Jamaica Station is one of the busiest and most significant transit hubs on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) network, located in the Jamaica neighborhood of Queens, New York City. It serves as a central transfer point for many LIRR lines, providing connections to a wide range of destinations across Long Island and to Manhattan.
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Location of LIRR Jamaica yard: Jamaica Station is situated at Sutphin Boulevard and Archer Avenue in Queens, New York. The station complex includes connections to various forms of transportation, making it a key hub for commuters and travelers.
Jamaica LIRR Station Layout
Platforms and Tracks:
- LIRR station Jamaica has 10 platforms and 8 tracks. The platforms are arranged in a two-level configuration, with the upper level housing most of the LIRR services and the lower level providing access to additional tracks and services.
- The station features both island platforms (platforms with tracks on both sides) and side platforms (platforms with tracks on only one side).
Facilities:
- Waiting Areas: The Jamaica LIRR station has several waiting areas for passengers, equipped with seating and digital screens displaying train schedules and track assignments.
- Ticketing: There are multiple ticket booths and automated ticket machines available throughout the station for purchasing LIRR tickets.
- Restrooms: Public restrooms are available within the station complex.
Transportation Connections
LIRR Services:
- Jamaica Station is a key transfer point for several LIRR branches, including the Babylon, Far Rockaway, Hempstead, Long Beach, Montauk, Oyster Bay, Port Jefferson, Port Washington, and Ronkonkoma branches. It offers frequent service to Penn Station, Atlantic Terminal, and other destinations.
- The station serves both local and express trains, making it a critical stop for many commuters.
AirTrain JFK:
- Jamaica Station is a major hub for the AirTrain JFK, which provides direct service to all terminals at John F. Kennedy International Airport. The AirTrain can be accessed from the lower level of the station.
Subway Connections:
- The station is connected to the New York City Subway system, providing access to the E, J, and Z lines. The E train offers express service to Manhattan, while the J and Z trains run along the Jamaica Line, serving parts of Brooklyn and Queens.
Bus Services:
- Numerous MTA bus routes serve Jamaica Station, offering connections to various parts of Queens and beyond.
Amenities and Services
Shops and Dining:
- Jamaica Station features a variety of retail shops and dining options, including coffee shops, newsstands, and fast food outlets.
Accessibility:
- The station is fully accessible, with elevators and ramps providing access to all platforms and facilities. There are designated waiting areas and ticket counters for passengers with disabilities.
Security and Safety:
- The station is monitored by the MTA Police Department, with officers present to ensure the safety and security of passengers. Security cameras are also installed throughout the station.
Historical and Structural Details
History:
- Jamaica Station has been a key transportation hub since its opening in the 19th century. It has undergone several renovations and upgrades over the years to accommodate increasing passenger traffic and modernize its facilities.
Architecture:
- The station features a mix of historical and modern architectural elements, with a large overpass and concourse area that provides easy access between platforms and facilities.
Usage and Importance
Passenger Volume:
- Jamaica Station is one of the busiest stations in the LIRR network, handling a large volume of passengers daily. It is a crucial transfer point for those traveling between Long Island and Manhattan, as well as those connecting to JFK Airport.
Economic and Cultural Significance:
- The station serves as an important economic and cultural hub in Queens, supporting local businesses and providing access to key destinations in New York City.
LIRR Schedule to Jamaica Station
Weekdays Schedule
| Origin Station | Early Morning | Morning Rush | Midday | Afternoon Rush | Evening | Late Night |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penn Station | 5:10 AM, 5:30 AM | 6:00 AM - 10:00 AM (every 10-15 min) | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (every 20 min) | 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM (every 10-15 min) | 8:00 PM - 12:00 AM (every 20 min) | 12:20 AM, 1:20 AM |
| Atlantic Terminal | 5:05 AM, 5:25 AM | 6:00 AM - 10:00 AM (every 15 min) | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (every 20 min) | 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM (every 15 min) | 8:00 PM - 12:00 AM (every 20 min) | 12:15 AM, 1:15 AM |
| Ronkonkoma | 5:00 AM, 5:30 AM | 6:00 AM - 9:00 AM (every 30 min) | 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM (every 30-60 min) | 3:30 PM - 7:00 PM (every 30 min) | 7:30 PM - 11:00 PM (every 30-60 min) | 11:30 PM, 12:30 AM |
| Huntington | 5:15 AM, 5:45 AM | 6:15 AM - 9:15 AM (every 30 min) | 9:45 AM - 3:15 PM (every 30-60 min) | 3:45 PM - 7:15 PM (every 30 min) | 7:45 PM - 11:15 PM (every 30-60 min) | 11:45 PM, 12:45 AM |
| Babylon | 5:00 AM, 5:30 AM | 6:00 AM - 9:00 AM (every 20-30 min) | 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM (every 30 min) | 3:30 PM - 7:00 PM (every 20-30 min) | 7:30 PM - 11:00 PM (every 30 min) | 11:30 PM, 12:30 AM |
Weekend Schedule
| Origin Station | Early Morning | Morning | Midday | Afternoon | Evening | Late Night |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Penn Station | 5:10 AM, 5:30 AM | 6:00 AM - 10:00 AM (every 20 min) | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (every 20-30 min) | 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM (every 20 min) | 8:00 PM - 12:00 AM (every 20-30 min) | 12:20 AM, 1:20 AM |
| Atlantic Terminal | 5:05 AM, 5:25 AM | 6:00 AM - 10:00 AM (every 20 min) | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (every 20-30 min) | 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM (every 20 min) | 8:00 PM - 12:00 AM (every 20-30 min) | 12:15 AM, 1:15 AM |
| Ronkonkoma | 5:00 AM, 5:30 AM | 6:00 AM - 9:00 AM (every 30 min) | 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM (every 60 min) | 3:30 PM - 7:00 PM (every 30-60 min) | 7:30 PM - 11:00 PM (every 60 min) | 11:30 PM, 12:30 AM |
| Huntington | 5:15 AM, 5:45 AM | 6:15 AM - 9:15 AM (every 30 min) | 9:45 AM - 3:15 PM (every 60 min) | 3:45 PM - 7:15 PM (every 30-60 min) | 7:45 PM - 11:15 PM (every 60 min) | 11:45 PM, 12:45 AM |
| Babylon | 5:00 AM, 5:30 AM | 6:00 AM - 9:00 AM (every 30 min) | 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM (every 60 min) | 3:30 PM - 7:00 PM (every 30-60 min) | 7:30 PM - 11:00 PM (every 60 min) | 11:30 PM, 12:30 AM |
Jamaica Station’s strategic location and comprehensive range of services make it an essential part of the New York metropolitan area’s transportation infrastructure.