LIRR Tickets – Navigating the ticketing system on the Long Island Rail Road can seem daunting, but fret not! I’m here to break down the different types of tickets, fares, and purchasing options.
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LIRR Tickets [Long Island Rail Road Tickets]
Types of LIRR Tickets:
| Allows a round trip between two specified stations. Usually, two one-way tickets bundled together, often with a slight discount. | |
| Ten-Trip | A set of 10 one-way tickets at a discount. Valid for six months from the date of purchase. |
| Weekly | Unlimited rides between two specified stations for a week (Monday to Sunday). |
| Monthly | Unlimited rides between two specified stations for a calendar month. |
| CityTicket | Discounted one-way fare for travel within New York City during off-peak hours on weekends. |
| Off-Peak | Discounted one-way ticket for travel during off-peak hours. |
| Peak | Full-price one-way ticket for travel during peak hours. |
| Senior/Disabled | Discounted tickets for seniors (65+) and individuals with disabilities. Proof of eligibility required. |
| Student Monthly | Discounted monthly tickets for full-time students attending approved schools. |
| Group Fare | Discounted tickets for groups of 30 or more people traveling together. Advance purchase required. |
| Mail & Ride | Monthly ticket subscription service, delivered to the customer’s address. |
| Getaway Packages | Special ticket packages that include round-trip rail tickets and admission to events or attractions. Available for specific destinations and events. |
- Single-ride ticket: The most popular choice for occasional riders. Price depends on travel distance and time of day (peak vs. off-peak).
- Round-trip ticket: Offers a discount compared to buying two single-ride tickets.
- 10-trip ticket: Provides 10 rides at a discounted rate compared to single-ride tickets. Valid for one year and transferable between individuals.
- Zone ticket: Valid for unlimited travel within designated fare zones for a fixed price. Ideal for short trips within specific areas.
- CityTicket: Offers unlimited rides on LIRR trains, subways, and buses within NYC for a specific period (24, 48, or 72 hours). Ideal for exploring the city without worrying about multiple fares.
- E-Tix: Mobile tickets purchased online or through the LIRR TrainTime app. Contactless and convenient.
- MetroCard: Valid for travel on select LIRR branches within fare zones you’ve paid for.
Factors Affecting Fares:
- Travel distance: The farther you travel, the higher the fare.
- Time of day: Peak fares apply during weekdays (6:00 AM – 10:00 AM & 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM) and are generally higher than off-peak fares.
- Ticket type: Round-trip and multi-ride tickets offer discounts compared to single-ride tickets.
- Additional options: Seniors (65+), people with disabilities, and Medicare cardholders qualify for reduced fares.
Purchasing LIRR Tickets:
- MTA eTix: Purchase tickets online or through the LIRR TrainTime app for contactless travel.
- Ticket vending machines: Available at all LIRR stations. Accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards.
- Ticket offices: Staffed offices at select stations can assist with ticket purchases and inquiries.
- MetroCard: Use your MetroCard on designated LIRR branches within fare zones you’ve paid for.
LIRR city Ticket [LIRR Train Tickets]
The LIRR CityTicket is a discounted fare option for traveling within New York City limits on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR). It offers a convenient and affordable way to explore the city without worrying about multiple fares.
Where is it valid?
The CityTicket is valid for travel on the LIRR within the five boroughs of New York City: Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island. You can use it on any LIRR station within these limits.
How much does it cost?
The CityTicket comes in two price options:
- $5: Valid for off-peak travel (weekdays before 6:00 AM and after 10:00 AM, weekends and holidays all day)
- $7: Valid for peak travel (weekdays between 6:00 AM and 10:00 AM, 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM)
What are the benefits?
- Affordable: The CityTicket offers significant savings compared to regular LIRR fares within NYC limits.
- Convenient: No need to switch between different fare systems or purchase separate tickets for subways and buses. With the CityTicket, you have unlimited rides on LIRR trains, subways, and buses within NYC for the duration of your ticket.
- Flexible: Choose from 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour ticket options to suit your travel plans.
Who is it for?
The CityTicket is ideal for:
- Tourists and visitors exploring New York City.
- Long Islanders traveling within the city for work, leisure, or appointments.
- Anyone who wants a convenient and affordable way to get around NYC.
How to purchase – Buy LIRR Tickets
- You can purchase the CityTicket online through the MTA eTix website or app.
- You can also buy it at ticket vending machines at select LIRR stations within NYC limits.
- Cash, credit cards, and debit cards are accepted.
Things to remember:
- The CityTicket is not valid for travel outside of NYC limits.
- It is a one-way ticket, meaning you cannot use it for return travel.
- You need to activate your CityTicket before boarding the train or bus.
- Keep your CityTicket with you during your trip for inspection by transit personnel.
LIRR Ticket Prices
| Ticket Type | Adult (Ages 12-64) | Child (Ages 5-11) | Senior (65+) | Disabled/Disabled Veteran |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daily | ||||
| - Peak (Round Trip) | $20.00 | $10.00 | $10.00 | $10.00 |
| - Off-Peak (Round Trip) | $15.00 | $7.50 | $7.50 | $7.50 |
| Weekly | ||||
| - Peak | $100.00 | $50.00 | $50.00 | $50.00 |
| - Off-Peak | $75.00 | $37.50 | $37.50 | $37.50 |
| Monthly | ||||
| - Peak | $375.00 | $187.50 | $187.50 | $187.50 |
| - Off-Peak | $275.00 | $137.50 | $137.50 | $137.50 |
Notes:
- Daily Tickets: Allow for a round-trip journey. Peak times typically refer to weekday morning and evening rush hours, while off-peak times are outside of these periods.
- Weekly Tickets: Valid for unlimited rides within the selected fare zones for a week.
- Monthly Tickets: Valid for unlimited rides within the selected fare zones for a month.
Discounts for children under 5 are typically free, and specific fare details should be checked for each station and fare zone.
| Ticket Type | Fare Range (Off-Peak) | Fare Range (Peak) |
| Single-Ride Ticket | $4.75 – $23.75 | $6.00 – $30.00 |
| Round-Trip Ticket | 1.5x Single-Ride Fare (Off-Peak) | 1.75x Single-Ride Fare (Peak) |
| 10-Trip Ticket | $36.75 – $186.00 | $45.00 – $225.00 |
| Zone Ticket | $4.00 – $12.00 (Fixed within zone) | $6.00 – $18.00 (Fixed within zone) |
| CityTicket | $5 (Off-Peak) | $7 (Peak) |
- This table presents approximate fare ranges for travel distances between 11-20 miles. Fares will vary depending on the actual distance you travel.
- “Off-peak” fares apply weekdays before 6:00 AM and after 10:00 AM, weekends, and holidays all day.
- “Peak” fares apply weekdays between 6:00 AM and 10:00 AM, 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM.
- Discounted fares are available for seniors (65+), people with disabilities, and Medicare cardholders.
LIRR Tickets Online
Purchasing LIRR tickets online offers a convenient and time-saving alternative to traditional methods. Here’s a breakdown of your options:
Platform:
- MTA eTix website
- LIRR TrainTime app: Available for iOS and Android
Features:
- Browse and purchase tickets for all LIRR branches and stations.
- Choose from various ticket types (single-ride, round-trip, 10-trip, zone ticket, CityTicket).
- Select your travel date and time to see specific fare options.
- Purchase tickets for multiple passengers in one transaction.
- Use saved payment methods for faster purchases.
- Manage your eTix account to view past purchases and download tickets.
Benefits:
- Skip ticket vending machine lines and purchase tickets on the go.
- Secure payment processing protects your financial information.
- Receive mobile eTix for contactless boarding (no paper ticket needed).
- Easily manage reservations and purchases anytime, anywhere.
LIRR Ticket App
There are actually two primary apps you can use for Long Island Rail road Ticket:
1. LIRR TrainTime App:
- Available on: iOS and Android
- Features:
- Purchase a variety of ticket types including single-ride, round-trip, 10-trip, zone tickets, and CityTickets.
- View real-time train schedules and track train locations.
- Set up alerts for delays, service changes, and track your upcoming trips.
- Manage your eTix account and saved payment methods.
- Use contactless mobile tickets for boarding.
- Benefits:
- All-in-one app for planning, purchasing, and managing your LIRR experience.
- Real-time information enhances trip planning and reduces stress.
- Mobile tickets offer convenience and security.
- Considerations:
- No option for purchasing monthly or weekly passes.
- May experience occasional technical issues like other mobile apps.
2. MTA eTix App:
- Available on: iOS and Android
- Features:
- Primarily focused on purchasing tickets.
- Offers similar ticket types as LIRR TrainTime app.
- Manage your eTix account and saved payment methods.
- View and download purchased tickets.
- Benefits:
- User-friendly interface specifically designed for ticket purchases.
- Manage multiple eTix accounts within one app (helpful for families).
- Considerations:
- Lacks additional features like train tracking and trip planning found in LIRR TrainTime app.
Choosing the Right App:
- If you want an all-in-one app for LIRR travel, including ticket purchases, trip planning, and real-time updates, the LIRR TrainTime app is your best choice.
- If you primarily focus on purchasing tickets and appreciate a dedicated app for that purpose, the MTA eTix app could be more suitable.
LIRR Tickets Monthly Pass
| Monthly Pass Type | Estimated Fare Range | Additional Notes |
| Zone Ticket | $120 – $400+ | Price depends on the specific zone(s) covered. |
| Unlimited Monthly Pass | $330 – $500+ | Price varies based on travel distance and peak vs. off-peak usage. |
| Long Island Rail Road Commuter Ticket | $170 – $400+ | Available for specific travel zones and requires proof of regular commuting. |
LIRR Senior Ticket Prices
Seniors (65+) and Medicare cardholders qualify for discounted fares on the LIRR! While I can’t offer a complete table due to numerous influencing factors, here’s a breakdown of available options:
Types of Discounted Tickets:
- Single-ride ticket: 50% off regular fare (both peak and off-peak)
- Round-trip ticket: 1.5x single-ride fare (discounted)
- 10-trip ticket: 50% off the regular 10-trip ticket price (valid for 1 year)
- Zone ticket: 50% off regular zone ticket price (fixed within the zone)
- CityTicket: Regular price ($5 off-peak, $7 peak) applies to seniors as well.
- Monthly passes: Senior discounts are available on various monthly passes, ranging from 33% to 50% off, depending on the specific pass type and travel zone.
How to buy LIRR Tickets
Here are the different ways you can purchase LIRR tickets:
Online:
- MTA eTix website:
- Purchase a variety of ticket types, including single-ride, round-trip, 10-trip, zone tickets, and CityTickets.
- User-friendly interface.
- Manage multiple eTix accounts within one app (helpful for families).
- LIRR TrainTime app: Available for iOS and Android
- Offers all features of the MTA eTix website, plus:
- View real-time train schedules and track train locations.
- Set up alerts for delays, service changes, and track your upcoming trips.
- Use contactless mobile tickets for boarding.
- All-in-one app for planning, purchasing, and managing your LIRR experience.
- Offers all features of the MTA eTix website, plus:
At stations:
- Ticket vending machines: Accept cash, credit cards, and debit cards.
- Ticket offices: Staffed offices at select stations can assist with ticket purchases and inquiries.
Additional Methods:
- MetroCard: Use your MetroCard on designated LIRR branches within fare zones you’ve paid for.
- Mail & Ride: Purchase monthly tickets (Commuter Ticket only) through the mail with a pre-authorized payment method.
Important reminders:
- Purchase tickets in advance: Avoid lines and ensure ticket availability, especially during peak hours.
- Activate eTix before boarding: Show your mobile ticket to a conductor or scan it at a designated kiosk.
- Bring proof of age/Medicare card for senior discounts.
- Discounted fares are not applicable to peak fares on westbound weekday morning trains.
Q: How much are LIRR Train Tickets?
A: LIRR ticket prices vary depending on the route, fare zones, and ticket type. For a one-way ticket, prices generally range from around $3.75 to $16.50. A monthly pass for a full-time commute can range from approximately $150 to $500.
Q: How much is a LIRR Ticket on the Train?
A: Tickets purchased on the train may incur an additional surcharge, typically around $5. It is generally recommended to purchase tickets before boarding to avoid this extra fee.
Q: How to buy a Ticket for LIRR?
- Online: Purchase tickets via the MTA eTix app or the MTA website.
- At Stations: Buy tickets from ticket vending machines or ticket booths at LIRR stations.
- Onboard: Tickets can be purchased from conductors onboard, though an additional fee may apply.