Jamaica station

Jamaica station is a very important train station on the Long Island Rail Road in Jamaica, Queens, New York City. It is very busy, with more than 200,000 people using it each weekday. It is the largest train station on Long Island and the fourth-busiest rail station in all of North America. Over 1,000 trains pass through Jamaica station every day.

The station has six platforms and ten tracks for Long Island Rail Road trains. It is connected to the AirTrain JFK, which takes people to John F. Kennedy International Airport. There are also subway connections below the station and many bus routes nearby.

Jamaica station is where three main train lines meet, making it a key spot for travelers. Starting around 2028, it will also be a stop for Amtrak’s Northeast Regional trains going to Ronkonkoma station.

History

Original stations

Before the current Jamaica station, there were two other stations in the same area. The first was built around 1836 and was called "Old Jamaica." It was used until it was torn down in 1912. The second station, called Jamaica–Beaver Street, was built in 1867 and later removed in 1913. Both stations served different train lines.

Construction of current station

The present Jamaica station was built between 1912 and 1913 to replace the older stations. It was designed to make it easier for trains to switch tracks and connect with each other. When it opened, some people were unhappy with its location, so a new station closer to the town center was added in 1913 but later closed in 1977.

1994 renovation

In the 1980s, plans were made to improve Jamaica station. The project aimed to make trains move faster and reduce crowding. It included adding new tracks, platforms, and a bridge for passengers. However, some of these plans were changed or delayed over the years.

2001–2006 expansion

A major renovation started in 2001 and finished in 2006. This included building new platforms, a bridge for passengers, and a control center. The station was made more modern and easier to use, with better access for everyone, including those with disabilities.

Jamaica Capacity Improvements program (2015-)

Starting in 2015, more changes were made to Jamaica station to prepare for new train services. This included building new tracks and platforms to help trains run faster and more often. In 2020, a new platform opened to help passengers switch between Brooklyn and Long Island trains. More improvements are planned for the future.

Future

In 2025, it was announced that new train services might start running through Jamaica station by 2028, connecting Long Island to other places in the country.

Station layout

Jamaica is the main station for the Long Island Rail Road. It has six high platforms where trains stop. Five of these platforms, called A to E, are very long and can fit almost 12 train cars each. These platforms are used for trains going west (towards New York City) on tracks 1, 2, and 3, and for trains going east on tracks 6, 7, and 8. Tracks 4 and 5 are extra tracks used when there are many passengers.

The sixth platform, Platform F, is shorter and is used for special shuttle trains to Atlantic Terminal. There are two overpasses that help passengers move between the platforms easily. The station's main entrance is in a building that is over 100 years old. This building is where you can buy tickets and wait for your train, and it is also where the Long Island Rail Road Company has its offices.

AirTrain station

The Jamaica AirTrain JFK station is a special train stop near the big Jamaica train station. It has two tracks and one special platform where trains stop. You can get to it using stairs that go up or down, or a covered walkway that connects it to the main train station. This AirTrain stop is fully covered, which helps keep the temperature comfortable and keeps people safe.

When a train arrives, sensors check that it is in the right place before the doors open. After this stop, the train goes to Federal Circle and then to the six stops at the airport. The AirTrain uses its own ticket system, so passengers need to buy a ticket to get on or off here.

Bus and rail connections

Subway connections

New York City Subway:

• Sutphin Boulevard–Archer Avenue–JFK Airport station on the Archer Avenue Line (E​, ​J, and ​Z trains)

Bus connections