Leisure Travel Guide

Have Fun & Save Money Too!

MTA Long Island Rail Road is the best way to see the exciting sights in New York City and on Long Island. The LIRR offers a host of ideas to save money and have fun too.

There are many exciting, fun things to do in New York City and on Long Island and the MTA Long Island Rail Road can take you to them. The LIRR is the fast, convenient and relaxing way to travel and our special fares save you money as well.

Buying Tickets
The best way to buy tickets is to purchase them before boarding the train. Purchasing tickets on the train is a cash-only transaction and the most expensive option. The LIRR makes buying tickets easy. Tickets are sold at ticket offices and ticket machines. Ten-Trip, Monthly and Weekly tickets can be ordered through WebTicket and delivered by mail.

Ticket Offices
Ticket offices sell all ticket types and offer certain values of MetroCard when purchased with LIRR tickets. Ticket offices accept cash, checks, ATM/debit and major credit cards. Ticket office hours are posted at stations or on the web.

Ticket Machines
The Long Island Rail Road has three (3) types of ticket machines:

• Gray, full-service ticket machines, which sell most ticket types and pre-valued MetroCards, accept cash, ATM/debit cards and credit cards.
• Blue ticket machines also sell most ticket types and pre-valued MetroCards, but accept ATM/debit or credit cards only.
• Red, daily ticket machines sell one way and round trip tickets as well as some types of pre-valued Metrocards. These machines accept cash, ATM/debit or credit cards.

WebTicket
Ten-Trip, Monthly and Weekly Tickets can also be ordered online at WebTicket, using a major credit card. Tickets are mailed within 3-5 business days and postage is FREE. And once you've placed an order, re-orders are a breeze!

Travel "Off-Peak" to Save
Save about 27% when you travel on off-peak trains. Off-peak fares are in effect all day on weekends and major holidays and on all trains EXCEPT weekday trains scheduled to arrive at western terminals before 10:00 AM and scheduled to depart western terminals between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM weekdays.

Ticket Types
Off-Peak Ten-Trip
Good on off-peak trains to/from City Zone 1 only. Offers a discount of up to 15% off the price of 10 regular off-peak fares. This is a great deal for small groups since people traveling together can share this ticket. The ticket is good for six months from date of sale.

Family Fare
Up to four children (ages 5-11) ride for the fare of $1.00 each when accompanied by a fare-paying adult (18 years or older). Children under 5 ride free. Valid for 60 days including date of sale.

Senior Fare
For individuals 65 years of age or older, people with disabilities and Medicare card-holders. Cost is one-half the peak fare. Available for one way or round trip travel and good for 60 days including date of sale.

Senior Ten-Trip
This convenience ticket is sold at the price of 10 senior/people with disabilities one-way fares. Ticket can be shared and is good for six months from date of sale. Valid ID is required.

• The above tickets are good for travel on all LIRR trains EXCEPT morning peak trains scheduled to arrive at western terminals before 10:00 AM on weekdays. Good all other times.

Group Fare
Organized groups of 30 or more traveling together can save up to 60% off regular Round-Trip rail fare. Please reserve tickets at least two weeks in advance. For reservations, call 718-558-7419.

Child Ticket
When traveling on Peak (rush hour) trains, children ages 5-11 require a Child Fare ticket - which costs about half the price of an adult Peak ticket.

Age 12+
Those age 12 and over pay the adult fare at all times.

Buy Before Boarding
You'll save money if you allow enough time to buy LIRR tickets at a Ticket Machine or Ticket Window, before boarding the train. Most LIRR tickets cost about $6 more if bought onboard the train.

Travel Planning Made Easy
Train Schedules & More
Just about everything you need to plan a fun trip on the rails is available on our website.

Click on "Schedules" to get personalized train and fare information, or select the "All Train Schedules" button on this page to see it all. Get "Stations" information for directions, parking and other services. Check out our "Getaways & Packages" section monthly to get information about our special discount offers. LIRR Schedules are printed in a large version for each branch and in pocketsize for stations, and can be found in timetable racks at stations. If your printed schedule is out of date, please check Schedules & Fares or call 511 to confirm times.

Broadway "Free Rail" and Other Discount Packages
Throughout the year special packages are offered that include either free rail or discount packages to top Broadway shows, NY Mets, NY Liberty, LI Beaches, Splish Splash and many more. Check Getaways & Packages monthly for new offers.

New York City Getaways
Save up to 43% on discount packages to many New York City attractions, such as Madame Tussauds NY, Museum of Natural History, and more. Packages are sold at ticket offices and gray or blue, full-service ticket machines (press Getaways & Packages button). They include discounted round-trip rail and venue admission for one low price. Some offer child fares too.

Long Island One-Day Getaways
Discover some of the most beautiful and interesting spots on Long Island with an enjoyable One-Day Escorted Tour or Package. Our One-Day Getaways are offered from May through November and include discounted round-trip rail fare, sightseeing and admission to attractions. Some Getaways even include tastings or meals.

Restrooms
Restrooms are usually available in open station waiting rooms; hours of availability are posted. On trains, cars with odd numbers are restroom-equipped. Restrooms on our newer trains are handicap-accessible.

Travel Information
You can also get details on all of the information above by calling our Travel Information Center. We have a voice-activated system that's easy to use by calling 511. Deaf/Hard of Hearing Customers - Use your preferred relay service provider or the free 711 relay to reach 511.