Beach season has finally begun in New York, and meaning numerous trips to and from the Hamptons. That means traffic jams between town and the South Fork of Long Island, with impatient drivers and passengers desperate to dip their toes within the Atlantic.
If you do not need to drive yourself down the dreaded, traffic-congested Long Island Expressway or lay our a fortune on a driver (Uber is at all times an option…), listed here are just a few more efficient ways to get to the Hamptons this season: public transit and personal corporations.
Travel comfortably to the East by bus, train, helicopter and plane.
Hampton Jitney
This New York City-Eastern Long Island bus is a preferred selection for those making the round trip in the course of the summer. The bus has multiple pickup points in Manhattan and an airport connection point in Queens for those arriving via JFK or LaGuardia. Rates from $41 single ticket, multipack tickets are also available, hamptonjitney.com
Hampton Ambassador
Known as the luxurious bus to the Hamptons, the Ambassador offers reserved seating in a two-by-one vehicle. Coffee, tea and cold soft drinks are offered on board, in addition to tastings from local Long Island wineries. The bus has stops at various locations in Midtown and the Upper East Side, in addition to on the airport connector station, and travels from Manorville to Montauk on the South Fork. Prices start at $64. hamptonambassador.com
Long Island Railroad
The Long Island Railroad (LIRR) generally is a quick and efficient solution to get east from Penn Station, Grand Central, or Jamaica, Queens. This 12 months, an express train to the Hamptons departs Penn Station every Thursday at 4:07 p.m., the “Thursday Cannonball.” The same train runs every Friday through Labor Day weekend, stopping in every city. The downside to coach travel? Chaos. Unassigned seats, last-minute announcements, and unexpected delays could make boarding the train a bit stressful. Opt for weekday trips every time possible to avoid crowds. Prices start at $23.50. mta.info
blade
Blade offers chartered and personal seaplanes and helicopters between East and West Manhattan and a number of other stops within the Hamptons, including Southampton, Sag Harbor Bay, East Hampton and Montauk. Flights typically take lower than half an hour. Prices start at $920. blade.com/hamptons
Hamptons Streamliner
New for summer 2024 is a luxury bus operated by Blade in partnership with The Jet. The vehicle will feature premium floating seats, in-seat service with light food, beverages, pillows, cashmere blankets, and repair with hot towels, cocktails, a spa-style restroom, and more. Routes will begin in Manhattan at thirty fourth and third and Hudson Yards to Southhampton, Bridgehampton, and East Hampton. Prices from $195, blade.com