You're standing under the jagged, glowing screens of the Moynihan Train Hall or maybe the cramped, subterranean corridors of the old Penn Station. Either way, you're looking for the Port Washington branch. It’s the "gold coast" line. It's the one that doesn't go through Jamaica.
Getting from Penn Station to Port Washington is, honestly, one of the easiest commutes in the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) system, but if you've never done it, the layout can feel like a fever dream.
Most people panic about the transfer at Jamaica. Here's the kicker: you don’t have to. The Port Washington branch is a bit of an island within an island. It breaks off before the main interchange, meaning once you're on that train, you're staying on it until your stop. No running across platforms in Queens. No 2:00 AM confusion in the rain.
The Moynihan Factor and Where to Actually Wait
Since the opening of the Moynihan Train Hall in early 2021, the vibe has changed. It's beautiful. It has high ceilings and expensive coffee. But listen—Port Washington trains often depart from the lower-numbered tracks. Usually, you’re looking at Tracks 13 through 16. If your train is assigned to those, you can't even get to them from the fancy Moynihan side. You have to go to the "old" Penn Station, specifically the LIRR Concourse near 7th Avenue.
Check the boards. Seriously. Look for the "Track" column. If it says 17-21, stay in Moynihan. If it says 13-16, start walking toward 7th Ave immediately. It’s about a five-minute brisk walk between the two sections, and the LIRR waits for no one.
Pricing, Peak Hours, and the "CityTicket" Hack
Let's talk money because the MTA loves a price hike. As of 2024-2025, a one-way peak ticket from Penn Station to Port Washington (Zone 4) sits around $13.50. Off-peak is closer to $10.00.
But there’s a secret if you're only going partway.
If you are getting off at Woodside, Flushing Main Street, or Bayside, you should absolutely be using the CityTicket. It's $5.00 for off-peak and $7.00 for peak. You can buy it on the TrainTime app. It basically covers any trip within New York City limits. Port Washington itself is in Nassau County, so you can't use it for the full ride, but if your destination is Douglaston or Little Neck (the last stops in Queens), you’re golden.
People forget this. They buy the full-fare ticket and waste five bucks. Don't be that person.
Why the Port Washington Branch is Different
Every other LIRR line funnels through Jamaica. Not this one. It veers north. Because of this, the service is often more reliable during major system meltdowns. If a switch breaks in Jamaica, the rest of Long Island is paralyzed. Port Washington riders? They’re usually just chugging along toward Manhasset.
The scenery changes fast. You start in the dark tunnels under the East River. You pop out in Long Island City, seeing the back of industrial buildings and the gleaming towers of LIC. Then comes Woodside.
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Woodside is a massive hub. If you’re coming from the 7 train or the G, this is where you jump on.
After Woodside, the train climbs. You’ll cross the Alley Pond Bridge. It’s one of the highest points on the LIRR. If you look out the right side of the train heading east, you get this wild, sprawling view of the marshlands and the skyline in the distance. It’s the closest thing to a "scenic" route you’ll find on a commuter rail.
The Stations: A Quick Breakdown
The stops aren't just names; they're distinct worlds.
- Flushing Main Street: If you want some of the best food in the Western Hemisphere, get off here. It’s busy, loud, and incredible.
- Murray Hill / Broadway / Auburndale: These are smaller, residential stops. Very quiet.
- Bayside: This is the nightlife hub for this stretch. Bell Boulevard is right there. If you want a beer after work before heading further into the suburbs, this is the spot.
- Great Neck: The start of Nassau County. This is F. Scott Fitzgerald territory. The "West Egg" of The Great Gatsby. It’s affluent, manicured, and the station is right in the heart of the village.
- Manhasset: Home of the "Miracle Mile" luxury shopping.
- Plandome: A flag stop. It’s tiny. If you aren't paying attention, you'll miss it.
- Port Washington: The end of the line.
Port Washington itself is beautiful. You walk out of the station, head down Main Street for about 15 minutes, and you’re at the Town Dock. You can see the sunset over Manhasset Bay. It's a legit destination, not just a place to sleep.
Avoiding the "Quiet Car" Drama
LIRR passengers are a specific breed. On many morning peak trains, there is a designated Quiet Car. Usually, it's the very first or very last car of the train.
If you sit there and take a Zoom call, people will stare. Not just a polite glance—they will glare with the intensity of a thousand suns. Some might even tap you on the shoulder with a printed card explaining the rules. It’s intense. If you need to chat, stay in the middle of the train.
Timing and the 2:00 AM Shuffle
Trains generally run every 30 minutes during the day and every hour late at night.
The last train out of Penn Station to Port Washington usually hovers around 1:40 AM or 2:15 AM depending on the day. If you miss it, you're stuck waiting until 5:00 AM or paying for a $70 Uber.
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Honestly, the TrainTime app is the only thing that works. It’s surprisingly accurate. It shows you exactly where the train is on a map and, more importantly, how crowded each car is.
Look at the little "person" icons on the app. If a car is "red," it's standing room only. Walk toward the front or back to find the "green" cars where you can actually sit down and breathe.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Schedule
There's a common misconception that all Port Washington trains are "express." They aren't.
During rush hour, the MTA runs "super-express" trains that skip everything between Penn Station and Great Neck. If you live in Bayside and jump on one of these by accident, you're going to end up in Nassau County, having to catch a westbound train back.
Always check the monitor to see if "Bayside" or "Douglaston" is listed under the stops. The automated voice at Penn Station is usually clear, but the noise of the crowds can drown it out.
Realities of the Commute: The "Gap"
Be careful at stations like Great Neck and Port Washington. The "gap" between the platform and the train can be surprisingly wide. It's not a myth. People drop phones down there. I've seen it.
Is it worth it?
Taking the Penn Station to Port Washington line is probably the most civilized way to enter or exit Manhattan from Long Island. You avoid the chaos of Jamaica. You get a seat most of the time if you're smart about where you stand on the platform.
It takes about 35 to 45 minutes for a full run. That's just enough time to finish a podcast or decompress from a day in the city.
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Actionable Steps for Your Trip
- Download the TrainTime App: Don't use the paper schedules. They're relics. The app allows you to buy tickets, see track assignments, and track the train's real-time location.
- Use the 7th Avenue Entrance: If your train is on Tracks 13-16, enter Penn Station at 31st Street and 7th Avenue. It saves you a massive trek from the 8th Avenue/Moynihan side.
- Buy Before You Board: A ticket bought on the train includes a "on-board" penalty fee of about $6.00. It’s a total rip-off. Use the app or the yellow kiosks.
- Check the "Wait" Time: If Moynihan is packed, walk over to the "West End Concourse." There are usually fewer people and more places to lean against a wall while you wait for the track announcement.
- Position Yourself for the Exit: If you're going to Port Washington, sit in the front cars. The exit at the Port Washington station is at the very front of the platform. If you're in the back, you’ll be walking for another three minutes just to get to the street.
- Off-Peak Deals: If you're traveling on a weekend, look for the "Family Fare." It allows up to four children (ages 5-11) to ride for just $1.00 each when accompanied by a fare-paying adult.
The Port Washington branch is the "easy mode" of the LIRR. As long as you know which side of Penn Station to stand in and you avoid the "super-express" when you need a local stop, you’re going to be fine. Just watch the gap and keep your ticket ready for the conductor. They usually come around right after the train leaves Woodside.
The ride is smooth, the views at Alley Pond are great, and the destination is one of the North Shore's best-kept secrets. Master the track assignments, and the rest is easy.