The MTA LIRR Manhattan terminal, known more formally as LIRR Grand Central Madison, is a large expansion of the Long Island Rail Road platform, offering direct service to the Manhattan East side. Beneath the grand hall of Grand Central Terminal, this modern station gives commuters an effective replacement for Penn Station, speeding travel times and reducing traffic on city streets.
With spacious concourses digital displays and easy connections to the subway, LIRR Grand Central increases commuting flexibility. The terminal serves multiple LIRR lines, providing easier access for travelers from Long Island. It is a significant milestone in the development of transit in New York City, a key part of the East Side Access project.
LIRR Grand Central – Service & Travel Guide
Grand Central Station, known as Grand Central Madison, provides direct transport between Long Island and Midtown Manhattan. The new hub beneath Grand Central Terminal further improves commuting flexibility by connecting to important L.I.R.R. branches including Ronkonkoma, Port Jefferson, and Huntington. Though this station is outfitted with modern facilities, ADA accessibility, and frequent service, its design favors efficiency, speed, and convenience over comfort.
Key Services
Below are the services provided at Grand Central Madison.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Beneath Grand Central Terminal, Manhattan |
| Lines Served | Port Jefferson, Ronkonkoma, Huntington, Babylon (select service) |
| Peak Hours | Weekdays: 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM (Inbound) / 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Outbound) |
| Ticketing Options | Ticket machines, MTA TrainTime app, and ticket windows |
| Accessibility | Fully ADA accessible with elevators and escalators |
| Restrooms | Available near waiting areas |
| Waiting Area | Heated/air-conditioned lounges with seating |
| Connections | NYC Subway (4, 5, 6, 7, S lines), MTA buses, Metro-North at GCT |
| Retail & Food | Dining, coffee shops, and convenience stores on mezzanine level |
| Security | MTA Police presence, CCTV surveillance, and Help Points |
Major Routes from Grand Central Madison
Below are the major routes for Grand Central Madison.
| Destination | Branch | Travel Time (Approx.) | Transfers Required | Peak Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jamaica | All Major Lines | 20–23 minutes | None | Every 10–15 mins |
| Hicksville | Port Jefferson | 50 minutes | None | Every 30 mins |
| Ronkonkoma | Ronkonkoma Branch | 1 hour 20 minutes | None | Every 30–60 mins |
| Huntington | Port Jefferson | 1 hour 10 minutes | None | Hourly |
| Babylon (some trains) | Babylon Branch | 55–65 minutes | May require transfer | Hourly |
Additional Tips:
Below are some of the important tips you should know while traveling from LIRR Grand Central Madison.
- Track real-time departures with the MTA TrainTime app.
- Buy off-peak tickets when you can, as they are cheaper than those you buy during rush hours.
- For peak-time departures, allow 15 minutes for escalators and security.
- LIRR provides access to waiting rooms in bad weather for comfortable commuting.
- Weekend services are limited — plan accordingly.
- Avoid rush hours (6–10 AM & 4–8 PM) to avoid crowds.
LIRR Grand Central Station – Facilities, Accessibility & Ticketing
The Grand Central Station or Grand Central Madison is the newest and most modern addition to the Long Island Rail Road network.
Key Station Facilities
Below are the facilities provided at Grand Central Station.
| Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| Restrooms | Clean and modern restrooms available on mezzanine levels |
| Waiting Areas | Comfortable seating, climate-controlled lounges |
| Wi-Fi | Free MTA Wi-Fi available throughout the station |
| Charging Stations | USB and standard outlets in waiting areas |
| Food & Beverage | Cafés, vending machines, and grab-and-go food shops |
| Retail Outlets | Newsstands, convenience stores, gift shops |
| Signage & Maps | Digital displays, interactive kiosks, and traditional wayfinding maps |
| Security Presence | MTA Police, surveillance cameras, and Help Point emergency stations |
| Luggage Accommodation | Elevators/escalators and wide platforms for luggage or strollers |
| Cleanliness & Maintenance | Frequent cleaning and upkeep throughout the facility |
Accessibility Features
Below are the accessibility features at Grand Central Station.
| Accessibility Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| ADA Compliance | Fully ADA compliant station |
| Elevators & Escalators | Available from street level to platforms and mezzanine |
| Accessible Ticket Machines | Equipped with audio and tactile features |
| Tactile Warning Strips | Along platform edges |
| Braille Signage | Installed throughout the station |
| Wheelchair Access | Available across platforms, concourses, and restrooms |
| Accessible Restrooms | Spacious and adapted for individuals with disabilities |
| Assistance Services | MTA customer service agents available during most hours |
Ticketing Options
Below are the ticketing options at Grand Central Station.
| Ticketing Option | How to Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MTA TrainTime App | Buy, manage, and activate tickets on mobile | Recommended for convenience |
| Ticket Vending Machines | Located near entrances and concourses | Accepts cards and cash |
| Ticket Windows | Staffed counters for personalized help | Ideal for first-time riders or complex inquiries |
| Contactless Payment (OMNY) | Expected future expansion | Not yet available for LIRR at GCM |
| Off-Peak/Peak Fares | Different fare structures based on travel time | Off-peak offers cost savings |
Additional Tips:
- Tickets round trip and in advance during busy hours to avoid delays.
- Plan accordingly as stations between 7:00–9:00 AM and 4:30–7:00 PM are the busiest times.
- For more eating options (and subway access), venture to Grand Central Terminal’s upper levels.
LIRR Grand Central Routes & Transfers Guide
- Direct Access to East Midtown – LIRR trains have completed the journey directly to Grand Central Madison, cutting travel time for those who work or stay in East Midtown.
- Multiple LIRR Branches – Provides direct service to key branches such as Port Washington, Ronkonkoma, Huntington, and Babylon.
- Convenient transfer to NYC Subway — transfer to the 4, 5, 6, 7, and S subway lines directly at Grand Central Terminal.
- Metro-North Transfer — Indoor transfer directly to Metro-North lines, for even more travel throughout the region.
- Penn Station Alternatives – A stronger alternative to Penn Station that will help alleviate congestion and provide flexibility.
- Cross-Borough Travel — Take advantage of connections with lines that lead to Queens, Brooklyn,n and even The Bronx.
- New Terminal: Grand Central MadisonThe L.I.R.R. terminal is New York contemporary — lots of escalators, elevators, digital display, ys, and spacious platforms.
- East Side Access Benefit — Cuts commute times for Long Islanders working in Midtown East, dramatically.
- ADA-Allied Transfers — The outpost has lifts, inclines, and broad corridors for fluid accessibility.
- Convenient Entry Points — Entrances on Madison Ave at 45th, 46th, 47th, and 48th streets allow for quick entry and exit from the terminal.
- AirTrain JFK Connection – A quick and dependable connection will get you to JFK airport with a transfer at Jamaica.
- Real-Time Info Boards – Revised info boards show prepared info, which makes transfers and planning different simpler.
- Scheduled trains during peak hours – Additional trains during rush hours means better possibility of seat availability and reaching on time.
- Weekend & Off-Peak Options – Travel on weekends and off-peak is available with fewer crowds and discounted fares.
- Connections to Amtrak & NJ Transit – With no direct link, travelers can switch to Penn Station to access Amtrak or NJ Transit lines.
Below is the Grand Central Routes & Transfers Guide for easy understanding.
| Service Type | Route/Connection | Lines Served | Transfer Available | Platform Access | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LIRR Eastbound | Grand Central → Jamaica → Ronkonkoma | Ronkonkoma Branch | Jamaica Station | Deep Cavern Platform (Level B4) | Frequent express & local trains to central & eastern Long Island |
| LIRR Eastbound | Grand Central → Jamaica → Port Jefferson (via Huntington) | Port Jefferson Branch | Jamaica, Huntington | Deep Cavern Platform | Transfers at Huntington or Jamaica depending on destination |
| LIRR Eastbound | Grand Central → Jamaica → Babylon | Babylon Branch | Jamaica | Deep Cavern Platform | Fast & reliable service to South Shore towns |
| LIRR Eastbound | Grand Central → Jamaica → Long Beach | Long Beach Branch | Jamaica | Deep Cavern Platform | Transfer at Jamaica |
| Subway Transfers | Grand Central Terminal – 4, 5, 6, 7, and S subway lines | NYC Subway | On-site | Street/Mezzanine Level | Direct access via escalator & elevator to MTA Subway |
| Metro-North Transfer | Grand Central Terminal (Upper Concourse) | Hudson, Harlem, New Haven Lines | On-site | Upper Concourse | Walkable indoor connection |
| Bus Transfers | Bus Stops near 42nd Street & Madison Ave | MTA Local & Express Buses | Outside terminal | Street Level | Numerous city routes nearby |
| Airport Transfer | Grand Central → LIRR → Jamaica → AirTrain to JFK | JFK Airport | At Jamaica Station | Use LIRR & AirTrain | Best for travelers with luggage |
| Regional Transfers | Via Penn Station (1 stop via LIRR) or Metro-North | Amtrak, NJ Transit, PATH | Penn or Metro-North | Via subway or LIRR | Plan accordingly for longer regional trips |