Extra Memorial Day Weekend Service
Calverton Cemetery Package; Beach Packages

The MTA Long Island Rail Road will mark the traditional start of summer this Memorial Day Weekend with extra service for its customers. The extra service includes eight additional eastbound trains Friday afternoon, May 23, for customers planning an early start on the holiday weekend. The Memorial Day Weekend also heralds the start of summer packages to Jones Beach, Long Beach and Fire Island, and a special Memorial Day weekend package fare to Calverton Cemetery, on Saturday, May 24, for those wishing to visit the grave of a loved one.

Extra Train Service from Penn Station, Friday, May 23
The LIRR will operate eight extra trains from Penn Station between 2:22 PM and 3:48 PM for customers leaving work early to get a head start on the holiday weekend.  They are:

Babylon Branch

• 2:22 PM express to Lynbrook, then all stops to Babylon.
• 3:00 PM stopping at Jamaica, Rockville Centre, then all stops to Babylon.
• 3:31 PM express to Rockville Centre, then all stops to Babylon.

Port Jefferson Branch to Hicksville and Huntington

• 2:09 PM stopping at Jamaica, Carle Place, then all stops to Huntington.
• 2:25 PM stopping at Forest Hills, Kew Gardens, Jamaica, New Hyde Park, then all stops to Huntington.
• 3:24 PM stopping at Jamaica, Mineola, Westbury and Hicksville.

Port Washington Branch to Great Neck

• 3:40 PM stopping Woodside, Flushing-Main Street, then all stops to Great Neck.

Far Rockaway Branch

• 3:48 PM stopping at Locust Manor, Laurelton, Rosedale and Valley Stream, then all stops to Far Rockaway.

Summer Service to Greenport, the Hamptons and Montauk:
May 23 also marks the start of the LIRR's Friday afternoon service to Greenport, the Hamptons and Montauk for the summer season. The following trains operate each Friday during the summer:

• the 1:55 PM train from Hunterspoint Avenue (connecting at Jamaica with the 1:46 PM train from Penn Station), arriving Montauk at 4:45 PM
• the 3:55 PM train from Penn Station will arrive in Greenport at 6:45 PM
• the 4:06 PM train from Hunterspoint Avenue (The Cannonball - the LIRR's premier express train, connecting at Jamaica with the 3:58 PM train from Penn Station), arriving Montauk at 6:48 PM (this train also operates Thursdays during the summer starting May 22)
• the 5:09 PM train from Penn Station (connecting at Jamaica with the 5:11 PM train from Hunterspoint Avenue), arriving Montauk at 8:29 PM
• the 7:38 PM train from Jamaica (connecting at Jamaica with the 7:11 PM train from Penn Station and the 6:41 PM train from Hunterspoint Avenue), arriving Montauk at 10:10 PM

Start of Weekend Beach Service
The Memorial Day Weekend also marks the start of LIRR summer package tickets to Jones Beach State Park, Long Beach and Fire Island. These special tickets will be available on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays through the summer; and for daily service starting in June.

• Jones Beach - Featuring one of the world's finest beaches, Jones Beach State Park offers miles of sandy beaches and refreshing ocean surf. A two-mile-long boardwalk, games, playgrounds, and swimming pools are also available at the park. The discounted package ticket includes round trip rail fare to Freeport and MTA Long Island Bus service via the N88 to and from the Central Mall, and the East and West Bath Houses at Jones Beach. The special package fare is $15.00 from New York or Brooklyn, and $11.00 from Jamaica. Trains leave Penn Station, Brooklyn and Jamaica approximately every half-hour. Connecting buses, from MTA Long Island Bus, leave Freeport starting at 8:49 AM and return up to 5:35 PM on weekends; and 8:58 AM and return up to 10:45 PM on weekdays. Buses run later on concert evenings. LIRR customers can save by using the LIRR Jones Beach Package ticket to performances at The Nikon at Jones Beach Theater. Bus service is available both before and following each performance, and the package remains available through the final concert date. Weekday service to Jones Beach begins June 23 and continues through September 1.

• Long Beach - Enjoy the ambiance of a seaside resort, just a short train ride from Penn Station, Brooklyn or Jamaica. Just a few blocks from the LIRR's Long Beach Station, Long Beach offers unsurpassed ocean swimming and an almost endless boardwalk. The discounted package ticket includes one-day round trip rail fare to Long Beach and admission to the beach. The special package fare is $18.00 from New York or Brooklyn, and $15.00 from Jamaica. Hourly service is available from Penn Station, Brooklyn and Jamaica; with direct weekend service from Penn Station. Weekday service begins June 30 and continues through September 1.

With the addition of four new beach packages to Fire Island this summer - Kismet/Fire Island Lighthouse, Davis Park, Cherry Grove and Fire Island Pines - the LIRR now offers special packages to nine Fire Island beach locations. Fire Island provides an opportunity to leave the car behind and enjoy miles of boardwalk, trails and pristine beaches.

• (New) Kismet/Fire Island Lighthouse - Intensely informal, car-free and easygoing, Kismet is known as a great community with something for everyone. Amenities include a couple of full service restaurants, two public tennis courts, a basketball court, and playground area. Just a half mile from the beach is the 150 year-old Fire Island Lighthouse. General admission is included in the package. A climb to the top of the lighthouse provides a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean, the Great South Bay, Fire Island, Long Island and the Manhattan Skyline. It's perfect for individuals, families, or groups. The package ticket includes one-day round-trip rail fare to Bay Shore Station, David Brothers Taxi service to the Fire Island Ferry, and ferry service to and from Fire Island. This discounted package ticket is subject to same day ferry use, with no exceptions. The Fire Island Ferries Company can be contacted at 631-665-3600 or on their website. The special package fare is $32.00 from New York or Brooklyn and $31.50 from Jamaica. For children 5-11 years of age the fare is $18.50; Children must be at least 42" tall to climb the lighthouse. Daily service begins May 24 and continues through September 1.

• Ocean Beach - Home to over a dozen restaurants, hotels, and endless attractions such as sidewalk sales, live bands, and innumerable shops and boutiques, Ocean Beach is truly the 'cosmopolitan' center of Fire Island. For the ultimate seafood experience by the water, or to just unwind and take in the charming atmosphere, Ocean Beach has it all and it's a great family destination. The package ticket includes one-day round-trip rail fare to Bay Shore Station, David Brothers Taxi service to the Fire Island Ferry, and ferry service to and from Fire Island. This discounted package ticket is subject to same day ferry use, with no exceptions. The Fire Island Ferries Company can be contacted at 631-665-3600 or on their website. The special package fare is $28.00 from New York or Brooklyn and $27.50 from Jamaica. For children 5-11 years of age the fare is $14.50. Daily service begins May 24 and continues through September 1.

• Ocean Bay Park - One of the most relaxed of the Fire Island communities, Ocean Bay Park has a mix of families and singles. Bay-front dining is available at two of the four restaurants. There is also a grocery store, two pizza places and a bagel shop.

The package ticket includes one-day round-trip rail fare to Bay Shore Station, David Brothers Taxi service to the Fire Island Ferry, and ferry service to and from Fire Island. This discounted package ticket is subject to same day ferry use, with no exceptions. The Fire Island Ferries Company can be contacted at 631-665-3600 or on their website. The special package fare is $28.00 from New York or Brooklyn and $27.50 from Jamaica. For children 5-11 years of age the fare is $14.50. Daily service begins May 24 and continues through September 1.

• Watch Hill - Lounge in the sun on a peaceful beach on the secluded shores of Fire Island or walk the nature trails. The discounted package ticket includes one-day round-trip rail fare to Patchogue and connecting ferry service to and from Fire Island. The Watch Hill ferry terminal is only a short walk from the Patchogue Station. The Davis Park Ferry Company can be contacted at 631-475-1665 or on their website. The special package fare is $24.00 from New York or Brooklyn and $23.00 from Jamaica. For children 5-11 years of age the fare is $14.00. Daily service begins May 24 and continues through September 1.

• (New) Davis Park - On one end, a huge boat-filled marina, on the other magnificent ocean waves form this community's great landscape. After swimming, walking or sunbathing on the beach, enjoy the local popular restaurant and bar, with live music and dancing on the weekends. The discounted package ticket includes one-day round-trip rail fare to Patchogue, Lindy's Taxi service to the Davis Park Ferry, and ferry service to and from Fire Island. The Davis Park Ferry Company can be contacted at 631-475-1665 or on their website. The special package fare is $28.00 from New York or Brooklyn and $27.50 from Jamaica. For children 5-11 years of age the fare is $17.50. Daily service begins May 24 and continues through September 1.

• (New) Cherry Grove - Time has no meaning on Fire Island (just remember your ferry & train times). You'll think you've entered a different world. Lay on the beach, and let yourself go. Push your toes through the warm sand. Relax, dine and dance, and indulge yourself. The shops and restaurants are all brilliantly colored and built on multi-levels, so you can find something for everyone. The discounted package ticket includes one-day round-trip rail fare to Sayville, round-trip taxi transfer provided by Colonial Taxi and round-trip ferry to and from Cherry Grove on Fire Island. The Sayville Ferry Service can be contacted at 631-589-0810 or on their website. The special package fare is $28.00 from New York and Brooklyn, and $27.50 from Jamaica. Daily service begins May 24 and continues through Sept. 1.

• (New) Fire Island Pines - "The Pines" named for the beautiful wind-sculpted pine trees, is truly an architectural paradise and the largest community on the Island. When you approach from the Bay side, you are reminded almost of Monte Carlo or the south of France. Colorful umbrella-spiked tables on the wide terraces of outdoor bars & restaurants form the picturesque harbor. Populated in good part by members of the world of fashion and design, it is well known for its upscale social life and beautiful harbor. The discounted package ticket includes one-day round-trip rail fare to Sayville, round-trip taxi transfer provided by Colonial Taxi and round-trip ferry to and from the Fire Island Pines on Fire Island. The Sayville Ferry Service can be contacted at 631-589-0810 or on their website. The special package fare is $28.00 from New York and Brooklyn, and $27.50 from Jamaica. Daily service begins May 24 and continues through Sept. 1.

• Sunken Forest - Sunbathe on a pristine ocean beach or take a nature walk through the beautiful and enchanted Sunken Forest at Sailors' Haven. The Parks Department provides free guided tours. The discounted package ticket includes one-day round-trip rail fare to Sayville, round-trip taxi transfer provided by Colonial Taxi and round-trip ferry to and from Sunken Forest on Fire Island. The Sayville Ferry Service can be contacted at 631-589-0810 or on their website. The special package fare is $24.00 from New York and Brooklyn, and $23.00 from Jamaica. For children 5-11 years of age the fare is $14.50. Daily service begins May 24 and continues through Sept. 1.

• Robert Moses - Located on the western tip of Fire Island, Robert Moses State Park offers world-class sand and surf in a casual, less-crowded atmosphere. The LIRR's Robert Moses discounted package ticket includes round-trip rail fare to Babylon and bus transportation to the beach. The special package fare is $17.00 from New York and Brooklyn, and $12.00 from Jamaica. The connecting S47 bus service, provided by Suffolk Transit, from Babylon Station to Robert Moses operates approximately every half-hour on weekends; hourly on weekdays. The last bus departs Robert Moses at 6:30 PM. Daily service begins  June 16 and continues through September 1.

Special Trip to Calverton Cemetery, Saturday, May 24
On Saturday May 24, the LIRR will offer a special escorted package trip to Calverton National Cemetery for persons wishing to visit the gravesite of a friend or family member.

The LIRR's special escorted package includes discounted round trip rail fare from Penn Station, Woodside, Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn, Jamaica or Mineola and air-conditioned motor coach bus transportation to the cemetery. On the way to Calverton National Cemetery, the bus will make a stop so that flowers and coffee or tea can be purchased. Additional bus service within Calverton to the various sections and gravesites will also be provided. Customers are advised to bring their own lunch, since there are no food concessions located at Calverton.

The one-day special package fare is $28 for adults, $25 for children ages 5-11. The train departs Penn Station at 9:16 AM and Jamaica at 9:38 AM. Passengers from Woodside should board the 9:24 AM train and Flatbush Avenue, Brooklyn customers should board the 9:04 AM train and transfer at Jamaica to the Ronkonkoma train. Customers from Mineola should board the 9:44 AM train and transfer at Hicksville to the Ronkonkoma train. Passengers for Calverton should board the rear car of the train. The transfer for the bus to Calverton will be made at Central Islip Station. Return service will be on the 3:40 PM train from Ronkonkoma, stopping at Mineola (4:30 PM), Jamaica (4:39 PM), Woodside (4:48 PM) and Penn Station (4:59 PM). Connecting service is available at Jamaica, arriving Flatbush Avenue at 5:12 PM. Tickets are sold at Penn Station, Flatbush Avenue, Woodside and Jamaica and must be purchased at least 30 minutes before train departure time. Customers boarding at Mineola Station should purchase tickets in advance, since the Mineola ticket office is closed on weekends.

Memorial Day, Monday, May 26
On Monday, May 26, the LIRR will operate on a Sunday schedule.

For additional information, customers may call the LIRR's 24-hour Travel Information Center in New York City at 718-217-LIRR, in Suffolk County at 631-231-LIRR, or in Nassau County at 516-822-LIRR. The Travel Information Center's TDD number for the hearing impaired is 516-558-3022.