The Jamaica LIRR Station is the busiest terminal in the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) network, with over 200,000 daily riders. Located in Queens, it is the primary transfer point for Penn Station, Brooklyn, and Long Island trains, as well as connections to AirTrain JFK and NYC Subway (E, J/Z lines). Because it is in such a central location, it is of great significance to commuters and air passengers as well.
It has 10 platforms and 16 tracks with simple transfers signages. Amenities include food stands, waiting areas, and free Wi-Fi. Although the nostalgic value of the 1908 complex is attractive, recent updates (e.g., electronic signboard and better accessibility) add a contemporary twist.
LIRR Jamaica
At the nexus of New York City transit and Long Island travel, Jamaica Station acts as the hub of LIRR’s rail network—not as a transfer point merely, but as a high-speed heartbeat in the movement of the region. Its strategic value is more than about volume; the station combines rail, subway, airport, and bus access into a frictionless, multimodal journey. With its balanced architecture of historic and updated features, Jamaica Station is a testament to the potential of legacy infrastructure to adapt to the needs of 21st-century transport.
LIRR Station Jamaica Map & Layout
Jamaica Station is the hub of the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and among the greatest mass transit hubs in New York City. A key point for rail riders, airport passengers, and users of the wider MTA network, it is situated in the Jamaica area of Queens.
Transit Role and Services
- LIRR Operations: Jamaica is the primary hub where virtually all LIRR lines—except for the Port Washington Branch—meet. It serves as a major transfer point for passengers going east and west to terminals such as Penn Station, Grand Central, and Atlantic Terminal. The ubiquitous slogan “Change at Jamaica” captures the station’s role as a nexus connecting the rail network.
- Link to JFK Airport: The station is directly connected to JFK International Airport through the AirTrain JFK, an automated people mover system. The link makes Jamaica Station a crucial entry point for air travelers going to or from Long Island or Manhattan.
- Subway and Bus Access: amaica Station abuts the Sutphin Boulevard–Archer Avenue–JFK Airport subway station on the E, J, and Z trains. Several MTA bus routes also operate in the area, bringing even more Jamaica into the city’s public transportation network.
Layout and Facilities
- Station Layout: Jamaica Station has several platforms and tracks to keep up with the heavy train traffic. The elevated structure enables smooth train movements and passenger traffic.
- Passenger Facilities: Facilities in the station include ticket vending machines, waiting rooms, and customer care offices. The station is also compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and provides elevators and other accessibility features.
LIRR Train Derailment Jamaica Station
On August 3, 2023, a Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) train derailed just east of Jamaica Station in Queens, New York. The derailment involved Train 722, an eight-car passenger train that had departed from Grand Central Madison at 10:43 a.m. and was en route to Hempstead. At approximately 11:12 a.m., all eight cars derailed near Hall Interlocking, close to 175th Street and 95th Avenue.
Passenger Impact and Emergency Response
Emergency personnel were on the scene quickly to aid in evacuations and offer medical attention. In FDNY reports:
- 9 passengers were slightly injured
- 2 passengers were moderately injured
- 2 passengers were seriously injured
All of the injured were reported as being in stable condition. LIRR staff from nearby Hillside Maintenance Complex and Jamaica Station were instrumental in the response.
Cause of the Derailment
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) initiated an investigation, which resulted in a misaligned track switch at Hall Interlocking as the reason. The switch had been improperly reflected to dispatchers as being in proper alignment, leading the train to be routed onto the incorrect track and derail.
Recovery and Safety Efforts
Following the derailment, the MTA promptly initiated several recovery and safety measures to restore service and ensure future safety. An immediate inspection of the track infrastructure was conducted to assess damage and identify any faults. In addition, the MTA undertook a comprehensive, system-wide review of track switch equipment to evaluate its reliability and operational integrity. Based on the findings, the agency outlined and began implementing corrective measures aimed at preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future, reaffirming its commitment to passenger safety and system reliability.
These initiatives were directed at the reinstatement of commuter confidence and enhancing general rail security.
Legal and Safety Implications
Derailment also posed legal and safety implications. Injured passengers can seek compensation for medical costs, lost income, and other losses. This accident is a clear indication of the requirement for robust infrastructure preservation and proper signal operations to guarantee commuter safety.
Jamaica LIRR Schedule
Jamaica Station is the hub of the LIRR network, linking all 11 LIRR branches with high frequency to Penn Station, Brooklyn, and Long Island. It’s a 24/7 transfer station, with trains during peak hours every 3–5 minutes and off-peak every 20–30 minutes. Here is a breakdown of lines, schedules, and major destinations.
Weekday Schedule (Monday–Friday)
| Destination | First Train | Last Train | Typical Departures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Babylon | 3:46 AM | 11:51 AM | Every 30 minutes |
| Huntington | 2:43 AM | 12:55 PM | Every 30 minutes |
| Ronkonkoma | 2:56 AM | 1:08 PM | Every 30 minutes |
| Far Rockaway | 3:41 AM | 12:46 PM | Every 30 minutes |
| Long Beach | 4:27 AM | 1:13 PM | Every 30 minutes |
| Hempstead | 4:29 AM | 12:16 PM | Every 60 minutes |
| Oyster Bay | 6:24 AM | 11:44 AM | Every 90 minutes |
| Montauk | 9:58 AM | 9:58 AM | Every 2 hours |
| Port Jefferson | 6:13 AM | 6:13 AM | Every 2 hours |
| West Hempstead | 6:29 AM | 12:29 PM | Every 60 minutes |
Weekend Schedule (Saturday & Sunday)
| Destination | First Train | Last Train | Typical Departures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Babylon | 5:30 AM | 11:00 PM | Every 60 minutes |
| Huntington | 5:48 AM | 11:48 PM | Every 60 minutes |
| Ronkonkoma | 5:45 AM | 10:45 PM | Every 60 minutes |
| Far Rockaway | 6:00 AM | 10:00 PM | Every 60 minutes |
| Long Beach | 5:47 AM | 10:47 PM | Every 60 minutes |
| Hempstead | 6:00 AM | 10:00 PM | Every 60 minutes |
| Oyster Bay | 5:54 AM | 10:54 PM | Every 90 minutes |
| Montauk | 6:00 AM | 10:00 PM | Every 2 hours |
| Port Jefferson | 6:13 AM | 10:13 PM | Every 2 hours |
| West Hempstead | 6:30 AM | 10:30 PM | Every 60 minutes |
LIRR Jamaica Station to Penn Station
It is easy and rapid to get from Jamaica Station in Queens to Penn Station in Manhattan by the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR).
- Travel Time: Approximately 20 minutes
- Frequency: Trains operate approximately every 5 minutes
- Cost:
-
CityTicket (travel within NYC):
- $5 (off-peak)
- $7 (peak hours)
-
Regular fares: up to $12, depending on the time of day
-
CityTickets can be bought at LIRR ticket machines or via the MTA TrainTime app. These tickets provide a cost-effective means of traveling between Jamaica and Penn Station.
| Option | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| LIRR | ~20 mins | $5–$12 | Fastest & most comfortable |
| Subway (E) | ~36 mins | $2.90 | Cheapest, but slower |
| Taxi/Uber | ~20 mins | $60–$75 | Costly, traffic dependent |
Jamaica Station Parking & Transportation Options
Limited space for parking but excellent public transit availability makes Jamaica Station a commuters and travelers destination. Weekday parking spots are gobbled up quickly, yet the station provides unbroken service to subways, buses, AirTrain JFK, and ride-sharing vehicles. Following is a detailed breakdown of parking and transit options.
| Option | Details | Cost | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| LIRR Paid Parking | 400+ spaces in Sutphin Blvd lot; no overnight | $10/day (flat rate) | Fills by 7:30 AM weekdays |
| Street Parking | Metered areas near Sutphin/Archer (2-hr max) | $1.50–$4/hour | Limited; posted signs |
| AirTrain JFK Parking | Federal Circle Lot; shuttle to Jamaica | $8/day (plus AirTrain fee) | Always available |
| Subway Connections | E, J/Z trains (OMNY/MetroCard accepted) | $2.90 | 24/7 |
| Bus Routes | Q6, Q8, Q9, Q20, Q24, Q30, Q31, Q40, Q41, Q43, Q44… | $2.90 | 5 AM–1 AM daily |
| Rideshare/Taxi | Pickup on Sutphin Blvd; taxi stand near AirTrain | ~$25–$40 (to Manhattan) | 24/7 |
| Bike Parking | Racks near Sutphin Blvd entrance | Free | First-come, first-served |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What trains stop at Jamaica Station
Jamaica Station serves as the central transfer point for all 11 branches of LIRR, such as Babylon, Far Rockaway, Port Jefferson, and Ronkonkoma lines. The majority of eastbound and westbound trains terminate at this station, connecting passengers to Penn Station, Brooklyn, and destinations on Long Island. It is also connected directly to AirTrain JFK for transferring to airports.
2. How to transfer between subway and LIRR at Jamaica
The station is directly connected to the E, J, and Z subway lines through underground access. After you exit your LIRR train, simply look for the well-signposted route to the subway mezzanine level. System transfers can be made using the same OMNY tap or MetroCard—no additional fare is required when transferring within 2 hours.
3. Where can I park at Jamaica Station
Limited daily parking ($10 flat rate) is also at the Sutphin Boulevard lot. But the slots typically fill by 7:30 AM during weekdays. Alternative options include on-street parking (metered, 2-hour limit) nearby or long-term parking at AirTrain JFK’s Federal Circle lot with a transfer bus to the station.
4. What amenities are available at the station
Jamaica Station has free Wi-Fi, recharging stations, a food vendors, public lavatories, and a customer service desk. The station is also partway accessible with the utilization of elevators to all platforms and tactile paving for the blind commuters.
5. How long in advance do I need to arrive at AirTrain JFK connections
Leave a minimum of 15–20 minutes between your arrival on the LIRR and booked AirTrain departure. You will need to walk to the AirTrain station (about 5 minutes) and purchase extra AirTrain tickets ($8.25). Security check during rush periods will require more time.
6. Is Jamaica Station safe at night
Although the station is open 24/7, it’s best to remain in the lighted sections late at night. NYPD patrols and CCTV cameras helps to maintain the security. The exact locations with the most commotion and safest atmosphere are the morning and evening rush hours.
7. Where can I get real-time train information
Electronic boards along the station show upcoming departures, or you can simply keep an eye on the MTA TrainTime app for real-time information on schedules and service changes. Customer service representatives are also on hand at the information booth during rush hours.