As TSA prepares for over 18 million people to fly this 4th of July, NYC public transportation will also see its fair share of those heading to barbecues with their sparklers and hot dogs in tow. But before you get ready to trek across the city to watch the Macy’s 4th of July fireworks, you’ll want to know about all the service changes that will be in effect for NYC’s trains, buses, and commuter rails.
On Friday, July 4th, New York City Transit will run on a Saturday schedule, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) will operate on a Saturday schedule, and the Metro-North Railroad will run on a Sunday schedule, according to an MTA press release. Here’s the full schedule:
NYC Subway
On Friday, July 4th, New York City Transit will run on a Saturday schedule. There will be increased service on the A, C, F, N, 2 and 4 lines in the late afternoon and early evening to accommodate riders attending the Macy’s fireworks show. The extended service will run through the late evening.
2 and 3 trains will not stop at Clark Street from 8 pm until 11 pm.
Piotr Osmenda
NYC Buses
On Friday, July 4th, New York City buses will run on a Saturday schedule. Customers should expect delays on all routes near Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn Heights on Friday evening due to the Macy’s fireworks show.
Long Island Rail Road (LIRR)
On Friday July 4th, the LIRR will operate on a Saturday schedule, with off-peak fares in effect all day.
On Saturday, July 5th and Sunday, July 6th, the LIRR will operate on a regular weekend summer schedule. Trains will have additional cars to accommodate holiday weekend travelers.
Metro-North
Metro-North will operate on a Friday schedule on Thursday, July 3rd, with adjusted peak period service and getaway trains on all three lines during the afternoon. On Friday, July 4th, the Metro-North will operate on a Saturday schedule.
Port Jervis Line:
- 2:41 pm train from Hoboken to Middletown, with a connecting 2:34 pm train from Penn Station, will be extended to Port Jervis, including a stop at Otisville
- 6:14 pm train from Hoboken to Port Jervis, with a 6:06 pm connecting train from Penn Station, will not operate on Thursday, July 3rd
Metro-North East of Hudson:
On July 4th, Metro-North East of Hudson trains will operate on a Sunday schedule, with two extra trains on the New Haven Line to accommodate riders after the Rye Playland and Macy’s fireworks shows.
Metro-North West of Hudson:
For West of Hudson service, there will be one additional train on the Port Jervis line, which departs Port Jervis at 4:05 pm and arrives in Hoboken at 6:33 pm. The Pascack Valley line will operate on a normal weekend schedule.
MTA Bridges & Tunnels
Daytime scheduled maintenance requiring full lane closures will be suspended beginning at 1 pm on Wednesday, July 2nd through 6 am on Saturday, July 5th.
Critical roadwork may be permitted during overnight hours at times when traffic permits. Maximum roadway availability will be maintained during times of peak travel.
For Real-Time Service Updates
For real-time service updates and information, customers are advised to use the following options:
- MTA app – real-time arrival information and service change information for each line or route in the MTA system
- mta.info – real-time train, bus, and rail arrival times, plus the ability to chat with the MTA’s customer care team
- TrainTime app – plan your trip, purchase tickets, check train status, and chat with customer service
- Email & Text Alerts – sign up for email and SMS alerts tailored to your specific commute and travel time (sign up here)
- 511 – information is available by dialing 511