LIRR service to Penn Station remains extremely limited following fire

Riders cautioned to check their train's status before traveling

Posted Saturday, May 2, 2026 1:19 pm

Long Island Rail Road service to Penn Station remains extremely limited following a Thursday morning fire. trains are being rerouted to Grand Central and Atlantic Terminal.

Tim Baker/Herald

By Jordan Vallone

As of 6 a.m. Friday, travel to Penn Station via the Long Island Rail Road remains "extremely limited" following a Thursday morning fire in the East River tunnels.

Service was halted yesterday between Penn Station and Jamaica, Queens. Firefighters responded to a cable fire around 11:30 a.m., according to the FDNY.

The LIRR's website states: "There is extremely limited service to Penn Station this morning as Amtrak crews continue repair work following a fire near the terminal. There will be reroutes, cancellations, and delays. There is no eastbound service from Penn Station; use Grand Central or Atlantic Terminal instead. The Subway is cross-honoring LIRR tickets."

The LIRR suggested riders check their train's status before traveling.

Grand Central will only be accessible via 1 Vanderbilt, 270 Park, the 42 St Shuttle corridor, and the 4, 5, and 6 subway staircases during night and early morning hours.

For current service updates, visit MTA.info.

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