Cannonball Departs Penn at 4:07 p.m. on Summer Fridays and is the Fastest Way to Get to the Hamptons and Montauk This Summer
North Fork Service to Greenport Doubled for the Summer Season
Extra Montauk Weekend Service is Available from Grand Central Madison and Penn Station Through Labor Day
LIRR Inaugurated New Cannonball-Branded Train on May 23 That Will Depart Penn at 4:07 p.m. on Summer Thursdays
Thursday Cannonball Carried 810 Customers to the East End of L.I. and Will Continue All Summer Long on Thursdays & Fridays
View Video of the Thursday Cannonball
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) announced that the Long Island Rail Road’s (LIRR) Cannonball express train makes its seasonal return today departing from Penn Station at 4:07 p.m. providing the fastest, safest and greenest way to and from the Hamptons and Montauk on Fridays all summer long.
Long Island Rail Road President Rob Free will be on hand at Penn Station to greet customers boarding the Cannonball Friday afternoon as they make their way to the Hamptons on the LIRR, the safest, quickest and greenest way to travel.
The LIRR has restored its Thursday seasonal express train to the Hamptons that departs from Penn Station at 4:07 p.m. and is re-branding it as the Thursday Cannonball.
The train departing 5:13 p.m., operating express to Jamaica then making all local stops from Babylon and arriving at 8:30 p.m. that previously operated Fridays only, will now operate on Thursday and Fridays for the entire summer.
In total on Thursdays, there are seven trains arriving at Montauk between 10:58 a.m. and 11:39 p.m. On Fridays, there are nine trains to Montauk between 10:58 a.m. and 11:39 p.m.
For those who prefer to spend their summer weekends on Long Island’s North Shore, the LIRR has doubled the amount of weekend trips between Ronkonkoma and Greenport from four to eight.
Memorial Day is right around the corner and the LIRR is everyone’s fastest, safest and cheapest way to the fun all summer long with extra weekend service to and from Greenport, the Hamptons and Montauk,” said Long Island Rail Road President Rob Free. “Travelers can get an early start to the weekend Thursday afternoon with newly added service or take our famous Cannonball express train to the Hamptons from Penn Station on summer Fridays.”
The Cannonball departs Penn Station at 4:07 p.m. and runs express to Westhampton, followed by Southampton, Bridgehampton, East Hampton, and Montauk.
The train will run every Friday through Labor Day Weekend. It will also run Wednesday, July 3, for those getting away for the July 4 holiday.
Please note that the Cannonball does not stop at Jamaica. Customers traveling from Grand Central can take the 4:25 p.m. Ronkonkoma train and transfer at Jamaica for the 4:48 p.m. train to Montauk. If you’re transferring from Metro-North, consider using the Combo Ticket.
Customers wishing to get an earlier start to their weekend can consider taking the Friday-only 1:15 p.m. train from Hunterspoint Avenue to Montauk, stopping at Jamaica at 1:33 p.m. Take the 1:08 p.m. train from Penn Station or the 1:06 p.m. train from Grand Central to connect with this train.
The LIRR also offers extra service on the Montauk Branch throughout the day on Friday and on weekends. For the return trip on Sunday, the MTA recommends leaving later in the evening to avoid large crowds.
Customers bringing luggage are advised to stow it in the overhead racks or place it on the floor to not block aisles or seats. Bicycles are not allowed on the Cannonball or on peak trains.
Customers are also strongly advised to buy tickets in advance through the TrainTime app, or at ticket machines and booths in Penn Station. Those who have a monthly or weekly ticket can use it by paying an additional surcharge to the conductor. The TrainTime app also helps with trip planning.
Riders needing assistance can chat with MTA customer service representatives via WhatsApp who are available daily between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. For those who prefer to contact the MTA by telephone, information is available by dialing 511. Connecticut customers should call 877-690-5114. Those who are deaf or hard of hearing can use their preferred service provider for the free 711 relay to reach the MTA at 511.
MTA Away is offering discounted LIRR beach packages and summer/fall escorted tours to many popular Long Island attractions, including the Montauk Lighthouse, wine country, cruises and mansions, generating incremental ridership while supporting the Long Island economy and local businesses. Visit mtaaway.com for details.
Tickets for the LIRR’s summer packages and escorted tours can be purchased at Gray, Green or Blue Ticket Machines and ticket windows at LIRR stations. Select "MTA Away Deals," then "Long Island Deals" or "Escorted Tours," then the tour or package.