The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) provides off-peak service during all non-rush hours on weekdays and also throughout weekends and holidays. Off-peak times for weekdays usually are between 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, then after 8:00 PM up to early morning the following day. Peak times are characterized by trains entering New York City between 6:00 AM and 10:00 AM and departing the city between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Any train running between these periods is classified as off-peak and usually has lower prices and better open seats.
Off-peak trains are more affordable, make more local stops, and are less crowded. Within NYC (Zones 1–3), the CityTicket allows off-peak rides for just $5, making it a cost-effective choice for local travel. Riders are encouraged to use the TrainTime app or check schedules online to confirm whether a specific train qualifies for off-peak fares.
Off Peak Hours LIRR
LIRR off-peak hour price has reduced train tickets on weekends, certain holidays and during non-submit peak hours—just not between 6 AM to 10 AM or 4 PM to 8 PM. These discounted rates apply to the full city zone, while Zones 4–14 are charged consistently all day. Off-peak tickets are not valid on peak trains without payment of a step-up fare. Children, seniors, families and groups will also benefit from extra savings, while the TrainTime App verifies times and prices. Improvements through East Side Access have created more off-peak service on key routes like Ronkonkoma and West Hempstead.
| Category | Morning Off-Peak | Evening Off-Peak |
|---|---|---|
| General Definition | 10:01 AM – 3:59 PM | 8:01 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Port Washington | 10:01 AM - 3:59 PM | 8:01 PM - 5:59 AM |
| Ronkonkoma | 10:01 AM - 3:59 PM | 8:01 PM - 5:59 AM |
| Babylon | 10:01 AM - 3:59 PM | 8:01 PM - 5:59 AM |
| Hempstead | 10:01 AM - 3:59 PM | 8:01 PM - 5:59 AM |
| Huntington/Port Jefferson | 10:01 AM - 3:59 PM | 8:01 PM - 5:59 AM |
| Long Beach | 10:01 AM - 3:59 PM | 8:01 PM - 5:59 AM |
| Far Rockaway | 10:01 AM - 3:59 PM | 8:01 PM - 5:59 AM |
| West Hempstead | 10:01 AM - 3:59 PM | 8:01 PM - 5:59 AM |
| Oyster Bay | 10:01 AM - 3:59 PM | 8:01 PM - 5:59 AM |
| Montauk (East End) | 10:01 AM - 3:59 PM | 8:01 PM - 5:59 AM |
What are Off Peak Hours for LIRR?
Off-peak hours are periods in the day when there are fewer commuters on the LIRR and hence lower fares are levied to promote travel. The LIRR determines its off-peak hours from the movement of people into and out of New York City during regular business hours.
Why Off-Peak Matters
Off-peak hour travel saves a lot of money. Off-peak fares are lower than peak fares—up to $4–$5 cheaper per ride, depending on the route. This is great for vacation travelers, remote employees, or anyone not bound to 9-to-5 driving.
In addition, off-peak trains at less busy times are usually not as packed, providing a more comfortable and easy ride. Off-peak trains also stop more frequently at local stations along the route, offering better service to smaller stops along the way.
Key Points
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If you have an off-peak ticket but take a peak-hour train, you’ll be required to pay a step-up fare onboard.
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Check if a particular train is off-peak using the MTA TrainTime app.
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Monthly and weekly tickets are unrestricted at any time, peak or off-peak.
LIRR Peak and Off Peak Hours
LIRR classifies peak times as weekday trains arriving in New York City between 6:00 AM and 10:00 AM or leaving the city between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM. These are busy commuter times with higher prices. Off-peak times are all other hours, for example, early morning, mid-afternoon (10:00 AM–4:00 PM), evening after 8:00 PM, late evening, and whole-day on weekends and holidays.
Fare Differences by Zone
- Fares are based on zones—Zone 1 (NYC terminals), Zone 3 (Jamaica/Eastern Queens), then radiating outward Zones 4–14.
- For travel to Zones 1 or 3, fare is influenced by peak/off-peak status; off-peak tickets cost less during off-peak periods.
- Travel entirely within Zones 4–14 is always equal in cost—off-peak fares by default no matter the time.
Ticket Types and Step-Up Fees
Off-peak tickets are issued in single, return, and 10-trip versions. Week passes and month passes are valid at any time, including off-peak hours. Board a peak train using an off-peak ticket and pay a step-up fee onboard—the differential between the two prices. No penalty beyond this fare difference is charged.
Special Fares and Discounts
- CityTicket permits off-peak travel within Zone 1–3 of NYC for $5, increasing to $7 during peak.
- Family Fare lets up to four children ride for ~$1 each accompanied by an adult—off-peak only.
- Senior/disabled fares are 50% off, though morning inbound peak travel has a specific AM-peak senior fare.
LIRR Peak vs. Off-Peak Fare Comparison
Here’s a comparison of LIRR one-way fares, showing the difference between peak and off-peak pricing:
| Route (One-Way) | Peak Fare | Off-Peak Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Central → Ronkonkoma | $16.50 | $12.50 |
| Jamaica → Babylon | $11.00 | $8.25 |
| Penn Station → Hicksville | $14.25 | $10.75 |
LIRR tickets
LIRR tickets are based on zoning and can be purchased as a single-ride, multi‐ride, weekly, or monthly pass. All tickets are sold ahead of time on the app, at ticket machines or ticket windows; onboard sales include a surcharge.
| Ticket Type | Validity | Zones Covered | Price Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-Way | Single trip, peak/off-peak | Any origin→destination | Zone-based fare |
| Round-Trip | Two one-way trips within 10 days | Same zone pair | 2× one-way fare |
| Ten-Trip | 10 one-way trips; no expiration | Any zone pair | 10× one-way off-peak or peak |
| Weekly Pass | Unlimited rides, 7 consecutive days | Any zone pair | 5× one-way off-peak fare |
| Monthly Pass | Unlimited rides, calendar month | Any zone pair | 20× one-way off-peak fare |
| CityTicket | Off-peak weekends & holidays | Zones 1–3 only | Flat $5.00 |
| Grand Central Combo | One-way between LIRR & Metro-North | LIRR⇄GCT | $8.00 add-on |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are considered peak hours on the LIRR?
Peak times are weekdays when trains come into NYC between 6:00 AM and 10:00 AM, or leave NYC between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM.
2. When are off-peak hours?
Off-peak hours are all hours outside the weekday peak periods, and all day on weekends and holidays.
3. How are peak and off-peak fares different
Fares are increased for peak-hour trips to or from NYC zones. Off-peak fares are reduced, and only trips that take place in Zones 4–14 are always charged at the off-peak fare.
4. What ticket categories are there for off-peak travel?
You may purchase one-way, round-trip, 10-trip, weekly, or monthly tickets. Weekly and monthly passes are accepted during both peak and off-peak hours.
5. Can I travel on an off-peak ticket during peak time?
Yes, but you must pay a step-up fee onboard to account for the difference between off-peak and peak fares.
6. What is CityTicket on the LIRR?
CityTicket is a reduced fare for travel in New York City zones, $5 off-peak and $7 peak hours.
7. Are there off-peak family or senior discounts?
Yes. LIRR provides Family Fare discounts, disabled riders’ half-price fares, and group fare discounts, primarily during off-peak hours.
8. How do I determine whether a train is off-peak or peak?
Check with the MTA TrainTime app or the regular LIRR schedule, which indicates each train’s fare status clearly.
9. Are different branches at different peak schedules?
No, peak periods are the same throughout the system, but service patterns and frequency of trains differ by branch.
10. Why do zones influence LIRR pricing?
LIRR prices are zone-based (1–14). Peak fares apply only to rides that pass through Zones 1 or 3, whereas rides between Zones 4–14 always cost off-peak prices.