LIRR stands for Long Island Rail Road, and these tickets are for flexible fare rides for commuting and traveling on this railway. Passengers can select single rides, round trips, weekly and monthly passes, with discounted fares offered to seniors, students, and disabled riders.
For extra convenience, you can purchase tickets from station vending machines, ticket offices or the MTA etix app. Fares differ based on distance traveled as well as whether trains run during peak or off-peak hours, with increased prices during LIRR peak hours. Check fare rules and expiration policies to ensure a smooth journey.
Types of LIRR Tickets
| Ticket Type | Description |
|---|---|
| One-Way Ticket | Valid for a single trip between two stations. Available in Peak and Off-Peak fares. |
| Round-Trip Ticket | Comprises two One-Way tickets for a round journey. |
| Weekly Ticket | Unlimited rides between two stations from Saturday through Friday. Ideal for frequent commuters. |
| Monthly Ticket | Unlimited rides between two stations during a calendar month. Most cost-effective for daily commuters. |
| 10-Trip Ticket | Provides ten One-Way rides between two stations. Can be used by multiple travelers. |
| CityTicket | Discounted ticket for travel within New York City limits. Priced at $5 during Off-Peak hours and $7 during Peak hours. Valid only on the day of purchase. |
| Far Rockaway Ticket | Special fare for travel between Far Rockaway and select Zone 1 stations, matching CityTicket prices: $5 Off-Peak and $7 Peak. Available exclusively at Far Rockaway station or via the TrainTime app when near the station. |
| Combo Ticket | Facilitates travel between LIRR and Metro-North Railroad with a transfer at Grand Central Terminal for a flat $8 fee in addition to the standard fare. |
| Reduced-Fare Ticket | Available for seniors (65+), people with disabilities, and Medicare recipients, offering up to 50% off the One-Way Peak fare. Not valid on inbound weekday morning Peak trains. Proper identification is required. |
| Family Fare | Up to four children aged 5-11 can travel for $1 each when accompanied by a fare-paying adult (18+). Not valid on weekday morning Peak trains toward Manhattan. Children under 5 ride free. |
| Monthly School Ticket | Discounted fares for students under 21 attending accredited elementary or secondary schools, offering up to one-third off the regular Monthly ticket price. Requires a completed application signed by a school official. |
| Group Ticket | Special discounted Round-Trip fares for organized groups of 30 or more. Reservations must be made at least two weeks in advance by contacting the LIRR Group Travel Department. Smaller groups of 10 or more may save using 10-Trip tickets. |
| Military Ticket | Active-duty U.S. military personnel are eligible for Off-Peak fares at all times, including on Peak trains, upon presenting valid active-duty ID. |
| UniTicket | Combined ticket offering discounted travel on LIRR and connecting services such as buses or ferries. Pricing varies based on the specific service combination. |
One-Way Ticket
- Only valid for one journey between two stations.
- Valid for peak and off-peak travel (peak fares are in effect during rush hours).
- Expires 60 days post purchase.
Round-Trip Ticket
- Includes round-trip travel (leaving and coming back).
- Seperate peak and off peak travel tickets.
- Expiration: 60 days from purchase date
Weekly Ticket
- Unrestricted travel through specific stations, Monday-Sunday.
- A lot cheaper than getting tickets each day.
- Available at ticket vending machines, station offices or through the MTA eTix app.
Monthly Ticket
- Unlimited travel within a single calendar month.
- So makes the most sense for everyday commuters.
- Can be bought in advance (valid for the month indicated only).
Ten-Trip Ticket
- Offers 10 rides, one-way between select stations.
- Easier for infrequent travelers.
- 6 month validity from date of purchase
CityTicket
- (Passenger 2)- Discounted ticket for travel within NYC (between all LIRR stations in Queens, Brooklyn, and Manhattan)
- We offer this option only on weekends and holidays at a special fare.
Group Ticket
- Group rates (30 or more traveling together)
- Advance purchase only via LIRR Group Travel.
Family Fare Ticket
- Children (aged 5-11) traveling with a fare-paying adult.
- Costs $1 per child, per ride.
- One adult can take up to 4 children.
Tickets for Disabled Americans/seniors.
- Tickets are discounted for 65+ year old or disabled passengers.
- One-way and round-trip tickets can do half-fare.
- Photo ID or MTA-issued Reduced-Fare MetroCard required.
UniTicket
- Combined fare, including LIRR travel + bus or ferry service
- Typically used for commutes that involve NICE Bus, Suffolk Transit or NYC Ferry.
Getaway Package Tickets
- Various special packages are offered that include train fare + entrance to attractions (e.g. beaches, vineyards or sporting events).
- Seasonal items change with the seasons.
Event Tickets
- SCOUT FOR SPECIAL EVENTS Tickets for sporting events, concerts, and seasonal sites.
- For example, train tickets for Belmont Park (horse racing)
Atlantic Ticket
- Reduced fare for travel between Brooklyn’s Atlantic Terminal and Southeast Queens stations.
- Only valid for same-day travel.
eTix Mobile Ticket
- MTA eTix app digital ticket.
- Enables seamless mobile ticketing and storage on a smartphone.
LIRR tickets are accessible in a wide variety of forms to fit all kinds of commuting needs, so riders can spend less on traveling while enjoying the convenience.
How to Buy LIRR Tickets Online
You can buy Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) tickets online through the MTA TrainTime app or the MTA website. Below is a detailed step-by-step guide for both methods:
First Method: Purchase LIRR tickets in the MTA TrainTime app
The easiest and most convenient method of purchasing tickets online is via the MTA TrainTime app, which is available on the App Store and Google Play.
Step 1: Getting the TrainTime App
- For iPhone, go to the App Store, and for Android: open the Google Play Store.
- Search for “MTA TrainTime”.
- Tap Download or Install.
- Once installed, open the app.
Step 2:Open an MTA Account or Log in
- Tap the menu ( ☰ ) icon at the top left.
- Click “Sign in” or “Create an account” if you don’t already have one.
- To log in (or follow the prompts to create an account), enter your email and password.
- If necessary, verify your account (look in your email for a verification link).
Step 3: Select Your Trip
- From the home screen, select “Plan a Trip”.
- Fill in your starting station of departure as well as the station of arrival.
- Choose date & time of travel.
- Press “Find Trains” to see available schedules.
- You have the option to select the train that you would like to ride.
Step 4: Select Your Type of Ticket
- Tap “Buy Ticket”.
- Select your ticket type:
- One-Way (single trip)
- Round Trip (to and from)
- 10-trip (discounted bulk purchases)
- Weekly (good for unlimited rides for an entire week)
- Monthly (allows unlimited rides during one month)
- Peak/Off-Peak (off-peak tickets are cheaper and valid on non-rush hour trains)
- Tap “Add to Cart”.
Step 5: Pay for Your Ticket
Select a payment method:
- Credit/Debit Card
- Apple Pay (iPhone users)
- Google Pay (Android users)
- PayPal
Fill in your payment information and click on confirm.
- Tap “Purchase”.
Step 6: Validate Your Ticket Before Getting on the Train
- Your ticket will then be saved in the app’s “Tickets” section.
- DO NOT tap in your ticket, until you are ready to board.
- When the train approaches, tap “Activate” on your ticket.
- When asked, show the activated ticket to the conductor.
Second Method: Purchasing LIRR Tickets through the MTA Website
Alternatively, you could buy your tickets online at the MTA eTix site.
Step 1: Go to the MTA TrainTime website
- Open a web browser and visit https://new.mta.info/traintime.
Step 2: Sign in or Set Up an Account
- Author: Click on “Sign In” (top right corner).
- Log into your MTA account, or sign up for an account.
- If required, confirm your email.
Step 3: Plan Your Trip
- Use the Trip Planner to choose:
- Departure Station
- Destination Station
- Date and Time
- Click on “Find Trains” to see schedules.
Step 3: Select the Type of Ticket
- Determine your ticket type (One-Way, Round-Trip 10-Trip, etc.).
- Click “Add to Cart”.
Step 4: When ready, Continue to Payment Info
- Select a payment type (Credit Card / Debit Card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.)
Step 5: Provide your payment details and confirm the purchase.
Step 6: Access Your Ticket
- View your ticket from “Tickets” in the MTA TrainTime app.
- If you’re using a mobile browser, you can also access your ticket via email.
Additional Tips
✔ Off-Peak vs. Peak:
- Off-peak tickets are valid at any time except weekday rush hours (6 AM – 10 AM and 4 PM – 8 PM).
- You must have peak tickets to travel during rush hours.
✔ Ticket Expiration:
- One-way and round-trip tickets are valid for 60 days from the date of purchase.
- 10-trip tickets are valid for 6 months after purchase.
- Weekly/monthly passes work for the period they are for.
✔ Refund Policy:
- Unused eTickets can be refunded, within the expiration period, subject to fee**.
LIRR Senior Ticket Prices
The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) offers reduced fares for seniors aged 65 and over, Medicare recipients, and individuals with disabilities. Here are the key details:
Discount: Approximately 50% off the regular One-Way fare.
Validity:
- Reduced fares are available at all times, except on weekday morning Peak trains heading toward New York City terminals.
- Tickets are valid for 60 days from the date of sale.
Ticket Types:
- One-Way Senior Ticket: Offers a discounted fare for a single journey.
- Ten-Trip Senior Ticket: Provides ten discounted One-Way rides and can be shared among eligible travelers.
Peak Restrictions:
- Reduced fares cannot be used on weekday morning Peak trains arriving at western terminals (e.g., Penn Station) between 6:00 AM and 10:00 AM.
- They are valid on evening Peak trains and all Off-Peak trains.
Purchasing Tickets:
- Ticket Machines: Select the “Senior/Disabled” option.
- Ticket Offices: Request a senior ticket from the agent.
- Onboard: If boarding at a station without ticket machines or offices, the onboard surcharge is waived for seniors.
Identification Required:
- Be prepared to present valid proof of age (e.g., driver’s license, Medicare card) or disability when purchasing and using reduced-fare tickets.
CityTicket:
- For travel within New York City, the CityTicket offers discounted fares:
-
-
$5.00 during Off-Peak hours.
-
$7.00 during Peak hours.
-
-
- CityTickets are valid for one-way travel within NYC and can be purchased at ticket machines, offices, or via the TrainTime app.
LIRR monthly Ticket Benefits
- Unlimited Rides – Commute any time, anywhere in between your selected stations for the full calendar month.
- Cost Benefits – Cheaper comparatively to buying multiple One-Way or Weekly tickets when you are commuting on regular basis.
- Peak & Off-Peak Access – Works these trains during Peak time and Off-Peak time without any extra cost.
- Free NYC Subway & Bus Transfers — Unlimited with Monthly MetroCard ($127 add-on).
- No tickets to purchase over multiple days — show your pass and you’re in!
- Easy Digital Access – Buy in-app and activate on the MTA TrainTime app.
- UniTicket Option — Discounted Monthly pass (one discounted monthly step) for LIRR + local bus/ferry connections.
- Tax Benefits – Potentially qualify for pre-tax commuter benefits by your employer, lowering taxable income.
- If Lost Replacement Option – Renewal On Paper Monthly tickets can be replaced one time (fee applies).
MTA LIRR – Schedules & Fares
| Ticket Type | Peak Fare | Off-Peak Fare | Validity Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| One-Way | $14.50 | $10.75 | 60 days |
| Ten-Trip | $145.00 | $91.50 | 6 months |
| Weekly | $102.00 | N/A | Saturday–Friday |
| Monthly | $287.00 | N/A | Calendar month |
Q: How much are LIRR Train Tickets?
A: The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) uses a distance-based fare system, dividing its system into multiple fare zones. Ticket prices are subject to certain variables that include origin and destination zones, travel time (Peak vs. Off-Peak), as well as ticket type purchased.
Access the Fare Calculator: Visit the MTA’s official fare information page at https://fares.mta.info/.
Input Travel Details:
- Select Your Departure Station: Choose your starting point from the dropdown menu.
- Select Your Destination Station: Choose your endpoint.
- Choose the Ticket Type: Options include One-Way, Round-Trip, Weekly, Monthly, etc.
- Select Time of Travel: Indicate whether you’re traveling during Peak or Off-Peak hours.
View Fare Information: After entering the above details, the calculator will display the corresponding fare for your journey.
For example, between Zone 1 (e.g., Penn Station) and Zone 7 (e.g., Hicksville), the fares are:
- One-Way Off-Peak: $10.75
- One-Way Peak: $14.50
- Ten-Trip Off-Peak: $91.50
- Weekly: $102.00
- Monthly: $287.00