Here’s what LIRR changes riders can expect in 2026
Fare hikes and other policy changes are on tap for Long Island Rail Road riders in January.
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Starting Jan. 4, prices for both monthly and weekly tickets on the Long Island Rail Road will increase by 4.5%. For riders, that means an extra $7.50 to $19.75 a month depending on where you board the trains.
The LIRR says all other ticket prices will rise by 8%.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
Fare increases for 2026: Up to 4.5% for monthly and weekly tickets - about 8% for other fare types
New unlimited Day Pass replacing round‑trip tickets
All-day passes and one‑way tickets are only good until 4 a.m. the next day
Enhanced Family Fares: Kids ages 5–17 ride for $1
$2 surcharge increase for onboard ticket purchases (via app with conductor or bought from conductor) to encourage pre‑purchase through the MTA TrainTime app or vending machines
The railroad is eliminating the 10-day trip ticket and round-trip tickets are being replaced, under a pilot program, with an unlimited travel day pass.
All day passes, as well as one-way paper and mobile tickets will be valid on the day of purchase until 4 a.m. the following day. Currently, tickets are valid for up to 60 days after purchase.
MTA officials say the tighter expiration window is intended to reduce fare evasion. MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber said the agency is targeting riders who intentionally hold on to tickets to reuse them if conductors fail to check during a trip.
Taxing Long Island from before the MTA board vote - Sept. 16
"Part of our goal here is to get rid of the creeping, opportunistic fare evasion," Lieber said in September after the MTA board approved the major changes.
MTA - Fare and toll changes
Along with the fare hike and expiration change, the on-board surcharge — the penalty for waiting to buy a ticket on the train — will increase by $2 from the current cost of $5.75 to $6.50. Riders will still be required to activate their ticket before boarding or face the additional fee.
The move didn’t sit well with some LIRR riders who spoke with News 12 in September.
MORE: See fare tables for LIRR
“That’s pretty annoying,” said Kamryn Evans, of Elmont. “I keep my tickets if I don’t use them — if work is canceled and I bought my ticket that morning.”
“I feel like they should last longer,” said Christina Falcone, of Franklin Square. “Some people don’t use them right away and they just want to buy them.”
In a move aimed at helping families, the MTA also announced plans to expand its $1 Family Fare program to include children up to 17 years old. Currently, it only applies to those 5-11.
