LIRR Train Schedule & Fares with Peak and Off Peak Hours

LIRR Train Schedule set itself a schedule that fits the needs of its working rider, 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 Train Schedules: 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 MTA LIRR TrainTime App is the official source of the most up-to-date LIRR train schedule,  it provides information on train schedules and real-time train status, and allows you to plan your trip or see real-time information. Here commuters can purchase peak, off-peak, and other types of tickets in the app and can use at the tap of a button! The app also offers real-time train tracking and instant service alerts to keep you apprised of individual train delays or changes. Users will be able to save favorite trips, stations and payment info to quicken their bookings. In addition, LIRR stations provide various amenities such as access for the disabled, parking, restrooms and convenient transport connections.

2. MTA Website

You can access the official MTA site at mta.info for a bunch of nifty LIRR resources. The website features complete LIRR train schedule so you can plan your trips accordingly. Also provides fare calculators and in depth ticket information to help users sort out fare information and make informed purchasing decisions. As an added bonus, the website has also the most current service advisories and alerts to let you know if there are any delays, detours or construction. Printable PDFs of the schedules as well as PDFs of the schedules broken down by branch are available and can be downloaded from this page so you can have a copy handy on your computer or your phone.

3. Station Displays

Electronic display boards at most LIRR stations convey real-time information to waiting passengers. These screens will display actual arrival and departure times, platform numbers and any service alterations that might affect your journey. They also provide alerts for delays or interruptions, so that travelers can have the most current information and act accordingly when they’re in the station.

4. Customer Service

If you need personal assistance regarding LIRR train service, you can call LIRR Customer Service at 511 and say “LIRR” at the prompt. In-person help desks are also available at some major terminals, like Penn Station and Jamaica, where staff can help with schedule information, ticketing and other questions.

LIRR Fares and Tickets

• Fare Zones & Pricing: LIRR fares are calculated on a combination of the number of zones traveled and the time of day the travel takes place: City Terminals (including Manhattan) are always the most expensive; the Far Eastern end of Suffolk County (Zone 14) will be the least expensive. Rush-hour fares apply Monday through Friday (6–10 AM and 4–8 PM). At all other times, off-peak fares, which are lower, are charged.
• 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)

Weekend Routine (Saturday – Sunday)

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

Weekday Noon Departures

LIRR Port Washington Schedule

The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) Port Washington Branch differs from most other LIRR lines in a number of 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 neighborhoods directly to Manhattan.

LIRR Weekday Schedule (Monday through Friday)

LIRR Weekend Schedule (Saturday – Sunday)

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)

Weekend Schedule ( Saturday to Sunday)

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When does the LIRR operate?

The LIRR operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week — even on holidays. Hours vary depending on the branch and time of day.

2. Where can I get the LIRR train schedule?

Schedules can be found on the official MTA website, the MTA TrainTime app, or by calling 511 and saying “LIRR” and then “schedules.”

3. How can you purchase LIRR tickets?

Tickets can be purchased online, in the MTA TrainTime app, at station machines or 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 Labor Day. You can use off-peak fares all day on those dates.

6. Can I transfer between Penn Station and Grand Central Madison using transfer?

Yes, tickets to Penn Station are also good to Grand Central Madison. There is no additional charge for transfers between these terminals.

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 through and 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 traveling.

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.