Valley Stream LIRR Station is an important Long Island Rail Road terminal, situated at Franklin Avenue and Sunrise Highway in Nassau County, New York. Opened since 1867 by the South Side Railroad of Long Island, the station has been a junction point for some time now for a number of different branches, such as the Far Rockaway, Long Beach, and previously the West Hempstead line. The original Swiss chalet-style station was replaced in 1933 by an elevated building in a grade crossing elimination project to enhance safety and efficiency.
Valley Stream LIRR Station remains an important part of local commuting today. The station is entirely accessible with elevators, visual warning strips, and updated passenger information systems. Recent renovations under the MTA Enhanced Station Initiative included Wi-Fi, electronic kiosks, LED lighting, and charging stations. Only 17.7 miles from Penn Station, the station provides a convenient and efficient commute to New York City while maintaining historic significance in an updated infrastructure.
Valley Stream LIRR
Valley Stream LIRR Station is an important commuter center in Nassau County, providing easy rail access on the Long Beach and Far Rockaway branches of the Long Island Rail Road. Situated in a thriving suburban community, it provides easy access for residents to New York City and the rest of Long Island. The station itself is equipped to accommodate heavy ridership with several tracks and platforms, and it is highly accessible with respect to local transport through bus routes and parking lots. Being located in the midst of residential and business spaces, it serves an important daily commute and community linkage purpose, both as a transit point and as an indication of the development of the area.
LIRR Valley Stream Schedule
Here is a rewritten and structured version of the Valley Stream LIRR schedule, organized in a clear and simple table, including weekday and weekend operations for both the Far Rockaway and Long Beach branches. This data is taken directly from the official MTA website and current service announcements.
Valley Stream LIRR Weekday Schedule (Monday–Friday)
| Destination | First Train | Last Train | Typical Departures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penn Station | 5:28 AM | 1:34 PM | Every 30–60 minutes |
| Grand Central | 6:38 AM | 12:35 PM | Every 60–90 minutes |
| Atlantic Terminal | 6:35 AM | 1:08 PM | Every 60–90 minutes |
| Long Beach | 5:17 AM | 1:06 PM | Every 30–60 minutes |
| Far Rockaway | 5:53 AM | 1:34 PM | Every 60–90 minutes |
Note:
Rush hour is usually between 6:00 AM and 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with departures at closer intervals.
Valley Stream LIRR Weekend Schedule (Saturday & Sunday)
| Destination | First Train | Last Train | Typical Departures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penn Station | 5:30 AM | 11:30 PM | Every 60 minutes |
| Grand Central | 6:30 AM | 10:30 PM | Every 90 minutes |
| Atlantic Terminal | 6:00 AM | 10:45 PM | Every 60–90 minutes |
| Long Beach | 5:47 AM | 11:47 PM | Every 60 minutes |
| Far Rockaway | 6:10 AM | 10:10 PM | Every 90 minutes |
Note:
Weekend service is generally less frequent during the weekends.
Schedules are approximate and subject to variation on a particular weekend and schedule changes.
LIRR Valley Stream Fares & Ticketing
- Peak Fares: These are applicable on weekdays from rush hours—precisely, on trains arriving in New York City between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., or departing the city between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
- Off-Peak Fares: These are available at all times on weekdays and the whole day on weekends and holidays.
- How to Purchase Tickets: You may buy tickets using the MTA TrainTime app, ticket vending machines, or station ticket windows where possible.
Valley Stream LIRR Parking
Valley Stream Station, being part of the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) system, has several parking alternatives under direct administration by the Village of Valley Stream.
Parking Alternatives
- Permit Parking: Parking permits are issued to residents and non-residents. Permits should be acquired through the Village of Valley Stream.
- Daily Metered Parking: Commuters have access to parking daily through single meters or multi-space meter stations.
Permit Information
- Residents: Valley Stream residents qualify to apply for residential parking permits.
- Non-Residents: Non-residents can also apply for permits; however, availability is limited based on demand.
Accessibility & Amenities
- Accessible Parking: ADA-accessible parking spaces for disabled drivers.
- Bike Parking: The station features bike racks and lockers for bicyclists.
Planned Improvements
The local government and MTA are also implementing improved parking facilities such as resurfacing and drainage system upgrades, with works to be completed by July 2025.
LIRR Valley Stream Facility
Valley Stream Station is a major Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) hub that serves three significant branches: Far Rockaway, Long Beach, and West Hempstead. Situated at Franklin Avenue and Sunrise Highway in Nassau County, the station caters to both local commuters and travelers in the region.
Station Design & Accessibility
Platform Configuration: The station has a central island platform in the Atlantic Branch. Tracks diverge in both directions:
- Southbound lines connect to Far Rockaway and Long Beach.
- Eastbound lines feature the single-track West Hempstead Branch.
- The Montauk Branch passes by the station with two extra tracks.
ADA Accessibility: Valley Stream is entirely compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Included features are:
- Street-level to platform elevators
- Tactile warning strips
- Visual and auditory announcements for passenger information
Ticketing & Passenger Services
- Ticket Machines: Positioned on the west side of the station for convenient and easy accessibility.
- Mobile Ticketing: Commuters can use the MTA TrainTime app for digital ticket purchases and schedule updates.
Waiting Room:
- Available beneath the elevated tracks
- Open Monday to Friday, 5:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Closed on weekends
Staffed Ticket Window:
- Open weekdays from 6:10 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.
- Closed for a midday break from 10:40 a.m. to 11:10 a.m.
Transportation Connections
- Bus Service: The station connects with NICE bus routes, making it easier to continue travel throughout Nassau County and neighboring areas.
- Bike Facilities: Cyclists on their way to work part-time on two wheels can store their bicycles in bike racks and safe lockers.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Valley Stream LIRR Station accessible?
Yes, Valley Stream LIRR Station is completely accessible to all riders. It has elevators, tactile warning strips, and audiovisual passenger information systems that make it more convenient for riders who have mobility issues to use the station safely and comfortably.
2. Which train lines run at Valley Stream?
As of February 27, 2023, the Valley Stream Station is bordered by the Far Rockaway and Long Beach Branches of the Long Island Rail Road. And Please be advised that the West Hempstead Branch no longer serves at this station.
3. Where is the station situated?
Valley Stream LIRR Station is strategically situated at the intersection of Franklin Avenue and Sunrise Highway in Valley Stream, New York, to suit commuters in the locality.
4. What are the parking facilities at Valley Stream Station?
Yes, there is a parking lot at Valley Stream Station. Non-residents who would like to park at the station can purchase parking permits online via the official website of the Village of Valley Stream.
5. Have there been any recent additions or upgrades at the station?
The station is undergoing repairs to provide better access and overall functionality. The next phase of work involves renovating the elevators and escalators, with work slated to commence by the end of June.
6. I would like to know how I can get help if I need to board or leave the train?
Mobility-impaired customers may utilize the LIRR Care Program to have assistance when entering or leaving trains. Call 718-547-7227 at least two hours ahead of your scheduled departure train to arrange for assistance.
7. Is Wi-Fi access available at the station?
No confirmed information is available on whether there is Wi-Fi at Valley Stream Station. For the best and most current information, it is advised to go to the MTA website or call the station directly.
8. Are there any amenities such as restrooms or food vendors inside the station?
The sites are not explicit about having restrooms or food vendors at Valley Stream Station. However, it is preferable to visit the website of the MTA or call the station for the latest information on amenities.