Jamaica LIRR 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, which 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 tourists and daily commuters.
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.
Jamaica LIRR Station
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.
Jamaica LIRR Train Derailment
On August 3, 2023, a Long Island Rail Road train derailed while being shunted to another track east of Jamaica Station, Queens. The eight-car, Hempstead-bound Train No. 722 had left Grand Central Terminal at 10:43 a.m., and had derailed at 11:12 a.m. near 93rd Avenue and 175th Street. All eight cars derailed; 13 passengers were injured. Most of the injuries were minor, but two passengers had more serious but not life-threatening injuries. All of the injured were said to be in stable condition after the attack.
The derailment took place at Hall Interlocking, a labyrinthine and heavily trafficked switching area. An examination found that the train passed through a skewed switch that looked okay on the control system. The miscommunication was due to a problem with the wiring of the switch system, and the specific glitch was not yet known.
Quick work by emergency crews led to passengers being evacuated with the assistance of a rescue train. About 1,600 linear feet of track was lost in the incident, with service severely impacted. In reaction, the MTA and federal regulators heightened inspections and opened more investigations as it looked to improve safety across the system and to try to avoid future occurrences.
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)
| Destination | First Departure | Last Departure | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Babylon | 03:46 | 11:51 | Every 30 minutes |
| Huntington | 02:43 | 12:55 | Every 30 minutes |
| Ronkonkoma | 02:56 | 13:08 | Every 30 minutes |
| Far Rockaway | 03:41 | 12:46 | Every 30 minutes |
| Long Beach | 04:27 | 13:13 | Every 30 minutes |
| Hempstead | 04:29 | 12:16 | Every 60 minutes |
| Oyster Bay | 06:24 | 11:44 | Every 90 minutes |
| Montauk | 09:58 | 09:58 | Every 2 hours |
| Port Jefferson | 06:13 | 06:13 | Every 2 hours |
| West Hempstead | 06:29 | 12:29 | Every 60 minutes |
Weekend Schedule (Saturday to Sunday)
| Destination | First Train | Last Train | Typical Departures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Babylon | 05:30 | 23:00 | Every 60 minutes |
| Huntington | 05:48 | 23:48 | Every 60 minutes |
| Ronkonkoma | 05:45 | 22:45 | Every 60 minutes |
| Far Rockaway | 06:00 | 22:00 | Every 60 minutes |
| Long Beach | 05:47 | 22:47 | Every 60 minutes |
| Hempstead | 06:00 | 22:00 | Every 60 minutes |
| Oyster Bay | 05:54 | 22:54 | Each 90 minutes |
| Montauk | 06:00 | 22:00 | Every 2 hours |
| Port Jefferson | 06:13 | 22:13 | Every 2 hours |
| West Hempstead | 06:30 | 22:30 | Every 60 minutes |
Jamaica Station LIRR 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 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.
Jamaica LIRR Station address
Jamaica LIRR station is located at 93-02 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, Queens, New York 11435. This LIRR station is a major transportation hub that serves as the central point for the Long Island Rail Road system, providing easy access for daily LIRR commuters traveling to and from various destinations across Long Island and New York City. It’s also located at the junction of the main three truck routes of LIRR.
Book Parking in Advance
Parking spots can be pre-booked through mobile apps and websites such as SpotHero, ParkWhiz, and Way.com. These platforms allow price comparison, availability checks, and reservations, helping save time and money, especially during rush hours.
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.
Jamaica to Penn Station LIRR
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 travellers to or from JFK Airport. The LIRR runs 24 hours a day, but night trains are less frequent.
LIRR Jamaica Fare and Tickets
LIRR Jamaica Fare and Tickets provide various ticket options available for travel, with convenient purchasing through machines, apps, or station windows. The various ticket options available are as follows:
- CityTicket (For NYC travel, e.g., Penn Station to Jamaica): The off-peak fare is $5, while the peak fare is $7. A one-way fare is valid only within New York City limits.
- Standard Fares (Except CityTicket): Fares range from $3 to $12, depending on travel time—whether off-peak or peak—and the type of ticket purchased.
Jamaica LIRR Tickets
| Destination | Zone | One-Way Peak | One-Way Off-Peak | Weekly Pass | Monthly Pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penn Station | 1 | $7.75 | $5.50 | $55.00 | $139.00 |
| Atlantic Terminal | 1 | $7.75 | $5.50 | $55.00 | $139.00 |
Where to Buy Tickets
Tickets can be purchased through the MTA TrainTime app, at ticket vending machines available at all LIRR stations, or ticket windows in main stations. Ensure the City Ticket rate is selected if eligible for 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 travellers 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 travellers 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.
Jamaica LIRR Fare Information
LIRR has several fare possibilities for this trip:
-
CityTicket (for travel within NYC only)
-
$5 during off-peak hours
-
$7 during peak hours
-
This is ideal for one-way travel from Jamaica to Grand Central.
-
-
Every day, 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 at LIRR Jamaica
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 the 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.
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.