If some years ago it would be almost impossible – or at least very hard – exploring the Hamptons without a car, these days it is a possibility! With its charming villages and nice beaches, the Hamptons can be a great place to escape the heat in the city. Whether you’re a local looking for a weekend getaway or a visitor wanting to know more about this famous destination, this blog post will show you how to navigate and enjoy this beautiful region car-free.
And look, I know that perhaps this may sound strange for people from other places, but the truth is that the majority of people in New York City don’t own a car – and, let’s face it: renting one is not that cheap. Also, sometimes the whole process is annoying, let’s be honest. And some people don’t have a driver license. I mean, whatever it’s your reason to not drive to the Hamptons, I got you covered. I’m an huge advocate of exploring places around the city relying on public transportation and other options.
- The ultimate guide to The Hamptons – where to stay, where to eat and things to do
- The Ultimate guide to Montauk NY: best things to do
The Hamptons
Nestled along the eastern end of Long Island, New York, the Hamptons comprise a group of villages in the cities of Southampton, East Hampton and Montauk. The area is famous in the summer – it is the high season – but the truth is that the Hamptons have become increasingly a year-round destination for New Yorkers seeking refuge on weekends. Also, the Hamptons are also known as a playground for the elite, since everything is expensive – especially real state – residential properties in the Hamptons are among the highest in the US, and private golf clubs in Southampton are among the most exclusive and expensive in the country.
How to get to the Hamptons
By train
Source: https://www.iloveny.com/listing/long-island-rail-road/123742/
Yes, you can get to the Hamptons by public transportation though LIRR – Long Island Rail Road, that runs year-round service to the area, through the Montauk Line, with extra trains and longer trains during the summer months. We did this in 2023 and we had a great experience. Make sure to download the TrainTime app to plan your trip.
From Manhattan, you can catch the train from PennStation or Grand Central Madison. All stations from Westhampton through Montauk are in Zone 14. A ticket to any of them is valid to all of them. A peak ticket from Zone 1 (west of Jamaica) is $30.50 and an off-peak ticket is $22.25. Montauk is the last stop – but check the route, usually you have to transfer at Jamaica.
These are the Montauk line stops:
- Westhampton
- Hampton Bays
- Southampton
- Bridgehampton
- East Hampton
- Amagansett
- Montauk
- Check more details
By bus
You can also go to the Hamptons by bus. Hampton Jitney is a popular and convenient bus service that connects New York City with the Hamptons, making it an ideal option for car-free travelers. and the Hamptons. Operating year-round, the Hampton Jitney offers multiple daily departures from various Manhattan locations, including the Upper East Side, Midtown, and Downtown, to numerous stops throughout the Hamptons. The buses are equipped with comfortable seating, free Wi-Fi, and onboard amenities, ensuring a pleasant journey.
How to get around in the Hamptons
Ok, you already know how to get to the Hamptons. But what about getting around in the area? I got you covered.
Hampton Hopper
The Hampton Hopper is a shuttle service designed to make getting around the Hamptons easy and convenient without a car. It provides a network of routes connecting popular destinations, including beaches, shopping areas, restaurants, and entertainment spots. The Hampton Hopper covers key areas such as East Hampton, Montauk, Southampton, Sag Harbor, and Amagansett, with multiple stops along each route. The shuttles run frequently, especially on weekends, ensuring that you don’t have to wait long for the next ride.
The tickets for the other lines starts at $3.25 each. You can check more details here. They operate a seasonal shuttle bus service in Montauk completely free and that includes 15 stops between Hither Hills and the docks, including various hotels, the train station and main street.
Circuit
Source: https://www.easthamptonstar.com/grind/2021527/employee-shuttle-downtown-east-hampton
This company works with cities, agencies, and developers to provide easy-to-use, on-demand electric transportation. They are available in East Hampton, Southampton and Montauk. The service is completely free to ride. Think about Circuit as tiny shuttles – you can catch a ride by downloading their app and there’s a designed service area.
Car services
You can always take an Uber or Lyft while in the Hamptons – in my experience, you don’t need to wait long for your ride. It can be a great option for spots that are not covered by the Hampton Hopper and Circuit.
Use my code and get $10 in credits on Lyft: PERUCHI93715.
Besides that, there are also local taxi companies, like Pink Tuna Taxi, Surf Taxi and Ditch Plains Taxi in Montauk, and Ted’s Taxi East Hampton in East Hampton.
Bike
Renting a bike can also be an excellent way to get around.
- In Montauk, you can rent a bike at Montauk Surf & Sports.
- In Amagansett, you can rent a bike at Amagansett Beach and Bicycle Company.
- In East Hampton, you can rent a bike at Khanh Sports.
Public Bus
You can also use the public bus transportation – if you plan ahead, it can be a great option. I say that because the frequency is not that often. The S92 line connects all the villages from Riverhead to East Hampton. There is another line that covers the Montauk area. Their website is a little complicated and overwhelming – check here.
Tours
Perhaps you are not in the mood for planning a getaway, so a day trip tour could be a great option for you! Get your guide offers some day experiences in Long Island and The Hamptons departing from New York City.
Sourced Adventures also offers a Long Island Wine Tour featuring three vintage local wineries in North Fork, NY.
Renting a car
Although there are a lot of ways to go to The Hamptons and get around there without a car, perhaps you still want to rent a car. In a group of friends, for example, it can be a great choice to split the cost. The car gives you much more freedom and flexibility to explore the area.
Another way to rent a car is using Getaround or Turo. These apps let you rent and unlock cool cars nearby directly from your phone: no membership fees, no paperwork, no hassles.
- Check cars on Turo.
- I have a special link for you to sign-up for Gearound that offers $20 free credit.
You should also check
- The ultimate guide to The Hamptons – where to stay, where to eat and things to do
- The Ultimate guide to Montauk NY: best things to do
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