The West Hempstead Branch is an integral part of the MTA Long Island Rail Road system, offering essential commuter transportation from West Hempstead to vital transit links at Jamaica and Penn Station. The West Hempstead Branch serves several communities in Nassau County and is a great option for daily commuters seeking a quieter alternative to busier L.I.R.R. lines.
The branch has stations in Westwood, Malverne, Lakeview, and others, for easy access and convenience. Jamaica has connections to other LIRR lines and subway systems and the West Hempstead Branch allows efficient traveling into New York City and provides access to nearby locations across Long Island.
West Hempstead Branch Overview
Below is the branch overview.
West Hempstead Branch stations
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West Hempstead
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Lakeview
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Malverne
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Lynbrook
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Valley Stream
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Jamaica
Here is the complete information on West Hempstead Branch Stations.
| Station Name | Zone | ADA Accessible | Parking Available | Transfers Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Hempstead | 4 | Yes | Yes | No |
| Lakeview | 4 | No | Limited | No |
| Malverne | 4 | No | Yes | No |
| Lynbrook | 4 | Yes | Yes | Babylon Branch |
| Valley Stream | 4 | Yes | Yes | Babylon Branch, Far Rockaway |
| Jamaica | 1 | Yes | Limited (Nearby only) | Transfers to all LIRR lines |
Key Highlights
Below are the highlights.
- Short Line: The West Hempstead Branch is one of the L.I.R.R.’s shorter lines and provides a swift ride to central Nassau County.
- Multiple Transfers: Easy transfers at Valley Stream, Lynbrook, and Jamaica to reach the broader LIRR network.
- Plenty of Parking: Most stations offer parking that is convenient for daily commuters.
- Accessibility: Major stations including West Hempstead, Valley Stream, Lynbrook, k, and Jamaica are ADA-accessible.
- Frequent Service During Peak Hours: At rush hours, numerous regular service runs are, better for 9 to 5 commuters.
- Suburban Convenience: Caters to residential areas, providing a quiet and convenient ride into NYC.
- Connectivity to Major Hubs: Easy connection to major hubs (such as Jamaica) for city-bound routes.
Transfers & Connections
Valley Stream Station
- Transfer to the Babylon Branch far rockaway branch
- Connections to NYC-bound and south shore destinations.
Lynbrook Station
- Transfer to Long Beach Branch and Babylon Branch
- Well situated for riders heading to beach towns or Penn Station.
Jamaica Station
- Transfer point for all LIRR lines
- Immediate access to AirTrain JFK, NYC Subway (E, J, Z), and buses.
MTA Bus Connections
- Multiple MTA bus lines are also available near stations such as Westwood and West Hempstead.
NYC Subway Access
- Via Jamaica Station — ideal for transfers to Manhattan, Brooklyn & Queens.
Parking & Accessibility Facilities
West Hempstead Station:
- Municipal parking available
- Daily & permit options
- Close to the platform
Malverne Station:
- Street parking and a small municipal lot
- Weekend free parking is available
Lakeview Station:
- Limited parking spaces
- No overnight parking
Westwood Station:
- The small lot behind the station
- Daily meters may apply
Hempstead Gardens Station:
- On-street parking
- No designated LIRR lot
Accessibility:
West Hempstead Station:
- Fully ADA-compliant
- Elevators and ramps available
- Malverne & smaller stations:
- Not every station is fully accessible
- Accessibility Latest Update on Long Island Rail Road Service
Nearby Attractions:
- A large nearby shopping center is the Green Acres Mall near Westwood Station.
- Hempstead Lake State Park — Has fishing, biking, hiking trails, and picnic areas, near Lakeview Station.
- Hempstead Village Hall & Historical Society — Good for history buffs, near Hempstead Gardens Station.
- Malverne Golf Course — A tranquil public golf course near Malverne Station.
- Westbury Arts — Creative exhibits and performances, a short ride away.
- Adventureland (local) – family amusement park with transfer & 10-minute car ride
- Regal UA Lynbrook Theater — Contemporary cinema near Westwood and Malverne stations.
- Locals Businesses– Support the cafes, diners, and other eateries in the downtown areas of the towns of Malverne and West Hempstead.
- Cathedral of the Incarnation — A historic Episcopal cathedral in nearby Garden City.
- Nassau County Museum of Art — By car or connecting transit from Hempstead.
Train Schedule
Weekday Eastbound Train Schedule:
Here is the Eastbound Train schedule.
| Train Number | Departure (Penn Station) | Stop: Jamaica | Stop: Lynbrook | Arrival (West Hempstead) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 761 | 06:38 | 06:58 | 07:12 | 07:25 |
| 763 | 07:12 | 07:33 | 07:47 | 08:01 |
| 765 | 08:03 | 08:25 | 08:40 | 08:54 |
| 767 | 09:16 | 09:39 | 09:52 | 10:06 |
| 769 | 11:14 | 11:35 | 11:48 | 12:01 |
| 771 | 13:14 | 13:35 | 13:48 | 14:01 |
| 773 | 15:16 | 15:37 | 15:50 | 16:03 |
| 775 | 17:19 | 17:40 | 17:53 | 18:07 |
| 777 | 18:30 | 18:51 | 19:05 | 19:19 |
| 779 | 20:12 | 20:33 | 20:46 | 21:00 |
Weekday Westbound Train Schedule:
Here is the Westbound Train schedule.
| Train Number | Departure (West Hempstead) | Stop: Lynbrook | Stop: Jamaica | Arrival (Penn Station) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 702 | 05:40 | 05:53 | 06:07 | 06:28 |
| 704 | 06:17 | 06:30 | 06:44 | 07:05 |
| 706 | 07:03 | 07:16 | 07:30 | 07:51 |
| 708 | 08:10 | 08:23 | 08:37 | 08:58 |
| 710 | 10:20 | 10:33 | 10:47 | 11:08 |
| 712 | 12:22 | 12:35 | 12:49 | 13:10 |
| 714 | 14:25 | 14:38 | 14:52 | 15:13 |
| 716 | 16:30 | 16:43 | 16:57 | 17:18 |
| 718 | 18:00 | 18:13 | 18:27 | 18:48 |
| 720 | 20:05 | 20:18 | 20:32 | 20:53 |
Weekend Schedule (Both Directions):
Here is the Weekend schedule for both Eastbound and Westbound directions.
| Train Number | Direction | Departure Station | Departure Time | Arrival Station | Arrival Time | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7710 | Eastbound | Jamaica | 07:58 AM | West Hempstead | 08:21 AM | Hourly |
| 7712 | Eastbound | Jamaica | 08:58 AM | West Hempstead | 09:21 AM | Hourly |
| 7714 | Eastbound | Jamaica | 09:58 AM | West Hempstead | 10:21 AM | Hourly |
| 7716 | Eastbound | Jamaica | 10:58 AM | West Hempstead | 11:21 AM | Hourly |
| 7711 | Westbound | West Hempstead | 08:30 AM | Jamaica | 08:54 AM | Hourly |
| 7713 | Westbound | West Hempstead | 09:30 AM | Jamaica | 09:54 AM | Hourly |
| 7715 | Westbound | West Hempstead | 10:30 AM | Jamaica | 10:54 AM | Hourly |
| 7717 | Westbound | West Hempstead | 11:30 AM | Jamaica | 11:54 AM | Hourly |
Additional tips:
- Get there Early: Trains leave every hour, make sure to be at the station 10–15 minutes prior to departure.
- Buy and activate mobile tickets via the MTA eTix App.
- Check for Weekend Service Changes: Use the MTA website or TrainTime app for real-time updates.
- Travel Outside of Peak Tourist Hours: Plan a train for mid-morning or early afternoon that won’t be as crowded as peak hours.
- Food and water, especially in case of longer wait times or delays.
- Utilize Parking Facilities: There is commuter parking at West Hempstead Station, available early and often.
- Travel Off-Peak: Fares are cheaper during the weekends and off-peak hours.
- Pack light: Smaller bags are easier to stow and find a seat.
- Flight Transfers: If connecting in Jamaica, allow means of time buffer for easy transition.
- Be Safe: Abide by all posted safety instructions and announcements.