Commute Times: NYC to Long Island Towns
One of the most important considerations for anyone living on Long Island is the daily commute to New York City. Whether you work in Midtown Manhattan, Lower Manhattan, or near Grand Central, travel times can vary dramatically depending on where you live. This page provides a simple, town-by-town snapshot of typical commute times by both Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and by car.
These estimates are based on typical off-peak averages and are meant for planning and comparison. Actual times will vary due to traffic patterns, LIRR schedules, seasonal changes, and service interruptions. For live updates, always check official transit apps and mapping services.
If you’re relocating, house-hunting, or simply comparing Long Island towns, these tables make it easier to see how location affects your connection to New York City’s business centers.
Note: Commute times are static averages based on LIRR timetables and common driving routes. Actual times vary with traffic, peak hours, and service conditions.
Rail (LIRR) — Typical Averages (minutes)
| Town | Penn Station | Grand Central | Lower Manhattan | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hempstead | 45 | 47 | 60 | Hempstead Branch; transfers vary |
| North Hempstead | 35 | 37 | 52 | Port Washington Branch; direct Midtown |
| Oyster Bay | 70 | 72 | 85 | Usually transfer at Mineola/Jamaica |
| Huntington | 70 | 72 | 90 | Port Jefferson Branch; some transfers |
| Babylon | 65 | 68 | 85 | Babylon Branch; frequent service |
| Islip | 75 | 78 | 95 | Montauk Branch; change at Babylon/Jamaica |
| Smithtown | 85 | 88 | 105 | Port Jefferson Branch; transfer |
| Brookhaven | 90 | 95 | 110 | Nearest: Ronkonkoma/Port Jeff/Montauk |
| Riverhead | 130 | 135 | 150 | Greenport spur; limited service |
| Southampton | 160 | 165 | 185 | Montauk Branch; seasonal patterns |
| East Hampton | 185 | 190 | 210 | Montauk Branch; Cannonball differs |
| Southold | 160 | 165 | 180 | Greenport spur via Ronkonkoma |
| Shelter Island | 200 | 210 | 230 | Ferry + LIRR connections |
Driving — Typical Averages (minutes)
| Town | Penn Station | Grand Central | Lower Manhattan | Typical Route |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hempstead | 55 | 60 | 65 | Meadowbrook → LIE/I-495 |
| North Hempstead | 50 | 55 | 65 | Northern State → LIE/I-495 |
| Oyster Bay | 70 | 75 | 85 | LIE/I-495 → Midtown Tunnel |
| Huntington | 70 | 75 | 90 | Northern State → LIE/I-495 |
| Babylon | 70 | 80 | 85 | Southern State → Belt |
| Islip | 75 | 85 | 95 | Sunrise Hwy → Belt |
| Smithtown | 80 | 90 | 100 | Northern State → LIE/I-495 |
| Brookhaven | 85 | 95 | 110 | LIE/I-495 (use HOV when eligible) |
| Riverhead | 105 | 115 | 125 | LIE/I-495 |
| Southampton | 130 | 140 | 155 | Sunrise Hwy → LIE/I-495 |
| East Hampton | 150 | 160 | 175 | Sunrise Hwy → LIE/I-495 |
| Southold | 120 | 130 | 140 | LIE/I-495 |
| Shelter Island | 150 | 165 | 180 | Ferry + LIE/I-495 |
Why Commute Times Matter
Commute times often play a major role in home buying decisions, rental values, and quality of life for Long Islanders. A shorter trip to Manhattan can increase property demand and impact neighborhood growth, while longer commutes often provide more space and affordability. Understanding these trade-offs is crucial for anyone considering a move within Long Island.
Related Resources
- Population & Demographics by Long Island Town
- Best Beaches on Long Island
- Guide to the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR)
Note: Times shown here are typical averages and provided for informational purposes only. For current LIRR schedules, visit MTA.info. For driving conditions, use your preferred navigation app.
