Metro North Schedule – A LIRR to Metro-North connection will create a seamless journey for travelers going from Long Island to the northern suburbs. Two systems, independently operated though they are, with Grand Central Terminal serving as the logical transfer point for both LIRR and Metro-North trains. The users from Long Island can simply walk within the terminal to reach Metro-North’s Harlem, Hudson, and New Haven lines when LIRR service to Grand Central Madison launches. It allows for a more efficient synchronization of inter-regional multi-city trains, meaning that they will be able to bypass Penn Station without having to go out of their way.
Riders can access real-time schedules, platforms, and service alerts through both systems in MTA’s TrainTime app. Fares are currently not integrated, but a single ticketing system is under development. Transfers are also available at Harlem–125th Street on the train and at 125th Street via subway or bus. For the LIRR to Metro-North route, this is perfect for commuters, visitors, and anyone traveling between Long Island and upstate New York or Connecticut.
LIRR to Metro-North Schedule
Through train schedules of LIRR to Metro-North, as well as operate for hassle-free, direct passage under one roof, serving Long Island in New York and all the way upstate USA. Riders can be shuttled to LIRR or Metro-North trains in minutes. This is filled daily with the option for either morning or evening. As always, the MTA TrainTime app is your best resource for real-time schedules and updates.
LIRR to Metro-North Weekday Schedule
| Time of Day | LIRR Departure (From) | Arrives Grand Central (LIRR) | Walk to Metro-North | Metro-North Departure | Final Destination |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | Hicksville – 7:00 AM | 7:54 AM | 5–10 min | 8:10 AM | Yonkers |
| Babylon – 6:45 AM | 7:47 AM | 5–10 min | 8:05 AM | Tarrytown | |
| Ronkonkoma – 6:30 AM | 7:45 AM | 5–10 min | 8:15 AM | Croton-Harmon | |
| Port Washington – 7:10 AM | 8:00 AM | 5–10 min | 8:20 AM | Peekskill | |
| Evening | Hicksville – 5:30 PM | 6:25 PM | 5–10 min | 6:45 PM | Yonkers |
| Babylon – 5:15 PM | 6:20 PM | 5–10 min | 6:40 PM | Tarrytown | |
| Ronkonkoma – 5:00 PM | 6:18 PM | 5–10 min | 6:35 PM | Croton-Harmon | |
| Port Washington – 5:40 PM | 6:30 PM | 5–10 min | 6:50 PM | Peekskill |
LIRR to Metro-North Weekend Schedule
| Time of Day | LIRR Departure (From) | Arrives Grand Central (LIRR) | Walk to Metro-North | Metro-North Departure | Final Destination |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | Hicksville – 8:00 AM | 8:57 AM | 5–10 min | 9:15 AM | Yonkers |
| Babylon – 7:45 AM | 8:50 AM | 5–10 min | 9:20 AM | Tarrytown | |
| Ronkonkoma – 7:30 AM | 8:48 AM | 5–10 min | 9:25 AM | Croton-Harmon | |
| Port Washington – 8:10 AM | 9:00 AM | 5–10 min | 9:30 AM | Peekskill | |
| Evening | Hicksville – 5:00 PM | 5:57 PM | 5–10 min | 6:15 PM | Yonkers |
| Babylon – 4:45 PM | 5:50 PM | 5–10 min | 6:10 PM | Tarrytown | |
| Ronkonkoma – 4:30 PM | 5:48 PM | 5–10 min | 6:20 PM | Croton-Harmon | |
| Port Washington – 5:10 PM | 6:00 PM | 5–10 min | 6:25 PM | Peekskill |
How LIRR and Metro-North Connect
LIRR and Metro-North both fall under the MTA umbrella, but operate in different locales of NY. LIRR travels to and from Long Island, while Metro-North zips in and out of greater New York City, plus Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess counties, with a few stops in Connecticut. Although they operate as separate systems, Grand Central Terminal is the new point for transferring between them.
The new Grand Central Madison (Beneath Grand Central) in Manhattan opened a tunnel walk for riders from the Island’s platform to be deposited steps into Metro-North platforms. Given this, the improvements are a major development in moving between the two railroads, and transfers can now be done quickly and efficiently.
Travel Time Comparison
- LIRR Travel Time: 45–70 minutes (depending on starting point)
- Transfer Time at Grand Central: 5–10 minutes (via pedestrian connection)
- Metro-North Travel Time: 25–45 minutes (depending on northern destination)
Who Benefits from the LIRR to Metro-North Connection
- Daily commuters travel between Long Island and Hudson Valley towns.
- Students
- Tourists
- Business travelers
Q. How to Change from the LIRR to Metro-North?
At Grand Central Terminal, where the LIRR ends and Metro-North begins. The Long Island Rail Road comes to Grand Central Madison beneath Grand Central, and the 42nd Street Shuttle gives easy access to Metro-North platforms on the Hudson, Harlem, and New Haven Lines.
Q. Is there a direct LIRR to Metro-North connection?
Yes, with the opening of Grand Central Madison, you can walk directly from the LIRR to Metro-North indoors at Grand Central Terminal. The device does not need a transfer from the subway or a taxi.
Q. Do I need separate tickets for LIRR and Metro-North?
Yes, right now, you need to buy both LIRR and Metro-North tickets separately. Each operates separately, but the MTA is reportedly looking into a unified ticketing approach.
Q. How much time does it take to transfer from LIRR to Metro-North?
Q. Can I use the MTA TrainTime app for both LIRR and Metro-North?
Yes, the MTA TrainTime app supports both LIRR and Metro-North. You can check schedules, live train tracking, and service updates for both railroads in one place.