The Long Island Rail Road is North America’s busiest commuter railroad, running a massive network of 126 stations on Long Island. It links the outermost reaches of Suffolk County, including Montauk, all the way to inner-city terminals like Penn Station, Grand Central Madison, and Atlantic Terminal in Brooklyn. There are 11 major branches in the system, like the Babylon, Port Washington, Ronkonkoma, and Port Jefferson lines. They start in Queens or Manhattan and run east, traversing dozens of communities and neighbourhoods throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties. These major LIRR Stops serve thousands of commuters daily.
LIRR stations have a range of configurations, from underground and elevated to open-cut and ground-level platforms. They also support trains ranging from short 2-car formations to complete 14-car trains. The accessibility is high, with the majority of the stations having wheelchair-compatible features such as ramps and elevators. Major stations like Jamaica Station act as major transfer points, with high daily traffic and easy transfers between several branches.
Stops on LIRR
The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) fare system is based on a system of 14 fares, excluding the four easternmost stations which are in zone 14. Zone 1 reaches the major terminals, such as Penn Station, while the outer zones stretch into Suffolk County. Special fares, including CityTicket and seasonal packages to Montauk among other destinations, are also on sale.
Station amenities vary. All major hubs, such as Jamaica and Atlantic Terminal are equipped with restrooms, stores and transit connections (e.g. NYC Subway/JFK AirTrain); while lesser stops may have only ticket machines or shelters at some stations. Approximately 89% of stations are ADA-accessible, with parking opportunities varying from spacious suburban lots to none at stops in urban settings.
MTA LIRR Stops Map
The LIRR stops map shows all 11 rail branches extending from central terminals like Penn Station, Grand Central Madison, and Atlantic Terminal out to Nassau and Suffolk counties. It marks key transfer stations like Jamaica and branch endpoints such as Montauk, Babylon and Port Washington. The map is a useful tool for visualising the full reach and connections of the LIRR network.
LIRR Train Stops
The LIRR serves 126 train stops on 11 branches linking Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk County. Major terminals such as Penn Station, Grand Central Madison, and Atlantic Terminal serve as useful anchors, with major transfer locations like Jamaica providing connections to subways, buses, and the JFK AirTrain. While big stations provide complete amenities, small stops normally have simple amenities such as platforms and ticket machines. The majority of the stations, approximately 89% are wheelchair accessible and all the branches are colour-coded for simple navigation using the map.
| Station Name | Branch(es) | Fare Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Greenport | Main Line | 14 |
| Hempstead | Hempstead Branch | 7 |
| Ronkonkoma | Main Line | 10 |
| Atlantic Terminal | Atlantic Branch | 1 |
| Montauk | Montauk Branch | 14 |
| Mineola | Main Line | 7 |
| Babylon | Babylon Branch | 9 |
| Far Rockaway | Far Rockaway Branch | 10 |
| Long Beach | Long Beach Branch | 10 |
| Grand Central Madison | Main Line | 1 |
| Port Jefferson | Port Jefferson Branch | 10 |
| Hicksville | Main Line, Port Jefferson | 7 |
| Jamaica | Multiple branches | 3 |
| Oyster Bay | Oyster Bay Branch | 10 |
| Penn Station | Main Line | 1 |
LIRR schedules and fares
Fares
Zone-Based Pricing System:
The LIRR uses 8 fare zones (1, 3, 4, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14). Zone 1 includes Manhattan terminals (Penn Station, Grand Central Madison) and major NYC stations.
| Zone | One-Way Off-Peak | One-Way Peak | Monthly Pass | Weekly Pass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (City Terminal) | $6.75 | $9.25 | $165.00 | $65.00 |
| 3 (Eastern Queens) | $8.25 | $11.25 | $198.00 | $78.25 |
| 4 (Western Nassau) | $9.75 | $13.00 | $253.00 | $90.00 |
| 7 (Nassau County) | $10.75 | $14.50 | $287.00 | $102.00 |
| 9 (Western Suffolk) | $13.00 | $17.50 | $341.00 | $121.25 |
| 10 (Mid-Suffolk) | $15.25 | $20.50 | $378.00 | $134.50 |
| 12 (Eastern Suffolk) | $18.25 | $24.50 | $433.00 | $154.00 |
| 14 (Far Eastern Suffolk) | $23.50 | $31.75 | $468.00 | $166.2 |
Ronkonkoma LIRR Stops
The Ronkonkoma Branch is the busiest of the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) lines, travelling east–west through the centre of Long Island. It extends from Hicksville to Ronkonkoma with electrification, and then continues east as the Greenport Branch, which is not electrified. The line features important suburban stations and is an important commuter connection to New York City.
| Station Name | Notes |
|---|---|
| Hicksville | Major transfer point; connects to Port Jefferson Branch |
| Bethpage | Suburban station with parking facilities |
| Farmingdale | Historic area with nearby Main Street |
| Pinelawn | Limited service; near cemeteries and memorial parks |
| Wyandanch | Recently rebuilt; transit-oriented development |
| Deer Park | Commuter station with large parking area |
| Brentwood | One of the busier Suffolk stations |
| Central Islip | Serves residential neighborhoods |
| Ronkonkoma | Eastern end of electrification; major hub with airport shuttle |
| New Hyde Park | Located west of Hicksville, connects toward Jamaica |
| Merillon Avenue | Smaller suburban stop |
| Mineola | Busy intermodal hub with bus and court access |
| Carle Place | Local stop with limited facilities |
| Westbury | Key Nassau station; parking available |
Port Washington LIRR Stations
The Port Washington Branch is a major electrified line of the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), connecting Woodside in Queens and Port Washington in Nassau County. Initially opened in 1854 and completely electrified by 1913, the line has 13 stations and carried almost 9.9 million passengers during 2023. The line is special because it does not go through Jamaica Station, providing a shorter path to Manhattan.
| Station Name | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Woodside | Queens | Shared with Main Line; offers subway and bus connections |
| Mets–Willets Point | Queens | Serves Citi Field and USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center |
| Flushing–Main Street | Queens | Major hub in Flushing with high ridership |
| Murray Hill | Queens | Local station with limited facilities |
| Broadway | Queens | Serves a residential neighborhood |
| Auburndale | Queens | Suburban stop with basic amenities |
| Bayside | Queens | Busy station; located near Bell Boulevard |
| Douglaston | Queens | Quiet residential area; low ridership |
| Little Neck | Queens | Only LIRR grade-level crossing in NYC |
| Great Neck | Nassau County | Last dual-track station; fully accessible |
| Manhasset | Nassau County | Crosses the Manhasset Viaduct |
| Plandome | Nassau County | Small suburban stop |
| Port Washington | Nassau County | Terminal station with multiple tracks and yard facilities |
LIRR Stops in Queens
The LIRR links Queens with numerous branches, with frequent service during peak and off‑peak times for commuters and locals. Borough terminals are major transfer points with ready access by subway and bus, allowing it to be easy to go to Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Long Island. The system supports weekday commuting and weekend and special event travel, with safe, convenient travel throughout the region.
| Station Name | Branch(es) | Fare Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Long Island City | Main Line, Montauk Branch | 1 |
| Hunterspoint Avenue | Main Line | 1 |
| Woodside | Main Line, Port Washington | 1 |
| Forest Hills | Main Line | 1 |
| Kew Gardens | Main Line | 1 |
| Hollis | Hempstead Branch | 3 |
| Queens Village | Main Line, Hempstead Branch | 3 |
| St. Albans | Hempstead Branch | 3 |
| Locust Manor | Far Rockaway Branch | 3 |
| Laurelton | Far Rockaway Branch | 3 |
| Rosedale | Far Rockaway Branch | 3 |
| Mets–Willets Point | Port Washington Branch | 1 |
| Flushing–Main Street | Port Washington Branch | 3 |
| Broadway | Port Washington Branch | 3 |
| Auburndale | Port Washington Branch | 3 |
| Bayside | Port Washington Branch | 3 |
| Douglaston | Port Washington Branch | 3 |
| Little Neck | Port Washington Branch | 3 |
| Belmont Park | Belmont Park Branch (seasonal) | Special Event |
Note: Belmont Park operates only for events (no regular zone fare).
LIRR Brooklyn Stops
Brooklyn LIRR stations are served by the Long Island Rail Road’s Atlantic Branch, with only three operational passenger stops: Atlantic Terminal, Nostrand Avenue, and East New York. The stops offer critical commuter links between Brooklyn and Jamaica, with regular train service all day. Trains are shuttles or through-service to key LIRR branches such as Babylon, Hempstead, Ronkonkoma, and Port Jefferson.
Brooklyn LIRR Stops (West to East)
| Station | Neighborhood | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Atlantic Terminal | Downtown Brooklyn | This is Brooklyn’s main LIRR hub with six tracks, three island platforms, and direct connections to nine subway lines. It’s located next to the Atlantic Terminal Mall and Barclays Center, and serves multiple LIRR branches. |
| Nostrand Avenue | Bedford–Stuyvesant | An elevated station with two side platforms. It was recently renovated for full ADA accessibility and sees regular shuttle service, especially during peak hours. |
| East New York | East New York / Ocean Hill | This ground-level station lies in the median of Atlantic Avenue. It’s not yet ADA-accessible but is under review for upgrades and may connect to the planned Interborough Express light rail. |
Train Service & Connections
LIRR trains operate regularly between Atlantic Terminal and Jamaica, with shuttles that run every 10–20 minutes depending on the hour. Operation begins as early as 4:30 a.m. and runs late into the night. Atlantic Terminal is linked to subway lines 2, 3, 4, 5, B, D, N, Q, R, and several local buses, while Jamaica provides transfers to all other LIRR branches, along with JFK AirTrain.
LIRR Babylon Line Stops
The Babylon Branch is one of the busiest and most significant lines of the Long Island Rail Road. It is the electrified segment of the Montauk Branch that travels approximately 27 miles from Jamaica to Babylon. With a high ridership of more than 68,000 commuters per day, the line is entirely grade-separated and boasts modern, elevated stations with island platforms and generous parking spaces.
| Station | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Jamaica | Central LIRR hub with connections to all branches, subway lines, buses, and JFK AirTrain. |
| Lynbrook | Transfer point to the Long Beach Branch; ADA-compliant and elevated platforms. |
| Rockville Centre | A busy Nassau County station with strong bus connections and parking. |
| Baldwin | Well-used stop with parking facilities in a residential area. |
| Freeport | Provides access to waterfront areas and busy downtown services. |
| Merrick | Suburban station near parks and marinas; features local bus service. |
| Bellmore | Offers shopping nearby; equipped with an island platform and commuter parking. |
| Wantagh | A major park-and-ride location with high ridership. |
| Seaford | Elevated station with island platform and on-site parking. |
| Massapequa | High-volume station with bike racks and large parking areas. |
| Massapequa Park | Elevated since 1980; serves suburban residents. |
| Amityville | Close to Amityville Beach; ADA upgrades underway. |
| Copiague | Residential station near Tanner Park; future ADA improvements planned. |
| Lindenhurst | Serves beachgoers and locals; ADA accessibility in progress. |
| Babylon | Terminal station with two island platforms, yard access, and shuttle links to beaches and ferries. |
Train Service Patterns
- Peak Hours: Lots of frequent express and local trains run, particularly between Jamaica and Wantagh. East of Wantagh, trains make almost all local stops to Babylon.
- Off-Peak: Two per hour trains run between Rockville Centre and Babylon, switching between Penn Station and Grand Central.
- Weekends: Service is moderately lessened, generally every 30 minutes during the daytime and hourly in later shifts.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many stations does the LIRR serve?
The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) serves over 126 stations across Long Island and New York City on 11 branches, including Babylon, Ronkonkoma, and Montauk. It connects Manhattan terminals with the eastern tips of Long Island, offering peak and off‑peak service, express and local trains, and links to subways, buses, and JFK Airport via Jamaica Station.
2. Which LIRR lines serve Brooklyn?
Brooklyn’s LIRR Atlantic Branch has three stations: Atlantic Terminal, a major hub in Downtown Brooklyn; Nostrand Avenue, serving central Brooklyn; and East New York, linking eastern Brooklyn to Queens and Long Island. The branch offers frequent service and easy connections to subways and buses.
3. Where are the Port Washington Line stations?
The Port Washington Branch contains 13 stations, beginning at Woodside in Queens and concluding at Port Washington in Nassau County.
4. How many stops are there on the Ronkonkoma Line?
The Ronkonkoma Branch has 14 electrified stops from Hicksville to Ronkonkoma, offering frequent service to New York City. Beyond Ronkonkoma, limited diesel trains run to Greenport, serving eastern Suffolk County and the North Fork.
5. What is the Babylon Branch, and where does it lead?
The Babylon Branch is a very busy LIRR branch with 13 stations from Jamaica to Babylon. It is a heavily trafficked branch with fully elevated and electrified stations.
6. What does the Huntington/Port Jefferson Branch feature?
The Huntington/Port Jefferson Branch consists of electrified service to Huntington. Diesel trains run from there to Port Jefferson, and it is a split-service branch.
7. Are all LIRR stations accessible to people with disabilities or using wheelchairs?
Not all, but the majority of LIRR stations are ADA-compliant. Major stations such as Ronkonkoma, Babylon, and Huntington are completely accessible with elevators and ramps.
8. Where can I find LIRR schedules and station facilities?
You can also see complete train timetables, station information, parking information, and elevator operation on the MTA LIRR official website.
9. Do LIRR express trains skip some stops?
Yes. Express trains during rush hours on routes such as Babylon and Port Washington bypass specific stations to provide quicker travel to Manhattan.
10. Does the LIRR run shuttle trains within NYC?
Yes, the LIRR provides regular shuttle trains between Brooklyn (Atlantic Terminal) and Jamaica within the City Terminal Zone, with stops at Nostrand Avenue and East New York.