Grand Central Madison, the new Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) Grand Central LIRR Terminal in Midtown Manhattan, opened on January 25, 2023. The new building is part of the East Side Access project, a historic $11.1 billion effort intended to expand travel possibilities to Manhattan’s East Side. Grand Central Madison offers a new convenient entrance for LIRR passengers, easing crowding at Penn Station.
The terminal is 350,000 square feet wide and is situated over 90 feet below street level. It occupies two levels and has eight tracks and four platforms, which provide direct and faster train service to Long Island and Queens commuters. The station can accommodate passengers conveniently and efficiently with 22 elevators and 47 escalators.
As the LIRR’s largest expansion in over 100 years, the terminal handles 274 trains per weekday and supports reverse commuting. The station is also integrated with subways and Metro-North, making it a central transit hub in New York City.
LIRR Grand Central Station
Grand Central Madison is a major step forward in modernizing New York’s transportation. It alleviates Penn Station congestion and enhances the commuter experience through a contemporary design, expansive concourse, high-tech ticketing, and easy-to-understand signage. Complemented by the subway and Metro-North, it is one of the primary hubs for commuters traveling between Manhattan and elsewhere. It aids the city’s capacity to grow, become more efficient, and minimize delays, while its accessibility design provides hassle-free travel to all passengers.
LIRR Grand Central Station Schedule
The train schedule of LIRR Grand Central Station offers weekday and weekend hours, with peak-hour frequency, late-night service, and designated routes such as Elmont-UBS Arena and Mets-Willets Point.
LIRR Grand Central Station Weekday Schedule (Monday – Friday)
(Peak Hours: 6:00 AM–10:00 AM & 4:00 PM–8:00 PM)
| Destination | First Train | Last Train | Typical Departures | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Far Rockaway | 11:14 PM* | 10:12 PM | Every 30–60 min | *Late-night arrival at 12:11 AM |
| Babylon | 5:14 AM | 10:15 PM | Every 30 min | Frequent peak service |
| Huntington | 5:27 AM | 8:08 PM | Every 30 min | Connects at Hicksville |
| Ronkonkoma | 4:52 AM | 6:56 PM | Every 30 min | Some express trains |
| Port Washington | 5:07 AM | 9:38 PM | Every 30 min | Serves Mets-Willets Point |
| Long Beach | 5:12 AM | 8:47 AM | Every 30 min | Limited late-night service |
| Hempstead | 4:56 AM | 10:55 PM | Every 30–60 min | Stops at Elmont-UBS Arena |
| West Hempstead | 6:25 AM | 7:50 PM | Every 60 min | Limited service |
Weekday Notes:
- Late-Night Trains: Far Rockaway and Hempstead have arrivals past midnight.
- Peak Frequency: Babylon, Huntington, and Ronkonkoma run every 20–30 minutes during rush hours.
- Special Stops: Elmont-UBS Arena (Hempstead Branch) and Mets-Willets Point (Port Washington Branch).
LIRR Grand Central Station Weekend Schedule (Saturday- Sunday)
| Destination | First Train | Last Train | Typical Departures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Far Rockaway | 6:04 AM | 10:12 PM | Every 60 min |
| Babylon | 5:46 AM | 9:49 PM | Every 60 min |
| Huntington | 5:57 AM | 8:40 PM | Every 60 min |
| Ronkonkoma | 6:02 AM | 6:56 PM | Every 60 min |
| Port Washington | 5:49 AM | 9:38 PM | Every 60 min |
| Long Beach | 5:48 AM | 8:47 AM | Every 60 min |
| Hempstead | 6:03 AM | 10:55 PM | Every 60 min |
Weekend Notes:
- Reduced frequency (every 60–90 minutes).
- No “West Hempstead” or “Oyster Bay” data provided in your schedule.
Grand Central LIRR Concourse
The Grand Central Madison concourse is a broad, modern transit space that enhances the LIRR rider experience on Manhattan’s East Side. Measuring around 350,000 square feet, it runs from 43rd to 48th Street beneath Grand Central Terminal. The concourse provides an important gateway to platforms, amenities, and transfer transit.
Major Features of the Concourse:
- Digital Signage: Assists riders in navigating the area easily.
- Self-Service Ticket Kiosks: Offers an easy means for passengers to buy tickets.
- Interactive Guides: Help customers navigate their way around the concourse.
- Passenger Amenities: Features restrooms, a nursing room, a customer service center, and reserved seating areas for ticketed passengers.
Art and Architecture
Art is a prominent part of the design of the concourse. Two permanent works of art are displayed:
- Yayoi Kusama’s Colorful Mural: A vibrant, dynamic mural named “A Message of Love, Directly from My Heart unto the Universe”.
- Kiki Smith’s Iridescence Mosaic: An inspirational work called “River Light”, inspired by the East River.
The concourse boasts spacious hallways, contemporary lighting, and architectural treatments reflecting the classic Grand Central, all of which combine to create a clean, elegant, open atmosphere.
Future Developments
The concourse will also accommodate retail and dining facilities, so it is not merely a passageway but a destination by itself. There are also 25,000 square feet of commercial space intended for future expansion in the concourse.
Grand Central LIRR Entrances
The Grand Central Madison LIRR entrances are positioned strategically to create efficient, convenient, and dramatic points of entry to New York City’s newest large commuter terminal. Below Midtown Manhattan, the entrances run from 42nd to 48th Street and serve as the principal points of access for LIRR commuters arriving in the city’s East Side.
Street-Level Entrances:
Multiple entrances along major streets are designed to handle pedestrian traffic:
- 383 Madison Avenue (47th Street): One of the principal entrances offering direct concourse and office building access. It includes elevators and escalators to enable easy vertical travel.
- 42nd Street Entrance: Located east of Madison Avenue, it is a direct entry connecting easily to Grand Central Terminal and the adjacent subway lines.
- Other Entrances: Located on 43rd and Vanderbilt Avenue, 44th Street between Madison and Vanderbilt, and 48th Street between Madison and Park, these secondary access points serve different areas of Midtown East.
All entrances are fully ADA-compliant, featuring elevators, escalators, and clear signage to guide passengers to the concourse.
Design and Transition to the Concourse
Once inside, passengers ride down to a light-filled, airy mezzanine level that leads to the main concourse and train platforms. The area is planned for flow, with broad corridors, sleek finishes, and high ceilings that produce a peaceful, airy feel even though it is underground. The architecture marries aspects of Grand Central’s distinctive style with modern elements.
Passenger Amenities
Near every entrance, passengers are able to use a range of necessary services:
- Ticket Vending Machines: Placed at 45th and 47th Streets to provide easy access to LIRR tickets.
- Customer Service Center: Provided at or near the 47th Street entrance for one-on-one help.
- Restrooms: Provided between 44th and 45th Streets and near 47th Street.
- Private Nursing Room: Provided for parents or caregivers.
- Waiting Area: Provided on the mezzanine level, providing seating for 28 ticketed passengers, offering a convenient waiting area prior to train departures.
Public Art and Aesthetic Appeal
Every entryway leads to spaces with important art installations, adding to the station’s cultural and aesthetic significance:
- Yayoi Kusama’s Mural: “A Message of Love, Directly from My Heart unto the Universe”, a colorful and bold mural.
- Kiki Smith’s Mosaic: “River Light”, a lovely, expansive mosaic inspired by the East River, on the mezzanine.
Transit Connections and Future Growth
The entrances are connected with the larger transit system, with direct access to:
- Grand Central–42nd Street Subway Station: Served by the 4, 5, 6, 7, and S lines.
- Local Bus Stops and Surface Transit.
- Future Dining and Retail Spaces: Over 25,000 square feet of commercial space is being planned within the concourse.
LIRR Grand Central Terminal to JFK
Getting to John F. Kennedy International Airport from Manhattan’s Grand Central Terminal is easy and comparatively quick by public transportation. Here is a step-by-step guide taking the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and the AirTrain.
1: Board the LIRR from Grand Central Madison to Jamaica Station
Departure Point:
Start your journey at Grand Central Madison, a new terminal of the LIRR that is found underneath Grand Central Terminal.
Catch an LIRR train to Jamaica Station in Queens.
Schedule:
- Weekdays Trains operate every 10–15 minutes during rush hours, beginning early morning and continuing after midnight.
- Weekends Trains leave every 20–30 minutes.
Duration:
Around 20 minutes from Grand Central to Jamaica.
Cost:
- Off-peak (CityTicket) $5
- Peak hours $7
Tickets may be obtained using the MTA TrainTime app or from vending machines at stations.
2: Transfer to the AirTrain JFK at Jamaica Station
After you reach Jamaica Station, proceed to the AirTrain by following the signs. The transfer point is on the mezzanine level of the station complex.
| Fare | $8.50 (paid by MetroCard or OMNY) |
|---|---|
| Time | The AirTrain trip from Jamaica to JFK terminals is approximately 10 to 15 minutes. |
Travel Tips
- Purchase Tickets Ahead of Time: Utilize the TrainTime app for LIRR tickets. Carry a MetroCard or OMNY for the AirTrain.
- Travel Off-Peak: If you have luggage, off-peak travel is generally less busy.
- Leave Time for Transfers: Leave some buffer time, particularly during peak hours.
- Accessibility: All stations and trains on this route are wheelchair-accessible, with elevators and escalators.
Total Costs
| Component | Cost |
|---|---|
| LIRR | $5–$7 |
| AirTrain | $8.50 |
| Total | Approximately $13.50 to $15.50 |
Estimated Total Travel Time
| Route Segment | Time |
|---|---|
| Grand Central to Jamaica | ~20 minutes |
| Jamaica to JFK via AirTrain | ~10–15 minutes |
| Transfer time | ~5 minutes |
| Total Travel Time | About 35–40 minutes |
This is one of the fastest and most affordable routes to access JFK Airport from Midtown Manhattan, providing a seamless and dependable ride for residents and visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Grand Central Station?
The Grand Central LIRR Station is a new underground station constructed under Grand Central Terminal in Midtown Manhattan. It is part of the East Side Access project, which gives the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) commuters an easy way to reach the East Side of Manhattan, rather than the crowded Penn Station.
2. When was the Grand Central Station opened?
Grand Central LIRR station went into operation on January 25, 2023. The new station provides a better mass transit experience for riders traveling between the city and Long Island.
3. Where are the main entrances to the Grand Central Station?
Grand Central LIRR has several street-level entrances between 42nd and 48th Streets on Madison Avenue. Primary entrances are the 47th Street entrance at 383 Madison Avenue, among others close to 42nd, 43rd, and 48th Streets.
4. How do I get from Grand Central to JFK Airport?
To arrive at JFK Airport from Grand Central LIRR, you have to travel by train to Jamaica Station and change to the AirTrain that will bring you to the airport terminals. The ride should be approximately 45–60 minutes.
5. Where is the Grand Central schedule?
The Grand Central LIRR schedule can be viewed via the MTA website, at ticket booths within stations, and on the MTA app for current information. Schedules can also be viewed on the LIRR timetable site.
6. What is the location of the Grand Central Station?
The Grand Central LIRR Station is located at 89 E 42nd St, New York, NY 10017, below the iconic Grand Central Terminal in Midtown Manhattan.
7. How long are the Grand Central escalators?
The Grand Central LIRR station escalators are among the longest in New York City. The escalators are about 182 feet (55 meters) in length and have a drop of about 90 feet (27 meters) vertically.
8. What do ticket fares for the Grand Central station cost?
Ticket fare at the Grand Central LIRR station is the same as other LIRR stations and depends on your origin and destination. The tickets can be bought from ticket vending machines, ticket booths, or the MTA eTix app.
9. What LIRR lines stop at Grand Central Madison?
Grand Central Madison station is served with various East Side Access lines, including trains from Jamaica, Mineola, Port Washington, Great Neck, Woodside, and others. It has a direct service from Long Island to Manhattan’s East Side.
10. How do I travel from Woodside to Grand Central?
To travel from Woodside to Grand Central LIRR, take a Port Washington Branch train to Grand Central Madison. It is around 25–30 minutes.