LIRR Train Schedule sets itself a schedule that fits the needs of its working riders, business, travel and weekend crowd by running peak, off-peak and commuter service trains. On weekdays when the LIRR is running on what’s known as a peak-hour schedule (from roughly 6 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 8 p.m.), it offers frequent trains — including many that are express, meaning that they skip the least-used stops to make the trip between major hubs like Penn Station, Jamaica and major Long Island terminals faster.
At other times, the off-peak and reverse-peak trains have less frequent service but still provide good service to all the branches — Ronkonkoma, Babylon, Port Washington, etc. Weekend schedules are often less frequent, with some lines running once an hour, and holidays and big events (like the Belmont Stakes or summer beach traffic) can mean modified schedules or extra trains.
MTA LIRR Schedule
The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including all major holidays, between six in the morning and two in the morning, servicing 126 stations across Long Island, with service to Manhattan and one to Brooklyn. It links major terminals such as Penn Station, Grand Central Madison and Atlantic Terminal. The MTA TrainTime app helps riders plan trips, follow trains in real time and purchase tickets with ease.
LIRR Schedule and Fares
The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), which is operated by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), is the busiest commuter railroad in North America, carrying over millions of passengers throughout Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn, and Manhattan. Knowing when it comes and how much it costs allows efficient travel. LIRR service operates 24/7, including all holidays. It links places from Montauk, at the tip of Long Island’s southern fork, to several major New York City terminals, with 126 stations on eight branch lines.
How to Check LIRR Train Schedule
1. MTA TrainTime App: The official LIRR app shows real-time schedules, delays, and service advisories. You can buy and store tickets, store favourite trips and stops, and find trains in real-time.
2. MTA Website: The site offers full schedules, fare calculators, ticket details, service alerts, and downloadable PDF schedules for all branches.
3. Station Displays: Electronic boards at LIRR stations show actual arrival time, platform, and delay.
4. Customer Service: Dial 511 and say “LIRR” or visit help stations at major stations like Penn Station and Jamaica for schedules, fares, and information.
LIRR Fares and Tickets
- Fare Zones & Pricing: LIRR fares depend on the number of zones travelled and the time of day. City Terminals (including Manhattan) are the most expensive, while Zone 14 in eastern Suffolk County is the cheapest. Rush-hour fares apply Monday–Friday, 6–10 AM and 4–8 PM; all other times are off-peak with lower fares.
- Tickets: LIRR tickets are zone-based from Zone 1 to 14. Commuter fares apply Monday–Friday during NYC arrival (6–10 AM) and departure (4–8 PM). At all other times off-peak, cheaper fares apply.
- Reduced fares: Children under 5 ride free on the LIRR, and children between the ages of 5 and 11 pay half fare when accompanied by an adult, up to four children per adult. Senior citizens, disabled passengers, and anyone with Medicare also qualify for reduced fares.
- Purchasing Tickets: LIRR tickets are available for purchase on mobile devices using the MTA TrainTime app, as well as with station ticket machines and ticket offices, or from train conductors — although tickets purchased onboard are more expensive and do not include CityTickets.
Penn Station LIRR Schedule
Penn Station is one of the busiest and most critical Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) terminals, and it is the major hub for commuters to and from Long Island, Queens and Brooklyn. Since the opening of Grand Central Madison, LIRR service has been divided between the two Manhattan terminals, so always check which terminal your train is serving.
Daily Schedule (Monday-Friday)
| Time | Line | Direction | Notes |
| 12:00 AM - 5:00 AM | West Hempstead | Towards Jamaica, Atlantic Terminal, etc. | Frequent service |
| 5:00 AM - 10:00 AM | West Hempstead | Towards Jamaica, Manhattan (Penn, GCM) | More frequent service |
| 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM | West Hempstead | Towards Jamaica, Atlantic Terminal, etc. | Hourly service is common |
| 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM | West Hempstead | Towards West Hempstead | More frequent service |
| 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM | West Hempstead | Towards Jamaica, Manhattan (Penn, GCM) | More frequent service |
| 5:30 PM (approx.) | Babylon Branch (one train) | Eastbound towards Seaford | Approximately 5:30 PM |
| 8:00 PM - 12:00 AM | West Hempstead | Towards West Hempstead, Jamaica, etc. | Regular service |
Weekend Routine (Saturday – Sunday)
| Time | Line | Direction | Notes |
| Early Morning (12:00 AM - 6:00 AM) | Various Branches (e.g., Ronkonkoma, Babylon, Hempstead, Port Washington) | Towards Jamaica, Atlantic Terminal, Penn Station (Westbound); Towards Long Island (Eastbound) | Infrequent service, often hourly or every 90 minutes. May require transfers at Jamaica. |
| Morning (6:00 AM - 12:00 PM) | Most Branches | Towards Jamaica, Penn Station, Atlantic Terminal (Westbound); Towards Long Island (Eastbound) | Off-peak fares apply all day. Service generally every 30-60 minutes on most branches. |
| Afternoon (12:00 PM - 6:00 PM) | Most Branches | Towards Jamaica, Penn Station, Atlantic Terminal (Westbound); Towards Long Island (Eastbound) | Service generally every 30-60 minutes. Can be slightly more frequent on major branches. |
| Evening (6:00 PM - 10:00 PM) | Most Branches | Towards Jamaica, Penn Station, Atlantic Terminal (Westbound); Towards Long Island (Eastbound) | Regular service continues, typically every 45-60 minutes. |
| Late Night (10:00 PM - 12:00 AM) | Various Branches | Towards Jamaica, Penn Station, Atlantic Terminal (Westbound); Towards Long Island (Eastbound) | Infrequent service, similar to early morning. May require transfers. |
| Special Event Service | Selected Branches | Varies by event (e.g., towards sporting venues, concert venues) | Added trains for major events (e.g., Belmont Park, Mets/Yankees games). Check for specific announcements. |
MTA LIRR Train Schedule
The LIRR is the busiest commuter railroad in North America, carrying an average of 301,400 customers each weekday on 735 daily trains serving 124 stations in Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan. A mastery of its train schedule is the key to swift travel, whether you’re a daily commuter or a once-in-a-while rider.
Weekday Morning Departures
| Departure | Destination | Key Stops | Time Type |
| 6:15 AM | Hicksville | Jamaica, Woodside | Peak |
| 7:10 AM | Babylon | Lynbrook, Rockville Centre | Peak |
| 7:30 AM | Ronkonkoma | Hicksville, Brentwood | Peak |
| 8:00 AM | Port Washington | Bayside, Great Neck | Off-Peak |
| 8:45 AM | Huntington | Syosset, Cold Spring Harbor | Off-Peak |
| 9:30 AM | Long Beach | Valley Stream, Lynbrook | Off-Peak |
| 10:00 AM | Hempstead | Bellerose, Floral Park | Off-Peak |
| 10:30 AM | Far Rockaway | Jamaica, Valley Stream | Off-Peak |
Weekday Noon Departures
| Departure | Destination | Key Stops | Time Type |
| 11:30 AM | Oyster Bay | Mineola, Greenvale | Off-Peak |
| 12:00 PM | West Hempstead | Jamaica, Valley Stream | Off-Peak |
| 12:30 PM | Port Jefferson | Huntington, Syosset | Off-Peak |
| 1:00 PM | Ronkonkoma | Brentwood, Hicksville | Off-Peak |
| 1:30 PM | Babylon | Lynbrook, Rockville Centre | Off-Peak |
| 2:00 PM | Huntington | Syosset, Cold Spring Harbor | Off-Peak |
| 2:30 PM | Long Beach | Valley Stream, Lynbrook | Off-Peak |
| 3:00 PM | Hempstead | Floral Park, Bellerose | Off-Peak |
LIRR Port Washington Schedule
The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) Port Washington Branch differs from most other LIRR lines in several ways, which is reflected in the way it is scheduled and operated. It is a crucial commuter line that emanates from Port Washington and several North Shore communities in Nassau County and several Queens neighbourhoods directly to Manhattan.
LIRR Weekday Schedule (Monday through Friday)
| Time | Line | Direction | Notes |
| 12:00 AM - 5:00 AM | West Hempstead | Towards Jamaica, Atlantic Terminal, etc. | Frequent service |
| 5:00 AM - 10:00 AM | West Hempstead | Towards Jamaica, Manhattan (Penn, GCM) | More frequent service |
| 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM | West Hempstead | Towards Jamaica, Atlantic Terminal, etc. | Hourly service is common |
| 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM | West Hempstead | Towards West Hempstead | More frequent service |
| 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM | West Hempstead | Towards Jamaica, Manhattan (Penn, GCM) | More frequent service |
| 5:30 PM (approx.) | Babylon Branch (one train) | Eastbound towards Seaford | Approximately 5:30 PM |
| 8:00 PM - 12:00 AM | West Hempstead | Towards West Hempstead, Jamaica, etc. | Regular service |
LIRR Weekend Schedule (Saturday – Sunday)
| Time | Line | Direction | Notes |
| 12:00 AM - 6:00 AM | Various Branches | Towards Jamaica, Manhattan, Long Island | Infrequent service, often hourly or every 90 minutes. |
| 6:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Various Branches | Towards Jamaica, Manhattan, Long Island | Regular weekend service begins. Generally every 30-60 minutes. |
| 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM | Various Branches | Towards Jamaica, Manhattan, Long Island | Most frequent period of weekend service. Generally every 30-45 minutes. |
| 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Various Branches | Towards Jamaica, Manhattan, Long Island | Service frequency starts to decrease. Generally every 45-60 minutes. |
| 10:00 PM - 12:00 AM | Various Branches | Towards Jamaica, Manhattan, Long Island | Infrequent service, similar to early morning. |
| Varies by Event | Selected Branches | To/From Event Venues (e.g., Mets-Willets Pt) | Extra trains for major events (e.g., games, concerts). Check MTA for specifics. |
LIRR Schedule Ronkonkoma
The LIRR Ronkonkoma Branch is an essential travel artery for the Long Island region, with approximately 48,000 customers using the branch every weekday.
Weekdays Schedule (Monday to Friday)
| Time Window | Line | Direction | Departure Times from Ronkonkoma | Notes |
| 4:00 AM - 5:30 AM | Ronkonkoma | Towards Jamaica, Manhattan (Penn/GCM), Atlantic Terminal | 4:00 AM, 4:15 AM, 4:30 AM, 4:45 AM, 5:00 AM, 5:15 AM, 5:30 AM | Frequent service begins. Some trains may be express past Jamaica. |
| 5:45 AM - 9:00 AM | Ronkonkoma | Towards Jamaica, Manhattan (Penn/GCM) | 5:45 AM, 6:00 AM, 6:15 AM, 6:30 AM, 6:45 AM, 7:00 AM, 7:15 AM, 7:30 AM, 7:45 AM, 8:00 AM, 8:20 AM, 8:40 AM, 9:00 AM | Most frequent service (approx. every 10-20 mins). Mix of direct trains to Penn Station and Grand Central Madison. |
| 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM | Ronkonkoma | Towards Jamaica, Manhattan (Penn/GCM), Atlantic Terminal | 9:30 AM, 10:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:00 PM, 12:30 PM, 1:00 PM, 1:30 PM, 2:00 PM, 2:30 PM, 3:00 PM | Consistent half-hourly service (every 30 mins). May require transfer at Jamaica. |
| NYC Departures for Afternoon Peak (Eastbound) | Ronkonkoma | Towards Ronkonkoma | Departs NYC: 4:05 PM, 4:20 PM, 4:35 PM, 4:50 PM, 5:05 PM, 5:20 PM, 5:35 PM, 5:50 PM, 6:05 PM, 6:20 PM, 6:35 PM, 6:50 PM | Most frequent service for the evening commute from NYC. |
| 3:30 PM - 6:00 PM | Ronkonkoma | Towards Jamaica, Manhattan (Penn/GCM) | 3:30 PM, 4:00 PM, 4:30 PM, 5:00 PM, 5:30 PM, 6:00 PM | Still frequent, as peak hours transition. |
| 7:00 PM - 11:30 PM | Ronkonkoma | Towards Ronkonkoma (Eastbound) & Towards Jamaica, Manhattan (Westbound) | Departs NYC: 7:00 PM, 7:30 PM, 8:00 PM, 8:30 PM, 9:00 PM, 9:30 PM, 10:00 PM, 10:30 PM, 11:00 PM, 11:30 PM | Regular service (every 30 mins) continues. |
| 12:00 AM - 3:00 AM | Ronkonkoma | Towards Ronkonkoma (Eastbound) & Towards Jamaica, Manhattan (Westbound) | Departs NYC: 12:00 AM, 1:00 AM, 2:00 AM, 3:00 AM | Service continues, but at reduced frequency (hourly or less). |
Weekend Schedule ( Saturday to Sunday)
| Time Window | Line | Direction | Departure Times from Ronkonkoma | Notes |
| 5:00 AM - 6:30 AM | Ronkonkoma | Towards Jamaica, Manhattan (Penn/GCM) | 5:00 AM, 5:30 AM, 6:00 AM, 6:30 AM | Service begins, generally every 30 minutes. |
| 7:00 AM - 2:30 PM | Ronkonkoma | Towards Jamaica, Manhattan (Penn/GCM), Atlantic Terminal | 7:00 AM, 7:30 AM, 8:00 AM, 8:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 9:30 AM, 10:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 11:00 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:00 PM, 12:30 PM, 1:00 PM, 1:30 PM, 2:00 PM, 2:30 PM | Consistent half-hourly service. May alternate between Penn Station and Grand Central Madison as final Manhattan destination. |
| 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Ronkonkoma | Towards Jamaica, Manhattan (Penn/GCM), Atlantic Terminal | 3:00 PM, 3:30 PM, 4:00 PM, 4:30 PM, 5:00 PM, 5:30 PM, 6:00 PM, 6:30 PM, 7:00 PM, 7:30 PM, 8:00 PM, 8:30 PM, 9:00 PM, 9:30 PM, 10:00 PM | Half-hourly service continues. |
| 10:30 PM - 3:00 AM | Ronkonkoma | Towards Ronkonkoma (Eastbound) & Towards Jamaica, Manhattan (Westbound) | Departs NYC: 10:30 PM, 11:00 PM, 11:30 PM, 12:00 AM, 1:00 AM, 2:00 AM, 3:00 AM | Service continues, but at reduced frequency (hourly). |
LIRR Schedule Babylon
The LIRR Babylon Branch runs between Penn Station and Babylon, serving Nassau and Suffolk counties with a trip of about 67 minutes. On weekdays, frequent trains run during rush hours with a mix of local and express service. Off-peak hours offer at least two trains per hour, while weekends feature regular but less frequent service.
Weekdays Schedule (Monday to Friday)
| Time | Line | Direction | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 AM - 08:00 AM | Babylon Branch | Towards Jamaica, Penn Station, GCM | First trains generally start around this time. Limited service. |
| 08:00 AM - 11:00 AM | Babylon Branch | Towards Jamaica, Penn Station, GCM | Every 30-60 minutes, alternating destinations (Penn/GCM). |
| 11:00 AM - 02:00 PM | Babylon Branch | Towards Jamaica, Penn Station, GCM | Every 30-60 minutes, alternating destinations (Penn/GCM). |
| 02:00 PM - 05:00 PM | Babylon Branch | Towards Jamaica, Penn Station, GCM | Every 30-60 minutes, alternating destinations (Penn/GCM). |
| 05:00 PM - 08:00 PM | Babylon Branch | Towards Jamaica, Penn Station, GCM | Every 30-60 minutes, alternating destinations (Penn/GCM). |
| 08:00 PM - 11:00 PM | Babylon Branch | Towards Jamaica, Penn Station, GCM | Service tapers off. Last direct trains by 11:30 PM - Midnight. |
| 11:00 PM - End of Service | Babylon Branch | Towards Jamaica, Penn Station, GCM (limited) | Very limited service, connections at Jamaica likely. |
| Varies | Montauk Branch | Towards Patchogue, Speonk, Montauk | Infrequent, check specific Montauk Branch timetable. |
Weekend Schedule ( Saturday to Sunday)
| Time | Line | Direction | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07:00 AM - 09:00 AM | Babylon Branch | Towards Jamaica, Penn Station, GCM | Early morning trains. Less frequent than weekdays. Usually hourly. |
| 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM | Babylon Branch | Towards Jamaica, Penn Station, GCM | Regular weekend service. Generally every 30-60 minutes, alternating between Penn Station and GCM. All stops between Babylon and Rockville Centre typical. |
| 05:00 PM - 09:00 PM | Babylon Branch | Towards Jamaica, Penn Station, GCM | Consistent evening service. Still 30-60 minute frequency. |
| 09:00 PM - 11:30 PM | Babylon Branch | Towards Jamaica, Penn Station, GCM | Service tapers off. Frequency may become hourly. |
| 11:30 PM - 02:00 AM (Next Day) | Babylon Branch | Towards Jamaica, Penn Station (limited) | Last trains of the night. May require transfer at Jamaica for specific destinations. Very limited service. |
| Specific Departures | Montauk Branch | Towards Patchogue, Speonk, Montauk | Infrequent on weekends. Check specific Montauk Branch timetable, not part of regular Babylon Branch pattern. |
LIRR Holiday Schedule
The LIRR holiday schedule offers special or reduced service on the major holidays, typically a weekend/holiday schedule where off-peak fares apply all day. Some holidays, like Martin Luther King Jr. Day or the day after Thanksgiving, have a regular weekday schedule but with off-peak fares. Extra trains are run for special events or heavy travel days
How Holiday Service Works
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The LIRR functions on a weekend/holiday schedule for all major holidays (except Columbus Day where a special schedule is in effect), charging off-peak fares at all times, except to/from the Hamptons where peak round-trip tickets must be purchased.
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On days like Martin Luther King Jr. Day, or the day after Thanksgiving, trains operate on a regular weekday schedule but riders pay off-peak fares all day long.
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For large events — such as concerts or games at UBS Arena in Elmont — the LIRR has some flexibility to run extra trains because it is a high peak; although there won’t be more service on all train lines, ridership could increase.
Holiday Service at a Glance
| Holiday | Service Type | Fare Policy |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Weekend/Holiday Schedule | Off‑peak fares all day |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | Regular Weekday Service | Off‑peak fares all day |
| Presidents’ Day | Weekend/Holiday Schedule | Off‑peak fares all day |
| Memorial Day | Weekend/Holiday Schedule | Off‑peak fares all day |
| Independence Day | Weekend/Holiday Schedule | Off‑peak fares all day |
| Labor Day | Weekend/Holiday Schedule | Off‑peak fares all day |
| Thanksgiving Day | Weekend/Holiday Schedule | Off‑peak fares; some extra trains |
| Day After Thanksgiving | Regular Weekday Service | Off‑peak fares all day |
| Christmas Eve | Regular Weekday Service | Standard weekday operations |
| Christmas Day | Sunday Schedule | Off‑peak fares all day |
Important Tips for Holiday Travel
- Off-peak hours are open all day on most holidays, including rush hours in the morning and evening.
- When operating on weekdays, trains operate normally but at off-peak fares.
- More trains will operate during holidays or special occasions, or during high holiday ridership.
- Always check with the LIRR TrainTime app or official schedule for the latest information before you leave.
Jamaica LIRR Schedule
Jamaica Station is the LIRR’s primary transfer station, linking main branches such as Babylon, Ronkonkoma, and Port Jefferson. Weekday peak hours are 6–10 AM into the city and 4–8 PM from the city, with more trains and a higher fare. Off-peak hours, all other periods except weekends and holidays, are less crowded and cheaper.
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 |
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Initial westbound trip (all branches) at 3:58 AM; last trip at 1:25 AM.
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First eastbound departure is approximately 4:20 a.m.; last at 1:10 a.m.
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Peak windows: 6 to 10 a.m. and 4 to 8 p.m. weekdays with express and local service.
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Shoulder hour: 10 AM–4 PM weekdays; simulated headways cut ~50%.
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Late-night: Service every 30–60 minutes from 11 PM to 5 AM.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When does the LIRR operate?
The LIRR operates 24/7, including holidays, with train frequency varying by branch and time of day. Peak hours offer more frequent service, while late nights and early mornings have fewer trains. It’s best to check schedules in advance, especially for off-peak or holiday travel.
2. Where can I get the LIRR train schedule?
Schedules are available through multiple convenient options. They can be checked on the official MTA website, accessed directly in the MTA TrainTime app, or obtained by phone by calling 511, then saying “LIRR” followed by “schedules.” This ensures riders can easily find up-to-date train times in the way that works best for them.
3. How can you purchase LIRR tickets?
Tickets can be purchased online, in the MTA TrainTime app, at station machines or at ticket offices. Conductors sell tickets onboard for a premium, however, and you can’t get the CityTicket discount this way.
4. What is the CityTicket program?
CityTicket provides a discount for weekend and holiday trips between Long Island and Manhattan, but it is not valid for travel to or from Grand Central Madison.
5. How are the schedules on weekends and holidays?
Yes, there is a special weekend or holiday schedule on some holidays, such as Memorial Day and Labour Day. You can use off-peak fares all day on those dates.
6. Can I transfer between Penn Station and Grand Central Madison using a transfer?
Yes, LIRR tickets to Penn Station are also valid for Grand Central Madison at no extra cost. A single ticket covers both terminals, allowing flexible travel between them without additional charges.
7. When are peak and off-peak fares in effect?
Peak hour fares apply on weekdays for trains entering city terminals between 6 AM and 10 AM or leaving between 4 PM and 8 PM. Off-peak fares are also charged on weekends.
8. How do I find live train status updates in real time?
The MTA TrainTime app, as well as station display boards, offer real-time train locations and updates. You can also call 511 and say “LIRR” for information.
9. How will I know when there are service changes or track work?
The LIRR provides updates about track work and changes to the schedule on the MTA website. It is a good idea to review their service alerts before travelling.
10. How do I get in touch with LIRR customer service?
You can reach LIRR customer service by calling 511, saying “LIRR,” and then saying “representative,” or by visiting the MTA’s contact page online.