The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is a vast commuter rail system in New York City’s east suburbs. Managed by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), the LIRR Routes consists of about 700 miles of track, connecting 126 stations on Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn, and Manhattan. It has 11 branches, such as the Main Line, Montauk Branch, and Atlantic Branch, that constitute the main routes of east-west travel. The Port Washington Branch, branching off from the Main Line, goes around Jamaica station.
Operating 24/7, the LIRR carries more than 350,000 weekday commuters, making it the busiest commuter railroad in North America. The fare system is zone-based, with varying rates for peak and off-peak travel. Special packages for popular spots such as the Hamptons in the summer are offered. Riders can find real-time schedules and information via the MTA’s TrainTime app or the website.
LIRR Routes
The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is a massive commuter rail system in the New York metropolitan region. Spanning more than 700 miles of rail and connecting 126 stations, it serves the borough of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Long Island, and is the most traveled commuter rail system in North America.
LIRR Routes Map
The LIRR has 11 significant passenger branches. The branches form a vast network serving daily travel between Nassau and Suffolk counties and into the city. Following is an exhaustive table of the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) branches, their termini, and important stations:
| Branch | Termini | Notable Stations |
|---|---|---|
| Main Line | Long Island City ↔ Greenport | Woodside, Jamaica, Hicksville, Ronkonkoma, Riverhead, Mattituck, Southold, Greenport |
| Montauk Branch | Long Island City ↔ Montauk | Jamaica, Babylon, Patchogue, Speonk, Westhampton, Southampton, Bridgehampton, East Hampton, Montauk |
| Port Jefferson Branch | Long Island City ↔ Port Jefferson | Woodside, Jamaica, Mineola, Hicksville, Huntington, Northport, Port Jefferson |
| Ronkonkoma Branch | Long Island City ↔ Ronkonkoma | Woodside, Jamaica, Hicksville, Central Islip, Brentwood, Deer Park, Wyandanch, Ronkonkoma |
| Babylon Branch | Long Island City ↔ Babylon | Woodside, Jamaica, Rockville Centre, Lynbrook, Valley Stream, Babylon |
| Long Beach Branch | Long Island City ↔ Long Beach | Woodside, Jamaica, Valley Stream, Lynbrook, East Rockaway, Centre Avenue, Long Beach |
| Far Rockaway Branch | Long Island City ⇌ Far Rockaway | Woodside, Jamaica, Valley Stream, Rosedale, Laurelton, Far Rockaway |
| Hempstead Branch | Long Island City ⇌ Hempstead | Woodside, Jamaica, Valley Stream, Floral Park, Bellerose, Elmont, Hempstead |
| Port Washington Branch | Long Island City ⇌ Port Washington | Woodside, Flushing, Bayside, Great Neck, Manhasset, Port Washington |
| West Hempstead Branch | Long Island City ⇌ West Hempstead | Woodside, Jamaica, Valley Stream, West Hempstead |
| Oyster Bay Branch | Long Island City ↔ Oyster Bay | Woodside, Jamaica, Mineola, East Williston, Syosset, Oyster Bay |
Fare System and Operation
Fares are computed with a zone system, depending upon the number of zones traversed and travel time (off-peak or rush). The system operates 24/7, 7 days a week—one of the few commuter rail systems in the world that offers round-the-clock operation.
LIRR Route Planner
The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) provides several tools to help passengers efficiently plan their journeys across Long Island and into New York City. Here’s an overview of the best route planning options:
1. MTA TrainTime App
The TrainTime app is the official mobile platform for both LIRR and Metro-North riders. It offers an all-in-one experience for trip planning and ticketing.
Key Features:
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Trip Planner: Enter up to two origin and two destination stations to find the best routes and schedules.
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Live Train Tracking: See where your train is in real time using GPS updates.
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Seat Availability: View the train’s layout and see how full each car is before boarding.
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Mobile Ticketing: Purchase and activate tickets directly from your phone with Apple Pay, Google Pay, or a credit/debit card.
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In-App Customer Support: Chat live with MTA staff for help.
Available for download on iOS and Android.
2. MTA Online Trip Planner
For desktop users, the MTA website features a robust trip planner tool to design your route.
Features:
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Input your starting point, destination, travel date, and time.
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Receive multiple itinerary options with transfer details.
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Get updates on service changes, planned maintenance, or delays.
Accessible at: www.mta.info
3. MTA App
The MTA App is a broader transit planning tool for all of New York’s public transit systems, including subways, buses, and commuter rails.
Features:
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Cross-system trip planning.
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Real-time arrival information and service alerts.
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Station-specific information, including accessibility and nearby points of interest.
Available for iOS and Android.
4. LIRR Schedule Website
For a simpler, web-based approach, the LIRR Schedule Website provides:
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Detailed schedules for each LIRR branch.
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Interactive route maps to visualize your trip.
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Fare charts, including peak and off-peak pricing.
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Station information and amenities.
With these tools, navigating the LIRR network becomes straightforward, whether you’re commuting daily or planning a weekend trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where can I find the official LIRR Routes map?
The MTA website has the official LIRR route map. It provides a comprehensive view of all 11 branches, major stations, and transfers to other systems. The map is a must-have to plan your trip and familiarize yourself with the layout of the network.
2. Where can I get LIRR schedules?
LIRR schedules can be found on the MTA website and the TrainTime app. The websites offer real-time data, trip planning, and downloadable schedules. Schedules are branch- and day-of-the-week specific, which allows passengers to easily plan their trips.
3. What are the LIRR fares?
LIRR tickets are charged on a zone basis, with fares depending on the number of zones traversed and the peak or off-peak hour. There are discounts for seniors, disabled passengers, and children. The MTA website offers a fare calculator to assist in ascertaining the cost of your journey.
4. What LIRR lines run on Long Island?
All LIRR branch lines are located on Long Island, extending from Manhattan and Brooklyn to Nassau and Suffolk counties. The Main Line, Montauk, Port Jefferson, and Ronkonkoma are some of the prominent branches, among others. Each branch serves different communities and destinations on the island.
5. Are there any LIRR trains running with double-decker cars?
Yes, the LIRR operates double-decker trains, particularly on the Main Line and Port Jefferson Branch. Double-decker trains are designed to transport more individuals during rush hour. The bi-level coaches allow for more seat space and more comfort.
6. What is the MTA LIRR?
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is a subsidiary of the MTA and provides commuter railroad service between Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan and Long Island. The LIRR is the busiest North American railroad to provide commuter railroad service to hundreds of thousands of customers daily.
7. What is the Babylon Line on the LIRR?
The Babylon Branch is one of the LIRR’s major lines, running from Jamaica to Babylon. It links several stations, such as Rockville Centre, Lynbrook, and Valley Stream. The branch is a crucial route for commuters traveling to and from the southern Nassau County.
8. Are LIRR Routes included in Train Sim World?
Yes, Train Sim World does sell LIRR routes as downloadable content. The “LIRR Commuter: New York – Long Beach, Hempstead & Hicksville” route includes the M7 and M9 electric multiple units (EMUs) and covers a 57-mile network along the western end of the LIRR. This simulation is an interactive experience of driving LIRR trains.
9. How do I plan a trip using the LIRR?
Planning trips can be done through the MTA website or TrainTime application. The sites allow you to enter your end and beginning points, select times of travel, and view fares and schedules. The sites provide real-time information on service and alerts.
10. Where are LIRR tickets available?
Tickets can be purchased on the MTA website, at ticket vending machines in LIRR stations, or through the MTA eTix mobile app. The app includes mobile ticketing and fare purchasing, providing an alternative option for passengers. The MTA website also offers details on types of tickets, discounts, and fare rules.