What we're doing
From January 17, 2025 to May 2025, there will be major service changes on the line and Rockaway Park Shuttle:
- trains won't run between Howard Beach-JFK Airport and Far Rockaway-Mott Av or Rockaway Park-Beach 116 St.
- Rockaway Park Shuttle trains won't run to/from Broad Channel.
- During the first weekend, from January 17-20, 2025, Rockaway Park Shuttle trains didn't run.
Other service changes may also affect your trip. Check planned service changes or service status, or use the MTA app for more information. You can also sign up for email and text alerts.
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Why we're doing it
The Rockaway Line, which carries the train and Rockaway Park Shuttle and serves as a vital link between the Rockaway Peninsula and the rest of New York City, suffered extensive damage after Superstorm Sandy. Emergency repairs restored service seven months after the storm. However, the viaducts and bridge that carry trains across Broad Channel need major upgrades to help protect the line from future storms and ensure reliable service for over 9,000 daily riders.
Learn more about the Rockaway Line Resiliency and Rehabilitation project.
Service changes starting January 20, 2025
From 5 a.m. Monday, January 20, 2025 until May 2025:
- trains won't run between Howard Beach-JFK Airport and Far Rockaway-Mott Av or Rockaway Park-Beach 116 St.
- trains will run between Inwood-207 St and Ozone Park-Lefferts Blvd or Howard Beach-JFK Airport.
- Rockaway Park Shuttle trains won't run to/from Broad Channel.
For service between Howard Beach-JFK Airport, Broad Channel, and the Rockaway Peninsula, use these travel alternatives:
Subway
Free Rockaway Park Shuttle trains will run between Far Rockaway-Mott Av and Rockaway Park-Beach 116 St.
Bus
Free shuttle buses will run along two routes:
- Q97, nonstop between Howard Beach-JFK Airport and Far Rockaway-Mott Av.
- Q109, between Howard Beach-JFK Airport and Beach 67 St, stopping at Broad Channel and Beach 90 St.
If you begin your trip at Howard Beach-JFK Airport station, you will need to tap or swipe at the turnstiles and pay a regular $2.90 fare to enter the station and access the Q97 and Q109 shuttle buses. You will be able to transfer for free to the Rockaway Park Shuttle, or to local buses within two hours if you have not transferred from another bus.
Additional bus alternatives are also available. Regular $2.90 local and $7 express bus fares apply for these buses:
- Q52-SBS/Q53-SBS, connecting with Rockaway Blvd , Woodhaven Blvd , and Woodhaven Blvd .
- Q35, connecting with Flatbush Av-Brooklyn College .
- QM15/QM16/QM17 express buses to/from Manhattan.
- QM16/QM17 buses run on weekdays only.
- Special QM15 Rockaways service runs on weekdays and Saturdays. Saturday travel to Manhattan between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. requires a transfer between buses. Take a fare-free QM15 to 157 Av/Cross Bay Blvd for QM15 service to Manhattan.
LIRR
LIRR trains run between Far Rockaway Station and Manhattan or Brooklyn via Jamaica.
During this service change, the fare for the LIRR's Far Rockaway Ticket has been reduced to $2.75 each way. Far Rockaway Ticket is valid for travel between Far Rockaway and other LIRR stations in New York City.
- Far Rockaway Ticket can only be purchased at Far Rockaway Station, or on the TrainTime app if you share your location with the app to confirm you are near the station.
- If you're returning the same day, be sure to buy a round trip ticket at Far Rockaway Station, since Far Rockaway Ticket can't be purchased at other stations.
- If you're traveling to Jamaica, buy a ticket to a destination in Zone 1, such as Penn Station.
Check Schedules or TrainTime for more information. Read more about Far Rockaway Ticket.
NYC Ferry
NYC Ferry service runs between Beach 108 St and Pier 11/Wall St.
Learn more about NYC Ferry's Rockaway service.
Accessibility
Far Rockaway-Mott Av, Beach 67 St, Rockaway Park-Beach 116 St, and Howard Beach-JFK Airport subway stations are accessible. The LIRR Far Rockaway Station is also accessible.