I'll be visiting NYC in March and whilst there, we are going to see Coldplay at Nassau Coliseum. It seems the Long Island Rail Road is pretty much the only way to get there without a car. How easy is it to get to Nassau coliseum using LIRR? Also, is it safe to use at night as we spend some time at Jamaica station at midnight?

Thanks in advance for any info.

Have you been to Nassau Coliseum website? It gives detailed instructions regarding LIRR to get there.

Jamaica Station was not the best of areas some years ago, and I doubt it has improved much. Not sure where that fits into directions as given on venue website, though.

You will be fine waiting for a train in Jamaica.

Jamaica Station is not very pleasant late at night but not actually dangerous. I would be much more concerned about the Hempstead train and bus stations at night - this is not a very salubrious area.

And to come from Westbury you'll have to get a cab to the Coliseum (which may take a while) and then arrange for the same car to pick you up at the end - there will not be any cabs at the Coliseum - Nassau is definitely a car only suburb.

If you are concerned you could take the train out to the concert and arrange for a car service (Tel Aviv or Carmel or similar) to bring you home.

For 3 or more people - perhaps even for 2 or more - renting a car probably wouldn;t cost any more than taking the train.

As for me - and I grew up on Long Island, about 20 minutes from the Coliseum - I wouldn;t consider anything but renting a car.

I agree that I don't like the idea of using the Hempstead station and the bus. If you want to use the train, use Westbury and arrange in advance for a taxi to and from the Coliseum from the train station.

jamaica station is fine, safety wise.
and by all means just take a cab from the station to the venue. (may have to call ahead?) might be more difficult on the way back...make arrangements perhaps as nytraveler said.

thanks very much for the replies. They've been really helpful and we've decided to hire a car instead!!