LIRR Forest Hills station is an integral stop located on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) Main Line in central Queens, New York. It opened in 1911, allowing direct access to Manhattan via westbound services to Penn Station. The station has two side platforms that are suitable for handling four-car trains, and there are also ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) amenities such as ramps, tactile strips, and digital information displays. The peak fares at Forest Hills LIRR are $7.75 to $10, whereas the off-peak fares at LIRR Forest Hills Station are $5.50 to $7.50.
Towering over the picturesque Station Square of Forest Hills Gardens, the station integrates itself into this historic neighbourhood. Its English Tudor style, conceived by architect Grosvenor Atterbury and landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., nicely complements the early 20th-century houses of the area and helps preserve its singularity and charm.
Forest Hills LIRR Station
Forest Hills LIRR Station, constructed in 1906 and redone in 1911, is a Tudor-designed station within the historic neighbourhood of Forest Hills Gardens. Its brick courtyards, clock tower, and original signage are interpretations of the neighbourhood’s Arts & Crafts style. The station features two side platforms accommodating four tracks, with 2018 extensions for improved peak-hour and event capacity at the adjacent Forest Hills Stadium. It is ADA-compliant with ramps and is easily accessible to the Forest Hills–71st Avenue subway (E, F, M, R lines) and MTA buses. Used by around 2,000 weekday commuters, it’s one of Queens’ busiest LIRR stations, blending historic appeal with contemporary transit requirements.
Forest Hills LIRR Schedule [Weekday & Weekend Schedule]
Forest Hills has daily LIRR service with more trains during rush hours. It connects to Penn Station, Grand Central, and Jamaica. Weekend and late-night service is less frequent than weekdays. Below is the detailed train schedule for the weekends and weekdays for Forest Hills Station:
Weekend Schedule (Monday to Friday)
| Time | Line(s) Primarily Serving Forest Hills | Direction | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5:00 AM - 8:00 AM | MainLine, Hempstead, Ronkonkoma | Towards Jamaica, Manhattan (Penn, GCM) | Service begins, but is less frequent than on weekdays. Typically hourly or every 30-40 minutes to Manhattan. |
| 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM | Main Line, Hempstead, Ronkonkoma, Babylon, Far Rockaway, Long Beach | Towards Jamaica, Manhattan (Penn Station, Grand Central Madison); Towards Long Island points | Service generally runs every 30-60 minutes to/from Manhattan. Eastbound service varies; transfers at Jamaica are common. |
| 7:00 PM - 12:00 AM | Main Line, Hempstead, Ronkonkoma | Towards Jamaica, Manhattan (Penn, GCM); Towards Long Island points | Frequency decreases further, often hourly or less frequently. |
| 12:00 AM - 5:00 AM | Main Line (limited) | Towards Jamaica, Manhattan (Penn, GCM); Towards Long Island points | Very limited overnight service, typically hourly or less frequent. Connections are often required in Jamaica. |
LIRR Station Forest Hills Parking
Forest Hills LIRR Station does not have a particular commuter parking lot. However, there are some available spaces around for visitors and commuters.
Street Parking
Limited metered parking exists alongside side streets of Queens Boulevard. Such parking lots are usually snagged early and are under alternate-side parking rules and local permit requirements. Weekends may see it less challenging to find free parking further east or north towards calmer residential blocks such as 108th–112th Street.
Private Garages and Paid Lots
A few private garages and city lots are within walking distance (0.2–0.5 miles) of the station. Average daily rates tend to be around $15–$17, with event nights at Forest Hills Stadium costing more. Pre-booking ahead of time at services such as SpotHero or Way.com assures a space and often provides lower rates.
Parking Tip
- For reliable parking, especially on event nights or during rush hours, use a private garage.
- Check street cleaning timetables to avoid getting fined if parking on the street.
- Pre-book an online garage in advance for ease and peace of mind.
LIRR Forest Hills to Penn Station
The LIRR from Forest Hills offers an exceedingly fast and direct ride to the middle of Midtown Manhattan at Penn Station. Forest Hills Station, whose west entrance is at 107-16 Austin St, is accessible by stairs and elevators. Most westbound trains go through Jamaica, stopping at Woodside, and reach Penn Station in about 12-18 minutes. Check that the train has “Penn Station” or “New York” listed as its final stop, as some trains go to Grand Central Madison, so always double-check the signs or the TrainTime app.
How to Get There
When departing from Forest Hills, the LIRR train westbound to Penn Station is considered to be the quickest and convenient, mostly taking 12 to 18 minutes for an interesting ride. Ensure when boarding that it’s listed for “Penn Station”, not Grand Central Madison, as some trains from Forest Hills serve different terminal stations in Manhattan.
Costs (Fares)
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Zone 3 to Zone 1.
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Peak: Approx. $7.75 – $10.75 (Mon-Fri, inbound 6-10 AM, outbound 4-8 PM).
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Off-Peak: Approx. $5.50 – $7.50 (all other times, weekends).
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Payment: Use OMNY (tap credit/debit/phone), TrainTime app, or Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs). Buy before boarding to avoid a surcharge.
MTA LIRR to Forest Hills Stadium
Forest Hills Stadium is actually an outdoor concert venue, which has historic significance and happens to be located in the neighbourhood of Forest Hills Gardens within Queens, close by to the LIRR Forest Hills station. This place is an incredible venue but however, the most important thing is to plan travel correctly for popular events.
The best way to reach the Forest Hills Stadium: take the Long Island Rail Road from Penn Station or Grand Central Madison to Forest Hills Station. It takes 12 to 20 minutes, depending on the train and time of day. From the Forest Hills Station, the stadium is just about a 5 to 10-minute walk away, making it fast and convenient for concertgoers.
Costs (Fares)
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Peak fares during weekday outbound travel from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, which charge approximately $7.75 to $10.75 from Zone 1 (NYC) to Zone 3 (Forest Hills) on the LIRR.
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Off-peak has a range of about $5.50 to $7.50—and those cover all other weekday times, weekends, and holidays.
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For weekend and holiday travel within NYC zones, the special CityTicket is available for around $5.00, offering a more affordable option.
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Tickets can be purchased using OMNY (tap with a contactless card or phone), the MTA TrainTime app, or ticket vending machines.
Forest Hills to Jamaica LIRR
| Time Period | Frequency | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Early Morning (5–6 AM) | Every 30 minutes | 6 minutes |
| Morning Peak (6–10 AM) | Every 15–20 minutes | 6 minutes |
| Midday (10 AM–4 PM) | Every 20–30 minutes | 6 minutes |
| Evening Peak (4–8 PM) | Every 15–20 minutes | 6 minutes |
| Evening Off-Peak (8 PM–12 AM) | Every 30 minutes | 6 minutes |
| Weekends & Holidays | Every 30–60 minutes | 6–8 minutes |
Ronkonkoma to Forest Hills LIRR
A pleasant travel mode for commuters as well as event-goers is travelling from Ronkonkoma to Forest Hills on Long Island Rail Road (LIRR). The trip generally takes about 1 hour and 2 minutes, with many trains operating throughout the day. The Ronkonkoma Branch runs westbound toward New York City, and while not all trains stop there, some do, especially during peak hours. Some trains might require a transfer at Jamaica Station. For such an occasion, it is best to consult the LIRR schedule or use the MTA TrainTime app.
Way to Reach There
Take a westbound Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) train heading on the Ronkonkoma Branch, transfer to a westbound train that stops at Forest Hills at Jamaica Station—total travel time takes about 55 to 75 minutes: approximately 45 to 60 minutes from Ronkonkoma to Jamaica and then 10 to 15 minutes from Jamaica to Forest Hills.
Costs (Fares)
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Zone 7 (Ronkonkoma) to Zone 3 (Forest Hills).
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Peak: Approx. $14.50 -$20.00 (weekday rush hours)
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Off-Peak: Approx. $10.50 – $14.50 (all other times, weekends).
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Payment: Use TrainTime app, TVMs, or OMNY (tap at Ronkonkoma AND Jamaica for transfer).
LIRR Grand Central to Forest Hills schedule
| Time Period | Weekdays Departures | Weekends Departures | Frequency | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early Morning | 6:13 AM, 6:43 AM, 7:13 AM, 7:43 AM | 7:13 AM, 8:13 AM, 9:13 AM | Wkdys: 30 min,Wknd: 60 min | 14–15 min |
| Morning Rush | 8:13 AM, 8:43 AM, 9:13 AM, 9:43 AM | 10:13 AM, 11:13 AM | Wkdys: 15 min,Wknd: 60 min | 14–15 min |
| Midday Off-Peak | 10:13 AM, 11:13 AM, 12:13 PM, 1:13 PM | 12:13 PM, 1:13 PM | Wkdys: 60 min,Wknd: 60 min | 14–15 min |
| Evening Rush | 4:13 PM, 4:43 PM, 5:13 PM, 5:43 PM | 5:13 PM, 6:13 PM | Wkdys: 30 min,Wknd: 60 min | 14–15 min |
| Late Evening | 8:13 PM, 9:13 PM, 10:13 PM | 7:13 PM, 8:13 PM, 9:13 PM | Wkdys: 60 min,Wknd: 60 min | 14–15 min |
- Peak fares apply weekdays 6–10 AM & 4–8 PM; all weekend travel is off-peak.
- Tickets can book via MTA eTix, vending machines, or onboard (+$5 surcharge).
Peak vs Off-Peak Hours
Peak Hours (Higher Fares):
- Weekdays (Inbound to NYC) 6:00-10:00 AM
- Weekday 4:00-8:00 PM (From NYC)
Off-Peak Hours (Lower Fares):
- All other hours including weekends and holidays
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can I get to Forest Hills via LIRR from Manhattan?
Travelling to Forest Hills from Manhattan requires boarding an eastbound Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) train out of Penn Station or Grand Central Madison. The train must stop at Forest Hills, as not all trains do. Generally, this ride takes about 12 to 20 minutes. Always check the MTA TrainTime app or the official MTA website for train times and routes.
2. What is the timetable of LIRR for Forest Hills to Penn Station?
Trains from Forest Hills to Penn Station would come at various times in one day, with more frequent service during peak hours. Some trains require a transfer at Jamaica Station for some trips. The best for check the most reliable and updated departure times is using the MTA TrainTime app or the LIRR schedule on the MTA website.
3. Where exactly is Forest Hills LIRR Station?
The Forest Hills LIRR Station sits at 71st Avenue and Austin Street in Forest Hills, Queens, NY 11375. The elevated station is above 71st Avenue, between Austin and Burns Streets and next to the historic Station Square area.
4. How do I travel from Ronkonkoma to Forest Hills on the LIRR?
If travelling from Ronkonkoma, take a train towards Jamaica that goes west on the LIRR. Upon reaching Jamaica Station, take a train stopping at Forest Hills. Not all of the trains on this line make that stop, so it’s good to check the schedule beforehand to dodge delays.
5. How do I get to Forest Hills Stadium on the LIRR?
Forest Hills Stadium is about a five-minute walk from the Forest Hills LIRR Station. After leaving the station, cross through Station Square and head south on Burns Street. Overall, it shouldn’t take more than 5 to 10 minutes—a great reason to use the train to access events at the stadium.
6. Is there any parking available within or around Forest Hills LIRR Station?
Direct parking at the station is limited, although there are many parking lots in the vicinity. For example, Parker Towers Garage at 70-20 Yellowstone Boulevard has 24/7 access, EV charging stations, and valet service, among others. Parking can be reserved in advance and a guaranteed spot by using platforms like SpotHero, Way.com, or ParkWhiz.
7. What is the fare and zone classification between Forest Hills and Penn Station?
Forest Hills is in Zone 1 of the LIRR fare system. Fares differ between peak and off-peak hours. On weekends and holidays, reduced fares are offered through the CityTicket program. Tickets can be purchased via the MTA TrainTime app, at vending machines, or using contactless payment options.
8. Is Forest Hills LIRR Station accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes, the station has ADA-accessible features. The Forest Hills station is provided with ramps, tactile warning strips, audio, and visual announcements. Hence, it perfectly characterises the features to assist riders with disabilities.
9. LIRR Penn Station address:
Penn Station operates the LIRR, which is located at 3 Penn Plaza, New York, NY 10001. The LIRR concourse is under Madison Square Garden with entrances on 7th and 8th Avenues, between 31st and 34th Streets.
10. Where to buy LIRR tickets at the station:
LIRR tickets can be purchased at Penn Station via ticket vending machines, staffed ticket counters, or using the MTA TrainTime app. Buying on board may incur additional costs unless there are no machines at the boarding station.