Long Island Rail Road is the most traveled commuter railroad in the United States and is owned and operated by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). It connects Manhattan (Penn Station, Grand Central Madison) with the large expanses of Long Island through Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau County, and Suffolk County, and serves as a primary mode of transportation for regular commuters, weekend travelers, and tourists. With 11 branches and over 124 stations, LIRR has various types of ticketing—weekly passes, monthly passes, round-trip tickets, and one-way LIRR Ticket — to Atlantic Tickets that are price- and convenience-optimized. The traveler also has the convenience of mobile ticketing using the MTA eTix app, and the convenience of off-peak or peak fares according to the schedule of travel.
LIRR fares vary based on zones, travel time (peak or off-peak), and ticket type. LIRR also has discounted fare prices for senior citizens, the disabled, students, and children. Whether you’re commuting to work, heading to a show at UBS Arena, or just a day outing to the Hamptons, it’s worth knowing LIRR fare pricing so your ride is comfortable and within budget.
LIRR Tickets
The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) has versatile fares such as one-way, round-trip, 10-trip, weekly, and monthly passes, with seniors, students, and children eligible for discounts. Tickets are purchased through the MTA eTix app, machines, or ticket booths, with fares depending on zones and peak hours. Travelers save with off-peak fare, combo fares, and special fares such as CityTicket and Atlantic Ticket, with free travel for children below five years and group discounts too.
Types of LIRR Ticket
It may seem daunting at first to travel on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), but understanding the different types of tickets available is the solution to a stress-free and successful journey. The LIRR boasts a wide range of ticket types that are designed to suit the requirements of various travelers, from the occasional user to the frequent commuter. Choosing a proper ticket not only ensures compliance with law, but it might also be cheaper. Let’s dive into the most frequently used LIRR ticket types you will encounter:
| Ticket Type | Description |
|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket | Single journey between two stations; offered in Peak and Off-Peak rates. |
| Round-Trip Ticket | Two One-Way tickets for a full round trip. |
| Weekly Ticket | All rides between two stations from Saturday to Friday; best suited for those regularly commuting. |
| Monthly Ticket | All rides between two stops for a calendar month; best value for frequent daily travelers. |
| 10-Trip Ticket | 10 One-Way trips between two stops; useable by many travelers. |
| CityTicket | Reduced price for travel within NYC boundaries—$5 Off-Peak, $7 Peak; expires at end of purchase date. |
| Far Rockaway Ticket | Special fare equal to CityTicket prices between Far Rockaway and certain Zone 1 stations; limited to purchase at Far Rockaway station or nearby through app. |
| Combo Ticket | Transfer between LIRR and Metro-North through Grand Central for an additional $8 flat fare. |
| Reduced-Fare Ticket | 50% discount on One-Way Peak fare for seniors (65+), disabled passengers, and Medicare users; photo ID required; not usable on Peak AM inbound trains. |
| Family Fare | Four children (ages 5–11) travel for $1 apiece with an adult (18+); not applicable on weekday AM Peak to Manhattan; children under 5 travel free. |
| Monthly School Ticket | Reduced Monthly fare for students younger than 21 in K–12 schools; must have school-signed application. |
| Group Ticket | Reduced Round-Trip fares for groups of 30+ (reservation must be made 2 weeks in advance); groups of 10+ can save with 10-Trip tickets. |
| Military Ticket | Active-duty military travel on Off-Peak fare at all times (including Peak trains) with valid photo ID. |
| UniTicket | Combined ticket using LIRR with bus or ferry services; cost varies with the combination of services. |
LIRR Tickets Online
Buying MTA LIRR Tickets Online is the simplest and best way to buy tickets. The reason is indeed very simple as well, it saves time and long queue as well. So below is the step by step procedure from where you can buy tickets and how you can buy tickets:
1: Go to the Official MTA Website: Visit MTA website and then click on “Fares & Tolls”. Then choose “Long Island Rail Road” option from it.
2: Go to Ticket Purchase: Now go to Ticket purchase option. After that click on Buy Tickets/Plan your trip option. From the giving options click on LIRR Tickets.
3: Provide Trip Details: Select the type of ticket you want (One-Way / Round-Trip / Weekly / Monthly Pass / Ten-Trip Ticket). Then input Departure Station, Arrival station and Travel date & time.
4: Select Payment Method: Add your credit card and debit card information. Save the details for future purchases.
5: Confirm & Complete Purchase: Review the ticket information and cost. Click purchase to complete the buying process. After completing the payment you will receive confirmation email with eTicket .
6: Use Your Ticket: Print the eTicket or view it on your mobile device. Display it to the conductor when asked.
Buy Using MTA LIRR Tickets on a Mobile App (MTA eTix)
Buying the tickets using MTA eTix app is another easy and user friendly method as well. It also saves time and you can definitely customize the trip as per your needs. Below is the steps to buy the ticket from MTA eTix app.
1: Download the App
- iOS (Apple): App Store
- Android: Google Play
2: Set up an Account
- Open the app and create an account using your email
- Confirm your account by using the confirmation email
3: Add Payment Method
- Navigate to “Payment Methods”
- Enter your credit/debit card or Apple/Google Pay information
4: Choose Your Ticket
- Tap “Buy Tickets”
- Select from:
- One-Way / Round-Trip (Peak or Off-Peak)
- Weekly / Monthly Pass
- Ten-Trip Ticket
-
Enter origin, destination, and travel date
5: Confirm & Purchase
- Review your ticket details
- Tap “Purchase” – you’ll receive a confirmation
6: Activate Before Boarding
- Before your train arrives, open the ticket in the app
- Tap “Activate”
- A countdown timer (usually 2 hours) will begin
- Show the QR code to the conductor when requested
Buy LIRR Tickets Other Than Online
There are various methods to Buy LIRR Tickets except the online method which are by Vending Machine and Staffed Ticket Windows. The step by step procedure to do so is given below:
Purchase Using MLT LIRR Tickets at a Vending Machine
1: Find a Ticket Machine
- Search for blue-and-gray MetroCard/LIRR ticket vending machines
- Found at most LIRR stations (excluding minor stops)
2: Choose Your Language
-
Touch “English” or “Español” to start
3: Ticket Type
- Tap “LIRR Tickets”
- If applicable, then choose:
- Peak or Off-Peak
- Weekly / Monthly Pass
- Ten-Trip Ticket
- One-Way / Round-Trip
4: Enter Trip Information
- Choose origin station (defaults to current station)
- Select destination (type or tap station name)
- Choose travel date (or choose “Today”)
5: Payment Method
-
Insert:
- Credit/Debit Card (chip or swipe)
- Cash (bills only – no coins)
- Contactless Pay (Apple Pay/Google Pay)
6: Pick Up Your Ticket & Receipt
-
Machine will dispense:
- Paper ticket (be sure to hold on to it for the gates or conductor)
- Optional receipt for expense tracking
Buying With MLT LIRR Tickets at a Staffed Ticket Windows
1: Find the Ticket Office
- Accessible at larger stations (Penn Station, Grand Central, Jamaica, etc.)
- Find signs indicating “Ticket Office” or “Ticket Windows”
- Note operating times (some close evenings/weekends)
2: Get in the Right Line
-
Lines may be segregated for:
- Regular fares
- Monthly/Weekly passes
- Senior/Disabled prices
-
Check signs or ask staff if uncertain
3: Ask for Your Ticket
-
Inform the agent:
- Trip type (One-Way/Round-Trip/Weekly/Monthly)
- Origin & destination stops
- Travel date/time (indicate Peak/Off-Peak if applicable)
- Payment option (cash/credit/debit)
4: Pay & Review
-
The agent will:
- Verify your route and fee
- Process payment (cards accepted)
- Issue paper ticket and receipt
5: Collect Your Ticket
- Receive physical cardstock ticket (hold safe)
- For monthly passes: get a returnable plastic card
LIRR Ticket Fares
LIRR tickets are priced based on distance, time (peak or off-peak), and type of ticket. Types include one-way, 10-trip, weekly, and monthly tickets, with a discount for seniors, students, children, and members of the military. Special tickets such as CityTicket and UniTicket provide further discounts on certain routes.
| Ticket Type | Price Range* | Best For | Validity |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-Way (Peak) | $10.75 – $34.50 | 9-to-5 commuters | Weekdays 6–10 AM (in), 4–8 PM (out) |
| One-Way (Off-Peak) | $7.75 – $25.00 | Flexible travelers | Nights, weekends, holidays |
| Round-Trip (Peak) | $21.50 – $69.00 | Day business trips | Two peak trips |
| Round-Trip (Off-Peak) | $15.50 – $50.00 | Weekend getaways | Two off-peak trips |
| Weekly | $63 – $260 | 3+ day commuters | Unlimited rides (Mon–Sun) |
| Monthly | $243 – $1,007 | Daily commuters | Unlimited rides (Calendar month) |
| Ten-Trip | $77 – $310 | Part-time commuters | 10 one-way trips (anytime) |
| Off-Peak Tickets | ~30% cheaper than peak | Flexible travelers | Valid all day weekends/holidays; weekdays outside 6–10 AM & 4–8 PM |
| CityTicket | $5 (off-peak), $7 (peak) | NYC-only trips | Covers travel between NYC stations (e.g., Penn Station ↔ Far Rockaway) |
| 10-Trip Tickets | 15% off off-peak fares | Occasional riders | Valid for 6 months; shareable with others |
| Monthly Pass | Varies by zone | Daily commuters | Unlimited rides; Winter Weekend perks (2025) |
| Senior/Disabled | 50% off peak fares | Eligible riders | Requires ID (e.g., Medicare card) |
| Family Fare | $1 per child (5–11 yrs) | Families | Up to 4 kids ride for $1 with paying adult |
| OMNY Fare Capping | Free after 12 rides/week | Subway/LIRR combo users | Pay-as-you-go; weekly max = $34 (like a 7-Day MetroCard) |
LIRR Monthly Ticket
The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) Monthly Ticket is a cost-effective option for frequent commuters, offering unlimited travel between selected zones for an entire calendar month. It’s best suited for riders who commute at least three days a week.
Key Highlights:
-
Unlimited Rides: Travel as often as needed between your selected origin and destination zones throughout the calendar month.
-
Zone-Based Pricing: The fare depends on the zones traveled. For example, a monthly ticket from Zone 1 to Zone 7 costs $287.00 as of 2024.
-
How to Buy: Monthly passes can be purchased starting on the 25th of the previous month through the MTA eTix app, ticket vending machines, or staffed ticket offices.
-
Non-Transferable: These tickets are intended for individual use only and cannot be shared.
-
Weekend Perks: On weekends, monthly pass holders can ride to any LIRR destination, regardless of the zones listed on the ticket. Additionally, they can bring up to two companions for just $1 each way.
-
Discounted Options: Reduced-fare monthly tickets are available for seniors (65+), people with disabilities, and Medicare recipients with valid ID, offering up to 50% off regular peak fares.
Frequently Asked Questions
1.What kinds of tickets can one find on the LIRR?
The LIRR offers various ticket types to suit different needs. One-Way and Round-Trip Tickets are ideal for single or same-day return travel. Weekly and Monthly Passes provide unlimited rides between zones for frequent commuters, while the Ten-Trip Ticket is great for occasional travelers.
2.How are Peak and Off-Peak fares different?
Peak fares apply on weekdays from 6–10 AM (inbound) and 4–8 PM (outbound) due to high demand. Off-Peak fares, available evenings, weekends, and holidays, are 20–30% cheaper and ideal for flexible travelers.
3.How do I buy an LIRR ticket?
LIRR tickets can be purchased via the MTA eTix or TrainTime apps, at Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) at most stations, at manned ticket offices in major hubs like Penn Station, or online through the MTA website.
4.Can I pay for the LIRR using a MetroCard?
No, MetroCards cannot be used to ride on the LIRR. But the MTA is migrating to OMNY, a contactless payment system. Using OMNY, you will be able to use Apple Pay, Google Pay, or a debit or credit card with contactless capabilities to tap and ride, providing a new and convenient method of paying for your ride.
5.Are discounts offered?
Yes, the LIRR has a number of discount fares available to eligible passengers. Seniors and disabled passengers can take advantage of a 50% discount with the Reduced-Fare MetroCard. Weekends and holidays, CityTicket has a fixed $5 fare for travel within New York City. Group fares are available for groups of 10 or more traveling together, and active-duty military can ride for free with proper identification.
6.What can I do if I forget to purchase a ticket prior to boarding?
If you ride LIRR without a ticket, you can buy one from the conductor. Note, though, that there might be an onboard penalty fee. This surcharge is waived if you boarded at a station without a ticket machine or office or if you are a senior, disabled person, or Medicare cardholder.
7.How do I check train schedules and service changes?
To get up to date with LIRR train service changes and schedules, log in to the MTA official website or use the TrainTime application. Both websites give up-to-date information on train arrival times, departures, and service disruption or changes to your journey plans.