getting here
for US visa requirements, click here
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. Please scroll down for information about transferring to and from the airport and Manhattan.
by bus - The best way to transfer between the North Fork and Manhattan is by Hampton Jitney, picking up a hire car locally. The Jitney 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. Everyone, including locals, uses Hampton Jitney , which has a more convenient schedule. Driving into Manhattan is not the best way of achieving a stress free vacation. Book in advance by phone. The 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 train - the LIRR (Long Island Rail Road) is good, but the frequency between Penn Station and the east end of the island is dire – only 3 times daily and that may involve one or two changes. With luggage, this is not a good option. However, it’s easy to access the train for day trips into Manhattan if you are happy to drive first to Ronkokoma, which is the nearest hub, a journey of about 40 or 50 minutes.
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.
