by bus - A convenient way to transfer between the North Fork and Manhattan is by Hampton Jitney, picking up a hire car locally. The Jitney, as it is known, is a luxury coach with host or hostess on board, and complimentary snacks, usually a bottle of water and cookie or crisps/ chips. The journey takes between 2 and 2-1/2 hours depending on where you embark and disembark, but for most of the journey, it is non-stop. Recommended and used by local commuters, the Hampton Jitney has a more convenient schedule than the train. Driving into Manhattan is not the best way of achieving a stress free vacation. You can book the coach online by credit card or over the phone. Advance booking required, current schedule is here, but be warned, public holidays will be different, so double check this page if you are do not have flexibility.
by car - we recommend you use Google Maps.
by train - the LIRR (Long Island Rail Road) is good, but the frequency between Penn Station in Manhattan and the North Fork on the East End of Long Island is minimal at best – part of its’ wonderful charm. Trains run only twice daily in the season and that may involve one or two changes. With luggage, this can be a challenge. However, it’s easy to access the train for day trips back and forth to Manhattan if you are happy to drive first to Ronkokoma Train Station, which is the nearest hub, a journey of about 40 or 50 minutes into NYC. There is secure parking at Ronkokoma Station.
by commercial plane – The nearest international airport is JFK (John F Kennedy) in Queens, which is already on Long Island, so much closer to the North Fork than say Newark or La Guardia. To transfer directly to Southold, we recommend that either you hire a car at the airport, or arrange to be picked up (ask us for details), then hire a car locally in Riverhead (see above). Allow an hour and a half. The first hour is mainly LIE (Long Island Expressway), which is motorway, followed by a half hour drive through all the small villages on the North Fork. If you are not experienced with freeway driving in the US, or just want to kick back and relax after your flight, then we recommend you take advantage of being picked up at the airport.
by private plane or helicopter – there is a small airport in Mattituck
by domestic commercial plane - Nearest airport is Islip McCarthur (airport code ISP), about the same distance as Ronkokoma.
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by car - You need a car to get around, or a bicycle at least. Bikes are available to rent locally, also cars and minivans, or you can pick one up at the airports. With the exception of a few hotels and B&Bs in Greenport Village business district, there are no stores within walking distance of most accommodations. You will need a car or bicycle for short rides around the villages, and to access the food stores, restaurants, vineyards, tasting rooms, parks and walking trails etc. There are many things to do, whatever the season, and in the summer, two visitor information booths offer maps and guides to suit all tastes. For local car hire, we have Hertz in Cutchogue, or Enterprise in Riverhead. In winter season, a 4 wheel drive would be advisable for snow.