LIRR Babylon station in New York, Babylon, is the key terminal on the Babylon Branch of the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR). The station was opened in 1867 but has since become a key point of transfer for commuters traveling to either the Babylon or Montauk branches. It accommodates an above-grade platform with two island platforms and enjoys several accessibility facilities, including elevators, warning tactile strips, and audiovisual systems that are up-to-date for added convenience.
In September 2024, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority started a full-scale renovation project to add station amenities and accessibility. Upgrades include the installation of ADA-compliant elevators, upgrading of existing elevators, replacement of escalators, and redesigning of the station plaza and platforms. Other upgrades will enhance parking, lighting, and communications.
Babylon LIRR Station
Babylon LIRR Station is a major Long Island Rail Road terminal in the Village of Babylon, Suffolk County, New York. As the eastern terminus of the electrified Babylon Branch, it provides regular service to New York City through Penn Station and Grand Central Madison. The 1964 opened elevated station has several platforms and tracks and serves as a connecting point for diesel service continuing east to Montauk. With facilities such as parking, ticketing, and bus transfer, it serves a significant function in daily work commutes for Long Island commuters.
LIRR Schedule Babylon Timetable
The LIRR’s Babylon Division has repeated weekday trips to Grand Central and Penn Station during weekday peak periods with 30-minute frequency and one-hour frequency between peak times. Weekends have less frequent but regular rides. Some trips involve transfers at Jamaica or other major stations.
Weekday Schedule (Monday–Friday)
The weekday (Monday–Friday) train schedule of the LIRR Babylon Branch is presented in the following table, specifying service frequency and operating hours for the day.
Time Period Frequency Operating Hours Notes
Early Morning Every 30 minutes 5:00 AM – 6:30 AM Peak service; trains to Penn Station
Morning Peak Every 30 minutes 6:30 AM – 9:00 AM Peak service; trains to Penn Station
Midday Every 60 minutes 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Off-peak service; trains to Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal
Afternoon Peak Every 30 minutes 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM Peak service; trains from Penn Station
Evening Every 60 minutes 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM Off-peak service; trains from Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal
Late Night Every 60 minutes 11:00 PM – 12:30 AM Reduced service; trains from Penn Station
Weekend Schedule (Saturday–Sunday)
The weekend (Saturday–Sunday) train schedule for the LIRR Babylon Branch is listed in the following table, specifying service frequency and operating hours for both routes running to Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal.
Time Period Frequency Operating Hours Notes
Early Morning Every 60 minutes 6:00 AM – 7:00 AM Off-peak service; Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal trains
Morning Every 30–40 minutes 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM Off-peak service; Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal trains
Afternoon Every 30 minutes 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM Off-peak service; Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal trains
Evening Every 30–40 minutes 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM Off-peak service; Penn Station and Grand Central Terminal trains
Late Night Every 60 minutes 10:00 PM – 12:30 AM Off-peak service; trains from Penn Station
Important Notes
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Service Adjustments: Weekend service to and from Grand Central will be cut back only as far as Massapequa. Trains from Massapequa to Babylon will stop at all stations, keeping two trains per hour at stations east of Massapequa.
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Station Renovations: Construction at Babylon Station may impact platform access. It’s best to check for any service notices or announcements prior to traveling.
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Transfer Information: Transfers in Jamaica or Wantagh are possible for some trains, primarily off-peak hours of travel.
Babylon LIRR Station Parking Lot 3
Babylon LIRR Station Parking Lot 3, 51 Sammis Avenue in Babylon, New York, is a parking lot reserved only for residents who possess a valid permit. The Town of Babylon operates this lot to offer accessible parking to local travelers utilizing the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR).
Major Facts about Lot 3
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 51 Sammis Avenue, Babylon, NY |
| Type | Permit-Only Parking |
| Managed By | Town of Babylon |
| Eligibility | Available only to Babylon residents with a valid parking permit |
| Contact | (631) 669-1500 |
Parking permits for Lot 3 are issued by the Town of Babylon and are valid from January 1 to December 31 each year. Only registered vehicle owners who are Babylon residents can apply for these permits. The application process can be done through the Town’s Parking Permit Office.
Nearby Parking Alternatives:
For non-residents or unpermitted parking, there are alternative parking lots in the vicinity of the station:
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22 Railroad Avenue Lot: A public lot with 254 spaces available, open 24/7, and costs $0.25 an hour.
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38 James Street Lot: Another convenient lot within walking distance to the Babylon LIRR Station.
Station Upgrades
The Babylon LIRR Station is now undergoing major reconstruction as part of the MTA’s ADA Package 2. The improvements that the station is undergoing include:
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Improved accessibility
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Platform improvements
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Modernization of station facilities to support a better commuter experience
Babylon MTA LIRR Stops
There are 26 stations on the Babylon Branch. Going east from Manhattan towards Long Island, these stops are:
- Penn Station
- Grand Central Madison
- Woodside
- Forest Hills
- Kew Gardens
- Jamaica
- St. Albans
- Laurelton
- Valley Stream
- Lynbrook
- Rockville Centre
- Baldwin
- Freeport
- Merrick
- Bellmore
- Wantagh
- Seaford
- Massapequa
- Massapequa Park
- Amityville
- Copiague
- Lindenhurst
- Babylon
Note: Also served through branch services, including transfers at Jamaica, are Atlantic Terminal, Nostrand Ave, and East New York in Brooklyn.
Transfers & Connectivity
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Jamaica Station: Primary transfer point for passengers traveling to or from other LIRR branches such as Port Jefferson, Ronkonkoma, and Long Beach.
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Woodside: Facilitates transfers to the 7 subway line and other Queens-bound trains.
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Grand Central Madison: Provides Midtown East with new links to NYC subways through Grand Central Terminal.
Amenities & Additional Info
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Accessibility: Most stations are ADA-accessible with elevators or ramps.
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Parking: Most stations, particularly those in Nassau and Suffolk counties, have parking lots—some with permits (e.g., Babylon Station Lot 3).
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Tickets: Available through MTA eTix mobile app, vending machines, or onboard (extra fee may be charged).
LIRR Babylon Train Yard
The LIRR Babylon Train Yard, located east of Babylon Station, is a principal facility facilitating service on the Babylon Branch—one of the most popular lines of the Long Island Rail Road system. The yard serves as the terminus of the electrified South Shore line and plays a critical role in train flow control, storage, and preparedness.
Key Functions and Features:
1. Storage and Daily Operations: The yard can accommodate most of the LIRR electric train fleet, keeping them overnight and ready for day commuter service. Being located near Babylon Station enables rapid train turnarounds and effective scheduling.
2. Maintenance and Cleaning: There is a recently installed, automated train wash plant—opened in 2012 for $25.5 million—on site. It washes more than 320 train cars daily, using recycled water and solar power, increasing environmental sustainability.
The yard consists of several tracks and service facilities to facilitate train staging and maintenance. Upgrades in stations in recent years have also enhanced access and streamlined movement between the yard and mainline services.
3. Operational Significance: The Babylon Train Yard plays a vital role in delivering reliable and on-time LIRR service. Its cutting-edge facilities and location ensure that the fleet is efficient, well-maintained, and in-ready status, making it a foundation stone of day-to-day operation on the Babylon Branch.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What stations are on the LIRR Babylon Branch?
The major stops on the Babylon Branch, from west to east, include: Penn Station, Woodside, Forest Hills (for some trains), Kew Gardens (for some trains), Jamaica, Rockville Centre, Baldwin, Freeport, Merrick, Bellmore, Wantagh, Seaford, Massapequa, Massapequa Park, Amityville, Copiague, Lindenhurst, and Babylon.
2. Where do I find the LIRR Babylon Branch schedule?
You can download or view the current schedule (in PDF or interactive format) directly from the MTA LIRR official website.
3. Does the Babylon Branch end at Penn Station?
Yes, most trains on the Babylon Branch travel to and from Penn Station in Manhattan. There are also some rush-hour trains that stop at Grand Central Madison.
4. How long is the train ride from Babylon to Penn Station?
On average, the ride takes 60 to 75 minutes depending on whether or not the local train or the express train is utilized.
5. Is the Babylon Branch available for weekend use?
Yes, every day, including weekends, there is service, albeit with somewhat lower frequency trains compared to weekday frequency.
6. How much does it cost from Babylon to Penn Station?
As of 2025, the off-peak fare is about $10.75, and the peak fare is roughly $14.50 one way. There are also weekly and monthly passes for heavy users.
7. Where do I park at Babylon Station, and is parking available for non-residents?
Parking is available at Babylon Station, and non-residents can park in lots reserved for their use. There may be a daily fee or permit, so it’s always best to check parking details and restrictions with the Village of Babylon.
8. Does the Babylon Branch make stops at Jamaica Station?
Yes, most Babylon Branch trains make stops at Jamaica Station, a major transfer point to JFK Airport and other LIRR branches.
9. Is there an express service along the Babylon Branch?
Yes, there are commuter express trains with some skipped stops (e.g., between Seaford and Lynbrook) for a speedier trip.
10. Is it possible to check delays or disruption of service along the Babylon Branch?
If you wish to be informed on real-time delay or service changes, you can opt for either the MTA TrainTime app or view the MTA Service Status web page online.