Getting from NYC to the Hamptons is easy to plan and hard to time. The same trip can be quick on a weekday morning and slow on a Friday afternoon in summer. This guide covers each realistic way to get from New York City to the Hamptons, what it involves, and which one suits your trip.
What Are the Best Ways to Get from NYC to the Hamptons?
Most travelers choose one of five options:
- Bus, with Hampton Jitney's scheduled coach service
- Train, on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR)
- Car, driving yourself or booking a private car service
- Helicopter or seaplane, with BLADE
- Group trips and tours, for weddings, events or a day out on the East End
The right choice depends on your budget, your group size, how much luggage you carry and when you travel.
How Does the Hampton Jitney Bus Service Work?
Hampton Jitney runs scheduled coaches between Manhattan and both forks of Long Island, every day, year round.
Scheduled Routes and Stops
South Fork stops include Southampton, Water Mill, Bridgehampton, Sag Harbor, Wainscott, East Hampton, Amagansett and Montauk. The Westhampton line serves Westhampton, Quogue, East Quogue and Hampton Bays. North Fork stops run from Calverton and Riverhead out to Greenport and Orient Point.
A few practical points from Hampton Jitney:
- Reserve ahead. A reservation is required to hold a seat. You can book up to three weeks before your trip and up to one hour before departure.
- Fares. One-way fares on the Montauk Line are $43 prepaid or $51 on board (effective June 25, 2026).
- Luggage. Two bags per passenger ride free. Additional bags are $25 each.
- Boarding. Be at the stop at least 7 minutes before departure.
- From the airports. Hampton Jitney connects to JFK and LaGuardia through its Airport Connection stop in Queens, which is a short cab ride from either airport.
The Hampton Ambassador is the premium coach, with reserved 2+1 seating, extra legroom, coffee, teas and cold drinks.
Electronic Value Packs and Membership Perks
Electronic Value Packs are books of 12 one-way tickets (10 for Ambassador) sold at Hampton Jitney's most discounted fares. A 12-ticket Montauk Line book is $399, or $33.25 per ticket. Annual memberships add perks such as booking 28 days ahead of other riders and discounts on additional Value Pack books.
Can You Take the Train to the Hamptons?
The Long Island Rail Road runs from Penn Station in Manhattan to Montauk, on the eastern tip of Long Island, about 120 miles away. The train is a good fit if you travel light and your stay is near a station. Plan a car or taxi for the last stretch.
Can You Ship Your Car to the Hamptons?
Hampton Jitney's Scheduled Auto Transport Service ships cars from Florida to the Hamptons, with a scheduled fixed-date pickup and 72-hour delivery. It does not serve trips from NYC. If you want your own car on the East End, you will need to drive it out.
What Private and Charter Options Are Available?
Driving or a private car. A car takes you door to door and carries the most luggage. It is also the option most exposed to traffic on the Long Island Expressway and the local roads into each village.
Flying with BLADE. BLADE offers helicopter and seaplane flights between Manhattan and the Hamptons from $795 per seat. Flights take about 35 to 45 minutes, against 3 hours or more by car. BLADE serves Westhampton, Southampton, Sag Harbor, Shelter Island, East Hampton and Montauk, with private lounges at both ends.
You can choose how you fly:
- By the seat, on scheduled flights
- Shared charter, splitting a flight with other fliers
- Private charter, with a helicopter, seaplane or turboprop for your group
Each aircraft suits a different trip. Helicopters give the fastest access to East Hampton, Montauk, Southampton and Shelter Island. Seaplanes land on the water near Sag Harbor Bay and Shelter Island, close to the marina, and work best with light luggage. Turboprops fly into Westhampton (Gabreski Airport), followed by a short car transfer east, which suits families and groups with extra bags.
In summer, BLADE's Montauk Sky service also flies between the New York City area and Montauk, from $695 each way.
Are There Guided Tours from NYC to the East End?
Hampton Jitney runs day and multi-day trips to events on the East End, in New York City and beyond, and it can organize custom group tours. On the North Fork, the North Fork Trolley runs wine and brew tours. For a wedding party or a corporate group, a private charter coach or a private flight keeps everyone on one schedule. Check current dates before you plan around a tour.
Which Travel Option Is Right for Your Trip?
| Travel option | What to expect | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Bus (Hampton Jitney) | Scheduled coach, reservation required | Solo travelers and small groups on a budget |
| Train (LIRR) | Scheduled rail from Penn Station | Light packers staying near a station |
| Car or private car service | Door to door, exposed to traffic | Families, luggage, flexible timing |
| BLADE helicopter or seaplane | About 35 to 45 minutes | Saving time, peak weekends |
| Group trip or tour | Organized day out | Events and first-time visitors |
Timing matters as much as the mode. For flights, BLADE sees demand peak on Friday late afternoon and evening heading east, and on Sunday afternoon and evening heading back. To avoid the rush:
- Leave Friday morning or early afternoon.
- Return Sunday night or early Monday.
- Book holiday weekends early. Memorial Day, July 4th and Labor Day fill up first.
- Stay flexible on where you land. Flying into Westhampton (Gabreski) or Sag Harbor Bay and transferring to your address can open up more options.
The Takeaway: Finding Your Best Route from NYC to the Hamptons
For the lowest cost, take the Hampton Jitney or the LIRR and book ahead. For door-to-door travel with luggage, drive or book a car and avoid the Friday afternoon window. To skip the traffic entirely, fly with BLADE in about 35 to 45 minutes and arrive minutes from the beaches, marinas and villages.