The New York Islanders are a professional ice hockey team based in the New York metropolitan area. They play their home games at UBS Arena located at Belmont Park in Elmont, New York. Taking the train to an Islanders game is a great option for fans looking to avoid traffic and parking issues. The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) provides direct train service to games from Penn Station in Manhattan as well as other stations in Long Island and Queens. This guide will provide information on taking the LIRR to Islanders games at UBS Arena including routes, fares, schedules, and tips.
Getting to UBS Arena by LIRR
UBS Arena is located adjacent to the Belmont Park LIRR station, so taking the train is very convenient. The arena and train station are part of a larger entertainment and retail complex being developed called Belmont Park. The Belmont Park LIRR station is brand new and opened in September 2022 specifically to provide rail access to events at UBS Arena.
There are multiple LIRR lines that stop at Belmont Park station on event days:
– Ronkonkoma Branch
– Port Jefferson Branch
– Oyster Bay Branch
– Hempstead Branch
– Far Rockaway Branch
– Long Beach Branch
Additionally, special direct train service is provided on the LIRR from Penn Station in Manhattan to Belmont Park for Islanders games and events at UBS Arena.
From Penn Station
Taking the LIRR from Penn Station in Midtown Manhattan is one of the most popular options for fans coming from the city. The LIRR provides direct train service to Belmont Park station before and after Islanders games. Trains typically depart Penn Station around an hour before game time.
For weekday night games, trains back to Penn Station also run special direct service leaving shortly after the end of the game. This avoids the need to transfer trains late at night.
On weekends and for afternoon games, you may need to transfer at Jamaica station for trains departing Belmont Park. Check the LIRR schedule for specifics on direct trains or required transfers.
From Long Island and Queens
Fans coming from Long Island and Queens can take regular LIRR service from their local station to games. Travel time will vary depending on where you board. Key transfer stations include Jamaica, Mineola, and Hicksville.
Main LIRR lines that connect to Belmont Park include:
– Port Jefferson Branch – Hunterspoint Ave, Flushing-Main St, and Jamaica
– Ronkonkoma Branch – Mineola and Hicksville
– Oyster Bay Branch – Mineola
– Hempstead Branch – Queens Village and Mineola
– Far Rockaway and Long Beach Branches – Valley Stream and Jamaica
Check the LIRR schedule and allow extra time as regular service trains typically depart Belmont Park 30-60 minutes after events end.
LIRR Schedules
The LIRR provides additional train service to Belmont Park station for all Islanders home games and events at UBS Arena. Special schedules are available on the LIRR website and app approximately a week before each game.
Trains generally run to Belmont Park 1-2 hours before game time to accommodate fans arriving early. Return trains run special direct service back to Penn Station NYC after weekday games. Weekend/afternoon games require transfers at Jamaica on the way back.
Be sure to check the LIRR website or app for the specific schedule for each game you are attending. Schedules provide detailed information on extra trains running from Penn Station, other city departure locations, and regular LIRR lines.
Knowing the exact times trains are departing before and after the game ensures you catch the right trains for your trip.
LIRR Fares
Fares for LIRR trains to Belmont Park station for Islanders games are the standard LIRR fares based on your origin station. No special event fares are charged.
Key fares for popular origin stations:
| Origin | Off-Peak Fare | Peak Fare |
|---|---|---|
| New York Penn Station | $8.75 | $10.50 |
| Jamaica | $6.50 | $8.00 |
| Flushing-Main Street | $5.25 | $6.50 |
| Mineola | $4.25 | $5.25 |
| Hicksville | $4.50 | $5.75 |
Off-peak fares apply on weekends as well as weekdays outside of 6-10am and 4-8pm. Children under 5 ride free and special discounted fares are available for seniors and riders with disabilities.
You can purchase LIRR tickets ahead of time on the MTA eTix app or website. Tickets are also sold at station ticket windows and ticket machines. Monthly commuter passes are also accepted.
Finding Your Train at Belmont Park
Belmont Park is a brand new station specifically built for UBS Arena events. The layout is different than typical LIRR stations. There are two platform tracks that serve trains:
– Platform A – Trains to New York Penn Station
– Platform B – Trains to Long Island destinations like Hicksville, Babylon, etc.
Make sure you locate the correct platform for your destination when arriving at Belmont Park station. There are large signs and customer assistants to help direct fans.
Most fans departing Belmont Park will take trains on Platform A back to Penn Station after games. If transferring to other LI destinations, take trains from Platform B.
When leaving UBS Arena, follow signs and footsteps guiding fans out of the arena directly to the train station. The station entrance is just steps away outside the arena exits.
Tips for Taking the Train
Here are some tips to ensure your train trip to Islanders games goes smoothly:
– Purchase tickets in advance on the LIRR app or MTA eTix to save time.
– Look up the extra schedules for your specific game. Make sure you know departure times.
– Arrive at the station at least 15 minutes before the train departure time. More if you need to purchase a ticket.
– There can be separate waiting areas and lines for the special Belmont Park trains at Penn Station. Ask a station agent for directions to the correct waiting area.
– Transferring trains? Allow plenty of time (15+ minutes) to transfer at Jamaica or other stations. Check transfer connections on the schedule.
– When arriving at Belmont Park, follow signs to the correct train platform (A or B) for your destination.
– Leaving UBS Arena, follow foot traffic across the plaza directly into the train station. Don’t wander in the parking lots.
– Expect crowded trains after the game ends. Be patient and allow extra time.
Taking the LIRR train to Islanders games makes for an easy, traffic-free trip. With direct service options from Penn Station, it’s a convenient way to travel for fans coming from the city. By checking schedules and planning your trip, you can have a smooth rail journey. The new Belmont Park station provides a modern gateway to enjoy Islanders action at UBS Arena.
Conclusion
Taking the LIRR train is one of the best ways to get to Islanders games and events at UBS Arena. With a brand new station on-site, fans from across Long Island and New York City can directly access the arena via the LIRR. Knowing which train lines service Belmont Park, checking event-specific schedules, purchasing tickets in advance, and following station signage will ensure an easy, hassle-free trip. The LIRR takes the stress out of getting to Islanders games, letting you focus on enjoying the experience. With a little planning, you can ride the rails directly to high-speed, hard-hitting Islanders action at UBS Arena.