Special fares are available for students under 21 years of age attending accredited elementary or secondary schools, providing a discount of up to one-third off the price of a regular monthly ticket. For ages 5-11, the Family Fare allows up to four children (ages 5-11) to travel with each fare paying adult for $1 each way. Off-Peak Ten Trip tickets can be shared and offer a 15 discount on individual tickets.
Ticket machines at each station accept cash, change, credit and debit cards, as well as credit and debit cards. Payment for train rides is dependent on the number of zones traveled, not the station printed on the ticket. The LIRR and Metro-North will honor all monthly tickets for travel on weekends to and from all LIRR and Metro-North stations, regardless of the stations printed on the ticket.
Travel between Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North stations is easier, cheaper, and more accessible with the Combo Ticket. Monthly tickets are non-transferable, and the first person to use this ticket is the only person who can use it. They are available for purchase at Ticket Offices, Ticket Machines, and via MTA eTix starting the month.
CityTickets cost $5 during off-peak hours and $7 during peak hours, good for one-way travel that begins and ends within New York City. “Family Fare” is available for off-peak travel, and up to four children aged 5-11 may ride for $1. 00 when accompanied by a fare-paying adult. Monthly ticketholders can travel systemwide with up to four additional guests for just $1 each.
During July and August, passengers can travel with any passenger with a monthly and use a family ticket to go anywhere in the system they would like. For each additional passenger, buy a $1 Family Fare ticket in TrainTime, at a ticket machine or ticket office, or on board from the conductor.
📹 Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) → How to ride, view schedule, buy tickets, board train, transfer, etc
The Long Island Rail Road (or LIRR) is a commuter rail that goes through Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk.
How Do I Get To LIRR?
To start your journey with the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), head to the train station marked with black text on a white background. Parking is limited, so arrive early on weekdays, and be aware that many stations require payment for parking. Ticket options include purchasing via your phone, ticket machines, ticket offices, or on board trains. The TrainTime app allows you to plan trips, buy tickets, check train status, and access customer service.
The main LIRR entrance is located at 383 Madison Avenue, with accessible entrances on the north side of 42 Street. The LIRR offers direct transfers to Manhattan from Jamaica Station, which is a quick 15-minute ride from JFK via the AirTrain. A new station, Grand Central Madison Concourse, has recently opened, enhancing LIRR services.
To buy tickets to Jamaica Station, visit the ticket counter or vending machines. Fares vary, with peak prices applying during rush hours. The LIRR provides a convenient and cost-effective way to travel from JFK to Manhattan, showcasing a vast network across New York City and surrounding areas.
Can A Family Member Use Your Card?
Permitting someone to use your credit card can expose you to unexpected charges and account issues. Most credit card agreements prohibit sharing, which may lead to legal ramifications. While it’s typically not permissible to use someone else's credit card, using a friend's or family member's card with consent usually poses no significant problems. Nonetheless, unauthorized use, even by family, is illegal. Membership cards, like Costco's, are non-transferable, allowing primary members two additional cards for household members only.
Lending your card may seem harmless, but many agreements have stipulations against this. In cases of unauthorized charges, you must decide whether to reclaim funds directly or report the incident to your issuer. Generally, credit cards permit adding authorized users, although fees may apply. Unauthorized use doesn't usually require payment from the cardholder. Lending a debit card is also discouraged due to risks. If someone uses a credit card without consent, it counts as fraud and can have serious legal repercussions.
You can dispute unauthorized charges, regardless of the user's relationship. Handling unauthorized charges can be complex, possibly involving police reports. It's a crime for family members to open a credit card in your name without knowledge. Always consider risks before lending your card.
Is A Family Railcard Worth It?
The Family and Friends Railcard offers a fantastic way to save money on train travel, providing 1/3 off a range of ticket types, including Standard Anytime, Off-Peak, and Advance adult fares, along with 60% off for children aged 5 to 15. This card is ideal for families or groups, allowing up to four adults and four eligible children to benefit from these discounts, making it especially worthwhile for those planning to travel more than two or three times a year during weekends or off-peak times.
Costing just £30 for a year or £70 for three years, the average annual savings for users are around £141, highlighting its value. The card can also offer discounts at various partner establishments like theme parks and hotels. While it is not applicable for Eurostar services, it combines well with other railcards, such as the Network Railcard, for additional savings in specific regions, particularly in Southeast England.
Experts, including Martin Lewis of Money Saving Expert, suggest that the Family and Friends Railcard is highly beneficial, particularly for those whose combined rail fares exceed £90. A digital or physical version can be chosen based on user preference, ensuring that families looking to travel together can maximize savings effortlessly. Overall, the Family and Friends Railcard is a smart investment for frequent travelers, ensuring cheaper access to railways across Great Britain.
What Is A Family Ticket?
Family tickets provide a special pricing option for events, usually including admission for 2 adults and up to 2 children aged between 3 and 15 years. Some variations allow for either 1 adult and 3 children or 1 adult and 1 child. Children aged 2 and under can attend free of charge without a ticket. To find details about family tickets for an event, users should visit the event's detail page, which will display available ticket types and quantities.
Family tickets are typically applicable for G and PG rated sessions and allow adults to pay children's prices, enhancing family outings to the movies. For example, Regal offers a Family Ticket that consists of 1 adult and 1 child ticket (for children 14 and under). The family ticket categories may differ across venues, but they generally admit groups typically composed of four individuals, with at least one being a child under sixteen.
Additionally, family tickets can be available in other contexts, such as train travel, where special pricing allows for family groups, again aimed at fostering togetherness through discounted fares.
Overall, family tickets are designed to be more affordable for family groups, making it easier to attend events together. It’s important for consumers to check specific event details to understand their respective family ticket offerings and how many tickets are included at the special rate.
How Many People Can Use A Family Ticket?
The discount is applicable to Standard, Anytime, Off-Peak, and Advance fares, allowing up to four adults and four children to travel on one card, regardless of relation. A Family ticket usually admits either 2 Adults and 2 Children or 1 Adult with 3 Children, and in some cases, it may include 1 Adult and 1 Child. For streaming sports, YouTube TV enables three devices to stream, but NFL Sunday Ticket is limited to two devices simultaneously. Ticket sharing experiences about accessing NFL games highlight this restriction.
Additionally, a Season Pass Discount Ticket user must be present at the park entrance. Family tickets apply only for G and PG rated sessions, accommodating groups of three or four. A family pass typically provides a reduced price for multiple users but may have limits. The NFL SUNDAY TICKET streams out-of-market games on Sundays, with different package options available. Family tickets include travel for two adults and three children; those under five travel free.
To purchase Disney tickets at resident prices, valid ID is required for guests over 18, while others may only buy standard tickets. Family Fare allows four children ages 5-11 to travel for $1 each way with a paying adult. Off-Peak Ten Trip tickets for ages 12-64 can be shared, offering savings on group travel. Families with more than four people can still benefit from discounted family tickets or group arrangements.
How Much Does A Child Ticket Cost?
Up to four children can accompany an adult for . 75 cents each way when tickets are purchased in advance; fares increase to $1. 00 on the train. Additional children will incur the standard child fare. Family fare tickets for peak trains may have higher prices. Babies under two can fly free on U. S. domestic flights if seated in a lap, though using a car seat requires a purchased ticket. Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad provide details on ticket prices and refund policies.
Disneyland ticket costs for children aged 3-9 vary depending on the type of ticket purchased. On flights, infants can travel free on the lap of a paying adult or require a full-fare seat if in their own. For travel planning, Disney vacation costs can be estimated but are best finalized with a travel agent. Regal offers Family Tickets allowing adults to pay child rates, while Genie+ costs $15 per person per day. Child tickets at Disney start around $50/day and may sell out quickly.
Discounts on airline tickets for children (ages 2-11) may range from 50% to 80% of adult fares, with differing ticket types affecting costs. Children under 5 often travel free by train, but individuals should check with their service provider. Thus, ticket pricing operates on a tiered system reflective of age and accompanying adults, offering varied options for family travel across different modes of transport and events.
How Much Is A Family Rail Card?
A Family and Friends Railcard is available for £30 per year or £70 for three years, offering substantial savings on rail fares. It provides a ⅓ discount on Standard Anytime, Off-Peak, Super Off-Peak, and Advance tickets for up to four adults and a remarkable 60% off for up to four children aged 5 to 15. With two named adults on the Railcard, one can travel while the other is busy, making it convenient for families or groups.
The card is a great value, essentially costing approximately £2. 50 a month when purchased annually, and families traveling with children under 5 can include them for free, with each adult allowed to bring up to two under-fives.
Eligible individuals can secure the Railcard at any National Rail staffed station or licensed Travel Agent, even on the day of travel. In addition to providing significant discounts on train travel throughout Great Britain, purchasing the three-year option saves £20 compared to buying three annual cards separately. Overall, the Family and Friends Railcard not only makes family outings more affordable but is simple to acquire, ensuring that both everyday journeys and special occasions are financially manageable.
What Factors Affect LIRR Fares?
LIRR offers special fares and discounts for children and seniors, while recent changes in weekly pass rates may affect commuters. Various factors, including construction and development costs, significantly influence fare pricing. Ticket prices depend on travel type—single or round trip, peak or off-peak hours—and traveler category. One-way ticket prices generally range from approximately $3. 75 to $16. 50, with monthly passes varying as well. Commuters need to be aware that purchasing tickets in advance might not always be possible due to infrequent train schedules at certain stations.
LIRR operates 24/7 across over 700 miles of track on 11 branches, extending from Montauk to the city. Fare changes, set to come into effect on specific dates, will also alter prices for MTA-managed connecting services. Ticket buying options include in-person purchases before boarding or via mobile apps. The system is divided into fare zones, with CityTickets available for intra-city travel at off-peak and peak rates.
Additionally, fare evasion issues have been noted, often due to crowded trains hindering ticket collection. The MTA board has approved discounts for certain fare zones, impacting monthly pass costs significantly, while a field study will assess ridership changes due to lower fares on the LIRR.
How Much Does A LIRR Ride Cost?
LIRR ticket prices vary based on route, fare zones, and peak or off-peak travel times, typically ranging from $3. 75 to $16. 50 for one-way tickets. Costs can be between $4-$13 depending on the timing. Additionally, the LIRR offers flat fare promotions, like $5 tickets during off-peak or weekends at select stations. Tickets purchased aboard the train incur a surcharge of $5. 75-$6. 50 and are limited to one-way trips. The system employs a zone-based fare structure, with off-peak prices starting at $4 for one zone and escalating to $30 for ten zones.
Monthly and weekly ticket prices will see increases of up to 4. 5%. Notably, peak fares during business rush hours apply to LIRR services into NYC. Currently, a CityTicket for travel within NYC on LIRR or Metro-North costs $5 off-peak and $7 during peak hours. Recent changes include the return of peak pricing, previously suspended during the pandemic, and a new Grand Central Madison service launch on January 25, enhancing accessibility to JFK Airport.
In addition, a 10% discount on monthly passes was introduced, reducing costs significantly for frequent travelers. Ensure to monitor fare updates, ticket purchasing options via the app, and utilize fare charts for clarity on costs.
📹 How to use a LIRR ticket machine
Buying a ticket from flushing main Street to great neck.
Here are the links mentioned in the article: JFK to New York/Manhattan → youtu.be/wIb5sAgNkp8 How to use the MetroCard (and everything else you need to know) → youtu.be/3XHA4LczF2A MTA info page for LIRR and Metro-North Railroad → new.mta.info/fares/lirr-metro-north MTA Fare and Schedule → new.mta.info/fares-and-tolls/fare-information MTA Zones and Fare Table → new.mta.info/document/19751
¡Very helpful! Also, don’t confuse Port Washington and Port Jefferson, very different lines. A gotcha on the Port Jefferson line is that you sometimes have to change trains again at Huntington, from an electric train to a diesel. The catch is, at least when I made that trip, that the diesel train was a lot shorter than the electric train and there was no indication on the platform that the boarding area for the train was much shorter, so I found myself running for the train even though I had been waiting for several minutes for it to arrive. No fun.
Ahhh, “All Change at Jamaica!” This is one of the best articles I’ve seen of breaking down the LIRR, the oldest railroad in the country still under its original name. I think it might be the longest commuter system too by a single line, since a train from NYP to Montauk is well over 100 miles! Mild shame that dual-mode trains won’t be able to run to Grand Central Madison, but I understand why
Some trains that go through Jamaica at peak hours do not stop at Jamaica. Those are flyers. The best way to know at Penn if it stops at Jamaica is to see if the sign shows the Air train logo. Also you should never use 3rd party apps like city mapper for the LIRR. Many times they will show incorrect information if there are service changes on the weekend. Or it will tell you to transfer to a train that does not hold the connection.
This is an amazing tutorial, but if i were to be honest, I would hop on the bus at Jamaica to get to Flushing instead of backtracking via Woodside. There are a handful of buses that go from Jamaica to Flushing (e.g. Q44-SBS, Q17, Q20A/B, Q25/65.) Sure it might be a bit slower, but it shaves lots of time off of what would be an unnecessary backtrack.
Hi from near Hicksville, Long Island, NY. I’ve grown up and lived around here awhile but I want to move closer to the city. This article was well explained. Long Island gets a bad reputation, and I have a lot of issues with it. But, you are right. Go explore. There is a lot to see and do on Long Island. And, yes, the train costs a lot, but if you buy a few tickets at a time, the cost comes down dramatically. I buy a 20 trip Hicksville to Penn station for about $230. You get a discount, and it works out to about $6 a ride. Not bad at all. Yes, the schedules can be confusing. I also recommend looking at the time of the departing train. They will usually be time specific and so if you walk through penn station, you can find that exact time on the schedule board and just go to that track. Also, Woodside does have a connection to the #7 subway that you can take to flushing. Great article!
Great article as usual! I was curious why no one ever did a article on using the Long Island Railroad to get into Manhattan from LaGuardia Airport. I decided to take that option and make a article about it on our website. It had some very interesting pros and cons. No regrets, but it’s probably something I wouldn’t do again unless I was in a big hurry to get to that area of town
Great article! SMALL CORRECTIONS: The LIRR”S “City Terminal Zone” IS NOT THE SAME as CityTicket’s range. The CityTicket (peak & off-peak) can be used to go between any stops within the LEGAL LIMITS of New York City. This means that a CityTicket can take you east of Jamaica/Woodside all the way to/from Queens Village, Little Neck, Rosedale, or (as of 2023) Far Rockaway. Since Far Rockaway is both in NYC and the terminus (end) of the Far Rockaway Branch, the MTA has made it so CityTickets can only be purchased at that station and not the Long Island stations later down that branch. UPDATES: 1. The LIRR finally now runs into Grand Central Terminal, part of the City Terminal Zone. The LIRR terminal is much deeper than the rest of GCT, the LIRR service is only by electric trains NOT diesel services (must transfer), and service is less frequent than Penn Station. 2. Atlantic Shuttle is primarily served by shuttle mandating a Jamaica transfer for most customers, and 3. The aforementioned CityTicket now includes the Far Rockaway station. Minor nitpick: Ronkonkoma is pronounced Ron-KONG-kə-mə. Emphasis on the KONG, and the “Koma” is said like K-ah-ma. Listen to the automatic announcements on the LIRR M3 trains, the way he pronounces it is a local favorite. Otherwise great article.
Most electric lines do have trains that run into Penn station. It’s the diesel lines that don’t have this option. Same holds true for NJ transit. However, NJ transit lines are shifting to dual mode locomotives, so that 1 seat rides are possible in the same direction. The NYC regional rail system is almost 200 miles from Montauk in the east to High bridge in the west. That’s almost the distance from Ann Arbor to Chicago. In the future, I’m hoping a cross region Amtrak route could be run from one endpoint to the other with fewer stops (Like Trenton to Ronkonkoma or Babylon to Morristown).
Thank you for YouTube’s best LIRR explainer. I only had to take it briefly last year, when I was interviewing for a job in Nassau. The trains are nice, as is Jamaica station. (note: you can get to J-stay by subway! J and E lines.) By far the only awful thing on LIRR is the high, variable prices, compared to the subway. I understand it costs more to run longer train lines for fewer people. But then there are like 20 different prices listed and you have to find the right one for your journey, which to me adds another $2 of effort to deciding whether to take the train. I don’t think before taking the subway, but on LIRR I have to add math to my commute. ugh! I also originally found this website thru TrainTube! I hadn’t even been looking for articles about my own city, I watch a lot of public transit content (mostly Canadians). I like how, when you say “We have yet to find the perfect transit system” that a subscribe button appeared over your shoulder. Beautiful 🙌
Hi, may I ASK if E Train terminal is also on PENN STATION? Because I was told by my hotel to take E train from Jamaica and get off at 42nd st. and transfer to number 1 train. Can I take the LIRR ? I’M going to Amsterdam ave. this Dec. May I know the weather in New York as I’ll be arriving in tropical country. Appreciate your advice and Thank you so much GOD BLESS Merry Christmas
Brooklyn and Queens are not Long Island. They are not counties of long island. There is only Nassau and Suffolk. NYC=5 boroughs. BROOKLYN. Queens. Staten Island, Bronx and Manhattan. When people say I’m going to the city, they mean Manhattan. Noone ever says I’m from long island if from Brooklyn or Queens. That’s contradicting and incorrect. If you disagree please let the Federal, state and city tax law makers know. I would appreciate less taxes being taken from my paycheck.