Changes to LIRR West Hempstead Branch service in 2023

Learn about changes to West Hempstead Branch service.

Archived page

This page describes service changes that were made in February 2023 and does not reflect subsequent service adjustments.

More trains will run on the West Hempstead Branch when the new schedule begins. To reduce delays caused by trains crossing in front of each other at Valley Stream, West Hempstead Branch trains will no longer stop there. All trains have been extended to or through Jamaica, where you can make all transfers. 

All West Hempstead Branch trains will stop at St. Albans and will be the primary service at that station. Babylon Branch trains will only stop there during weekday commute hours, in both directions. 

Peak service

Five trains will depart West Hempstead in the morning: two to Penn Station, one to Grand Central, two to Atlantic Terminal, and one to Jamaica. This is one more train than we are running today, and three more one-seat rides to Manhattan. 

Six trains will depart for West Hempstead in the afternoon: three from Penn Station, and one each from Grand Central, Atlantic Terminal, and Jamaica. This is one more train than we are running today and introduces direct afternoon rush service from Manhattan for the first time. 

Some Babylon Branch trains will also stop at St. Albans to provide additional service, for a total of nine morning and 10 afternoon departures at that station. 

Off-peak service

Trains will run roughly every hour between West Hempstead and Atlantic Terminal middays, evenings, and weekends, twice as often as we are running today. Change at Jamaica for service to and from Manhattan. 

Some Babylon Branch trains will stop at St. Albans during the weekday reverse peak.