh via Babylon.
-
Off-Peak: During off-peak hours, two trains per hour operate between the city and Babylon, one each from Grand Central Madison and Penn Station. The trains make all local stops between Rockville Centre and Babylon. There is a limited-stop train that usually operates, making only major stops such as Jamaica, Freeport, Massapequa, and Babylon.
As the terminal located at the terminus of the branch, this Station is a significant terminal station with two island platforms and three tracks. It is accessible with elevators and modern facilities, and also features a connection to several Suffolk County Transit bus routes for local transportation.
To follow real-time schedules and service announcements, riders are encouraged to check the MTA website or use the official LIRR mobile app.
LIRR Babylon Train Yard
70 Foxglove Road, West Islip, NY – The Babylon Train Yard is a critical Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) yard. It is located east of the Station and functions as an electric train yard and maintenance shop for the Branch. Its close location makes staging and deployment of trains possible in a matter of minutes, especially during rush hours.
Facilities & Functions
- Train Storage:
The facility has several tracks where large numbers of Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) train sets are kept, serving peak morning and evening hours. - Light Maintenance:
It provides elementary maintenance activities such as routine check-ups, washing, and light overhauling to ensure the fleet remains operational. - Train Washing System:
An eco-friendly, state-of-the-art train washing facility was installed in 2010. It is capable of washing 180 cars per day and contains a water filtration and recycling system that reduces the environmental footprint.
Electrification & Rail Infrastructure
- Electrification Timeline:
The Babylon Branch was electrified on May 20, 1925, and Babylon Station is still the last electrified station on this route. Also, the train yard accommodates activities in this electrified area. - Track Arrangement:
The yard is arranged with several tracks to enable efficient arrival and departure of trains to aid in the facilitation of service operations daily.
Operational Significance
- Facilitation of Service:
The yard aids in facilitating regular and timely service on the Babylon Branch by storing trains in areas where they are needed most. - Proper Utilisation of Fleet:
Its close location to Babylon Station enables easy turnarounds for the trains and prompt availability of equipment to match the service demands on a day-to-day basis.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What stations are on the Babylon Branch?
The Branch has some important stops such as Penn Station, Forest Hills, Kew Gardens, Jamaica, Rockville Centre, Baldwin, Freeport, Merrick, Bellmore, Wantagh, Seaford, Massapequa, Massapequa Park, Amityville, Copiague, Lindenhurst, and reaches its destination at Babylon.
2. What is the duration of the trip from Penn Station to Babylon?
An ordinary weekday train departs from Penn Station at 7:00 AM and reaches Babylon at 8:10 AM, i.e., in approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.
3. Where can I view the latest schedule of the Babylon Branch?
The latest schedules for the Babylon Branch can be accessed on the MTA’s official Babylon Station webpage, which provides updated train times and service alerts. They are also available on the TrainTime app, offering real-time schedules, ticketing, and train tracking features for convenient travel planning.
4. Does the Babylon Branch run on weekends and holidays?
Yes, the Babylon Branch runs seven days a week, including Saturdays and public holidays. Train schedules, however, may vary from weekday operation.
5. Is parking for the Babylon LIRR Station available?
Yes, the Village of Babylon operates several parking lots near the station, including Lot 3 at 51 Sammis Avenue, offering both permit-based and metered parking. These lots provide convenient access for commuters using the Babylon Branch of the LIRR
6. Is a permit needed to park at Babylon Station?
A permit is needed to park in permit spaces during weekday enforcement times (6:00 AM – 5:00 PM). Moreover, parking is also allowed in the evenings, weekends, and holidays.
7. How do I obtain a parking permit for Babylon Station?
Permits can be obtained on the Village of Babylon website or at the Parking Permit Office, 456 Albany Avenue, Amityville, NY. Further information can be obtained by contacting (631) 230-0057.
8. Are there other parking lots close to the station?
Yes, there are other available private parking spaces, such as a parking lot at 15 Sammis Avenue, which has monthly parking available for $156.25 with a refundable deposit.
9. Is the Babylon Station ADA compliant?
Yes, the station is fully accessible, featuring amenities like elevators for step-free access, tactile warning strips for the visually impaired, and real-time electronic display signs for train updates. These features ensure safe and convenient travel for all passengers, including those with disabilities.
10. Where do I get a map of the Babylon Branch?
A complete map of the branch—including all stops, transfer points, and connections to other LIRR lines—is available on the official MTA website. This map helps riders plan routes more efficiently and understand key transfer hubs across the network.