The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) modifies its schedule on major holidays to accommodate more passengers. Trains usually operate on a standard weekday schedule on Christmas Eve, but on Christmas Day, the trains operate on a Sunday schedule. The modifications of LIRR Holiday Schedule provide riders with convenient means of transportation during the peak holiday season.
For New Year’s Eve, the LIRR offers extra trains on principal branches such as Babylon, Port Jefferson, Ronkonkoma, Montauk, and Port Washington. The evening departures are for the swell of passengers who head to New York City to celebrate. On New Year’s Day, the railroad follows a Sunday schedule with early morning trains to bring back celebrants from Long Island after midnight festivities.
The LIRR may also offer special service for large events, like concerts at Elmont-UBS Arena. Riders are encouraged to check the LIRR website or use the TrainTime app for real-time schedule updates and service alerts throughout the holiday period.
LIRR Holiday Schedule
The LIRR adjusts its schedule on holidays, offering weekend or holiday service with off-peak fares all day. Special trains may be added for events. Check the LIRR website or TrainTime app for updates. Here’s a detailed table outlining the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) holiday schedules for major holidays:
| Holiday | Date | Service Type | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Weekend/Holiday Schedule | Off-peak fares apply all day. |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | January 20 | Regular Weekday Schedule | Standard weekday service; off-peak fares available. |
| Presidents’ Day | February 17 | Weekend Schedule | Off-peak fares honored throughout the day. |
| Memorial Day | May 26 | Weekend/Holiday Schedule | Full-day off-peak fare; reduced frequency. |
| Independence Day | July 4 | Weekend/Holiday Schedule | Off-peak pricing in effect; limited train frequency. |
| Labor Day | September 1 | Weekend/Holiday Schedule | Off-peak fares all day; reduced service levels. |
| Thanksgiving Day | November 27 | Weekend/Holiday Schedule | Off-peak fares all day; special trains may run for parade attendance. |
| Day After Thanksgiving | November 28 | Regular Weekday Schedule | Normal weekday service with off-peak fares on all trains. |
| Christmas Eve | December 24 | Regular Weekday Schedule | Standard weekday operations. |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Sunday Schedule | Off-peak fares apply; fewer trains than usual. |
Important Notes
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Off-Peak Fares are valid all day on most major holidays.
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Special Event Service may be added for large gatherings, such as concerts or sports events, especially at locations like Elmont–UBS Arena.
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Extra Trains are usually scheduled on New Year’s Eve to help passengers get to and from celebrations safely.
For the latest updates, riders should check the LIRR website or use the TrainTime app before traveling.
LIRR Holiday Service Schedule & Travel Tips
The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) modifies its train schedules on major holidays to reflect expected ridership and travel patterns. Below is a summary of service for each holiday:
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New Year’s Day (Jan 1) – Weekend/holiday schedule
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Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Jan 20) – Regular weekday schedule
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Presidents’ Day (Feb 17) – Weekend schedule
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Memorial Day (May 26) – Weekend/holiday schedule
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Independence Day (July 4) – Weekend/holiday schedule
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Labor Day (Sep 1) – Weekend/holiday schedule
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Thanksgiving Day (Nov 27) – Weekend/holiday schedule
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Day After Thanksgiving (Nov 28) – Regular weekday schedule
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Christmas Eve (Dec 24) – Regular weekday schedule
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Christmas Day (Dec 25) – Sunday schedule
Important Travel Info for LIRR Holidays
On major holidays, the LIRR honors off-peak fares throughout the day. Even on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the Friday after Thanksgiving, off-peak pricing is available on all trains despite following a weekday schedule. Travelers are encouraged to confirm service details through the LIRR website or TrainTime app, as schedules may vary by branch or time of day.
Additionally, special event trains may be added for large gatherings such as concerts or sports games. Buying tickets in advance or through mobile platforms is recommended for smoother travel.
LIRR Schedule on Columbus Day
On Columbus Day, which is observed on the second Monday in October, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) operates on a regular weekday schedule. This means there are no special holiday service changes—trains run according to their normal weekday timetables.
This standard schedule applies to all LIRR branches, including popular lines like the Babylon, Ronkonkoma, and Port Jefferson branches. However, it’s worth noting that the Cannonball train, a seasonal express service to the Hamptons on the Montauk Branch, does not run on Columbus Day. The Cannonball is a summer-only service, operating from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, including train times and potential service changes due to maintenance or other events, passengers are encouraged to check the MTA official website or use the MTA TrainTime app.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Memorial Day and July 4th schedule change on the LIRR?
Memorial Day and July 4th, the LIRR generally operates a Sunday/holiday schedule with extended service on the preceding Friday for early departure service.
2. How do I get the LIRR holiday schedule to go to stations such as Hicksville or Ronkonkoma?
You can get holiday timetables for a specific station like Hicksville or Ronkonkoma through the MTA TrainTime app, or by visiting mta.info.
3. Is LIRR staff on an alternate holiday schedule?
Yes. LIRR staff can expect to see a distinct internal holiday schedule for work duty and pay periods, distinct from the train operating schedule.
4. Is there an unusual LIRR Thanksgiving Day schedule?
Yes. The LIRR generally adds Thanksgiving Eve service for going out of town and Thanksgiving Day service for those coming into NYC to see the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
5. What is the LIRR Christmas Eve schedule?
Christmas Eve is usually a regular weekday schedule for the LIRR, though off-peak fares are in effect all day. Trains may close earlier than normal, though, so be sure to check the schedule for special hours.
6. How is the LIRR operated on Good Friday?
Good Friday is not a holiday, and the LIRR operates a normal weekday schedule. Off-peak all-day fares are available, though reduced service on some branches, so be sure to check the schedule for specifics.
7. Is the LIRR operating on a regular schedule on Columbus Day?
The LIRR typically operates a weekday schedule on Columbus Day but may cancel or reschedule some trains based on ridership. It’s always best to check the MTA website or TrainTime app to plan for the adjustments.