Extra LIRR trains for Thanksgiving weekend

Extra trains and special off-peak fares are being offered to holiday travelers for the four-day Thanksgiving weekend, the Long Island Rail Road said.

The commuter service is urging customers to avoid traffic delays and parking fees by taking the train over the holidays. An expanded service begins on the day before Thanksgiving, with nine additional trains leaving from Penn Station.

Also, an additional train has been added Wednesday at Hunterspoint Avenue on the Montauk branch.

On Thanksgiving Day, 22 additional trains have been added, the LIRR said, including 13 eastbound.

On Black Friday, traditionally one of the busiest shopping days of the year, the LIRR will run a full weekday train schedule with off-peak fares in effect all day. Included is a special Family Fare discount, under which up to four children, ages 5-11, can ride trains that day for the advance purchase fare of $1 each, one-way, when accompanied by a fare-paying parent or guardian.

Weekly and monthly ticket holders just pay for kids; children under 5 ride free.

The commuter service also announced it will prohibit open alcoholic beverage containers on trains and platforms and in stations from 8 p.m. Wednesday through 5 a.m. Thanksgiving Day.

SEE PHOTOSLIRR trains and commuters through the years

Here is the holiday schedule:

Wed., Nov. 23

The extra afternoon service from Penn Station includes three trains operating on the Babylon branch, three on the Port Jefferson branch (one to Hicksville, two to Huntington), two on the Port Washington branch to Great Neck, and one on the Far Rockaway branch. An extra train will depart Hunterspoint Avenue on the Montauk branch.

Port Jefferson branch

to Hicksville/Huntington

2:08 p.m. stopping at Jamaica, Mineola, then all stops to Huntington

2:29 p.m. stopping at Forest Hills, Kew Gardens, Jamaica, New Hyde Park, then all stops to Huntington

3:24 p.m. stopping at Jamaica, Mineola, Westbury and Hicksville

Babylon branch

2:24 p.m. express to Lynbrook, then all stops to Babylon

3 p.m. stopping at Jamaica, Rockville Centre, then all stops to Babylon

3:31 p.m. express to Rockville Centre, then all stops to Babylon

Port Washington branch

to Great Neck

3:18 p.m. stopping at Woodside, Flushing-Main Street, then all stops to Port Washington

3:40 p.m. stopping at Woodside, Flushing-Main Street, then all stops to Great Neck

Far Rockaway branch

3:48 p.m. express to Locust Manor, then all stops to Far Rockaway

Montauk branch

The eastbound Montauk train that normally operates Fridays-only will operate on Wednesday. The train is the 4:06 p.m. from Hunterspoint Avenue, stopping at Jamaica, then operating express to Westhampton, making all local stops to Montauk. The 4:01 p.m. train from Penn Station to Huntington connects with the Montauk train at Jamaica.

Thanksgiving Day

Throughout Thanksgiving Day, a holiday schedule will be in effect. Twenty-two extra trains are being added to the holiday schedule for those attending the parade or visiting their families - including nine extra westbound and 13 extra eastbound trains. Cars will also be added to select trains to accommodate holiday travelers.

Westbound

Babylon branch from Wantagh

6:11 a.m. and 7:25 a.m. trains from Wantagh, making all stops to Lynbrook, Jamaica and Penn Station

Montauk branch

6:09 a.m. from Speonk, making all stops to Babylon, Jamaica and Penn Station

Ronkonkoma branch

6:10 a.m. and 7:10 a.m. trains from Ronkonkoma, making all stops to Hicksville, Mineola, Jamaica and Penn Station

Port Jefferson branch

6:39 a.m. from Port Jefferson making all stops to Huntington, Jamaica and Penn Station

Port Washington branch

7:10 a.m., 8:10 a.m. and 9:10 a.m. trains from Port Washington making all stops to Flushing-, Main St., Woodside and Penn Station.

Eastbound

Between 11:33 a.m. and 2:03 p.m., 13 extra trains will depart from Penn Station to accommodate customers returning from the parade. Three of the extra trains will operate on the Babylon branch, four will operate on the Ronkonkoma branch, three will operate on the Port Washington branch, two will operate on the Port Jefferson branch and one will operate on the Montauk branch to Speonk.

Branch timetables dated Nov. 7-Dec. 11 contain regular eastbound departures from Penn Station, as well as the times of the extra trains.

Friday

Although LIRR trains will operate on a normal weekday schedule on Friday, off-peak fares will be in effect all day.

For more information, call 511, the New York State travel information line, and say: Long Island Rail Road. Customers also can go to mta.info.