Penn Station in Midtown Manhattan is the major Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) hub, acting as a principal gateway between Long Island and New York City. As a nation-leading commuter rail network, the LIRR runs day and night, connecting more than 120 Long Island stations, as well as Queens, Brooklyn, and Manhattan ones. At Penn Station, commuters get to ride trains on main lines like Ronkonkoma, Babylon, Port Jefferson, and Montauk, which makes it a mid-stop for weekday commuters and weekend commuters alike.
The Penn Station LIRR concourse has seen far-reaching modernizations in the past few years to enhance passenger convenience. These improvements encompass improved lighting, ventilation, wider corridors, and more readable signage. The recently opened East End Gateway at Seventh Avenue and 33rd Street provides a new glass canopy entrance and open corridors that minimize congestion and ease access for Penn Station’s high number of users.
Penn Station LIRR Schedule
LIRR trains run often, every 20–30 minutes during peak times, connecting Penn Station to Long Island with travel times from 45 minutes to over an hour.
LIRR Penn Station Weekday Schedule (Monday to Friday)
Westbound Schedule for Long Island to Penn Station
| Departure Time | Origin Station | Arrival Time at Penn Station | Travel Time | Service Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5:42 AM | Ronkonkoma | 7:05 AM | 1h 23m | Peak |
| 6:00 AM | Babylon | 7:00 AM | 1h | Peak |
| 6:15 AM | Huntington | 7:01 AM | 46m | Peak |
| 6:30 AM | Port Washington | 7:02 AM | 32m | Peak |
| 7:00 AM | Long Beach | 7:55 AM | 55m | Peak |
| 7:15 AM | Ronkonkoma | 8:35 AM | 1h 20m | Peak |
| 7:45 AM | Babylon | 8:45 AM | 1h | Off-Peak |
| 8:00 AM | Huntington | 8:30 AM | 30m | Off-Peak |
| 8:30 AM | Port Washington | 9:00 AM | 30m | Off-Peak |
| 9:00 AM | Long Beach | 9:55 AM | 55m | Off-Peak |
Note:
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Rush-hour period: 6:00-10:00 AM towards Manhattan
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Express service: Some lines in peak hours
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Transfer point:All branches except for rockaway connect with Jamaica Station
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Service pattern: Some trains to Penn Station; some to Grand Central Madison
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Track assignments: Penn Station uses tracks 13-21 for LIRR service
Eastbound Schedule for Penn Station to Long Island
| Departure Time | Destination Station | Arrival Time at Destination | Travel Time | Service Type | Route/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:00 AM | Ronkonkoma | 7:20 AM | 1h 20m | Peak | Express |
| 6:15 AM | Babylon | 7:10 AM | 55m | Peak | Direct |
| 6:30 AM | Huntington | 7:10 AM | 40m | Peak | |
| 7:00 AM | Port Washington | 7:35 AM | 35m | Peak | |
| 7:30 AM | Long Beach | 8:25 AM | 55m | Peak | |
| 8:00 AM | Ronkonkoma | 9:20 AM | 1h 20m | Off-Peak | Local stops |
| 8:15 AM | Babylon | 9:10 AM | 55m | Off-Peak | |
| 8:45 AM | Huntington | 9:25 AM | 40m | Off-Peak | |
| 9:00 AM | Port Washington | 9:35 AM | 35m | Off-Peak | |
| 9:30 AM | Long Beach | 10:25 AM | 55m | Off-Peak |
LIRR Penn Station Weekends Schedule ( Saturday to Sunday)
Westbound Schedule (From Long Island to Penn Station)
| Departure Time | Origin Station | Arrival Time at Penn Station | Travel Time | Service Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:00 AM | Ronkonkoma | 7:25 AM | 1h 25m | Off-Peak |
| 6:30 AM | Babylon | 7:40 AM | 1h 10m | Off-Peak |
| 7:15 AM | Huntington | 7:55 AM | 40m | Off-Peak |
| 7:45 AM | Port Washington | 8:20 AM | 35m | Off-Peak |
| 8:15 AM | Long Beach | 9:10 AM | 55m | Off-Peak |
| 9:00 AM | Ronkonkoma | 10:25 AM | 1h 25m | Off-Peak |
| 9:30 AM | Babylon | 10:40 AM | 1h 10m | Off-Peak |
| 10:00 AM | Huntington | 10:40 AM | 40m | Off-Peak |
| 10:30 AM | Port Washington | 11:05 AM | 35m | Off-Peak |
| 11:00 AM | Long Beach | 11:55 AM | 55m | Off-Peak |
Eastbound Schedule (From Penn Station towards Long Island)
| Departure Time | Destination Station | Arrival Time at Destination | Travel Time | Service Type | Route/Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | Ronkonkoma | 8:25 AM | 1h 25m | Off-Peak | Local stops |
| 7:15 AM | Babylon | 8:20 AM | 1h 5m | Off-Peak | Direct |
| 7:45 AM | Huntington | 8:25 AM | 40m | Off-Peak | |
| 8:15 AM | Port Washington | 8:50 AM | 35m | Off-Peak | |
| 8:45 AM | Long Beach | 9:40 AM | 55m | Off-Peak | |
| 9:30 AM | Ronkonkoma | 10:55 AM | 1h 25m | Off-Peak | |
| 10:00 AM | Babylon | 11:05 AM | 1h 5m | Off-Peak | |
| 10:30 AM | Huntington | 11:10 AM | 40m | Off-Peak | |
| 11:00 AM | Port Washington | 11:35 AM | 35m | Off-Peak | |
| 11:30 AM | Long Beach | 12:25 PM | 55m | Off-Peak |
Penn Station LIRR West 34th Street New York
Penn Station, West 34th Street in Midtown Manhattan, is the primary Manhattan terminal of the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR). It transports commuters to major LIRR branches such as Babylon, Ronkonkoma, and Port Jefferson. It is connected with Amtrak, NJ Transit, and a number of NYC Subway lines (1, 2, 3, A, C, E) and thus serves as a hub for transportation.
Recent improvements, such as the East End Gateway and widened West End Concourse, enhanced access, lighting, and passenger movement. These upgrades enhance overall trip quality for the half-million daily users of Penn Station.
MTA LIRR Ronkonkoma to Penn Station
Ronkonkoma Branch is a major LIRR line linking Suffolk County to Manhattan. The trains move west from Ronkonkoma through stations like Central Islip, Brentwood, Deer Park, Wyandanch, Farmingdale, Bethpage, Hicksville, Mineola, Jamaica, and Woodside to end up at Penn Station. The line provides an important link for commuters and travelers daily.
LIRR Ronkonkoma to Penn Station Schedule
| Departure from Ronkonkoma | Arrival at Penn Station | Duration | Stops |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10:22 AM | 11:30 AM | 1 h 8 m | Jamaica |
| 10:52 AM | 12:00 PM | 1 h 8 m | Jamaica |
| 11:22 AM | 12:30 PM | 1 h 8 m | Jamaica |
| 11:52 AM | 1:00 PM | 1 h 8 m | Jamaica |
| 12:22 PM | 1:30 PM | 1 h 8 m | Jamaica |
| 12:52 PM | 2:00 PM | 1 h 8 m | Jamaica |
| 1:22 PM | 2:30 PM | 1 h 8 m | Jamaica |
| 1:52 PM | 3:00 PM | 1 h 8 m | Jamaica |
| 2:22 PM | 3:30 PM | 1 h 8 m | Jamaica |
| 2:52 PM | 4:00 PM | 1 h 8 m | Jamaica |
| 3:22 PM | 4:30 PM | 1 h 8 m | Jamaica |
| 3:55 PM | 5:03 PM | 1 h 8 m | Jamaica |
| 4:14 PM | 5:22 PM | 1 h 8 m | Jamaica |
| 4:47 PM | 5:55 PM | 1 h 8 m | Jamaica |
| 5:28 PM | 6:36 PM | 1 h 8 m | Jamaica |
| 5:55 PM | 7:03 PM | 1 h 8 m | Jamaica |
| 6:26 PM | 7:34 PM | 1 h 8 m | Jamaica |
| 6:56 PM | 8:04 PM | 1 h 8 m | Jamaica |
| 7:20 PM | 8:28 PM | 1 h 8 m | Jamaica |
| 7:56 PM | 9:04 PM | 1 h 8 m | Jamaica |
| 8:19 PM | 9:27 PM | 1 h 8 m | Jamaica |
All trains run approximately every 30 minutes and make a single intermediate stop at Jamaica Station.
Ronkonkoma to Penn Station Travel Time and Distance
Travel from Ronkonkoma to Penn Station takes about 1 hour 18 to 1 hour 28 minutes, with express trains as fast as 1 hour 15 minutes. The distance is roughly 50 miles. Travel time can vary based on peak hours, express vs. local trains, and possible delays.
LIRR Schedules and Frequency
LIRR trains run several times a day including peak times (weekday mornings and evenings). Sub-express services “jumps” certain stops to minimize travel time. They can check the official MTA LIRR website or the MTA TrainTime app for current schedules and updates.
LIRR Ticket Costs and Fares
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One-Way Fares: The one-way fares depend on travel hours of peak or off-peak and the nature of the purchase.
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Monthly Passes: There are also monthly passes for those who travel frequently, which are economical in comparison to the buyout of daily tickets.
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Ten-Trip Tickets/Weekly Passes: Ten-trip and weekly tickets are available for purchase with the LIRR, possibly budget-friendly for regular users.
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Buying Tickets: Tickets are available for purchase through the MTA eTix app, station ticket vending machines, or on-train (fare notice: on-train tickets are more costly).
Parking Facility at LIRR Ronkonkoma Station
Ronkonkoma Station offers ample parking options, including both free and paid facilities, with a large parking garage available. The parking lots, located on Railroad Avenue North off Hawkins Avenue, have a massive capacity that can accommodate over 5,000 cars. Parking fees vary, so it is recommended to check with Allpro Parking or the MTA for the most up-to-date information.
Onboard Experience and Amenities
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Seating: Seat availability can be unreliable, particularly during rush hours.
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WiFi/Power Outlets: There are some LIRR trains that have WiFi and power outlets available; however, the availability varies based on the model of the train.
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Accessibility: Ronkonkoma Station as well as Penn Station are accessible for people with disabilities.
MTA LIRR Penn Station to JFK
The most convenient mode of reaching JFK Airport from Penn Station is on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to Jamaica Station and take the AirTrain JFK from there. This highly integrated journey is a smooth two-stage ride perfectly suited for air travelers.
LIRR Penn Station to JFK Schedule
| Time Period | Frequency (Penn → Jamaica) |
|---|---|
| Early Morning (12 AM–6 AM) | Every 30–60 minutes |
| Morning Peak (6 AM–10 AM) | Every 5–10 minutes |
| Midday (10 AM–4 PM) | Every 10–15 minutes |
| Evening Peak (4 PM–8 PM) | Every 5–10 minutes |
| Late Evening (8 PM–12 AM) | Every 15–30 minutes |
- After arriving at Jamaica, AirTrain JFK runs 24/7 with trains every 4–8 minutes to all airport terminals.
Travel Time
- LIRR to Jamaica Station: The journey from Penn Station or Grand Central Madison to Jamaica usually takes about 20–25 minutes.
- AirTrain to JFK Terminals: From Jamaica, the AirTrain connects to all airport terminals in roughly about 10–15 minutes, depending on your destination.
- Total Journey: The full trip typically takes 35–50 minutes, including the transfer between LIRR and AirTrain.
- Allow Extra Time: Journey can be little longer due to train schedules, wait times, or walking between platforms. For peace of mind—especially before a flight—plan for a little extra cushion.
Ticket Prices and Payment
- LIRR tickets can be purchased via the MTA TrainTime app, ticket vending machines (cash, credit/debit), or the ticket office (cash, cards, checks); onboard purchases incur a $6 surcharge.
- Accepted payments include cash, major credit/debit cards, transit benefit cards, Apple Pay/Google Pay (app), and personal checks for multi-ride passes.
- Ticket office hours: Monday–Friday 6 AM–11 PM; Saturday–Sunday 7 AM–11 PM.
- CityTicket off-peak fares to NYC zones start at $5; peak one-way fares vary by zone (e.g., Penn to Jamaica is $11.25 peak, $8.25 off-peak).
How to Pay: LIRR tickets can be bought via the MTA TrainTime app or at Penn Station machines. AirTrain fares are paid with OMNY tap or pay-per-ride MetroCard (unlimited MetroCards not accepted).
Transferring at Jamaica Station
Jamaica Station is a major transit complex, and it is easy to switch to the AirTrain. Simply follow signs from the LIRR platform to the level of the AirTrain. Elevators and escalators in the station make it easy for passengers with luggage. All AirTrain lines that begin at Jamaica go to JFK terminals—no decision to make.
Frequency and Service
Penn to Jamaica trains run frequently, especially during peak hours. The AirTrain operates nonstop 24/7, every 2–8 minutes. Check the MTA TrainTime app or website for schedules and updates.
Practical Travel Information
To ensure a smooth trip, purchase LIRR tickets in advance to save time. Make sure you have OMNY set up or a charged MetroCard for the AirTrain. Traveling light is recommended, as LIRR trains offer more space for luggage than subways. Knowing your JFK terminal ahead of time can help speed up your AirTrain transfer. Additionally, allow extra buffer time to account for possible train delays or airport traffic.
LIRR Jamaica to Penn Station
LIRR trains frequently connect Jamaica and Penn Station, offering fast service and easy transfers to subway and AirTrain JFK.
Travel Time and Frequency
The travel time from Ronkonkoma to Penn Station is typically around 1 hour and 18 minutes. During rush hours, trains run approximately every 20 minutes. Some trains operate as express services, skipping certain stops to reduce travel time.
Tickets and Fares
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One-Way Fares: Fares vary between $3 and $22 based on factors such as peak/off-peak periods and type of ticket.
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CityTicket: For intra-New York City travel, CityTickets cost $5 off-peak and $7 peak.
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Purchase Options: Tickets are available for purchase through the MTA TrainTime app, ticket machines at stations, or onboard (warning: onboard purchases will often cost more).
Schedules and Operating Hours
The Ronkonkoma Branch’s first train departs at 8:25 AM, while the last train leaves at 9:53 PM. Weekend and holiday service frequencies may vary, so it is recommended to check the most up-to-date schedules for accurate information.
Subway Connections
At Jamaica station, passengers can connect to the E, J, and Z subway lines. At Penn Station, subway connections include the A, C, E, and 1, 2, 3 lines. Additionally, some LIRR trains now serve Grand Central Madison directly; travelers should check the schedules to see if their train goes straight there or if a transfer at Jamaica is required.
Jamaica Station Specifics
Jamaica Station is a major hub for most LIRR branches, offering accessible facilities such as elevators for passengers with disabilities. The station is designed for easy cross-platform transfers, ensuring smooth and convenient connections between trains.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much is a one-way ticket from Ronkonkoma to Penn Station?
A one-way LIRR ticket from Ronkonkoma to Penn Station ranges from $3 to $22, depending on travel time and type of ticket.
2. How much does it cost and how long does it take to go from Cold Spring Harbor to Penn Station?
It costs between $3 and $17 and takes around 1 hour and 6 minutes to travel from Cold Spring Harbor to Penn Station.
3. Is there a direct LIRR train from Central Islip to Penn Station?
Yes, direct trains are available from Central Islip to Penn Station approximately every 30 minutes. The trip takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, with fares between $3 and $20.
4. How long does it take to get from Cedarhurst to Penn Station and how much does it cost?
The journey from Cedarhurst to Penn Station is approximately 47 minutes, with fares ranging from $3 to $14.
5. How long and how much is the train from Carle Place to Penn Station?
One-way travel from Carle Place to Penn Station is approximately 44 minutes, with fares costing from $3 to $15.
6. What are the departure times for the train from Broadway station to Penn Station?
Trains from the Broadway station (Port Washington Branch) to Penn Station make the trip roughly every hour. For instance, a train can depart at 7:55 PM and arrive around 8:18 PM.
7. How long does it take to travel from Bridgehampton to Penn Station and how much is the fare?
Bridgehampton to Penn Station is around 2 hours and 30 minutes, with fares ranging from $3 to $40. Trains operate three times a week.
8. How long and how much does the ride from Brentwood to Penn Station cost?
The ride between Brentwood and Penn Station lasts about 1 hour and 7 minutes, and its price is between $3 and $20.
9. The cost and duration of a trip from Bethpage to Penn Station?
The cost of a one-way ride from Bethpage to Penn Station lasts about 47 minutes, with prices between $3 and $16.
10. How long is the trip from Bellmore to Penn Station and how much does it cost?
The ride from Bellmore to Penn Station is around 50 minutes, with prices ranging from $3 to $15.