LIRR Long Beach Branch 🔵 – Coastal Route Service
The LIRR Long Beach Branch is a busy coastal line from Penn Station and Jamaica to the popular spot of Long Beach. This location was ideal for many residents of Valley Stream, Lynbrook, Oceanside, Island Park, and East Rockaway since it was designed with the convenience of all the neighborhoods it served. It is especially busy during the summer, when thousands of riders utilize it to get to Long Beach for leisure. Year-round, the branch serves daily commuters looking for an expressway to reach Manhattan.
The combination of commuter train travel and leisure travel offers a great balance between short trips and long trips, thanks to frequent (every 30 min.) trains and beautiful travel between Long Beach Branch stations. Passengers transfer to other LIRR branches, subways, and the AirTrain JFK at Jamaica Station. As both a commuter line and a recreational one, it is one of the LIRR’s most versatile branches.
LIRR Long Beach Branch
Overview
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One of the LIRR’s South Shore electric branches
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Line color: Light Blue 🔵
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Route: From Long Beach (Nassau County) to Penn Station / Grand Central / Atlantic Terminal via Jamaica
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Fully electrified and served by M7 and M9 EMU trains
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Operates daily — with peak, off-peak, and weekend service
Address
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Long Beach Station: Located at Park Place & Park Avenue, Long Beach, NY 11561
Key Stations LIRR Long Beach Branch
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Long Beach
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Island Park
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Oceanside
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East Rockaway
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Centre Avenue
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Lynbrook (transfer to Far Rockaway Branch)
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Jamaica (transfer hub to all LIRR lines)
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Penn Station / Grand Central / Atlantic Terminal (NYC terminals)
LIRR Long Beach Branch Fares & Passes
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One-way: About $10.75 peak, $7.75 off-peak
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Monthly pass: Around $261
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Senior/Disabled fare: About $3.75
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CityTicket: Only valid within NYC, not between Long Beach and Manhattan
LIRR Long Beach Branch Connections & Transfers
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Jamaica Station: All LIRR branches, AirTrain JFK, NYC Subway (E, J, Z)
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Lynbrook Station: Connect to Far Rockaway Branch
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NYC Terminals: Subway lines and intercity services (Amtrak, Metro-North)
LIRR Long Beach Branch Schedule
Weekday (Monday – Friday AM)
| Time Period | Approx. Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 5:00 – 6:00 AM | Every 30–60 minutes | Early morning trains begin service from Long Beach |
| 6:00 – 7:30 AM | Every 20–30 minutes | Start of peak rush — increased service to NYC |
| 7:30 – 9:00 AM | Every 15–25 minutes | Peak rush hour — highest frequency toward Penn/GCT/Atlantic |
| 9:00 – 10:00 AM | Every 30–40 minutes | Mid-morning service continues at reduced intervals |
Weekday (Monday – Friday PM)
| Time Period | Approx. Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4:00 – 6:00 PM | Every 20–30 minutes | Peak evening rush from NYC to Long Beach |
| 6:00 – 8:00 PM | Every 30–40 minutes | Evening service continues regularly |
| 8:00 – 10:00 PM | Every 45–60 minutes | Late evening trains with wider gaps |
Weekend (Saturday – Sunday AM)
| Time Period | Approx. Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 5:30 – 7:00 AM | Every 60–90 minutes | Early morning service begins with limited trains |
| 7:00 – 10:00 AM | Every hour (approx.) | Regular hourly trains from Long Beach to NYC terminals |
| 10:00 – 12:00 PM | Every hour (approx.) | Service continues at steady hourly intervals |
Weekend (Saturday – Sunday PM)
| Time Period | Approx. Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 12:00 – 4:00 PM | Every 60 minutes | Steady hourly service from NYC terminals to Long Beach |
| 4:00 – 8:00 PM | Every 60 minutes | Regular service continues through early evening |
| 8:00 – 11:00 PM | Every 60–70 minutes | Late evening trains run with slightly wider gaps |
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FAQ
Q1: What are the main destinations served by the Long Beach Branch?
A: The Long Beach Branch operates between Long Beach and either Penn Station or Atlantic Terminal and between Lynbrook and Jamaica.
Q2: Is Long Beach Branch service impacted by seasonal demand?
A: Yes, it is not uncommon in the summer to have additional ridership as people go out to Long Beach to visit the beach.
Q3: Does the Long Beach Branch offer off-peak travel options?
A: Yes, during non-peak hours and on weekends, it is also possible to travel at the Long Beach Branch at a lower fare.
Q4: Are there any beach packages available on the Long Beach Branch?
A: LIRR can often be found advertising beach getaway packages at a discount, including the cost of the train and even the beach at Long Beach.
Q5: Can I bring bikes on the Long Beach Branch?
A: Yes, you can bring bikes to Long Beach Branch trains, but you have to comply with the LIRR bike policy and not ride during rush hours.
