Family Guide

Train Travel is Easy, Affordable and Fun!

MTA Long Island Rail Road is the best way to get to the excitement in New York City and on Long Island. The LIRR offers a host of ideas for families to save money and have fun too.

Introduction
There are many interesting, educational and fun things to do in New York City and on Long Island and the Long Island Rail Road can take you to them. The LIRR is the fast, convenient and relaxing way to travel and our special fares save you money as well.

Buying Tickets
The best way to buy tickets is to purchase them in advance. Purchasing tickets on board trains is a cash-only transaction and is the most expensive option. The Long Island Rail Road makes buying tickets easy. Tickets are sold at ticket offices and ticket machines. Ten Trip, Weekly and Monthly Tickets are also sold through WebTicket and are delivered by mail.

Ticket Offices
Ticket offices sell all ticket types and offer certain values of MetroCard when purchased with LIRR tickets. Ticket offices accept cash, checks, ATM/debit and major credit cards. Ticket office hours are posted at stations or on the web.

Ticket Machines
The Long Island Rail Road has three (3) types of ticket machines:

• Gray, full-service ticket machines, which sell most ticket types and pre-valued MetroCards, accept cash, ATM/debit cards and credit cards.
• Blue ticket machines also sell most ticket types and pre-valued MetroCards, but accept ATM/debit or credit cards only.
• Red, daily ticket machines sell one way and round trip tickets as well as some types of pre-valued Metrocards. These machines accept cash, ATM/debit or credit cards.

WebTicket
Ten-Trip, Monthly and Weekly Tickets are also sold online at WebTicket. Tickets are mailed within 3-5 business days and postage is FREE.

Ticket Types
The Long Island Rail Road offers a variety of ticket types. The following types would be most advantageous for families traveling together.

Off-Peak Ten-Trip
Good on off peak trains to/from Zone 1 only. Offer a discount of up to 15% off the price of 10 regular off peak fares. People traveling together can share these tickets. Ticket is valid for six months from date of sale.

Family Fare
Good on off-peak trains only. Up to four children ages 5-11 travel for just 75 cents when purchased in advance, $1.00 onboard trains when accompanied by an adult. Children under 5 ride free. Valid for 14 days from date of sale.

• The above tickets are not good for travel on LIRR trains arriving in western terminals before 10:00 AM and departing western terminals between 4:00PM and 8:00PM weekdays. These tickets are good anytime on Saturdays and Sundays.

Senior Fare
For individuals 65 years of age or older, people with disabilities and Medicare card-holders. Cost is one-half the peak fare. Available for one way or round trip travel and good for 14 days from date of sale.

Senior Ten-Trip
This convenience ticket is sold at the price of 10 senior/people with disabilities one-way fares. Ticket can be shared and is good for six months from date of sale. Valid ID is required.

• The above tickets are good for travel on all LIRR trains except those scheduled to arrive at western terminals before 10:00 AM weekdays. Good all other times.

Child Ticket
When traveling on Peak (rush hour) trains, children ages 5-11 require a Child Fare ticket - which costs about half the price of an adult Peak ticket.

Age 12+
Those age 12 and over pay the adult fare at all times.

Buy Before Boarding
You'll save money if you allow enough time to buy LIRR tickets at a Ticket Machine or Ticket Window, before boarding the train. Most LIRR tickets cost about $6 more if bought onboard the train.

Travel Planning Made Easy
Just about everything you need to plan a fun, family trip is available on our website. You can get Schedule & Fares information as well as station locations and attributes. You can also find out information about our getaways and special discount offers.

Station and Branch Timetables
LIRR Schedules are printed in a large version for each branch and in pocketsize for stations. They can be found in convenient timetable racks at stations and terminals. You can also get Schedules & Fares information online or by phone at 718-217-5477.

New York City Getaways
The best city in the world is just a train ride away. The LIRR offers discount packages to many New York City attractions, such as Madame Tussauds New York and the American Museum of Natural History. Included in the package price are round-trip rail fare and attraction admission. Some offer child fares too.

Long Island One-Day Getaways
Discover some of the most beautiful and interesting spots on Long Island with an enjoyable One-Day Escorted Tour or Package. Our One-Day Getaways are offered from May through November and include discounted round-trip rail fare, sightseeing and admission to attractions. Some Getaways even include tastings or meals.

Packages and Discounts
Other offers are available throughout the year including free rail or discount packages to Broadway shows, LI Beaches, Splish Splash and many more.

Restrooms
Restrooms are usually available in open station waiting rooms; hours of availability are posted. On trains, cars with odd numbers are restroom equipped. Restrooms on our newer trains are handicapped accessible.

Travel Information
You can also get details on all of the information above by calling our Travel Information Center. We have a voice-activated system that's easy to use by calling 718-217-5477. Deaf/Hard of Hearing Customers - Use your preferred relay service provider or the free 711 relay to reach 718-217-5477.