Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is one of the most traveled commuter railroads in the United States, owned and run by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). It runs from Manhattan (Penn Station, Grand Central Madison) to the extensive expanses of Long Island, covering Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau County, and Suffolk County, serving as a key transportation choice for daily commuters, weekend travelers, and visitors. With 11 branches and more than 124 stations, LIRR boasts several varieties of ticketing—ranging from weekly passes, monthly passes, round-trip tickets, and one-way Lirr Ticket—to Atlantic Tickets that are optimized for convenience and price. The passenger also enjoys the ease of mobile ticketing through
The MTA eTix app, and the convenience of off-peak or peak fares depending on the travel schedule. LIRR ticket prices differ according to zones, traveling time (peak or off-peak), and type of ticket. LIRR also offers discounted ticket prices for senior citizens, the disabled, students, and children. If you commute for work, are going to a show at UBS Arena, or just taking a day trip to the Hamptons, it pays to understand LIRR ticket pricing so that your ride is smooth and affordable.
Types of LIRR Ticket
Traveling on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) may appear intimidating at first, but learning about the various types of tickets that are available is the key to a hassle-free and effective journey. The LIRR has an array of ticket types that are tailored to meet the needs of different passengers, ranging from the infrequent traveler to the regular commuter. Selecting an appropriate ticket not only guarantees adherence to laws, but it may also save you money. Let’s get into the most common types of LIRR tickets you’ll find:
1. One-Way Tickets:
- Peak: These tickets can be used for travel within the LIRR’s peak commuting times. Typically, this means weekday trains that arrive in Manhattan terminals (Grand Central Madison, Penn Station, Atlantic Terminal) between 6:00 AM and 10:00 AM, and leaving those terminals between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Peak fares are usually greater than off-peak fares.
- Off-Peak: These tickets are for travel outside of the peak hours listed above, weekends, and holidays. Off-peak fares provide a more budget-friendly choice for those who can adjust their travel times.
2. Round-Trip Tickets:
- Peak: Similar to one-way peak tickets, these cover a journey to your destination and a return trip during peak hours.
- Off-Peak: These offer a round-trip travel valid off-peak, on weekends, and holidays. Round-trip tickets may also provide a discount over buying two individual one-way tickets
3. Weekly Tickets:
- Weekly tickets provide free travel inside particular zones for a calendar week (Monday to Sunday). They are an economical choice for commuters who travel several times a week inside a localized area
4. Monthly Tickets:
- Monthly tickets offer unlimited travel within designated zones for a calendar month. This is the most cost-effective choice for daily commuters traveling frequently between the same location and destination.
5. Ten-Trip Tickets:
- Ten-trip tickets provide ten separate one-way journeys between two designated zones. They don’t possess the same time limitations as monthly or weekly passes, which makes them appropriate for travelers who make fewer than daily trips but still have recurring travel needs. The tickets frequently provide a per-trip discount over separate one-way fares.
| Ticket Type | Validity | Price Range* | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-Way (Peak) | Weekdays 6–10 AM (in), 4–8 PM (out) | $10.75 – $34.50 | 9-to-5 commuters |
| One-Way (Off-Peak) | Nights, weekends, holidays | $7.75 – $25.00 | Flexible travelers |
| Round-Trip (Peak) | Two peak trips | $21.50 – $69.00 | Day business trips |
| Round-Trip (Off-Peak) | Two off-peak trips | $15.50 – $50.00 | Weekend getaways |
| Weekly | Unlimited rides (Mon–Sun) | $63 – $260 | 3+ day commuters |
| Monthly | Unlimited rides (Calendar month) | $243 – $1,007 | Daily commuters |
| Ten-Trip | 10 one-way trips (anytime) | $77 – $310 | Part-time commuters |
Where to Buy MLT LIRR Ticket
There are many options available to buy MTA LIRR Tickets. You can prefer any of the below mentioned options to purchase LIRR tickets.
Purchase Using MLT LIRR Tickets at a Mobile App (MTA eTix)
1: Download the App
- iOS (Apple): App Store
- Android: Google Play
2: Create an Account
- Open the app and sign up with your email
- Verify your account via the confirmation email
3: Add Payment Method
- Go to “Payment Methods”
- Enter your credit/debit card or Apple/Google Pay details
4: Select Your Ticket
- Tap “Buy Tickets”
- Choose from:
- One-Way / Round-Trip (Peak or Off-Peak)
- Weekly / Monthly Pass
- Ten-Trip Ticket
- Enter origin, destination, and travel date
5: Confirm & Purchase
- Review your ticket details
- Tap “Purchase” – you’ll receive a confirmation
6: Activate Before Boarding
- Before your train arrives, open the ticket in the app
- Tap “Activate”
- A countdown timer (usually 2 hours) will begin
- Show the QR code to the conductor when requested
Purchase Using MLT LIRR Tickets at a Vending Machine
Step 1: Find a Ticket Machine
- Look for gray-and-blue MetroCard/LIRR ticket vending machines
- Available at most LIRR stations (except some small stops)
Step 2: Select Your Language
- Touch “English” or “Español” to begin
Step 3: Choose Ticket Type
- Tap “LIRR Tickets”
- Then select:
- One-Way / Round-Trip
- Peak or Off-Peak (if applicable)
- Weekly / Monthly Pass
- Ten-Trip Ticket
Step 4: Enter Trip Details
- Select origin station (default is current station)
- Choose destination (type or tap station name)
- Pick travel date (or select “Today”)
Step 5: Select Payment Method
- Insert:
- Credit/Debit Card (chip or swipe)
- Cash (bills only – no coins)
- Contactless Pay (Apple Pay/Google Pay)
Step 6: Collect Your Ticket & Receipt
- Machine will print:
- Paper ticket (keep it safe for gates or conductor)
- Optional receipt for tracking expenses
Purchase Using MLT LIRR Tickets at a Staffed Ticket Windows
Step 1: Locate the Ticket Office
- Available at major stations (Penn Station, Grand Central, Jamaica, etc.)
- Look for signs reading “Ticket Office” or “Ticket Windows”
- Note operating hours (some close evenings/weekends)
Step 2: Join the Correct Line
- Lines may be separated for:
- Regular tickets
- Monthly/Weekly passes
- Senior/Disabled fares
- Check signage or ask staff if unsure
Step 3: Request Your Ticket
- Tell the agent:
- Trip type (One-Way/Round-Trip/Weekly/Monthly)
- Origin & destination stations
- Travel date/time (specify Peak/Off-Peak if needed)
- Payment method (cash/credit/debit)
Step 4: Review & Pay
- The agent will:
- Confirm your route and fare
- Process payment (cards accepted)
- Provide paper ticket and receipt
Step 5: Receive Your Ticket
- Get physical cardstock ticket (keep secure)
- For monthly passes: receive a reusable plastic card
Purchase Using MLT LIRR Tickets at a Online (MTA Website)
Step 1: Visit the Official MTA Website
- Go to
- Click on “Fares & Tolls” → Select “Long Island Rail Road”
Step 2: Navigate to Ticket Purchase
- Click “Buy Tickets” or “Plan Your Trip”
- Select “LIRR Tickets” from the options
Step 3: Enter Trip Details
- Choose ticket type:
- One-Way / Round-Trip
- Weekly / Monthly Pass
- Ten-Trip Ticket
- Input:
- Departure Station
- Arrival Station
- Travel Date & Time (for Peak/Off-Peak pricing)
Step 4: Select Payment Method
- Add credit/debit card details
- Option to save payment info for future purchases
Step 5: Confirm & Complete Purchas
- Review ticket details and total cost
- Click “Purchase” to finalize
- Receive confirmation email with eTicket (PDF)
Step 6: Use Your Ticket
- Print the eTicket or display on your mobile device
- Show to conductor when requested (QR code scan)
Saving Money on LIRR Tickets
1. Understand Peak vs. Off-Peak Pricing
- Peak fares apply weekdays 6–10 AM (inbound) and 4–8 PM (outbound)
- Off-peak fares are 20–30% cheaper (evenings, weekends, holidays)
- Tip: Schedule appointments or errands outside peak hours
2. Choose the Right Ticket Type
- Daily commuters: Monthly passes offer biggest savings
- Hybrid workers (2–3 days/week): Weekly passes or 10-trip tickets
- Occasional riders: Buy single off-peak tickets
3. Take Advantage of Discount Programs
- Seniors/Disabled: 50% off with Reduced-Fare MetroCard
- Students: Many colleges offer discounted semester passes
- Families: Kids 5–11 ride free (up to 4 per paying adult) on weekends/holidays
4. Smart Purchasing Strategies
- Buy before boarding: Avoid $6.75–$10 onboard premium
- Use MTA eTix app: Get tickets instantly, no lines
- CityTicket: $5 flat fare for NYC-only weekend travel
5. Alternative Cost-Saving Options
- LIRR + Subway combo: Free transfer at Jamaica/Atlantic Terminal
- Parking savings: Some stations offer discounted/free parking with monthly pass
- Bike & Ride: Bring your bike free (non-peak hours)
6. Special Discounts to Know
- 10-trip tickets: 10% discount vs. single tickets
- Group rates: Available for 10+ people traveling together
- Military discounts: Active duty ride free with ID
| Type | Price | Best For | Key Details | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Off-Peak Tickets | ~30% cheaper than peak | Flexible travelers | Valid all day weekends/holidays; weekdays outside 6–10 AM & 4–8 PM | |
| CityTicket | $5 (off-peak), $7 (peak) | NYC-only trips | Covers travel between NYC stations (e.g., Penn Station ↔ Far Rockaway) | |
| 10-Trip Tickets | 15% off off-peak fares | Occasional riders | Valid for 6 months; shareable with others | |
| Monthly Pass | Varies by zone | Daily commuters | Unlimited rides; Winter Weekend perks (2025) | |
| Senior/Disabled | 50% off peak fares | Eligible riders | Requires ID (e.g., Medicare card) | |
| Family Fare | $1 per child (5–11 yrs) | Families | Up to 4 kids ride for $1 with paying adult | |
| OMNY Fare Capping | Free after 12 rides/week | Subway/LIRR combo users | Pay-as-you-go; weekly max = $34 (like a 7-Day MetroCard) |
Frequently Asked Questions
1.What kinds of tickets can one find on the LIRR?
The LIRR has various types of tickets to fulfill different travel requirements. Single-trip fare is best for a one-way journey, whereas a return trip on the same day can be done with Round-Trip Tickets. For regular commuters, Weekly Passes allow unbounded travel within certain zones for a week, while Monthly Passes do the same for a month. There is also a Ten-Trip Ticket, comprising ten single one-way journeys in between two specified zones, perfect for occasional commuters.
2.How are Peak and Off-Peak fares different?
Peak fares apply during high-demand hours—specifically on weekdays from 6:00 AM to 10:00 AM for inbound trips, and from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM for outbound journeys. These fares are higher due to the increased number of travelers. Off-Peak fares, on the other hand, are available during evenings, weekends, and holidays. They are typically 20–30% cheaper than peak fares, making them a budget-friendly choice for those with flexible travel times.
3.How do I buy an LIRR ticket?
There are a few convenient methods for purchasing an LIRR ticket. You have the ability to purchase a ticket using the MTA eTix App on iOS or Android for mobile ticketing. Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) are available at the majority of LIRR stations for convenient purchases in person. Larger stations like Penn Station and Grand Central also have manned ticket offices. Tickets can also be bought online by visiting the MTA’s official website or through the TrainTime app.
4.Can I pay for the LIRR using a MetroCard?
No, MetroCards cannot be used to ride on the LIRR. But the MTA is migrating to OMNY, a contactless payment system. Using OMNY, you will be able to use Apple Pay, Google Pay, or a debit or credit card with contactless capabilities to tap and ride, providing a new and convenient method of paying for your ride.
5.Are discounts offered?
Yes, the LIRR has a number of discount fares available to eligible passengers. Seniors and disabled passengers can take advantage of a 50% discount with the Reduced-Fare MetroCard. Weekends and holidays, CityTicket has a fixed $5 fare for travel within New York City. Group fares are available for groups of 10 or more traveling together, and active-duty military can ride for free with proper identification.
6.What can I do if I forget to purchase a ticket prior to boarding?
If you ride LIRR without a ticket, you can buy one from the conductor. Note, though, that there might be an onboard penalty fee. This surcharge is waived if you boarded at a station without a ticket machine or office or if you are a senior, disabled person, or Medicare cardholder.
7.How do I check train schedules and service changes?
To get up to date with LIRR train service changes and schedules, log in to the MTA official website or use the TrainTime application. Both websites give up-to-date information on train arrival times, departures, and service disruption or changes to your journey plans.