LIRR Jamaica Station is the center of the LIRR system, where most branches of the Long Island Rail Road converge. In Queens, it connects riders to Penn Station, Grand Central, Brooklyn’s Atlantic Terminal, and JFK Airport by way of the AirTrain. Jamaica Station offers seamless transfers between LIRR lines, thanks to multiple platforms and frequent train service.
Recent upgrades have enhanced accessibility, with help from upgraded waiting areas, elevators, and digital displays for train information. Long Island Rail Road Jamaica Station is one of the busiest transit centers in New York and d critical for regional travel and daily commuter movement.
LIRR Jamaica Station
- Transportation Hub – A significant and heavily trafficked LIRR station.
- Location – Jamaica, Queens, New York — Acts as a hub for LIRR commuters.
- Connecting Lines:
— Serves all LIRR branches except the Port Washington Branch.
— Connections to Penn Station, Grand Central Madison, and Atlantic Terminal.
- AirTrain JFK Connection: Can take you to John F. Kennedy International Airport via AirTrain JFK.
— MTA Subway Connections: E, J, Z (at the Northern Boulevard station)
— For more local transit options, several MTA bus routes have stops at or near the station.
- Modernized Facilities:
— Platforms are wide with escalators and elevators for accessibility.
— Smart track switching at high speed for efficient train transfer
— Food and retail options at the station.
- Commuter Hub:
— LIRR passengers heading from Long Island to Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Queens transfer here.
— Regular express trains to Penn Station and Grand Central Madison.
Weekday Departures from Jamaica Station:
Please note that train schedules are subject to change. Always consult the official resources for the most current information.
Jamaica To Penn Station:
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First Departure: Approximately 4:00 AM
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Peak Hour Frequency: Every 5-10 minutes
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Off-Peak Frequency: Every 10-15 minutes
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Last Departure: Around 2:00 AM
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Jamaica To Grand Central Madison:
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First Departure: Approximately 5:30 AM
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Peak Hour Frequency: Every 15-20 minutes
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Off-Peak Frequency: Every 30 minutes
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Last Departure: Around 11:30 PM
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Jamaica To Atlantic Terminal (Brooklyn):
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First Departure: Approximately 5:00 AM
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Peak Hour Frequency: Every 10-15 minutes
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Off-Peak Frequency: Every 20 minutes
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Last Departure: Around 1:00 AM
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Jamaica To Long Island Destinations (e.g., Babylon, Hempstead, Huntington):
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Departures typically begin around 4:30 AM.
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Peak Hour Frequency: Varies by branch, generally every 20-30 minutes
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Off-Peak Frequency: Every 30-60 minutes
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Last Departures: Between 1:00 AM and 2:00 AM, depending on the branch
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Tips for Travelers:
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Know Before You Go: Check real-time schedules in advance of your trip using either the MTA TrainTime app or by visiting the MTA website.
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Service Changes: Check for any planned service changes — especially on weekends or holidays — posted on the MTA website.
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Ticketing: Buy tickets in advance through ticket machines, ticket offices, or the MTA eTix app to avoid waiting in line and expedite boarding.
LIRR Jamaica to Penn Station
| Departure (Jamaica) | Arrival (Penn Station) | Travel Time | Train Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7:00 AM | 7:19 AM | 19 mins | Express |
| 7:15 AM | 7:35 AM | 20 mins | Local |
| 7:30 AM | 7:49 AM | 19 mins | Express |
| 7:45 AM | 8:05 AM | 20 mins | Local |
| 8:00 AM | 8:20 AM | 20 mins | Local |
| 8:15 AM | 8:34 AM | 19 mins | Express |
| 8:30 AM | 8:50 AM | 20 mins | Local |
LIRR Jamaica Station To Manhattan
- Weekday AM Peak (6 AM – 10 AM): Every 5–10 minutes
- Weekday Midday (10 AM – 4 PM): Every 10–20 minutes
- Weekday PM Peak (4 PM – 8 PM): Every 5–10 minutes
- Weekday Late Evening (8 PM – Midnight): Every 15–30 minutes
- Overnight: Every 30–60 minutes
- Weekend Daytime (6 AM – 8 PM): Every 15–30 minutes
- Weekend Late Night: Every 30–60 minutes
LIRR Jamaica Train Station address
93-02 Sutphin Boulevard
Jamaica, NY 11435
United States
Connecting between the LIRR and the Local Bus in Jamaica
Connecting between the LIRR and the local bus in Jamaica is simple and convenient for commuters. When you arrive at Jamaica Station, one of the busiest LIRR hubs in Queens, just follow the signs to Sutphin Boulevard and Archer Avenue to reach the nearby bus stops or the Jamaica Bus Terminal. From here, you can easily take MTA local buses that go to Queens and nearby areas. You can pay with a MetroCard or an OMNY card. The MTA app shows real-time bus info, which helps you switch smoothly from the train to the bus and keep going without any problems.
LIRR Train Derailment at Jamaica Station
Jamaica Station is one of the busiest and most critical transfer points on the Long Island Rail Road, handling hundreds of trains and thousands of passengers daily.
a. January 4, 2017:
- A well-known incident occurred when a LIRR train derailed at Atlantic Terminal in Brooklyn, but the Jamaica area was heavily affected by related service delays.
b. August 3, 2022:
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A LIRR train partially derailed just east of Jamaica Station when eight cars derailed near the Floral Park area on the Main Line, causing massive rush hour disruptions. Dozens of passengers suffered minor injuries.
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Emergency crews evacuated riders, and track repairs took several hours, causing delays across multiple branches.
- In the past, there have been smaller derailments related to switches or yard work, often with empty trains or slow-moving incidents during movements near Jamaica’s busy junctions.
Impact:
- Derailments near Jamaica can block several tracks, cause delays throughout the train system, and make riders take shuttle buses or different routes.
- These incidents usually result in investigations by the MTA and federal rail safety agencies to find out what caused them and to improve safety.
LIRR Jamaica Nearby Transit Options & Bus Routes
- NYC Subway (E, J, Z Lines): Direct access at Sutphin Blvd–Archer Avenue–JFK Airport station.
- AirTrain JFK: Direct service to John F. Kennedy International Airport terminals.
- LIRR Branches: Ronkonkoma, Port Jefferson, Montauk, Babylon, Long Beach, Hempstead, Far Rockaway, Oyster Bay, Port Washington.
- Amtrak & NJ Transit (via Penn Station/Grand Central transfers): Accessible through LIRR service into Manhattan.
MTA Bus Routes Serving Jamaica Station
- Q6 – JFK Cargo Area / Sutphin Blvd
- Q7 – East New York / JFK Cargo Area
- Q8 – 165th Street Terminal / East New York
- Q20A/B – Flushing / College Point
- Q24 – Bushwick / Broadway Junction
- Q25/Q34 – Flushing / Jamaica
- Q30 – Queensborough Community College / Jamaica
- Q31 – Bayside / Jamaica
- Q43 – Floral Park / Jamaica
- Q44 SBS – Bronx Zoo / Flushing
- Q54 – Williamsburg / Jamaica
- Q56 – East New York / Jamaica
- Q60 – Midtown Manhattan (59th Street & 2nd Ave) / Jamaica
- Q65 – College Point / Jamaica
Jamaica Station Platforms & Facilities
- Multiple high-level platforms with covered waiting areas
- Ticket windows, vending machines, and MetroCard stations
- Restrooms, seating, and accessibility features (ADA compliant)
- Shops and food concessions within the concourse
1. What trains stop at Jamaica Station?
- Jamaica Station serves as the central transfer point for all 11 branches of the LIRR, such as Babylon, Far Rockaway, Port Jefferson, and Ronkonkoma lines.
- The majority of eastbound and westbound trains terminate at this station, connecting passengers to Penn Station, Brooklyn, and destinations on Long Island.
- It is also connected directly to AirTrain JFK for transferring to the airport.
2. Where can I park at Jamaica Station?
- Limited daily parking ($10 flat rate) is also available at the Sutphin Boulevard lot.
- But the slots typically fill by 7:30 AM during weekdays.
- Alternative options include on-street parking (metered, 2-hour limit) nearby or long-term parking at AirTrain JFK’s Federal Circle lot with a transfer bus to the station.
3. How long in advance do I need to arrive at AirTrain JFK connections?
- Leave a minimum of 15–20 minutes between your arrival on the LIRR and your booked AirTrain departure.
- You will need to walk to the AirTrain station (about 5 minutes) and purchase extra AirTrain tickets ($8.25).
- Security checks during rush periods will require more time.