Yes. You can take a helicopter from New York City to the Hamptons, and the flight takes well under an hour. A summer Friday drive out on the Long Island Expressway can take three hours or more. BLADE's Hamptons flights take about 35 to 45 minutes.
This guide covers how the route works, which aircraft fly it, what it costs and how to plan around the busiest days.
Yes, Here's How the NYC to Hamptons Helicopter Route Works
BLADE offers flights between Manhattan and the Hamptons in season, with private terminals at both ends. You check in at the lounge, board, and land minutes from the beaches, marinas and villages of the East End.
BLADE lists six Hamptons destinations:
- Westhampton, at Francis S. Gabreski Airport (also served from Quogue)
- Southampton
- Sag Harbor, by seaplane into Sag Harbor Bay
- Shelter Island
- East Hampton
- Montauk
You can book a seat on a scheduled flight, join a shared charter, or charter a private helicopter, seaplane or turboprop for your group.
What Aircraft Fly the NYC–Hamptons Route?
BLADE offers three types of aircraft on the route, and the right one depends on your destination, your luggage and your timing:
- Helicopter. The fastest option, with direct access to the heliports. Best for East Hampton, Montauk, Southampton and Shelter Island, with short ground transfers at the other end.
- Seaplane. Lands on the water near bays and harbors. A good choice for Sag Harbor Bay or Shelter Island when you want to arrive close to the marina. Light luggage is recommended.
- Turboprop. Uses the runway at Westhampton (Gabreski), followed by a short car transfer east. A strong option for families and groups with extra bags.
On a private charter, the operator assigns a specific aircraft model. Ask about seating and luggage limits when you book, because they vary by aircraft.
Which Charter Services Fly to the Hamptons?
Several helicopter charter companies fly between New York City and the Hamptons. With BLADE, you can choose how you fly:
- By the seat, on scheduled flights between Manhattan and the Hamptons
- Shared charter, where you split an aircraft with other fliers
- Private charter, for your own helicopter, seaplane or turboprop at the time you choose
All BLADE flights are operated by licensed air carriers. BLADE arranges the flight, and the carrier flies it.
What Does a Helicopter to the Hamptons Cost?
BLADE's Hamptons flights start from $795 per seat. For Montauk, BLADE's Montauk Sky service offers flights between the New York City area and Montauk in summer (May to September) from $695 per seat.
If you fly the route often, BLADE also sells seasonal passes:
- Hamptons Summer Pass: $3,375 up front, then seats at $795
- Southampton Pass: $1,500 up front, then seats at $595
- Montauk Sky Pass: $695 up front, then seats at $495
- BLADE Limitless Pass: $25,000 flat for unlimited flights, with no blackout dates
A private charter is priced for the whole aircraft. The price depends on the aircraft, the destination and the day, so request a quote for your date and group size. Pass and seat prices can change by season, so check blade.com for current rates.
Why Skip the Traffic and Fly Instead?
- Time. A trip that can take three hours or more by car takes as little as 35 minutes by air.
- Predictability. You fly at a set time instead of waiting out the expressway.
- Less hassle at both ends. BLADE has lounges at both ends, so you move through in minutes.
- A better start to the weekend. You arrive in the Hamptons with your evening still ahead of you.
How to Book Your Hamptons Helicopter Flight
- Choose your destination. Pick the landing point closest to where you are staying: East Hampton, Southampton, Westhampton, Sag Harbor, Shelter Island or Montauk.
- Choose how you fly. Book a seat on a scheduled flight, join a shared charter, or request a private charter.
- Confirm your group and bags. Give BLADE your passenger count and luggage so the aircraft fits your trip.
Beat the peak
Demand is highest on Friday late afternoon and evening heading out, and on Sunday afternoon and evening heading back. To avoid the rush:
- Fly out Friday morning or early afternoon.
- Return Sunday night or early Monday.
- Book Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day weekends well in advance, since they fill early.
- If your plans are flexible, fly into Westhampton (Gabreski) or Sag Harbor Bay and take a short transfer to your address.
About East Hampton Airport
East Hampton Town Airport is a common landing point for flights from the city. The town describes it as a 600-acre airport with two runways and 62 private hangars, handling about 30,000 operations a year, mostly between May and September. Check current airport hours and rules when you plan a late return.
The Takeaway: Taking a Helicopter to the Hamptons from NYC
A helicopter is the fastest way from New York City to the Hamptons, at about 35 to 45 minutes with BLADE. Choose your destination, decide between a seat, a shared charter or a private aircraft, and book the peak summer weekends early.
For more ways to make the trip, see BLADE's guides to the best ways to get from NYC to the Hamptons and the Hampton Jitney.