If you’re deciding how to get from Manhattan to the Hamptons, there are three main options: a helicopter like Blade, a bus like the Hampton Jitney, or hiring a car service. The helicopter is the fastest option, with a flight time of around 35 minutes. It’s also the most expensive, and you can only bring minimal luggage on board. It’s the best choice if time is your biggest priority. The bus is the cheapest option, and still provides a comfortable ride. It takes a bit longer, two to three and a half hours depending on traffic. This is the best choice for solo travelers or couples who don’t need to bring a lot of bags. Hiring a car service gives you the flexibility of door-to-door service and room for luggage. It’s the best option for groups traveling together, or anyone with lots of bags. The trip takes about the same time as the bus.
Helicopter Flight
Blade flies from three helipads in Manhattan to the Hamptons. The ride itself is only about 35 minutes, but that’s not including ground transportation on both ends. A shared seat on a Blade is $795, while a premium twin-engine trip costs $1,475. Blade has a restriction of 25 pounds of luggage per person. Summer weather can bring thunderstorms to Long Island in the afternoon. If your helicopter flight is canceled, you’ll be left without a ride. Ground transportation options are already booked up during the busy months, so you’ll have to scramble.
Blade also operates charters, but these are quite expensive. A full helicopter charter starts around $4,500. It’s hard to justify booking one unless you absolutely need to get there as quickly as possible, or if you just really want the experience.
The Ground-based Options
All Hamptons destinations are 80 to 120 miles east of Manhattan, and none of the ground-based options offer more than minor variations. They all use the Queens-Midtown Tunnel, the Long Island Expressway, and Exit 70 off the expressway to Route 27.
Hampton Jitney buses on this route cost $41 each way if you pay online in advance. Upgrades to the Ambassador class cost $65 to $80. The buses have WiFi on board and all seats are reserved in advance. The Jitney sells out on peak weekends, so you need to book your tickets as soon as possible. Their reservation system opens up three weeks ahead of time. If you already have a ticket, it’s not a reservation. You also have some options for pick-up spots. They have stops all along Lexington Avenue at 40th Street, 59th Street, 69th Street and 86th Street. There’s also a stop on Third Avenue, as well as some stops in Brooklyn.
The Jitney is stuck in the same traffic as cars, so it’s not faster on a bad Friday. Their buses run on a schedule, so they can’t reroute to avoid traffic. The longest trips tend to happen on summer Fridays. The Jitney will allow you to bring two bags with you free of charge. It’s okay to bring more than two bags, but each one costs an extra $25. Pets can ride for $15 as long as they’re in a carrier under the seat.
There’s no need to go to a station with the car service, because it will pick you up at your door. A sedan runs $350 to $450. An SUV that holds up to six goes for $450 to $600. Tolls and tip are usually included in those prices. If you split the fare four ways, you’ll pay $90 to $115 each way. The end cost is roughly the same as a Jitney Ambassador ticket, once you factor in taxis to and from the bus stops. If you’ve got four people with you, a $350-$450 drive is a steal compared to Blade’s $3,180 cost for four seats.
You’ll be in traffic a long time if your driver sticks to Route 27. That road is the main east-west path and gets jammed up fast. A good driver can save 15 to 20 minutes on the way out by taking Noyack Road toward Sag Harbor.
The worst of the Friday traffic is usually between 3 and 7 PM, so try to leave before 8 AM or after 8 PM. If you can go out to the Hamptons Thursday evening, instead of Friday, you’ll also skip the traffic. On holidays like Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day, traffic gets even worse than a typical Friday. Traffic can build up by 10 AM and not die down until 9 PM.
Car services usually book up a week or two ahead of time on busy summer weekends. With them, you can save 10 to 15 percent by buying a round trip instead of a one-way, which ensures you’ll have a ride back, instead of having to fight for one.
Your Best Bet
If you’re by yourself, don’t have much luggage, and you want to save time, the helicopter is your best bet. Remember, though, that helicopter rides can get canceled in afternoon storms. You’ll want to plan a backup ride. If you’re one or two people traveling on a budget, the Hampton Jitney will get you there comfortably without breaking the bank. Groups or anyone with a lot of bags will do best with a car service.
