How to Get to The Hamptons from New York City [2025–2026 Guide]
Planning a trip to the Hamptons? This updated 2025–2026 guide covers trains, buses, ferries, driving, and luxury transfers from NYC to the Hamptons with travel times, distances, and costs.
🌊 Why Visit the Hamptons?
The Hamptons—stretching along eastern Long Island—are the ultimate escape from the hustle of New York City. Known for beaches, wineries, luxury homes, and seaside villages, the Hamptons attract both weekenders and summer vacationers.
Located about 100–120 miles east of Manhattan, getting there can be quick or time-consuming depending on the option you choose. Luckily, there are multiple ways to reach the Hamptons in 2025–2026, from budget-friendly to luxury travel.
🚆 Option 1: Train (Long Island Rail Road – LIRR)
The LIRR is one of the most reliable and scenic ways to reach the Hamptons.
- Departure: Penn Station (Moynihan Train Hall) or Grand Central Madison.
- Arrival: Hamptons stations include Westhampton, Southampton, East Hampton, Amagansett, and Montauk.
- Travel Time: 2.5–3.5 hours depending on the destination.
- Cost: $25–$35 one way (peak vs. off-peak).
- Perks: Comfortable seating, restrooms, scenic ride through Long Island.
💡 During summer, look for the “Cannonball Express”, a faster LIRR service to the Hamptons with limited stops.
🚌 Option 2: Bus (Hampton Jitney & Hampton Luxury Liner)
Buses are a popular choice for locals and weekend travelers.
- Providers: Hampton Jitney and Hampton Luxury Liner.
- Departure: Midtown Manhattan or Upper East Side pickup points.
- Arrival: Multiple Hamptons towns and villages.
- Travel Time: 2.5–4 hours (depending on traffic).
- Cost: $30–$45 one way.
- Perks: Wi-Fi, snacks, comfortable seats, multiple daily departures.
💡 The bus can be quicker than driving during peak summer weekends since it uses bus lanes in NYC.
🚗 Option 3: Driving from NYC to the Hamptons
Driving gives you the most flexibility and independence.
- Distance: About 100–120 miles depending on your destination.
- Route: I-495 East (Long Island Expressway) → Route 27 (Sunrise Highway/Montauk Highway).
- Travel Time: 2.5–4 hours (traffic can double this during summer weekends).
- Cost: Around $30–$50 for gas + tolls.
💡 Best for families or groups carrying beach gear, but expect heavy traffic on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons.
⛴️ Option 4: Ferry to the Hamptons
Ferries are a scenic alternative if you’re coming from Connecticut or Rhode Island.
- Routes: Cross Sound Ferry (New London, CT to Orient Point, Long Island).
- Extra Travel: From Orient Point, it’s a 1–1.5 hour drive to East Hampton or Montauk.
- Travel Time: 2–3.5 hours total (ferry + driving).
- Cost: $20–$40 per person, $60–$100 with a car.
This option is best if you’re combining your Hamptons trip with a New England visit.
🚁 Option 5: Helicopter or Seaplane (Luxury Transfers)
For those who value speed and luxury, helicopters and seaplanes are the fastest way.
- Providers: Blade, Shoreline Aviation, Fly the Whale.
- Departure: Manhattan heliports or seaplane docks.
- Arrival: East Hampton, Montauk, or Southampton.
- Travel Time: 35–45 minutes.
- Cost: $500–$1,000+ per person one way.
💡 This is the go-to choice for celebrities and business travelers who want to avoid summer traffic.
📊 Quick Comparison Table
| Option | Travel Time | Cost (One-Way) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| LIRR Train | 2.5–3.5 hrs | $25–$35 | Reliable, scenic, budget-friendly |
| Bus (Jitney/Luxury Liner) | 2.5–4 hrs | $30–$45 | Comfortable, frequent, no driving |
| Driving | 2.5–4 hrs (can be longer) | $30–$50 | Families, flexibility, road trips |
| Ferry + Drive | 2–3.5 hrs | $20–$100 | Travelers from New England |
| Helicopter/Seaplane | 35–45 min | $500–$1,000+ | Luxury, time-sensitive travelers |
🙋 FAQs About Traveling from NYC to the Hamptons
Q1: What’s the cheapest way to get to the Hamptons from NYC?
The train (LIRR) is usually the cheapest, with fares starting around $25 one way.
Q2: What’s the fastest way to reach the Hamptons?
A helicopter or seaplane is the fastest at just 35–45 minutes, though very expensive.
Q3: Can I take a direct train from NYC to Montauk?
Yes, the LIRR runs directly from NYC to Montauk, the easternmost point of Long Island.
Q4: How bad is traffic when driving to the Hamptons?
Traffic can double travel times on summer weekends. Leaving early in the morning or late at night helps avoid congestion.
Q5: Which option is best for a weekend getaway?
Most travelers prefer the LIRR or Hampton Jitney for convenience and reliability, especially during peak season.
✅ Final Word:
Traveling from New York City to the Hamptons in 2025–2026 has options for every type of traveler. The train is the most affordable, the bus offers comfort, driving gives flexibility, ferries are scenic, and helicopters/seaplanes are the ultimate luxury. Whether you’re heading for a quick weekend escape or a long summer stay, there’s a way to make the journey as enjoyable as the destination.