The LIRR Greenport Branch is a beautiful Long Island Rail Road Line extending from Ronkonkoma to the historic village of Greenport on the northern fork. The LIRR serves as an important link for Greenport Branch residents, tourists, and wine trail visitors who are seeking a peaceful escape from city life.
This branch provides limited but convenient service, especially during weekends and summer months when visitors visit the Northern Fork vineyards and beaches. LIRRR Greenport is an attractive experience to travel to farms, small hamlets, and waterfront views. It is an essential piece of the rich East and the Service of LIRR.
LIRR Greenport Branch
- Connects Ronkonkoma to Greenport.
- Popular with tourists visiting vineyards.
- Seasonal increase in ridership.
- Scenic views along the route.
- Limited daily train service.
- Operates vintage diesel trains.
- Serves several quaint East End villages.
- The last stop is Greenport Station.
- Weekend service is more frequent in summer.
- Connects with bus and taxi services.
- The historic branch line dates back to the 19th century.
- Diesel-operated trains operate this non-selected route.
- Greenport Station is the most eastern LIRR station.
- Agriculture connects communities to New York.
- Beautiful Collapse offers the ride of the leaf grocery.
- Greenport Village is a popular food destination.
- The north is used by bicycles to reach the North Fork Trails.
- Limited onboard features due to diesel cars.
- Seasonal excursion is often conducted by railway enthusiasts.
- Sometimes chartered wine is used for a rain tour.
LIRR Greenport Branch Stations
- Ronkonkoma
- Medford
- Yaphank
- Riverhead
- Mattituck
- Southern
- Greenport
LIRR Greenport Branch Schedule
Weekday Schedule
| Train | Ronkonkoma Dep | Greenport Arr |
|---|---|---|
| 2500 | 7:30 AM | 9:10 AM |
| 2502 | 1:00 PM | 2:40 PM |
| 2504 | 5:30 PM | 7:10 PM |
Weekend Schedule
| Train | Ronkonkoma Dep | Greenport Arr |
|---|---|---|
| 2506 | 9:00 AM | 10:40 AM |
| 2508 | 12:00 PM | 1:40 PM |
| 2510 | 4:00 PM | 5:40 PM |
Parking Facilities
- Limited free parking at most stations.
- First-come first first-served basis.
- No parking overnight without a permit.
Accessibility
- Not all stations are fully ADA non-compliant.
- Some platforms have ramps.
- Ltd. wheelchair access.
Nearby Attractions
- North Fork Wine Trail.
- Greenport Maritime Museum.
- Shelter Island ferries.
- Local beaches and farm stands.
Tips
- Always check the seasonal timetable — service is limited, especially off-peak.
- Arrive early: some stations have very small platforms and minimal shelters.
- Buy tickets in advance on the MTA TrainTime app —a few stations have vending machines.
- Bring water and snacks; there are no onboard cafés on diesel trains.
- Double-check return times — some eastbound trains don’t run daily.
- If cycling, confirm if bikes are allowed at your departure time.
- Weekends see more tourists — expect slightly busier trains in summer.
- Bring cash if you plan to grab local taxis from small stops.
- Plan for overnight parking — not all lots allow it.
- Enjoy the ride — the scenery is a highlight of this branch!
LIRR Greenport Branch Transfers, Connections & Ticketing Information
Transfers:
- Service is provided by passengers on the Greenport Branch who transfer at Ronkonkoma, which is the main junction connecting to New York City.
- It may be necessary to make additional transfers at Jamaica Station to reach Penn Station, Grand Central, or Atlantic Terminal via some peak-hour trains.
Connections:
- SCT buses make the local connections to towns and the attractions along the line.
- Seasonal Shuttle Buses and Ferry Services in Greenport make getting to Shelter Island and the North Fork easy.
- Taxi and rideshare services are typically waiting outside stations such as Greenport, Riverhead, and Ronkonkoma.
Ticketing Information:
- Tickets are available through the MTA TrainTime app, station ticket machines, and on trains (at a premium).
- Fare Cost Fares are zone-based; Greenport is in Zone 14, the easternmost zone.
- Enf in low and high-rate travel hours.
- For regular commuters, monthly, weekly, and ten-trip passes are available.
- Discounts are also offered to the elderly, disabled, those who are areMedicare-eligiblee, and children.
LIRR Greenport Branch Ridership & Usage Stats
| Category | Details (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Annual Ridership (2019) | ~54,000 trips |
| Daily Average Weekday Riders | ~180–200 |
| Daily Average Weekend Riders | ~300–350 (seasonal spikes in summer/fall for North Fork tourism) |
| Peak Season (Summer/Fall) | Higher ridership due to wine country tourism & Greenport attractions |
| Lowest Usage Period | Winter months (December–February) |
| Comparison to Ronkonkoma Branch | Less than 2% of Ronkonkoma Branch ridership |
| Stations with Highest Usage | Greenport, Riverhead, Mattituck |
| Service Pattern | Limited: Only a few trains per day, mostly connecting via Ronkonkoma |
| System Rank (by ridership) | Among the least-used branches of the LIRR |
Q. Which stations are on the LIRR Greenport Branch?
The Greenport Branch serves stations between Ronkonkoma and Greenport, such as Riverhead, Mattituck, and Southold.
Q. How frequently do trains on the Greenport Branch occur?
Service is sparse, with a few trains in each direction each day, primarily timed to connect in Ronkonkoma.
Q. Does the Greenport Branch run all year?
Yes, it’s year-round, but it has its most riders in the summer and fall while the North Fork is attracting tourists.
Q. Is there a transfer to other LIRR lines on the Greenport Branch?
Most riders do transfer at Ronkonkoma Station, which is a connection for westbound trains to New York City.
Q. Do they now run on the weekend on the Greenport Branch?
Yes, though weekend schedules are limited; it’s primarily used by additional riders during the peak tourist season.