Jamaica LIRR [Station, Schedule, Fares, Parking & more]

Jamaica Station in Queens, New York City, is a very important spot in the LIRR system. It is said that it serves over 200,000 riders daily, for this makes it among the most crowded train stations in the United States. There probably are very few terminals larger than it; the best known are Penn Station and Grand Central. Being the junction of Long Island Rail Road branches, AirTrain JFK, several subway lines, and just about innumerable MTA buses, the station acts as a crucial transfer point for both tourist and daily commuter.

Jamaica Station originally went under construction in the nineteenth century; whereas with increased usage, the station got upgraded. In giving Jamaica Station a sturdy, modern feel, renovations from 2001 until 2006 included the installation of new platforms, a pedestrian bridge, and high accessibility. Being defined by her location and transit connections, Jamaica Station becomes crucial in New York transportation.

LIRR Station Jamaica

Jamaica Station is the main transfer station of the Long Island Rail Road, located approximately 10 miles from Manhattan. It has six platforms and ten tracks and accommodates trains from significant branches like Babylon, Ronkonkoma, and Far Rockaway. The station features digital signage, retail kiosks, waiting rooms, and complete ADA access. The majority of LIRR trains pass through or end at Jamaica, and it is therefore essential for passenger service as well as system-wide coordination of trains.

LIRR Train Derailment Jamaica

A Long Island Rail Road train derailed on August 3, 2023, east of Jamaica Station, Queens. The eight-car, Hempstead-bound train No. 722 departed from Grand Central Terminal at 10:43 a.m. and derailed at 11:12 a.m. near 93rd Avenue and 175th Street. Eight cars derailed, and 13 passengers were injured. The majority of the injuries were not severe, but two passengers sustained more severe non-life-threatening injuries. All the injured individuals were eventually reported in stable condition.

The derailment occurred at Hall Interlocking, a complex and busy switch point. Tests found the train crossed over a misaligned switch that seemed to be in alignment on control systems. A wiring malfunction in the switch system, not yet discovered, created the miscommunication. Emergency crews responded quickly, evacuating passengers on a rescue train. Approximately 1,600 feet of track were destroyed, resulting in severe service disruptions. The MTA and federal authorities responded by increasing inspections and undertaking further investigations to improve system safety.

Jamaica LIRR Schedule [Weekday & Weekend Schedule]

The Jamaica LIRR Schedule outlines train departure times and frequencies for all major LIRR branches serving Jamaica Station, ensuring smooth connections for weekday and weekend travel.

Weekday Schedule (Monday to Friday)

Weekend Schedule (Saturday to Sunday)

MTA LIRR Penn Station to Jamaica

Travel from Jamaica Station to Penn Station on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is a quick, convenient, and popular means of reaching Midtown Manhattan. The ride is approximately 20 minutes and takes place regularly throughout the day—every 5 minutes during rush times and every 20 to 30 minutes otherwise. The ride is within the LIRR’s City Zone, so it is easy for daily commuters, tourists, and travelers to or from JFK Airport. The LIRR runs 24 hours a day, but night trains are less frequent.

LIRR Jamaica Fare and Tickets

CityTicket (For NYC travel, e.g., Penn Station to Jamaica):

• Off-Peak Fare: $5
• Peak Fare: $7
• One-way fare good only within New York City limits.

Standard Fares (Except CityTicket):

• Range of $3 to $12
• Fare depends on travel time (off-peak/peak) and ticket type.

Where to Buy Tickets:

• MTA TrainTime App
• Ticket Vending Machines at all LIRR stations
• Ticket Windows (at main stations)

Ensure that you have opted for the “CityTicket” rate if you are entitled to the reduced fare.

Station Facilities

Jamaica Station is a large transportation center in Queens with extensive facilities and transit links. It is completely accessible and features elevators, escalators, and wide platforms. The station is linked to the AirTrain JFK for direct access to airports, as well as the E, J, and Z subway trains and many MTA bus routes. Penn Station in the center of Manhattan also features full accessibility and links to several subway lines (1, 2, 3, A, C, and E), Amtrak, and NJ Transit. Both stations are well prepared for travelers with easy signage, restrooms, and ticketing facilities.

LIRR Jamaica to Grand Central

Riding the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) from Jamaica Station in Queens to Grand Central Madison in Manhattan is a quick and easy way to get to Manhattan’s East Side. The trip is 20 minutes, and trains are frequent during the day. Trains go directly to Grand Central Madison, a new underground terminal beneath Grand Central Terminal, without making subway transfers if heading to Midtown East. Convenient for the weekday commuter to work as well as travelers from JFK Airport.

Schedule & Service Updates

Jamaica Grand Central trains run every 8–12 minutes with considerable service throughout much of the day and rush hours. Some LIRR timetables have been adjusted since the start of Grand Central Madison service in 2023, with some trains running to Grand Central rather than Penn Station. To see the current schedules and any temporary schedule changes, customers can view the most up-to-date timetables on the MTA website.

Fare Information

LIRR has several fare possibilities for this trip:

• CityTicket (for travel within NYC only)

  • $5 during off-peak hours

  • $7 during peak hour

  • This is ideal for one-way travel from Jamaica to Grand Central.

• Everyday One-Way Ticket

  • Off-Peak: About $10.75

  • Peak: About $14.50

Prices may change a bit, so it is advisable to double-check with the MTA Fare Calculator.

How to Buy Ticket

Jamaica to Grand Central tickets can be bought through the MTA eTix app, station ticket machines, or agent-operated ticket booths. The eTix app is a convenient phone purchase, with machines accepting cash and credit cards. It is advisable to buy in advance to save by not paying onboard higher prices.

From JFK Airport to Grand Central

If you’re arriving at JFK, take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station (15–20 minutes) and then the LIRR at Jamaica for a smooth ride to Grand Central Madison. The trip from JFK to Midtown Manhattan takes approximately 45 to 50 minutes.

LIRR Jamaica Station Parking

While Jamaica Station in Queens, NY, does not necessarily have allocated LIRR parking lot space, there are a few public and private parking garages in the area that are within walking distance. Regular commuters and frequent riders who use LIRR, AirTrain JFK, and the subway frequent these garages.

LIRR Jamaica Near me Parking Lots

• 147-40 Archer Avenue Garage – Only 1–2 minutes away, around $9 a day.
• iPark – Alvista Towers (148th St) – About 0.2 miles from the station, about $15/day.
• Parking Lots – Hillside Tower (95th Ave) – In walking distance, normally $10/day.
• MPG Parking (153rd St) – About 0.5 miles from the station, about $12/day.
• Impark Garage (Parsons Blvd) – A little further away at 0.5 miles, with rates of around $19/day.

They have different prices and services, including hourly and daily parking, and most of them operate 24/7.

Book Parking in Advance

You can pre-book your parking spot through mobile apps and websites such as:

• SpotHero
• ParkWhiz
• Way.com

These sites allow you to price-shop, verify availability, and reserve a seat, saving time and money—particularly during rush hour.

City Parking Garage Nearby

Although LIRR lacks parking, the Queens Family Court Municipal Garage at 150-07 Archer Avenue is a great nearby option. It contains over 200 parking spaces, ADA spaces, and electric vehicle charging spaces. It starts at around $5 for the first hour, up to the daily limit of $20.

Find Parking Near You

If you need “Jamaica Station parking near me,” use GPS-based services like SpotHero or ParkWhiz to locate in-real-time nearby garages, see live availability, and reserve a space. It is a hassle-free experience, be it by train or by air from JFK.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get from Brentwood to Jamaica on the LIRR?

Take a Ronkonkoma Branch westbound train to Jamaica Station. The ride typically takes approximately one hour. Train schedules vary depending on the time of day, so it is advisable to verify the current schedule on the MTA website prior to your journey.

2. What is the LIRR timetable from Atlantic Terminal to Jamaica?

Trains are running all the time from Brooklyn’s Atlantic Terminal to Jamaica Station, particularly during rush hours. On average, you will find a train every 10 to 15 minutes. Always consult the MTA schedule for the best and latest departure times.

3. How do I get from LaGuardia Airport (LGA) to Jamaica LIRR Station?

Even though there is no direct train, there is a bus from LaGuardia Airport to the Jamaica Station. You can take the Q70 SBS bus to the Jackson Heights–Roosevelt Avenue subway station, where you can transfer to the E subway line going toward Jamaica Center–Parsons/Archer and walk for a few minutes to the LIRR Jamaica Station.

4. How can you go to Jamaica Station from JFK Airport?

The most accessible means of travel from JFK to Jamaica Station is on the AirTrain JFK. The AirTrain links directly from all airport terminals to Jamaica Station and operates 24/7. It is quick, dependable, and connects you to both the LIRR and subway trains.

5. LIRR Jamaica Station Address

The address of the station is 93-02 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, NY 11435, and it is a prominent LIRR, subway line (E, J, Z), and JFK AirTrain hub.

6. LIRR Ticket Purchasing Location at the Station

Tickets can be purchased at vending machines or from the staff ticket office (daily from 6:00 a.m. to 9:40 p.m.). The tickets can also be purchased using the MTA TrainTime app.