Getting to the Hamptons from NYC comes down to four choices: the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR), a coach such as the Hampton Jitney or BLADE's Hamptons Streamliner, your own car, or a BLADE flight. This guide walks through how to plan each one, from where you board in Manhattan to how you reach your door out east.
Key Takeaways on Getting to the Hamptons
- Flying is fastest. BLADE flights between Manhattan and the Hamptons take about 35 to 45 minutes. BLADE puts the same trip at 3+ hours by car.
- The LIRR's Montauk Branch is the rail line for the South Fork. Many trips change at Jamaica.
- Coaches pick you up in Manhattan and drop you in the villages, with no transfers.
- Timing matters as much as mode. Friday afternoon outbound and Sunday afternoon inbound are the peaks.
Choosing Your Mode of Transport to the Hamptons
Pick the mode that fits your priority.
| If you care most about | Consider | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Time | A BLADE helicopter or seaplane | About 35 to 45 minutes from Manhattan, from $795 per seat in season |
| Cost | The LIRR or the Hampton Jitney | Hampton Jitney Montauk Line: $43 prepaid, $51 on board |
| A single-seat ride | The Hampton Jitney or the Hamptons Streamliner | Door of Manhattan to the village, in road traffic |
| Flexibility and luggage | Driving | Leave when you want, but plan around traffic |
The Hamptons Streamliner by BLADE
The Hamptons Streamliner is a premium coach service from BLADE, run in partnership with THE JET. It runs express from the West Side of Manhattan to Southampton, Bridgehampton and East Hampton. Return trips offer a Midtown East drop-off, and you can book seats to and from Hoboken.
The coach has first-class-sized Hoverseats with motion-canceling technology, a 45-degree recline and power foot rests. Service on board includes HiFi Wi-Fi, light food and drinks, pillows, blankets, hot towels, a cocktail menu for passengers over 21 and a spacious lavatory.
All Aboard the Long Island Rail Road
LIRR trains from Penn Station, Grand Central and Atlantic Terminal all run through Jamaica, where many Hamptons trips change trains. The Montauk Branch then serves the South Fork: Westhampton, Hampton Bays, Southampton, Bridgehampton, East Hampton, Amagansett and Montauk.
In summer the LIRR adds service to Montauk. That includes the Cannonball, a Friday afternoon train from Penn Station that runs nonstop to Westhampton. Buy your ticket before you board, since tickets bought from the conductor usually carry a surcharge.
Catching a Ride on the Hampton Jitney
The Hampton Jitney is a coach service with pickup stops along Lexington Avenue on Manhattan's East Side. Its lines include the Montauk Line, which runs through the South Fork villages. A one-way Montauk Line ticket is $43 prepaid or $51 on board (fares effective June 25, 2026). The Ambassador service has reserved 2+1 seating.
Reservations open up to three weeks ahead and close one hour before departure. Be at your stop seven minutes early. Two bags travel free.
Driving Out East: Navigating the Long Island Expressway
The usual route is the Long Island Expressway (I-495) east, then NY-27 (Sunrise Highway, which becomes Montauk Highway) into the South Fork. Driving gives you the most flexibility for beach gear, pets and odd hours. It also puts you in the summer traffic, so check a live traffic app before you leave.
Soaring Above Traffic with a BLADE Helicopter
BLADE offers scheduled by-the-seat flights, shared charters and private helicopter, seaplane and turboprop charters between Manhattan and the Hamptons. Flights take about 35 to 45 minutes and leave from BLADE's private Manhattan lounges, with lounges at both ends. You book on blade.com or in the BLADE app.
Pick the aircraft by destination:
- Helicopter: fastest to the heliports. Best for East Hampton, Montauk, Southampton and Shelter Island.
- Seaplane: lands on the water near the marina. Best for Sag Harbor Bay and Shelter Island. Pack light.
- Turboprop: best for groups and extra baggage. Flies into Westhampton (Francis S. Gabreski Airport), then a short car ride east.
Planning Your Departure from NYC
Choose your starting point by where you live or work.
- West Side: the Hamptons Streamliner boards on the West Side, and Penn Station is close by for the LIRR.
- East Side: the Hampton Jitney picks up at East Side stops, and Grand Central has LIRR service to Jamaica.
- Brooklyn: Atlantic Terminal has LIRR service to Jamaica.
- Anywhere in Manhattan: BLADE flights leave from BLADE's private Manhattan lounges.
Best Times to Leave the City
Demand peaks on Friday late afternoon and evening heading out. Leave Friday morning or early afternoon to avoid the rush.
Starting Points: From Penn Station to Grand Central
Penn Station, Grand Central and Atlantic Terminal all connect to the Montauk Branch through Jamaica. Check the LIRR schedule for your train, since some summer trains run direct and others need a change.
Best Time to Go to the Hamptons (Beat Traffic & Crowds)
- Outbound: Friday morning or early afternoon.
- Return: Sunday night or early Monday, to skip the post-weekend wave.
- Holidays: Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day fill early. Book those dates well in advance.
Route Tips by Town (Southampton, East Hampton, Montauk & Beyond)
- Westhampton: LIRR Westhampton station, or a BLADE turboprop into Francis S. Gabreski Airport.
- Southampton and Bridgehampton: LIRR Montauk Branch stations, the Hamptons Streamliner or the Hampton Jitney. BLADE offers flights to Southampton.
- East Hampton and Amagansett: LIRR stations in both villages, the Streamliner to East Hampton, or a BLADE flight to East Hampton.
- Montauk: the end of the Montauk Branch, or a BLADE flight to Montauk.
- Sag Harbor and Shelter Island: a BLADE seaplane lands close to the marina. On the ground, take rail or coach to a nearby village and finish by taxi.
Arrival in the Hamptons: What to Expect
Rail and coach stops leave you in or near a village. From there you need a taxi, a rideshare or a pickup. At peak times expect a wait, so book a car ahead if you are on a schedule.
Reaching Your Town: East Hampton, Southampton, and Beyond
The Montauk Branch is the South Fork line. The Ronkonkoma Branch and its extension to Greenport serve the North Fork (Riverhead, Mattituck, Southold and Greenport), not the South Fork, so do not take it for Southampton or East Hampton.
Parking and Local Travel in the Hamptons
Many Hamptons beaches require parking permits. Check the rules for your beach before you drive there. Without a car, plan on taxis and rideshares.
Budgeting for Your Trip: Cost Considerations
- LIRR: the lowest-cost option for most travelers. Buy before boarding to avoid the on-board surcharge.
- Hampton Jitney: $43 prepaid or $51 on board one way on the Montauk Line.
- Hamptons Streamliner: a premium coach. Check current fares when you book.
- Driving: fuel, tolls and parking, plus the time in traffic.
- BLADE flights: from $795 per seat in season. Private charters cost more and depend on the aircraft.
When to Book: Schedules and Advance Planning
Book early for summer weekends and holidays. Hampton Jitney reservations open three weeks ahead. BLADE recommends booking holiday weekends well in advance. LIRR schedules change by season, so check the current timetable for your travel date.
Bottom Line: How to Get to Hamptons from NYC
Fly if time matters most. Take the LIRR or the Hampton Jitney if cost matters most. Book the Streamliner for a comfortable ride on the road, or drive if you need your own car out east. Whatever you choose, leave outside the Friday and Sunday peaks.
FAQs about Your Ultimate Guide on How to Get to Hamptons from NYC
What are the cheapest options for traveling to the Hamptons from NYC?
The LIRR and the Hampton Jitney. A one-way Hampton Jitney Montauk Line ticket is $43 prepaid or $51 on board.
What is the quickest route from New York to The Hamptons?
Flying. BLADE flights between Manhattan and the Hamptons take about 35 to 45 minutes. BLADE puts the drive at 3+ hours.
Is there a direct bus service from New York to The Hamptons?
Yes. The Hampton Jitney and BLADE's Hamptons Streamliner both run from Manhattan to the Hamptons without a transfer.
Where can I catch the bus from New York to The Hamptons?
The Hamptons Streamliner boards on the West Side of Manhattan. The Hampton Jitney picks up at stops on the East Side.
Where does the bus from New York to The Hamptons arrive?
The Hamptons Streamliner runs express to Southampton, Bridgehampton and East Hampton. The Hampton Jitney's Montauk Line stops in the South Fork villages.
Can I take the train from New York to The Hamptons?
Yes. The LIRR's Montauk Branch serves Westhampton, Hampton Bays, Southampton, Bridgehampton, East Hampton, Amagansett and Montauk. Many trips change at Jamaica.
Can I drive from New York to The Hamptons?
Yes. Take the Long Island Expressway east, then NY-27 into the South Fork. Expect heavy traffic on summer Friday afternoons and Sunday afternoons.