Your Guide to Westbury Train Station Parking in Nassau County, NY

Commuting from Nassau County, NY, can be a daily challenge, and finding a good parking spot at the Westbury LIRR station is often the first hurdle. Since the Westbury North Parking Garage opened in 2021, the parking landscape has dramatically improved for local residents and commuters from nearby towns like Jericho. This guide will give you actionable information on navigating your options—from the new garage to the various surface lots—so you can park with confidence.

We’ll break down the difference between resident-only permit parking and daily metered spots, helping you master your commute from Westbury.

Your Guide to Westbury LIRR Parking Options

For thousands of commuters in Nassau County, especially those coming from nearby towns like Jericho or Mineola, the Westbury LIRR station is a key gateway to New York City. For years, however, finding a parking spot was a major source of stress. A 2018 regional study confirmed what residents already knew: the station’s 895 spaces were at 99% capacity on a typical weekday, leaving almost no room for daily commuters.

This persistent parking shortage often meant a frantic search for a spot, creating a frustrating start to the day for many Long Islanders.

How the New Garage Changed Everything

The situation changed dramatically on August 9, 2021, when the Westbury North Parking Garage opened its doors, nearly doubling the available parking. This was a significant event for the community, directly addressing a major concern for local residents. The garage matters because it eases the daily commute and supports the revitalization of downtown Westbury.

The new structure added 683 spaces, with 376 dedicated to Village of Westbury residents with permits and another 307 set aside as daily metered spots open to any commuter. You can read more about how the garage kicked off a downtown reboot in local business reports.

This project is a key part of Westbury's larger plan to create a more accessible and attractive transit hub, breathing new life into the area. We explore this further in our look at Westbury's food hall growth and other local business news.

Understanding the layout is key to a smooth commute. Whether you're a village resident with a permit or driving in from a neighboring town for a daily spot, there’s a system in place. Let's look at the details.

Getting to Know the Westbury North Parking Garage

If you're a daily commuter from the Westbury area, the North Parking Garage on Scally Place is your best bet for finding a reliable spot, especially during the morning rush. The key is knowing how it's organized.

The garage is divided into two main sections. The first three levels—lower, ground, and second—are exclusively for Incorporated Village of Westbury residents with a valid parking permit. These spots are enforced from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays.

If you don't have a village permit, simply head up to the third and fourth levels. This is where you'll find the daily metered parking available to all commuters.

This diagram breaks it down clearly, showing the split between permit and metered parking at the station.

As you can see, it’s a straightforward system: designated areas for permit holders and separate spots for the general public using the meters.

Daily Parking Rates and How to Pay

For commuters without a village permit, the daily rates are simple. It costs $6 for up to 20 hours on a weekday, which covers a full workday in the city. If you need more time, a $12 fee gets you up to 24 hours. You can also leave your car for an extended trip, as the garage allows a maximum stay of 10 consecutive days.

The entire structure was built with future growth in mind, as you can read in these recent reports on the project.

Paying is convenient. The garage is open 24/7, with six pay stations that accept credit cards. For the easiest experience, use the Passport mobile app to pay from your phone.

To help with the morning rush, digital signs at each entrance provide a real-time count of available spots. It’s a smart system that’s becoming more common, similar to the ones we covered in our guide to community parking solutions in Long Beach.

How to Get a Resident Parking Permit

If you live in the Incorporated Village of Westbury, a parking permit is your ticket to a smoother commute. It provides access to the best parking at the station, helping you avoid the morning hunt for a metered spot.

The process is straightforward, but the Village Clerk's office requires specific documentation to ensure these prime spots are reserved for local residents.

Eligibility and What to Bring

To be eligible, you must be a resident of the Incorporated Village of Westbury. The permit system is a key benefit for the local community, and there are no exceptions.

Before you go to Village Hall, make sure you have your paperwork ready. You'll need to prove your identity and residency.

Here’s your checklist:

• Valid Driver’s License: Must have your current Village of Westbury address.

• Vehicle Registration: Must be for the car you plan to park and show your current village address.

• Proof of Residency: Your license usually suffices, but bringing a recent utility bill as a backup is a good idea.

With these documents, head to the Village Clerk's office at 235 Lincoln Place. The staff will review your application and issue your permit, which is typically a sticker for your car window.

Where and When to Use Your Permit

Your resident permit grants you access to specific parking spots during peak commuter hours, generally 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays.

These "permit-only" zones are clearly marked and include:

• The lower, ground, and second levels of the Westbury North Parking Garage.

• Designated spaces in the surface lots around the station.

This type of resident-first system is common at busy LIRR hubs in Nassau County. For instance, our guide to LIRR parking in Hicksville explains how they manage their own permit rules to prioritize locals.

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How Parking Is Fueling Westbury's Downtown Boom

The Westbury North Parking Garage is more than just a place to park; it's a catalyst for the revitalization of downtown Westbury. For residents of Nassau County, this structure is a clear sign of community investment, making the area a better place to live and work.

This is the lynchpin of Westbury's transit-oriented development (TOD) strategy. By encouraging the growth of apartments, shops, and restaurants within walking distance of the LIRR, the village is creating a vibrant, walkable downtown. This vision matters to residents because it reduces car dependency and fosters a stronger sense of community. The new parking capacity makes it all possible.

Connecting Parking to Community Progress

For local business owners along Post Avenue, the garage is a game-changer. More parking means more customers. People from nearby towns like Mineola and Garden City can now easily visit shops, restaurants, or catch a show at the Westbury Theatre without the stress of finding parking.

The $23 million Westbury North Parking Garage was funded as part of the MTA’s Main Line Third Track project, a major regional effort to modernize a 9.8-mile stretch of track and reduce delays for over 100,000 daily riders. By adding 683 structured spaces and 107 new surface spots, the village and the MTA built capacity not just for today's commuters, but for future growth. You can learn more about the project's impact on the MTA's official project page.

This forward-thinking approach has set the stage for significant changes.

What This Means for Nassau County Residents

If you're a family considering a move within Nassau County, Westbury’s investment in its infrastructure is a positive sign. It demonstrates a commitment to improving quality of life and building a dynamic community. For current residents, it means a more lively downtown with more to do right in their own backyard.

Ultimately, the new parking at the Westbury train station is about building a more connected, accessible, and prosperous community for everyone, ensuring Westbury remains a great place to live for years to come.

Want to stay in the loop on other major projects and local happenings across Nassau County? Visit our events page to see what's coming up in your neighborhood.

Backup Plans and Alternative Commuting Options

Even with the large North Parking Garage, finding a spot during the peak morning rush can sometimes be a challenge. As any Nassau County commuter knows, it's always good to have a Plan B. Here are some alternatives for those days when the garage is full or you prefer to leave the car at home.

When the main lots are packed, you might consider street parking on the side streets around the station. However, be sure to read the signs carefully. Many streets have time limits, resident-only rules, or specific street cleaning hours that can lead to an expensive ticket.

Comparing Nearby LIRR Stations

Sometimes the best backup plan is a different station. Westbury is located between two other major LIRR stations in Nassau County, each with its own parking situation.

• Hicksville Station: As a major LIRR hub, Hicksville has a large amount of parking. However, the majority of spaces are reserved for Town of Oyster Bay residents with permits, making it a difficult alternative if you don't live in the town.

• Mineola Station: Similar to Westbury, Mineola offers a mix of village permit parking and metered spots. It's a viable option but faces the same morning rush-hour crunch.

For most commuters, Westbury's combination of ample metered parking and easy access makes it a dependable choice. Still, knowing your options at neighboring stations is helpful.

Ditching the Car Altogether

For a truly stress-free start to your day, consider alternatives that eliminate the need for parking.

The NICE (Nassau Inter-County Express) bus system has several routes that stop at or near the Westbury LIRR station. This is a great option if you live near a bus line.

There's also the "Kiss & Ride" drop-off zone on Union Avenue, designed for quick and seamless drop-offs by a friend or family member.

If you live close enough, biking is a healthy and convenient option. The station is equipped with bike racks for secure storage. For more on local routes, see our guide to Long Island bicycling.

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Your Westbury Parking Questions Answered

If you're new to commuting from Westbury or just visiting for the day, here are some quick answers to common parking questions.

Can I Park Overnight at the Westbury Train Station?

Yes, you can park overnight at the Westbury North Parking Garage.

A standard daily parking spot costs $6 for 20 hours on a weekday. If you need a full 24 hours, the cost is $12. This is a convenient option if you need to stay in the city overnight.

For longer trips, the garage allows a stay of up to 10 consecutive days. Village of Westbury residents with a permit can also park overnight in designated surface lots, but always check the signs for specific rules.

Is Parking Free on Weekends at the Westbury LIRR Station?

Yes, it is! Parking in the multi-level Westbury North Parking Garage is completely free on weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) and on major holidays.

This makes Westbury an excellent choice for weekend trips to Manhattan without the extra cost of parking. Remember that this applies to the garage; other surface lots may have different regulations, so always read the signs. Factoring in free weekend parking is helpful when you're budgeting for your commute and figuring out how much an LIRR monthly ticket costs.

What Happens If I Forget to Pay for Parking in the Garage?

Parking enforcement is diligent in the metered sections of the garage. If you park in a daily metered space without paying at the kiosk or through the Passport mobile app, you are likely to receive a parking ticket.

To avoid a fine, make paying a part of your routine as soon as you park. With six pay stations and clear signage, it's easy to pay and be on your way.

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