Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) service is currently suspended until further notice as unions have gone on strike. For the hundreds of thousands of commuters who rely on the rail line to get in and out of New York City, this means travel times will increase significantly. However, getting to your destination is still possible through a variety of contingency plans.
- MTA Shuttles: Free limited shuttle buses are running during rush hours from six designated stations to Queens subway stops.
- NICE Bus: Nassau County residents can use NICE Bus service to connect to various subway lines in Queens.
- Monthly Passes: The MTA is issuing prorated refunds for May monthly ticket holders for business days where service is suspended.
- Citi Field: Special shuttles are available for the Yankees-Mets Subway Series.
MTA Free Shuttle Bus Service
The MTA is providing free, limited shuttle buses to help commuters reach the city during peak travel windows. These shuttles operate from six specific LIRR stations and deliver passengers to subway stops in Queens. Note that while the shuttle is free, standard fares still apply for the NYC subway or local buses.
Shuttle Operating Hours
- To Manhattan: 4:30 a.m. To 9 a.m.
- To Long Island: 3 p.m. To 7 p.m.
Route Breakdown
Service levels vary by station. Some offer both peak and reverse peak service, while others are limited to peak direction only.
Peak and Reverse Peak Service:
- Bay Shore (LIRR) to Howard Beach-JFK Airport (A train)
- Huntington (LIRR) to Jamaica-179 St (F train at Hillside Av and 179 St)
- Ronkonkoma (LIRR) to Jamaica-179 St (F train at Hillside Av and 179 St)
Peak Direction Service Only:
- Hempstead Lake State Park (near Lakeview LIRR) to Howard Beach-JFK Airport (A train)
- Hicksville (LIRR) to Howard Beach-JFK Airport (A train)
- Mineola (LIRR) to Howard Beach-JFK Airport (A train)
For more details, you can view the MTA’s official strike guidance.
Alternative Transit: NICE Bus
Commuters in Nassau County can utilize NICE Bus service to reach various points in Queens. This service is available during both peak and reverse peak times. Available connections include:
- 179 St (E/F trains): Routes N1, N6, N6X, N22, N22X, N24, N26
- Far Rockaway-Mott Av (A train): Routes N31, N31X/M, N32, N33
- Flushing-Main St (7 train): Routes N20G, N20X
- Jamaica Bus Terminal (Near F train at 169 St): Routes N1, N6, N6X, N22, N22X, N24, N26
- Jamaica Ctr-Parsons/Archer (E/J/Z trains): Routes N4, N4X
Detailed route information is available on the NICE Bus website.
Recommended Passenger Drop-Off Locations
If you are being driven to the city, the following subway stations in Queens are recommended drop-off points due to their proximity to major roadways. Crucially, these stations do not have parking lots; parking is not advised.
- Far Rockaway-Mott Avenue: A train
- Kew Gardens-Union Tpke: E/F trains
- Ozone Park-Lefferts Blvd: A train
- Sheepshead Bay: B/Q trains
- Woodhaven Blvd: J train
Getting to the Subway Series at Citi Field
Fans attending the Yankees-Mets Subway Series this weekend can still reach the ballpark. The Mets have expanded their existing game-day shuttle routes and introduced a new line from the Manhasset LIRR station.
Shuttle Pricing:
- Round-trip ticket: $8.99
- Manhasset route family pack (four people): $25
If the strike is lifted and LIRR service resumes, all shuttle ticket purchases will be automatically refunded.
Refunds for Monthly Ticket Holders
The MTA has confirmed that monthly ticket holders for May will receive prorated refunds for any business days during which service is suspended because of the strike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the MTA shuttle buses free?
Yes, the shuttle buses from the designated LIRR stations to the subway stops are free. However, you must still pay the standard fare to use the NYC subway or other city buses.
Where can I park my car to take the subway?
The MTA recommends specific drop-off points in Queens (such as Woodhaven Blvd or Sheepshead Bay), but explicitly warns that these stations lack parking lots. Commuters should seek designated parking garages or use the shuttle and NICE bus alternatives.
How do I get a refund for my LIRR monthly pass?
The MTA is handling prorated refunds for May monthly ticket holders automatically for the business days affected by the service suspension.