How to Ride LIRR: 11 Steps (with Pictures) (2024)

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Last Updated: April 11, 2022

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   Review the route map and find the stations nearest where you wish to go. The Long Island Rail Road has multiple branches, including the Huntington Branch, the Far Rockaway Branch, and the Atlantic Branch. Each branch serves an appropriate number of stations, and some trains run express during peak hours of the day.

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   Find the stations nearest your starting point and your destination. You can use the MTA planner to help plan your trip. Then check the timetables. Decide when you wish to arrive at your destination and work back from that.

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   Find the fare required for the trip you will take. The LIRR determines fares by the number of zones traveled. One-way off-peak fares range from $4 for traveling within one zone to $30 for traveling within ten zones.^[1] Use the fare chart and the map to determine how many zones you will cross. Peak fares cost more than off-peak but peak trains often skip a lot of stops.

   • Peak fares are in effect from 6AM to 10AM heading towards New York, and from 4PM to 8PM heading away from New York.^[2]
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   Use route planning tools to plan your trip. When using these services, make sure to select the "Public transit" option, else you will be shown walking, biking, or driving directions. Your fare may also be visible.

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   Go to the train station where you start your trip. Stations have their name printed on black text on a white background.

   • Parking is limited and fills up very early on the weekdays. You need to pay for parking at many LIRR stations.
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   Buy a ticket. Ticket machines at each station take cash and change as well as credit and debit cards. You can also purchase tickets from the station attendant. Payment for train rides is dependent on the number of zones traveled, not the number of stops.

   • One-way tickets are valid for one-time use only.
   • Round-trip tickets are valid for two uses.
   • Monthly tickets are valid for the duration of the month.
   • Seniors and persons with disabilities get discounted fares.
   • You mostly do not have to travel exactly between the stations printed on the ticket. For example, a three-zone ticket with Bayside and Penn Station printed on it is also valid between Auburndale and Woodside. Look at the zone numbers printed on your ticket and match it up to their fares chart to determine where you can travel to.
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   Check for announcements on system-wide delays before entering the station. Such announcements can be found on the MTA's website and at your station. This will help you avoid running late.

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   Board the correct train for your destination. Trains will stop at the platform for a few minutes to allow for boarding/deboarding. Make sure that you are headed in the correct direction.

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   Show proof of payment to the conductor. Before or shortly after departing, the conductor will walk through the train to check that you and other riders paid for your ride. If you have not paid, you can get a citation.

   • You can pay onboard the train, but that is more expensive than getting a ticket before boarding.
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   Practice good train etiquette. Keep the center aisle clear, and remain seated for the ride. Per federal law, seats near the doors are reserved for seniors, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities. Keep your belongings secured.

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   Exit the train. Keep in mind that doors open on different sides at different stations. Also, the doors may not open at some stations, requiring you to traverse several train cars to get to the exit.

   • Check for all your personal items before making your way to the door. Items left behind will make their way to MTA's lost and found. Lost items can be reported here.

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