How to Get to Long Island

Long Island bridge
A private jet makes its approach over the water toward a coastal runway, symbolizing one of the many ways to reach Long Island by air. With commercial flights arriving at MacArthur Airport and private aircraft landing at Republic or East Hampton, flying remains one of the fastest and most convenient options for travelers coming to the Island. File photo: Fasttailwind, licensed.

Long Island is connected to New York City and beyond through an extensive network of highways, trains, ferries, and airports. Whether you’re visiting for a beach day, planning a business trip, or relocating, there are multiple ways to get here. This guide covers every option for reaching Long Island and navigating its entry points.

Getting Here by Car

Most visitors arrive by car, crossing from New York City or Westchester into Nassau County.

Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge
The Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge in New York City, with its sweeping suspension towers spanning the Narrows between Staten Island and Brooklyn. In the foreground is the interchange of ramps and elevated highways connecting the Staten Island Expressway (I-278) to the bridge. Beyond the structure, the waters of Upper New York Bay lead toward the harbor. Opened in 1964, the Verrazzano remains the longest suspension bridge span in the United States. File photo: Audley C Bullock, licensed.

Getting Here by Train (Long Island Rail Road)

The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) offers direct access from New York City into Nassau and Suffolk counties.

This photo shows a Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) train yard filled with rows of commuter trains parked side by side. The silver train cars with their yellow-and-black fronts are the M7 and M9 electric multiple units used daily by thousands of riders. Train yards like this are essential for storing, maintaining, and preparing trains between runs. The urban skyline in the background highlights the LIRR’s vital role in connecting Long Island with New York City.
The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) train yard filled with rows of commuter trains parked side by side. The silver train cars with their yellow-and-black fronts are the M7 and M9 electric multiple units used daily by thousands of riders. Train yards like this are essential for storing, maintaining, and preparing trains between runs. The urban skyline in the background highlights the LIRR’s vital role in connecting Long Island with New York City. File photo: f11photo, licensed.

Getting Here by Bus

NEW YORK - JULY 28, 2016: New MTA bus in Queens borough in New York. MTA introduces new buses complete with Wi-Fi, USB charging ports and an upgraded design on May 2016.
This image shows a modern MTA bus operating in Queens, New York. The articulated bus, marked as the Q114 route via Brewer Boulevard and 147th Avenue, features the updated blue-and-yellow livery. Introduced in 2016, these buses came equipped with passenger-friendly upgrades such as Wi-Fi, USB charging ports, and redesigned interiors. The new fleet reflects the Metropolitan Transportation Authority’s efforts to modernize public transit and improve rider convenience across New York City. File photo: Leonard Zhukovsky, licensed.

Getting Here by Air

Flying is another convenient option:

JFK International
John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) in New York City. In the foreground, commercial airplanes are parked on the tarmac, with ground crews and service vehicles nearby. The Manhattan skyline is visible in the background, with the Empire State Building standing out on the left. JFK is one of the busiest airports in the United States, serving as a major hub for both domestic and international travel. File photo: majicphotos, licensed.

Getting Here by Ferry

Several ferry routes connect Long Island with Connecticut, Fire Island, and surrounding communities.

The Bridgeport & Port Jefferson Ferry departing Connecticut en route to Long Island, New York,. The vessel is seen moving across the calm waters of Port Jefferson Harbor, leaving a wake behind it as it heads out to Long Island Sound. On the shoreline, the village of Port Jefferson is visible, with its clustered buildings, hills, and waterfront activity. The ferry has been a vital transportation link between Port Jefferson, NY, and Bridgeport, CT for over a century, carrying both passengers and vehicles across the Sound.
The Bridgeport & Port Jefferson Ferry departing Connecticut en route to Long Island, New York,. The vessel is seen moving across the calm waters of Port Jefferson Harbor, leaving a wake behind it as it heads out to Long Island Sound. On the shoreline, the village of Port Jefferson is visible, with its clustered buildings, hills, and waterfront activity. The ferry has been a vital transportation link between Port Jefferson, NY, and Bridgeport, CT for over a century, carrying both passengers and vehicles across the Sound. File photo: Wirestock Creators, licensed.

Getting Here by Boat/Yacht

Long Island’s shoreline is dotted with marinas, making it an accessible destination for boaters.

This image shows a panoramic view of Greenport, Long Island, New York, taken from the water while sailing. A row of charming waterfront homes lines the shore, each with its own unique architecture and direct access to the bay. Behind the houses, a backdrop of lush, green trees creates a peaceful coastal setting. Greenport is a historic maritime village on the North Fork, known for its scenic harbor, boating culture, and vibrant waterfront community.
A panoramic view of Greenport, Long Island, New York, as seen while approaching the shore by vessel. A row of charming waterfront homes lines the coast, each with its own unique architecture and direct access to the bay. Behind the houses, a backdrop of lush, green trees creates a peaceful coastal setting. Greenport is a historic maritime village on the North Fork, celebrated for its scenic harbor, boating culture, and vibrant waterfront community. File photo: Andrea Izzotti, licensed.

Alternative Access

  • By Bike/On Foot: While not common, cyclists and pedestrians can enter from NYC via bridges like the Queensboro and Triborough into Queens, then continue eastward.

Travel Snapshot Table

MethodMain RoutesNotes
CarI-495 (LIE), Southern State Pkwy, Northern State PkwyBest for flexibility
TrainLong Island Rail Road (11 branches)Direct to major towns & beaches
BusMTA, Greyhound, Hampton JitneyAffordable, slower than train
AirISP, JFK, LGA, Republic, East HamptonOptions for commercial & private
FerryPort Jefferson, Orient Point, Shelter Island, Fire IslandScenic & seasonal
Boat/YachtNumerous marinasPopular for leisure travel
Bike/On FootLimited bridges from NYCFor adventurers only

No matter how you prefer to travel, Long Island is well-connected to New York City and the Northeast. From ferries across the Sound to direct trains from Manhattan, reaching Long Island is as easy as it is rewarding.

The image shows the Belt Parkway Promenade in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, with people walking and biking along the waterfront. In the distance, the Manhattan skyline is visible through the clouds, including One World Trade Center. This promenade does connect neighborhoods within Brooklyn, but to get to other parts of Long Island, you’d need to continue eastward into Queens and beyond.
The Belt Parkway Promenade in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, with people walking and biking along the waterfront. In the distance, the Manhattan skyline is visible through the clouds, including One World Trade Center. This route does connect neighborhoods within Brooklyn, but to get to other parts of Long Island, you’d need to continue eastward into Queens and beyond. File photo: Florenc.Elezi, licensed.

Frequently Asked Questions About Getting to Long Island

What is the fastest way to get to Long Island from Manhattan?
The fastest option is usually by car via the Queens–Midtown Tunnel onto the Long Island Expressway (I-495). During peak traffic hours, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is often faster since trains bypass road congestion.

Does the Long Island Rail Road go all the way to Montauk?
Yes. The Montauk Branch of the LIRR provides direct service from Manhattan to Montauk, with stops at popular Hamptons towns like Westhampton, Southampton, and East Hampton.

Can you get to Long Island without a car?
Absolutely. Many visitors rely on the LIRR, buses, or ferries. Local bus systems (NICE in Nassau, Suffolk County Transit in Suffolk) provide additional connections once you’re here.

What airports serve Long Island?

Are there ferries from Connecticut to Long Island?
Yes. Two major routes connect Long Island to Connecticut:

Is there a ferry from Manhattan to Long Island?
Currently, there is no direct year-round ferry from Manhattan to Long Island’s South or North Shores. However, seasonal ferries run to Fire Island from Long Island’s south shore, and water taxis may operate limited service.

How long does it take to drive from Manhattan to the Hamptons?
Depending on traffic, the drive takes about 2 to 3 hours. On summer weekends, travel times may be longer, and many visitors opt for the LIRR or Hampton Jitney bus service instead.

Can you bike to Long Island?
Yes, though it’s not common. Cyclists can cross into Queens via bridges like the Queensboro Bridge or Triborough (RFK) Bridge, then continue eastward onto Long Island roads and trails.