The LIRR Monthly Pass provides unlimited travel across specified fare zones and is a smart option for frequent commuters. The cost varies according to zones of travel, from around $140 for local zones to $500 for longer commutes between zones 1 and 10.
This pass is ideal for commuters who travel at least three days a week and enjoys the convenience of never having to purchase single-ride tickets with significant cost savings. The pass is valid for one calendar month and is non-transferable. Passengers can purchase the pass beginning the 25th day of the previous month using ticket vending machines, station booths, or the online platforms of the MTA.
Monthly pass riders also enjoy the advantage of being able to participate in special MTA promotions. For example, through the “Winter Weekends” program, they can ride the entire LIRR network on weekends for no cost and bring up to two companions for only $1 apiece—offering a bonus for heavy LIRR users.
LIRR Monthly Pass
The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) monthly pass is an easy fare to use for frequent riders of the LIRR. It provides unlimited travel between two designated stations for the entire month, which is a huge discount compared to buying tickets every day. The pass can be utilized on any LIRR train in the travel area designated on the pass. It comes in paper and digital versions, and is usually bought ahead of time. The LIRR monthly pass suits regular commuters and allows for the convenience of traveling without having to buy individual tickets for every trip.
LIRR Monthly Pass Price
Below is an exhaustive table of the current LIRR (Long Island Rail Road) monthly pass fares, as of the latest fare adjustments:
| Pass Type | Description | Price Range (USD) | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone-Based Monthly Pass | Offers unlimited travel between designated fare zones (1-12). Prices differ according to chosen zones. | $140 - $500 | Suits frequent traveling within a bounded area. For instance, Zone 1 to Zone 2 costs $162, whereas Zone 1 to Zone 10 costs $500. |
| City Terminal Zone (CTZ) Pass | Unlimited travel within the City Terminal Zone (CTZ), including stations such as Jamaica, Kew Gardens, Forest Hills, and Atlantic Terminal. | Varies | Suitable for frequent commuters moving between central hubs. Pricing information on the LIRR website. |
| Unlimited Monthly Pass | Unlimited travel on the entire LIRR system, including all zones. | Up to $500 | Most costly option but with maximum flexibility for frequent travelers moving between different zones. |
| Senior/Disabled Pass | Discounted monthly passes for seniors (65+) and disabled persons. Proof of eligibility must be shown. | 50% off regular fare | For example, a senior riding from Zone 1 to Zone 2 would pay approximately $81, 50% off the regular fare. |
| Student Monthly Pass | Provides up to one-third discount on the cost of a regular monthly ticket for students under 21 years old attending accredited schools. Must have a signed application. | Varies | Non-transferable and must bear the school seal. |
| UniTicket | An extension of LIRR monthly tickets for reduced fare use of local transit services (buses, ferries). | Varies | Example: a monthly UniTicket for NICE bus service in Nassau County is $57/month. |
Fares are for one month’s unlimited rides between designated zones. Always check the MTA website for current rates.
Other Fare Information
-
Rush Hours: Weekdays 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
-
Off-Peak: Employed outside rush hours, and all day weekends and holidays.
-
CityTicket: Travel on LIRR within NYC costs just $5 off-peak and $7 rush.
-
UniTicket Add-On: Include reduced bus or ferry links with your LIRR monthly pass, i.e., access to NICE bus at $57/month.
LIRR Monthly Pass Advantages
Free Travel Inside Specified Zones
With the LIRR Monthly Pass, you pay as much as you like to ride as often as you want within your selected fare zones for the month. In other words, you can ride as often as you please without buying additional tickets. For example, a trip between Zone 1 and Zone 3 will encompass riding in both zones during the month.
Frequent Commuters Save Big
For regular travelers of a few times a week, the monthly pass is a cost-effective option, as it saves a lot of money compared to buying individual tickets. The more the number of trips, the bigger the saving, and hence very helpful for daily traveling.
Easy Digital Access
You can purchase and carry your monthly pass digitally using the MTA TrainTime app. That means you no longer require paper tickets, and your pass is easily available on your phone at any time. The app also shows real-time information regarding trains, which helps you plan your journey perfectly.
How to Purchase LIRR Monthly Pass Online
Purchasing an LIRR monthly pass is easy and can be done across different platforms, offering ease for regular commuters.
MTA TrainTime App (Most Convenient)
The MTA TrainTime app is the most convenient and popular option to buy your LIRR monthly pass. Download it on iOS and Android and use it to:
-
Buy monthly passes with credit/debit cards or mobile payments.
-
Enable auto-renewal for routine monthly buys.
-
Access your ticket electronically through your phone wallet.
-
Track train schedules and plan your trip.
Passes normally appear in your app starting on the 25th of the prior month.
Mail & Ride Subscription
For frequent users, Mail & Ride offers a subscription feature that reserves your monthly pass automatically in the TrainTime app each month. To sign up:
-
Visit the Mail & Ride website.
-
Create an account with your travel information and payment method.
-
Enjoy easy monthly delivery without needing to reorder.
Order on MTA Website for Paper Passes
If you would prefer a paper ticket, you can order a monthly pass online through the MTA eTix website. Your pass will be mailed to you before the beginning of the new month. Keep in mind that these are non-refundable after the start of the month.
Buy at Ticket Machines or Stations
Monthly LIRR passes are also available for purchase at ticket machines and station windows. Ticket machines accept cards and sometimes cash, but not all machines issue monthly passes—so check the availability at your station.
Helpful Tips
-
Buy Period: Passes become available for purchase on the 25th of the prior month and can be purchased up to the 10th of the current month.
-
Non-Transferable: It is only transferable to the person who uses it first.
-
No Refunds: Monthly passes are non-refundable once a month has begun.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much is the cost of a 2023 Monthly Pass?
The cost of an LIRR Monthly Pass differs based on the fare zones you are going to travel. For example, a Zone 1 to Zone 2 pass is approximately $162, whereas a Zone 1 to Zone 10 pass is approximately $500. These rates are based on the 4.5% fare increase effective in August 2023. Even so, the pass remains more affordable than before the pandemic, thanks to a 10% discount introduced in March 2022.
2. How do I buy an Monthly Pass online?
You just purchase an LIRR Monthly Pass with the MTA’s TrainTime app or the MTA eTix website. After you register, both apps allow you to buy tickets, process refunds, and keep your pass stored digitally on your phone.
3. How are there advantages with an Monthly Pass?
An LIRR Monthly Pass allows unlimited travel in your preferred fare zones for the entire month. It’s a good choice for commuters who’d like a convenient, low-cost alternative to making a number of round trips during the month.
4. Can Monthly Passes be discounted?
Yes, discounted Monthly Passes are sold for seniors (65+), disabled individuals, and students. Disabled riders and seniors receive up to 50% discount on the full fare, while students under 21 who are enrolled in accredited schools can enjoy up to one-third discount on the cost of a regular monthly pass.
5. Is there a grace period for using an Monthly Pass?
LIRR Monthly Passes are good for unlimited travel during the specified calendar month alone. They cannot be used subsequent to the date indicated, and no grace period shall apply after the month indicated on your pass.
6. Can I ride the NYC subway using my Monthly Pass?
No, LIRR Monthly Passes are for travel on the Long Island Rail Road only and do not cover subway rides in New York City.
7. How is the Monthly Pass used?
Once purchased, the LIRR Monthly Pass can be used to ride as often as you’d like within the fare zones of your choice during the entire month. It must be activated by using it the first time, and it’s only valid to use during the calendar month noted on the ticket.
8. Where can I buy an LIRR Monthly Pass?
You can purchase an LIRR Monthly Pass at ticket booths, station ticket vending machines, or on the MTA’s TrainTime app and the MTA eTix website.
9. How much does a Monthly Pass from Ronkonkoma to Penn Station cost?
A Monthly Pass for travel from Ronkonkoma to Penn Station costs approximately $500, depending on the zones and route taken.
10. Can I use an Monthly Pass for round trips?
Yes, you can use the LIRR Monthly Pass for unlimited round trips within the designated fare zones. You could use it for multiple trips back and forth throughout the month.