The Hamptons & Montauk — decoded hamlet by hamlet.
From 9,000-foot heavy-jet touchdowns at Gabreski (KFOK) and 34-minute Sikorsky helicopter hops onto Meadow Lane to 200-foot superyachts in Sag Harbor, 24-hour estate butlers, Château Lafite Rothschild cellars, and spontaneous Gulfstream flights to Paris or Rome for dinner — curated with 100% positive hospitality love by Matt — The Hotel Insider.
“Whether I’m staying at a classic roadside inn or stepping onto a billion-dollar Meadow Lane estate, a 34-minute Sikorsky helicopter, or a 200-foot yacht in Sag Harbor — I’m a down-to-earth guy with nothing but love for great hospitality. Here is how the East End really works.”
— MATT · FOUNDER & THE HOTEL INSIDER (CLICK TO READ FULL COLUMN)This Week’s Fast Pick by Matt: Sunset lobster cobb & magnum rosé at Duryea’s Montauk + oceanfront thermal spa suites at Gurney’s. Compare live rates across Booking.com, Priceline & Expedia:
Why the Hamptons & Montauk Are in a Different Universe — By Matt, The Hotel Insider
People who haven’t experienced the real East End think the Hamptons is just a summer beach trip. It isn’t. From Southampton’s Meadow Lane through East Hampton’s Further Lane, Sag Harbor’s 200-foot superyacht basin, and out to Montauk Point, this coastline is one of the greatest concentrations of private aviation, iconic architecture, and culinary craftsmanship on earth.
Out here, time is the ultimate luxury. Instead of sitting on a highway for four hours on a Friday afternoon, you lift off from West 30th Street or Wall Street Pier 6 in a twin-engine Sikorsky S-76D or Agusta AW139 helicopter and touch down on Meadow Lane (87N) or East Hampton (KJPX) in 34 minutes flat. Or you land a Gulfstream G700 or Bombardier Global 7500 on the 9,000-foot runway at Gabreski (KFOK), where your driver pulls right up to the aircraft stairs. And if somebody at the dinner table says they’re in the mood for Paris or Rome tonight, wheels are up from Gabreski in three hours.
And here is what most guides never tell you: the Hamptons and Montauk are just as magical in the wintertime as they are in July. When the summer crowds leave, the real magic comes out — watching an Atlantic winter swell from the indoor heated seawater thermal baths at Gurney’s Montauk, or sitting beside the roaring fireplace at The American Hotel in Sag Harbor with a bottle of Château Lafite Rothschild or a pour of Clase Azul Ultra Extra Añejo.
Private Jets, Twin-Engine Helicopters, Seaplanes & $100M Oceanfront Estates — The Real Hamptons
When you own a $40M–$120M oceanfront compound on Southampton’s Meadow Lane or East Hampton’s Further Lane, every minute of your weekend is precious. You lift off from Manhattan in a twin-engine Sikorsky S-76D or Agusta AW139 helicopter (34 minutes door-to-pad), touch down in a Gulfstream G700, Global 7500, or Learjet 75 at Gabreski (KFOK · 9,000-ft runway), or splash down by amphibious seaplane right beside the 200-foot superyachts in Sag Harbor.
We only accept top-tier private aviation, superyacht, luxury hospitality, and prime East End dining brands on this page. Zero mass-market ads.
✦ Apply for East End Aviation / Luxury Sponsorship →Francis S. Gabreski Airport (KFOK) — 9,000-Ft Heavy Jet Runway
Need a 24-Hour Estate Butler — or Want to Fly to Paris or Rome for Dinner Tonight?
Out in the Hamptons, true luxury isn’t waiting in line — it’s having the world brought to your front gate on Further Lane, or lifting off from Gabreski (KFOK) at sunset because your date mentioned she’s craving truffle pasta in Rome or champagne in Paris. Explore six signature ultra-high-net-worth experiences below:
Provide private staffing, estate butlers, Michelin private chefs, jet charter, or superyacht brokerage in the Hamptons? Register as an Official East End Partner →
“Take Her to Dinner in Paris or Rome Tonight” — Non-Stop from Gabreski (KFOK)
Why settle for a local table when you have a 9,000-foot heavy-jet runway 15 minutes from Southampton? Your Maybach pulls directly onto the tarmac at Sheltair FBO (KFOK) beside a fueled Bombardier Global 7500 or Gulfstream G700. Lift off at 6:00 PM with Dom Pérignon P2 and Oscietra caviar on board, sleep in a full queen stateroom at 51,000 feet, and touch down at Paris Le Bourget (LFPB · 6h 40m) or Rome Ciampino (LIRA · 7h 35m). Enjoy private VIP customs clearance, a chauffeured Rolls-Royce Phantom into Paris or Rome for a private Michelin dinner, and fly back to the Hamptons in time for Sunday sunset on the beach.
Matt’s Hotel Insider Reserve — Château Lafite Rothschild, $5,000 Extra Añejo Tequilas & Caviar-Grade Vodkas
“When you’re entertaining aboard a 200-foot superyacht in Sag Harbor or hosting friends inside a Meadow Lane dining room, the bottle on the table sets the tone for the entire evening. Here are my personal Hotel Insider selections celebrating the most extraordinary wines, tequilas, vodkas, champagnes, and cognacs crafted anywhere in the world.”
Feature your flagship bottle as “Matt’s Official NYC Hotels & Hamptons Insider Pick” right here in front of East End estate owners, private jet flyers, yacht captains, and Hamptons restaurant beverage directors.
✦ Lock In Official Spirit / Wine Category Exclusivity →Château Lafite Rothschild (Pauillac 1er Grand Cru), Domaine de la Romanée-Conti & Petrus
When you are hosting twelve guests at a candlelit table on Meadow Lane or ordering from the 4,000-bottle cellar at The American Hotel in Sag Harbor, nothing commands the room like a benchmark vintage of Château Lafite Rothschild (1982, 1996, 2000, or 2009 Double Magnum), Château Mouton Rothschild, right-bank Petrus (Pomerol), or Domaine de la Romanée-Conti (La Tâche & Romanée-Conti Grand Cru). Decanted tableside by a private Master Sommelier two hours before sunset.
The 8 East End Hamlets — Where the Wealthiest Stay, Dine & Drop Anchor
Put your Hamptons restaurant, steakhouse, lobster deck, or cocktail lounge #1 inside this village dossier with direct VIP table & private event links.
Reserve Your Village Dining & Bar Placement →Southampton & Water Mill — $150M Meadow Lane Compounds, Private Clubs & Sant Ambroeus
Anchored by the five-mile oceanfront strip of Meadow Lane — where private helipads, sunken grass tennis courts, and $80M–$150M ocean-to-bay compounds line the dunes — Southampton is the undisputed capital of Old-Guard and Wall Street Hamptons wealth.
Not Just Summer — What Billionaires & Year-Round Residents Do in Winter, Autumn & Spring
When the summer crowds vanish after Labor Day, the real East End insiders stay. From winter storm-watching and indoor heated seawater thermal pools at Gurney’s Montauk to roaring wood-burning fireplaces at The American Hotel in Sag Harbor (4,000-bottle French cellar), wood-fired winter truffle dinners at Nick & Toni’s, and year-round heated indoor equestrian rings in Bridgehampton — click any season below to inspect the 365-day playbook across every town:
• Sag Harbor in Winter: The American Hotel’s roaring lobby fireplace & 4,000-bottle cellar, Baron’s Cove harbor suites & Bay Street Theater.
• East Hampton & Bridgehampton: Nick & Toni’s wood-burning oven, Baker House 1650 spa suites, Topping Rose House & indoor equestrian arenas.
Winter in the Hamptons & Montauk — Ocean Storm-Watching, Thermal Spas & Fireside Bordeaux
Ask anyone who truly lives on the East End: winter is when the Hamptons and Montauk feel like a private coastal sanctuary. Touch down at Gabreski (KFOK) or East Hampton (KJPX) with heated hangar staging, check into an oceanfront fireplace bungalow at Gurney’s Montauk to soak in the indoor ocean-fed seawater thermal baths and Finnish rock saunas while Atlantic waves crash against the glass, or claim the corner fireplace table at The American Hotel in Sag Harbor over a 1982 Bordeaux.
The Complete Hamptons & Montauk Insider Encyclopedia — Real Specs & Iconic Destinations
Every destination on the East End has its own signature charm and technical protocol. Whether your captain needs exact 480V shore-power and draft specs at Sag Harbor Long Wharf, your house manager needs the village ocean beach permit rules, or you want to explore the historic golf & tennis clubs and 30-day dining reservation windows across the East End — everything is documented below:
Where Billionaires Tee Off & Play Grass-Court Tennis
• National Golf Links of America (Southampton): C.B. Macdonald’s 1911 masterpiece right beside Shinnecock & Peconic Bay.
• Sebonack Golf Club (Southampton): Jack Nicklaus & Tom Doak co-design on 300 waterfront acres ($500,000+ initiation tier) with private helipad staging nearby.
• The Maidstone Club (East Hampton): Oceanfront links, sunken grass tennis courts & private Atlantic beach cabanas along Old Beach Lane.
• The Bridge (Bridgehampton) & Atlantic Golf Club: Built on the historic Bridgehampton Sports Car Race Circuit with modernist clubhouse & helicopter access via KJPX.
• The Meadow Club & Southampton Bath & Tennis Club: Historic sunken grass tennis courts (First Neck Ln) and Gin Lane oceanfront cabanas.
Captain & Yacht Broker Technical Specifications
• Montauk Yacht Club / Star Island Marina (Lake Montauk): Deep-water slips up to 200 ft LOA · 12 ft draft · full resort spa, heliport (KMTP 3 mins away) & private tender dock.
• Shelter Island (Coecles Harbor & Sunset Beach Anchorage): Protected hurricane-hole moorings + direct tender drop off Crescent Beach for Sunset Beach magnum lunches.
• Three Mile Harbor (East Hampton): EHP Resort & Marina slips up to 125 ft LOA right beside Si Si Mediterranean dining.
• U.S. Customs (CBP) Clearance: International private jets clear on the ramp at Gabreski (KFOK) by prior appointment; foreign-flagged yachts clear via CBP ROAM / Sag Harbor port of entry.
How Ocean Beach Access Actually Works on the East End
• Main Beach & Georgica Beach (East Hampton Village): Strictly requires an East Hampton Village beach parking sticker on vehicles from May 15 – Sept 15; walk-on / bicycle / chauffeur drop-off is always free.
• Sagg Main Beach & Gibson Beach (Sagaponack): Requires a Town of Southampton beach permit (available to seasonal estate renters with a signed lease + utility bill).
• Indian Wells & Atlantic Ave Beach (Amagansett): Town of East Hampton parking sticker required; luxury inns like Baker House 1650, Reform Club & Mill House Inn provide complimentary VIP guest beach passes.
When the Most Celebrated East End Tables Open — & How to Book
• Le Bilboquet Sag Harbor (1 Long Wharf): Waterfront superyacht-basin tables open 14–30 days out via Resy / Dorsia VIP; Sunday 2:30 PM magnum lunch is the signature power seating.
• Sant Ambroeus (Southampton Jobs Ln & East Hampton): Book 21–30 days ahead or arrange private estate catering directly through their Southampton pastry & espresso bar.
• Duryea’s Lobster Deck (Montauk · 65 Tuthill Rd): Yacht tender dockage & sunset cabanas accept private minimum-spend reservations; walk-in raw bar deck fills by 4:30 PM on summer Fridays.
• The Crow’s Nest (Montauk) & Tutto il Giorno (Sag Harbor / Southampton): Sunset lakeside tables at Crow’s Nest and garden tables at Tutto il Giorno are strictly prime-tier.
Before Hotels.com Existed, Matthew S. Crawford Built CaliforniaHotels.com (Jan 10, 1998), NewJerseyHotels.com, VirginiaHotels.com, VermontHotels.com & HawaiiLuxuryHotels.com
Having worked inside hotels firsthand and built hospitality businesses from the ground up since 1998, Founder & Editor-in-Chief Matthew S. Crawford started out in his car driving door-to-door and ringing doorbells at bed-and-breakfasts and hotels to sign them onto his very first travel website, NewJerseyHotels.com—before Hotels.com was even around. On January 10, 1998, he became the first person in history to register and personally design CaliforniaHotels.com under his company MSCrawford Group, Inc.. One of the original 1998 dot-com hospitality pioneers still standing strong nearly three decades later without missing a beat, he built and exited his state hotel domain conglomerate—including CaliforniaHotels.com, NewJerseyHotels.com, VirginiaHotels.com, VermontHotels.com, and several others to name a few—to First Internet Travel, which subsequently sold the portfolio to hospitality giant Cendant Corporation (Crawford remains tight-lipped on the actual contract and what was negotiated, as the purchase is governed under a strict Non-Disclosure Agreement). Through the deal, he kept his prized 1998 crown-jewel domain, HawaiiLuxuryHotels.com—for which a brand-new luxury flagship platform is being built as we speak (look forward to the all-new HawaiiLuxuryHotels.com launching next!). Today, having evolved MSCrawford Group into Design Kreatives Group LLC and acquired global SEO, AEO & GEO agency DesignKreatives.com, Matthew brings 28+ years of hotel industry grit and 40+ countries of firsthand world travel to NYCHotelss.com.
Original 1998 Creator of CaliforniaHotels.com & State Hotel Conglomerate
Verified on the Wayback Machine: Matthew S. Crawford personally designed the original CaliforniaHotels.com portal—stamped at the bottom with “© Copyright 2002, MSCrawford Group, Inc.”—before selling his state hotel conglomerate (California, New Jersey, Virginia, Vermont, and several others to name a few) to First Internet Travel / Cendant under a strict Non-Disclosure Agreement, while keeping his 1998 crown-jewel domain, HawaiiLuxuryHotels.com (new flagship site now in development).
MSCrawford Group → Design Kreatives Group LLC → Design Kreatives
Why do Hotel General Managers, Sales Directors, and Wedding Planners partner directly with NYCHotelss.com? Because most platforms must pay outside agencies $25,000+/month for search visibility—whereas Matthew S. Crawford owns the SEO, AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) & GEO (Generative Engine Optimization) agency himself (DesignKreatives.com) serving NYC, Atlanta, Washington DC, Dubai & Hong Kong. Every featured property is engineered to dominate Google, ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity.
40+ Countries Inspected: From Rome & Istanbul to Everest & Safaris
Matthew S. Crawford evaluates every Manhattan & Hamptons hotel against a lifetime of staying in the finest hotels across 40+ countries:
The Anti-Algorithm Travel Guide: How a 1998 Dot-Com Pioneer & 40-Country Luxury Suite Insider Built 500+ Hyper-Local Guides to Take on Expedia in New York City
Founder Matthew S. Crawford—original 1998 creator of CaliforniaHotels.com, NewJerseyHotels.com, VirginiaHotels.com, VermontHotels.com, and several others to name a few (MSCrawford Group, Inc. → First Internet Travel / Cendant under strict NDA, while keeping his 1998 crown jewel HawaiiLuxuryHotels.com) and owner of SEO/AEO/GEO agency DesignKreatives.com—leverages 40+ countries of royal suite invitations, international red carpets, and boots-on-the-ground hotel experience to challenge corporate online travel aggregators.
NEW YORK, NY — When travelers search for a hotel in Manhattan today, they are met with a familiar digital wall: 800 generic listings, identical stock photography, sponsored placements bidding for the top of the screen, and undisclosed destination fees that can tack on $85 a night at checkout. NYCHotelss.com, an independent hospitality platform headquartered at New York & Atlanta, is taking an entirely different approach.
Founded by 1998 dot-com hospitality pioneer and luxury travel specialist Matthew S. Crawford—who worked in hotels firsthand, drove in his car ringing doorbells at bed-and-breakfasts for NewJerseyHotels.com, registered and built CaliforniaHotels.com on January 10, 1998 before Hotels.com existed, exited his state hotel domain conglomerate (California, New Jersey, Virginia, Vermont, and several others to name a few) to First Internet Travel / Cendant under a confidential Non-Disclosure Agreement while keeping his prized 1998 crown-jewel domain HawaiiLuxuryHotels.com (with a brand-new luxury site currently being built as we speak), and has traveled firsthand to 40+ countries—the platform combines high-end insider curation with an uncompromising commitment to consumer value across 500+ dedicated, hand-built guides.
“Today’s travel engines give you 800 hotel options with identical stock photos and no soul. At NYCHotelss.com, the last ‘S’ stands for savings, and the curation is pure luxury. We built over 500 comprehensive guides so travelers know the exact room with the Central Park view, the quiet block in the Theater District, and where to grab an authentic slice at midnight after a Broadway show.” — Matthew S. Crawford, Founder & Editor-in-Chief, NYCHotelss.com & DesignKreatives.com
The Insider’s Eye: From 40+ Countries & Royal Suites to Real NYC Streets
Through its signature feature, The Hotel Insider, Crawford opens his personal 40-country photo archives and review notebooks—from the two-floor Royal Suite at the Burj Al Arab during the Dubai International Film Festival, the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Kathmandu & Mount Everest, Sri Lanka, and East African Safaris in Nairobi to Europe’s grand capitals (Rome, Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, Munich Oktoberfest, London, Amsterdam) and New York icons like The Plaza, The St. Regis, The Carlyle, and The Fifth Avenue Hotel.
- 500+ Hyper-Local Guides & Event Navigation: Dedicated guides for the NYC Marathon route, Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade viewing suites, Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree stays, Broadway theaters, universities, and world-class hospital centers.
- The 69-Spot Interactive NYC Food Map & Hamptons Playbook: Connecting guests directly with legendary slice joints (Di Fara, John’s of Bleecker), classic delis (Katz’s, 2nd Ave Deli), historic hotel bars (Bemelmans, King Cole Bar), and East End escapes in Montauk, East Hampton, and Southampton.
- Powered In-House by DesignKreatives.com (SEO · AEO · GEO): Engineered by Crawford’s own agency (DesignKreatives.com) so partner hotels capture high-intent bookings across Google, ChatGPT, Gemini, and Perplexity.
Partner With Matt — The Hotel Insider: Choose Peak Summer, Winter Season or Full-Year Lock
Every brand featured on this page is personally celebrated and endorsed by Matt — The Hotel Insider. We partner exclusively with premier private aviation operators (Gulfstream / Sikorsky tier), superyacht brokers, world-class wine & spirits houses (Château Lafite Rothschild, Clase Azul Ultra, Belvedere 10 tier), luxury hotels, and standout East End restaurants. Strict Seasonal Lock Policy: Once you are in for the Summer, your spot is locked for the entire season — we never swap or sell mid-summer. Bookings open at the beginning of Summer and the beginning of Winter, or you can lock in all 365 days year-round:
Hamptons Restaurant, Cocktail Bar, Beach Club or Boutique Inn
Featured placement inside your village dossier (Southampton, East Hampton, Sag Harbor, Montauk, Bridgehampton, Amagansett or Shelter Island) for the entire Memorial Day – Labor Day season, with direct Resy/VIP table & private event links + SEO backlink.
Official Sponsor of Matt’s “Hotel Insider” Top-Shelf Liquor & Wine Vault
Lock in 100% category exclusivity as Matt’s Official Hamptons Tequila, Vodka, Champagne, Bordeaux/Wine, or Single Malt Scotch Pick. Includes custom bottle showcase, tasting dossier, estate/yacht provisioning link, and permanent authority backlink.
Private Jet Brokerage, Helicopter Operator, Superyacht or Estate Partner
Headline placement inside our East End Private Aviation Command Deck (KFOK, KJPX, 87N, Sag Harbor, KMTP) and Billionaire Concierge Switchboard. Built for jet charter, helicopter shuttles, yacht brokers, equestrian estates & luxury real estate.
The Definitive Long Island, Hamptons & Montauk Directory — South Fork, North Fork & Gold Coast
From the oceanfront estates of Southampton, Water Mill, Bridgehampton, Sagaponack, East Hampton, Amagansett, and Montauk Point to Sag Harbor’s superyacht basin, Shelter Island, Westhampton Beach, Quogue, the North Fork vineyards of Greenport & Cutchogue, and Long Island’s Gold Coast (Old Westbury, Sands Point, Oyster Bay & Farmingdale Republic Airport KFRG) — explore the complete Long Island & East End luxury network below:
Southampton to Amagansett
Southampton Village (Meadow Ln, Gin Ln, Coopers Beach, Heliport 87N), Water Mill, Bridgehampton (Topping Rose House, Polo & Hampton Classic), Sagaponack (Daniels Ln, Parsonage Ln, Wölffer Estate), Wainscott (East Hampton Airport KJPX), East Hampton Village (Further Ln, Lily Pond Ln,Georgica Pond, Nick & Toni’s, Baker House 1650), and Amagansett (Bluff Rd, Indian Wells, The Reform Club).
Search Hamptons Luxury Hotels →Montauk, Sag Harbor & Shelter Island
Montauk (“The End”) (Gurney’s Montauk Resort & Seawater Spa, Duryea’s Lobster Deck, Montauk Yacht Club Star Island, Montauk Airport KMTP, Ditch Plains, Montauk Point Lighthouse), Sag Harbor & North Haven (Long Wharf 220-ft Superyacht Marina, Le Bilboquet, The American Hotel, Baron’s Cove), and Shelter Island (Sunset Beach, The Pridwin, Coecles Harbor, Léon 1909).
Search Montauk & Harbor Stays →Quogue, KFOK & Greenport Wine Country
Westhampton Beach & Quogue (Dune Road ocean-to-bay estates, Francis S. Gabreski Airport KFOK 9,000-ft heavy jet runway, Seven Beach Lane), Hampton Bays & Shinnecock (Canoe Place Inn & Cottages), plus Long Island’s North Fork: Greenport (Mitchell Park Superyacht Marina, American Beech), Southold, Cutchogue, and Orient Point (Duryea’s Orient Point Beach Club).
Search Westhampton & North Fork →Oyster Bay, Old Westbury & KFRG / KISP
Complete Long Island Luxury & Private Aviation Corridor: Republic Airport Farmingdale (KFRG · Sheltair & Talon Air FBOs), Long Island MacArthur Airport (KISP · Hawthorne Global FBO), and the historic Gold Coast estates of Old Westbury, Brookville, Sands Point, Manhasset, Garden City (The Garden City Hotel), Oyster Bay, Cold Spring Harbor, and Huntington Bay.
Search All Long Island Luxury Stays →Checking the beach…
Pulling live conditions.
Which Hamptons town is yours?
Three quick questions. We match you to a town, then jump you to where to stay and eat.
The South Fork, mapped
Tap a town to see where to stay, eat and play, then add favorites to your trip.
Plan your Hamptons trip
Pick your start, destination and day. We rank the best ways to go.
When to leave: the traffic planner
Summer Fridays and Sundays are famous for backups on the Long Island Expressway and Route 27. Pick your direction to see the typical pattern.
Typical patterns in summer, not live traffic. Holidays and events can be worse. Calm, Moderate, Heavy, Brutal.Every way to get there
Hampton Jitney
The signature South Fork coach. Expect a 54-seat coach with an attendant, Wi-Fi, climate control and a restroom. It serves villages from Southampton to Montauk. Fares are usually the lowest of the coaches, and prepaying online is cheaper than paying on board. A pickup in Queens helps if you are arriving at JFK, so you can skip Manhattan.
Hampton Ambassador
The Jitney’s upscale sibling, on the same route and village stops. A smaller cabin with single seats gives more room and a quieter ride, with a fuller refreshment service. It costs more than the standard coach and tends to sell out first on busy weekends.
Hampton Luxury Liner
A separate coach service with extra legroom, leather seats and power outlets, running between Manhattan and the Hamptons. Manhattan pickups are in Midtown East and the Upper East Side. Reservations and advance payment are required.
BLADE Streamliner
A seasonal luxury coach with reclining seats and a food and drink menu, leaving from Hudson Yards. It serves a few villages and is priced well above the other coaches.
Long Island Rail Road (LIRR)
The LIRR serves the South Fork on the Montauk Branch, with stops such as Southampton, Bridgehampton, East Hampton, Amagansett and Montauk. Trains avoid Friday road traffic, but most trips need at least one transfer, often at Jamaica, so allow extra time and check the schedule carefully.
- From JFK, take the AirTrain to Jamaica Station to connect.
- From Manhattan, trains leave from Penn Station, and some from Grand Central through the East Side Access terminal.
- Stations can be a short taxi ride from the village center, so plan your last mile.
- Check the MTA TrainTime app for real-time schedules and any summer express service.
Driving or car service
Driving from Manhattan to Southampton is roughly 100 miles and can take far longer than the map says on summer Fridays and Sundays. Parking in village centers is limited. A pre-booked car service gives you a driver, door to door service and room for luggage. It is the most flexible option for groups.
- Leave early or late on Fridays to avoid the heaviest traffic.
- Book a car service ahead for peak weekends.
- Ask the driver about tolls and waiting time before you confirm.
Helicopter and seaplane
A scheduled flight from Manhattan to East Hampton takes about 40 minutes, skipping traffic entirely. It costs far more than other options, and weather can affect flights. Book early for peak summer days.
| Option | Typical cost | Comfort | Traffic? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hampton Jitney | About $41 and up | Good | Yes | Value, JFK link |
| Hampton Ambassador | About $65 and up | Very good | Yes | Extra room |
| Hampton Luxury Liner | About $34 and up | Very good | Yes | Amenities from Manhattan |
| BLADE Streamliner | About $195 and up | Luxury | Yes | Summer splurge |
| LIRR | Usually lower | Basic | No | Avoiding traffic |
| Car service | $400 and up | Private | Yes | Groups and luggage |
| Helicopter | Several hundred dollars and up | Luxury | No | Speed |
Typical costs are estimates. Always confirm current fares.
The Hamptons and nearby towns
The Hamptons are a string of villages along Long Island’s South Fork. Each has its own character, so choose by what you want from the trip. Pick a vibe below to filter the towns, then see how to get there.
Westhampton Beach
The first stop on the South Fork route and a classic summer village. Main Street has shops, restaurants and a performing arts center, and long barrier beaches run along Dune Road.
- How to get there: LIRR (Westhampton station)
- Time from NYC: About 1.5 to 2 hours from Manhattan
- Great for: Families, beach weekends, easy trips
Hampton Bays
A relaxed, down-to-earth town with bayside restaurants, marinas and public beaches. Stays usually cost less here than in the better-known villages, and it is a good base for visiting Southampton.
- How to get there: LIRR (Hampton Bays station)
- Time from NYC: About 2 hours from Manhattan
- Great for: Value, families, boating
Southampton
One of the oldest English settlements in New York, with a polished Main Street and Jobs Lane lined with boutiques, galleries and restaurants. Coopers Beach is regularly named among the country’s best beaches.
- How to get there: Coach (Southampton stop) and LIRR
- Time from NYC: About 2.5 hours from Manhattan
- Great for: Shopping, dining, first-time visitors
Water Mill
A small hamlet known for its working windmill, farm stands and the Parrish Art Museum, whose long, barn-like building showcases artists of the East End. It is quiet and scenic, with easy access to the beaches.
- How to get there: Coach (Water Mill stop)
- Time from NYC: About 2.7 hours from Manhattan
- Great for: Art lovers, quiet stays
Bridgehampton
Home to farm stands, wineries and the late-summer Hampton Classic horse show. Main Street has antiques, design shops and some of the area’s best dining. Sagg Main Beach in neighboring Sagaponack is close.
- How to get there: Coach (Bridgehampton stop) and LIRR
- Time from NYC: About 2.9 hours from Manhattan
- Great for: Foodies, design lovers
East Hampton
A picture-perfect village with a pond and green, Main Street boutiques, Guild Hall and some of the island’s most storied estates. Main Beach is a favorite for its long, wide sand.
- How to get there: Coach (East Hampton stop) and LIRR
- Time from NYC: About 3.2 hours from Manhattan
- Great for: Beaches, shopping, culture
Sag Harbor
A walkable harbor village with a whaling history, historic homes and a working waterfront. The restaurants, bookstores and the historic cinema keep it lively year-round.
- How to get there: A short taxi or car from Bridgehampton or East Hampton
- Time from NYC: About 3 hours from Manhattan
- Great for: History, dining, boaters
Amagansett
A relaxed hamlet known for its surf-friendly beaches, farm stands and casual dining. Locals line up at the famous lobster roll stand on the highway. It sits between East Hampton and Montauk.
- How to get there: Coach (Amagansett stop) and LIRR
- Time from NYC: About 3.4 hours from Manhattan
- Great for: Beach days, casual meals
Montauk
The easternmost village on the South Fork, with a historic lighthouse that dates to the 1790s, surf beaches such as Ditch Plains, working docks and a lively summer scene. It feels more like a fishing and surf town than a polished resort.
- How to get there: Coach (Montauk stop) and LIRR terminus
- Time from NYC: About 3.9 hours from Manhattan
- Great for: Surfing, fishing, nightlife
Shelter Island
A calm island between the two forks, reached by a short ferry from Sag Harbor or Greenport. The Mashomack Preserve offers walking trails, and the island is known for its quiet roads and waterfront views.
- How to get there: Ferry from Sag Harbor or Greenport
- Time from NYC: Plan about 3.5 to 4 hours plus the ferry
- Great for: Peace, walks, kayaking
Travel times are rough estimates and vary with traffic. Coach and train stops can change, so confirm with each operator.
Where to stay in the Hamptons
The Hamptons are known for small inns, bed and breakfasts and boutique hotels, as well as a few big resorts. These are examples to start your search. Rates and availability change a lot by season, so check dates before you plan.
Your inn could be here
A featured stay card at the top of the list, with your photo and booking link.
Advertise here1708 House
A small historic inn on Southampton’s Main Street, within walking distance of shops and restaurants.
Property details change, so confirm amenities, policies and availability. Not every property is listed here. Many small inns and bed and breakfasts operate seasonally.
Where to eat in the Hamptons and Montauk
From lobster rolls on the dock to village bistros, the East End has something for every taste. Many places are seasonal and close or reduce hours in the off-season, so call ahead. Use the filters to narrow the list.
Your restaurant could be here
A featured dining card at the top of the list, seen by travelers planning meals.
Advertise hereTate’s Bake Shop
The home of the famous thin, crisp cookies, in the village where Tate’s started.
This is a starting list, not a complete one. Hours, menus and seasons change, so confirm before you go.
Fun things to do
Beaches, museums, wineries and lighthouse views. Choose a type to filter.
Coopers Beach
A wide, white-sand beach regularly ranked among the best in the country.
Main Beach
A classic long ocean beach with easy access from East Hampton village.
Ditch Plains
Montauk’s best-known surf beach and a relaxed spot to watch the waves.
Sagg Main Beach
A quieter, scenic ocean beach in a rural setting.
Montauk Point Lighthouse
A historic lighthouse at the tip of the island with a museum and ocean views.
Parrish Art Museum
A museum of art made on the East End, in a striking barn-like building.
Guild Hall
A cultural center with art exhibitions, theater and events.
Sag Harbor Whaling Museum
A museum about the village’s whaling history.
Hampton Classic Horse Show
A long-running late-summer horse show and social event.
Hamptons International Film Festival
An autumn film festival that draws filmmakers and fans.
Wolffer Estate Vineyard
A well-known winery with tastings and a scenic setting.
Channing Daughters Winery
A winery known for experimental, small-batch wines.
Farm stands
Stop at roadside farm stands for produce, flowers and picnic supplies.
Montauk fishing charters
Half-day and full-day fishing trips leave from Montauk harbor.
Mashomack Preserve
Walking trails and wildlife on a protected preserve.
Biking and walking the villages
Flat roads and village centers make easy bike rides in summer.
Events and opening times change by season, so check before you go.
Car services, taxis and getting around once you arrive
Coaches and trains drop you in the village, so plan the last mile before you travel. Rideshare can be limited in the Hamptons, especially at busy times, so a pre-booked ride is safer.
Your car service could be here
Be the first car or transfer service travelers see when they plan the last mile.
Advertise hereFrom JFK to the Hamptons
- Choose coach or train. The Hampton Jitney and Hampton Ambassador have a pickup in Queens, a short taxi or rideshare from JFK. The LIRR connects through Jamaica Station by AirTrain.
- Book your seat. Reserve early for Thursday to Monday in summer, when seats sell out.
- Plan your last mile. Coaches and trains stop in the village, so arrange a taxi, car service or pickup at your stop.
Tips for a smooth trip
Stay in New York before or after
Arriving late or leaving early? Stay near the airport or in Manhattan, then continue to the Hamptons in the morning.
Advertise on the Hamptons Guide
Reach travelers planning a Hamptons or Montauk trip, right where they choose where to stay, eat and go. Inns, restaurants, car services, galleries and wineries are a natural fit.
Common questions
How do I get to the Hamptons from NYC without a car?
Take a coach such as the Hampton Jitney or Hampton Luxury Liner from Manhattan, or the Long Island Rail Road with a transfer. Both stop in the villages, so plan a taxi or car for the last stretch.
What is the cheapest way to get to the Hamptons?
Usually the standard Hampton Jitney if you prepay, or the LIRR. Compare current fares for your date.
How long does it take to get to the Hamptons from New York City?
By coach or car about 2.5 to 4 hours depending on the village and traffic, and often longer on summer Fridays and Sundays. A helicopter takes about 40 minutes in the air.
Can I go from JFK to the Hamptons without going into Manhattan?
Yes. The Hampton Jitney and Hampton Ambassador have a pickup in Queens near the airport, and the LIRR connects at Jamaica Station by AirTrain.
Does the bus drop me at my house?
No. Coaches stop in the villages, so you will need a taxi, car service or pickup for the last mile.
Planning your NYC stay?
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Updated October 2026. NYCHotelss is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the services listed. Schedules, fares and routes change, so confirm with each operator. Affiliate disclosure
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