LIRR Hempstead Gardens Station – Community Stop
The West Hempstead Branch LIRR Hempstead Gardens Station is a small yet significant commuter station, which has rough accessibility amenities like ADA accessibility and ramps that allow easy access to the station. The station possesses one platform with one track that is easy to navigate. It lies within the LIRR fare zones, and one could also buy tickets through ticket machines that are conveniently placed. Although this station does not offer parking and bicycle services, the travelers can use the facilities available in the surrounding such as buses and taxis, as well as Rideshare services.
The station is completely electrified, facilitating effective service, and it has been rebuilt and renovated over the years. Its milestones in history are when it opened in 1893, when it was rebuilt in 192,8, and when it was electrified in 1926. Commute traffic and daily ridership in the station are modest, and the travel time is faster to major stations such as Penn Station and Grand Central. The local shops, small parks, and community services are some of the neighborhood attractions.
LIRR Hempstead Garden Station
Hempstead Garden Station Address
- Hampstead Garden Drive and Chestnut Street, West Hempstead, NY, is located in 11552
Hempstead Garden Station Layout & Platforms
- This is a one-track station with one side platform, and thus, it is simple to utilize.
- The site is ADA accessible with access ramps.
- There is a provision of basic shelters on the platform to shield passengers against the weather.
- There are signs and announcements that direct commuters concerning the arrival and departure of trains.
- There is very little space in the station, which makes boarding and getting out fast.
- There is a single track, hence all the trains in the two directions have the same platform.
- No parking or bicycle facilities are available, and most of the passengers come on foot or by transit.
- There are ticket machines located close to the platform where one can purchase the fare.
Accessibility and ADA Features of Hempstead Garden
- The station is ADA-compliant and is thus more convenient to all passengers.
- There are ramps to have easy access to the platform.
- Its level is very high so that it can board trains easily.
- Good signage assists passengers in directions and guides and directions.
- Waiting area shelters are comfortable.
- The passengers are informed on trains and schedules through announcements.
- Ramps are developed to be accessible and should be allowed to be pedestrians.
Transit Connections at Hempstead Garden Station
- Buses: It is easy to get around Hempstead and other places as the local buses make stops close to the station.
- Taxis: There are nearby taxi stands where people can board taxis or call to get one.
- Rideshare: Rides such as Uber and Lyft can be used to quickly pick up and drop off.
- Walking: A large number of individuals walk to the station as the station is located in a residential area.
- No Bike Racks or Parking: The station does not have a parking lot or bike racks, and therefore, most travelers utilize public transport or share rides.
Ticketing & Fare Zone Information
- At the station, there are ticket machines where one can purchase a ticket prior to loading into the station.
- Mobile convenience: Tickets may be bought through the MTA TrainTime app.
- Hempstead Gardens is in LIRR Fare Zone 4.
- Peak (rush hour) and off-peak (non-rush hour) travel fares are different.
- The railroad offers fare discounts to children, seniors, and disabled passengers.
- The passengers who do not buy a ticket in advance might be charged with a higher onboard fare.
- The app and information boards present the information regarding the latest prices of tickets and the areas of travel.
Parking and Bicycle Facilities
- There are no car parking facilities in the station.
- Bicycle racks and storage facilities are not available.
- The majority of the passengers walk, use a bus, taxi, or rideshare to get to the station.
- It has no parking, and therefore, it is primarily a commuter destination.
- Passengers requiring parking or bike services normally use adjacent larger stations in the West Hempstead Branch.
Hempstead Gardens Train Station Schedule
Weekday Schedule (Monday – Friday)
| Arrival / Departure | Origin / Direction | Next Major Station (Valley Stream or Jamaica) | Destination via Jamaica | Travel Time from Island to NYC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:02 AM | West Hempstead → Lakeview | Jamaica at ~7:19 AM | Grand Central / Penn Station | ~51 min from Hempstead Gardens |
| 8:22 AM | West Hempstead → Lakeview | Jamaica at ~8:19 AM | Grand Central | ~32 min |
| 9:22 AM | West Hempstead → Lakeview | Jamaica at ~9:19 AM | Penn Station | ~<45 min |
| 10:15 AM | West Hempstead → Lakeview | Jamaica at ~10:17 AM | Grand Central | ~35 min |
| 11:15 AM | West Hempstead → Lakeview | Jamaica at ~11:19 AM | Penn Station | ~38 min |
| 12:15 PM | West Hempstead → Lakeview | Jamaica at ~12:19 PM | Grand Central / Penn Station | ~40 min |
| 1:15 PM | West Hempstead → Lakeview | Jamaica at ~1:19 PM | Varies by release schedule | ~40–45 min |
Weekend Schedule (Saturday – Sunday)
| Train | Departure Time | Destination | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7742 | 6:23 AM | Atlantic Terminal | Connection via Jamaica |
| 7744 | 8:23 AM | Penn Station | Connection via Jamaica |
| 7746 | 10:23 AM | Atlantic Terminal | |
| 7748 | 12:23 PM | Penn Station | |
| 7750 | 2:23 PM | Atlantic Terminal | |
| 7752 | 4:23 PM | Penn Station | |
| 7754 | 6:23 PM | Atlantic Terminal | |
| 7756 | 8:23 PM | Penn Station | |
| 7758 | 10:23 PM | Atlantic Terminal |
Hempstead Garden Station Popular Nearby Restaurants
1. Turkuaz Mediterranean Gourmet
- Food: Turkish/Mediterranean
- Distance: ~ 0.6 km
- Highlight: Known for delicious Kebabs, Hummus, Gougeres, and Baklava
2. Big Bang Sushi & Poke
- Food: Japanese (Sushi and Poke Bowls)
- Distance: ~ 0.1 km on Hempstead Turnpike
- Highlight: Fresh bowls and rolls, quick grab-and-go fare
3. Sushi Palace
- Food: Japanese/Sushi
- Distance: ~ 0.7 km
- Highlight: Often praised for efficient service and solid sushi options
4. Aspinoza Deli
- Food: Deli / Latin American
- Distance: ~ 0.1 km
- Highlight: The perfect place for sandwiches and snacks close to the station.
5. Greek City Grill
- Food: Greek/Mediterranean
- Distance: ~ 1.2 km
- Highlight: Authentic Mediterranean Sea Prep and friendly service were praised
6. Frankly Thai Authentic Cuisine
- Food: Thai
- Distance: ~ 2 km towards Hempstead TPK
- Highlight: Delicious Thai dishes, some high price point
7. Filomena’s Restaurant
- Food: Italian
- Distance: ~ 2.2 km
- Highlight: Known for generous portions, ideal for family food
FAQs
Q1: What is Hempstead Gardens Station, and where is it located?
A: Hempstead Gardens Train Station on the West Hempstead Branch of the Long Island Rail Road, located at Hempstead Gardens Drive & Chestnut Street, West Hempstead, NY, 4.1miles from the branch’s eastern terminus at West Hempstead.
Q2: What Hempstead Gardens station facilities are available?
- Accessibility—Completely ADA-accessible, with ramp access and tactile warning strips to help blind riders.
- Amenities: One four-car-long side platform serving a single track on the east side; space for a second track next door but not yet utilized.
- Ticketing: 2 ticket vending machines (selling only one-way and round-trip tickets) on the platform; no ticket office.
- Features: No waiting room, no parking lot, no bike rack—just a roof over benches and ticket vending machines
Q3: What is the current fare zone and ticket information?
A: Hempstead Gardens is a Zone 4 LIRR station. Zone 4 travel: About $6.25 off-peak; about $8 peak for one-way fares, depending on destination and method of paper ticket purchase. You will be charged a little extra on board, but you won’t be charged by the railroad when you board in one of the stations where there is neither a ticket office nor a ticket machine, like Hempstead Gardens.
Q4: When was the station built and electrified?
- Opened in 1893 as a station shed for the New York Bay Extension Railroad.
- Ready to go electric: The West Hempstead Branch (then part of the Long Island Rail Road) was electrified on Friday, October 19, 1926, between Mineola and Penn Station.
- State: approximately 1973, with a high-level ADA-compliant platform added in 1973; full structural rebuild with shelter and ramp in the approximate the mid‑1990s.
Q5: What transit connections and nearby stations are available?
A: Transit: Nassau Inter‑County Express routes stop nearby (e.g., Chestnut St / Woodfield, Hempstead Ave & Chestnut St.) for a 3–9 min walk.
- Train transfers: West Hempstead Station is about 1,300 yards (~16 min walk) down the branch.
- Hempstead Station (Hempstead Branch) is ≈3,383 yards (~40 min walk), with much more frequent service and wider-reaching destinations
