First Hamptons Express Service Since 2019 Began Running Friday, May 28
Penn Station Vaccination Site Convenient and Free in Advance of Memorial Day Getaway
View Photos of Today's Cannonball
Whether it’s a straight shot by MTA Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) to the Hamptons or a COVID shot in the arm, Penn Station is the place to begin a quick and reliable trip to the Hamptons this Memorial Day weekend. On the weekends, beginning Friday, May 28, the “Cannonball” Hamptons Express train returned, departing from Penn Station at 4:06 p.m.
Approximately 585 customers boarded the one-seat, 95-minute ride from Penn Station to Westhampton for the first run of 2021. The Cannonball last ran in 2019 as 2020 express service to the Hamptons was canceled due to COVID restrictions. Customers may always use the LIRR Train Time app to track capacity and seat availability in real time to minimize crowding and maximize social distancing. Masks are required on all LIRR trains.
“It’s so encouraging to go into Penn Station and see so many customers returning to the beloved Cannonball to start their Memorial Day weekends,” said Robert Free, LIRR Senior Vice President of Operations. “It shows that the railroad, and the region, are making a comeback.”
The Cannonball, which saves customers 45 minutes of travel time, makes local stops from Westhampton to Montauk where the train arrives at 6:48 p.m. The one-way fare from New York City is $22.25 via eTix, ticket machines and the ticket office. Off-peak fares remain in effect on all trains, including during traditional peak travel times, until further notice. For more information about the LIRR summer schedule, visit this MTA webpage.
In addition, customers traveling through Penn Station can receive a free, single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccination, at the pop-up site near the 34th Street Corridor. Those taking the shot will receive two one-way LIRR tickets. The site is open daily from 3 to 8 p.m., including Memorial Day, and has been extended through June 5.
Last year, the Authority urged essential travel only as New York was at the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. This year, the Authority is encouraging New Yorkers to use mass transit as they move throughout New York City for the long weekend. The MTA launched its robust #TakeTheTrain, #TakeTheBus campaign on May 16 to encourage New Yorkers to return to the system and experience all that the New York City region has to offer.
For more information about discount rail and admission packages to destinations throughout Long Island, visit https://new.mta.info/daytrips