LIRR Jamaica Station is the most busy terminal in the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) system, with more than 200,000 riders per day. Situated in Queens, it serves as the central transfer point for Penn Station, Brooklyn, and Long Island trains, as well as links to AirTrain JFK and NYC Subway (E, J/Z lines). Being in such a central position makes it highly important to commuters and air passengers alike.
The station has 10 platforms and 16 tracks, with easy signage for transfers. Conveniences are food vendors, waiting rooms, and free Wi-Fi. While the historic charm of the 1908-built complex is appealing, recent renovations (such as digital signboard and enhanced accessibility) give the experience a modern spin.
LIRR Jamaica Station Map & Layout
Jamaica Station serves as the terminal of the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) system, facilitating convenient transfers from LIRR trains, NYC Subway, and AirTrain JFK. The 10-platform, 16-track station has East (Lower) and West (Upper) concourses to expedite passenger movement. Below is a description of its main areas and tips on how to navigate.
| Area | Details | Access Points |
|---|---|---|
| Main Concourse | – Ticketing/MetroCard vending machines – Customer service booth – Food vendors & seating |
Sutphin Blvd & Archer Ave entrances |
| Platforms (1–10) | – Tracks 1–3 (Upper Level, westbound trains) – Tracks 4–10 (Lower Level, eastbound & branch lines) |
Stairs, elevators, escalators from concourse |
| Subway Connections | – E, J/Z trains (direct access via underground passage) – OMNY/MetroCard accepted |
Lower Level near Tracks 4–5 |
| AirTrain JFK | – 8-minute ride to JFK Airport – Requires separate fare ($8.25) |
Dedicated walkway from LIRR concourse |
| Parking & Entrances | – Limited paid parking ($10/day) – Main entrances: Sutphin Blvd & Archer Ave |
Adjacent to LIRR station |
LIRR Jamaica Station Train Schedules & Lines
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.
| LIRR Branch | Peak Service (Weekdays) | Off-Peak Service | Key Destinations | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Babylon | Every 15–20 mins | Every 30–60 mins | Penn Station, Freeport, Babylon | Fastest service to NYC |
| Far Rockaway | Every 20–30 mins | Every 60 mins | Penn Station, Valley Stream, Far Rockaway | Connects to A subway at Far Rockaway |
| Hempstead | Every 30 mins | Every 60–90 mins | Brooklyn, Hempstead | Limited weekend service |
| Long Beach | Every 20 mins | Every 60 mins | Penn Station, Lynbrook, Long Beach | Summer trains more frequent |
| Montauk | 5x daily | 3x daily | Jamaica, Babylon, Patchogue, Montauk | Seasonal summer increases |
| Oyster Bay | Every 30–60 mins | Every 2 hours | Jamaica, Mineola, Oyster Bay | No weekend service |
| Port Jefferson | Every 30–60 mins | Every 90 mins | Huntington, Port Jefferson | Transfer at Huntington for electric trains |
| Port Washington | Every 15–20 mins | Every 30 mins | Penn Station, Flushing, Port Washington | No Brooklyn service |
| Ronkonkoma | Every 15–30 mins | Every 60 mins | Penn Station, Hicksville, Ronkonkoma | Main line to eastern LI |
| West Hempstead | Every 60 mins | Every 2 hours | Valley Stream, West Hempstead | — |
LIRR Jamaica Station Parking & Transportation Options
Limited parking but great public transportation access makes Jamaica Station a commuters and travelers hub. On weekdays, parking spaces get consumed fast, but the station offers unbroken connections to subways, buses, AirTrain JFK, and rideshares. The following is an in-depth parking and transit option breakdown.
| Option | Details | Cost | Availability |
| LIRR Paid Parking | – 400+ spaces at Sutphin Blvd lot
– Cash/Credit accepted – No overnight parking |
$10/day (flat rate) | Fills by 7:30 AM on weekdays |
| Street Parking | – Metered spots near Sutphin/Archer Aves
– 2-hour limit (8 AM–7 PM) |
$1.50–$4/hour | Limited; check signs for restrictions |
| AirTrain JFK Parking | – Long-term parking at Federal Circle Lot
– Free shuttle to Jamaica Station |
$8/day (AirTrain fare extra) | Always available |
| Subway Connections | – E, J/Z trains (direct underground access)
– OMNY/MetroCard accepted |
$2.90 (same as subway fare) | 24/7 |
| Bus Routes | – Q6, Q8, Q9, Q20, Q24, Q30, Q31, Q40, Q41, Q43, Q44, Q54, Q56, Q60 | $2.90 (free transfer with OMNY) | 5 AM–1 AM daily |
| Rideshare/Taxi | – Designated pickup/drop-off zone on Sutphin Blvd
– Taxi stand near AirTrain entrance |
Varies (Uber/Lyft ~$25–$40 to Manhattan) | 24/7 |
| Bike Parking | – Racks near Sutphin Blvd entrance
– No Citi Bike station onsite |
Free | First-come, first-served |
LIRR Jamaica Station Amenities & Services
Jamaica Station in Queens, New York, stands as a pivotal transportation hub, seamlessly connecting various transit options and offering a range of amenities to enhance the commuter experience.
The station provides direct access to the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), New York City Subway lines E, J, and Z, and the AirTrain JFK, facilitating efficient transfers between regional and local transit systems. Commuters can access the AirTrain JFK via a dedicated walkway from the LIRR concourse, offering an approximately 8-minute ride to John F. Kennedy International Airport.
Within the station, passengers have access to ticket vending machines, a customer service booth, and various food vendors with seating areas, ensuring convenience during travel. The station is fully accessible, featuring elevators, tactile warning strips, and audiovisual passenger information systems to assist all passengers, including those with mobility challenges.
For those driving to the station, limited paid parking is available adjacent to the facility, with main entrances located at Sutphin Boulevard and Archer Avenue. Additionally, the station is well-served by numerous MTA bus routes, providing further connectivity throughout Queens and Nassau County.
Overall, Jamaica Station’s comprehensive amenities and strategic connections make it an essential node in New York City’s transportation network.
Frequently Asked Question
1. What trains stop at Jamaica Station
Jamaica Station is the main transfer point for all 11 LIRR branches, including Babylon, Far Rockaway, Port Jefferson, and Ronkonkoma lines. Most eastbound and westbound trains stop here, linking passengers to Penn Station, Brooklyn, and Long Island destinations. The station also offers a direct link to AirTrain JFK for airport transfers.
2. How do I transfer between LIRR and subway at Jamaica
The station has direct underground access to the E, J, and Z subway lines. Once you leave your LIRR train, look for the easily signposted path to the subway mezzanine level. System transfers can be done with the same OMNY tap or MetroCard – no extra fare is needed when transferring within 2 hours.
3. Where can I park at Jamaica Station
Limited daily parking ($10 flat fee) is also available at the Sutphin Boulevard lot, but spaces normally fill by 7:30 AM on weekdays. Other options include on-street parking (metered, 2-hour time limit) nearby or long-term parking in AirTrain JFK’s Federal Circle lot with a connecting bus to the station.
4. What amenities are offered at the station
Jamaica Station has free Wi-Fi, recharging stations, several food vendors (Subway and Dunkin’ Donuts), public toilets, and a customer service counter. The station is also partially accessible with the use of elevators for all platforms and tactile paving for blind passengers.
5. How early should I arrive for AirTrain JFK connections
Leave at least 15-20 minutes between your LIRR arrival and scheduled AirTrain departure. You’ll have to walk to the AirTrain platform (approximately 5 minutes) and buy additional AirTrain tickets ($8.25). Security screening during peak hours will take extra time.
6. Is Jamaica Station safe at night
While the station is staffed 24/7 with NYPD patrols and surveillance cameras, it’s advisable to stay in well-lit areas during late-night hours. The busiest and safest times are during morning and evening rush hours when thousands of commuters pass through.
7. Where can I find real-time train information
Electronic displays along the station display future departures, or you can simply monitor the MTA TrainTime app for real-time updates regarding schedules and service alterations. Customer service staff are also present at the information desk during peak periods.