Ways east · Seaplane
SeaplaneSeaplane: JFK to the Hamptons
Water to water — East River to East End.
Driving lines are real OSRM-routed roads; the train follows the LIRR Montauk Branch; air routes are direct. Times are typical, non-peak estimates.
Eight-seat seaplanes lift off the East River at the Manhattan Skyport and touch down on the water near East Hampton, Sag Harbor or Montauk in about 45 minutes of flight. From JFK it means a transfer into Manhattan first, so it suits travelers already routing through the city.
How it works
- Transfer from JFK to the Skyport seaplane base on the East River (E 23rd St).
- Board an 8-seat amphibious aircraft.
- ~45-minute flight to a Hamptons water landing (East Hampton, Sag Harbor or Montauk).
- Short car transfer to your final address.
Best for
A memorable arrival, travelers overnighting in Manhattan first, small parties.
Watch out
Not a true JFK-direct option — budget the airport→Skyport transfer. Seasonal schedule and tight weather windows.
Where it can take you
From JFK, seaplane reaches these East End destinations served by a nearby landing zone:
| Destination | Drive miles | Typical time | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Westhampton Beach | 67 mi | 1 h 38 m | Open → |
| Southampton | 80 mi | 1 h 53 m | Open → |
| Sag Harbor | 90 mi | 2 h 13 m | Open → |
| East Hampton | 92 mi | 2 h 18 m | Open → |
| Montauk | 106 mi | 2 h 41 m | Open → |
Operators on this route
BLADE · Tropic Ocean Airways. Schedules, fares and availability change seasonally — confirm directly with the operator before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
How long does seaplane take from JFK to the Hamptons?
Typical door-to-door time is 1 h 15 m – 1 h 45 m, depending on your exact destination and the season. Not a true JFK-direct option — budget the airport→Skyport transfer. Seasonal schedule and tight weather windows.
How much does it cost?
Budget roughly $795–$1,195 per seat. Note this option usually requires a transfer toward Manhattan before you depart, so add that leg to your budget.
Who runs it?
Operators on this route include BLADE, Tropic Ocean Airways. Always confirm current schedules and fares directly before booking.
Seaplane listicles
Ranked roundups of the operators and options that run this leg.
The Most Luxurious Ways to Reach the Hamptons, Ranked (2026)
Private helicopter, seaplane, chauffeured black car, and the combos in between — ranked honestly on comfort, time, arrival experience, and price for 2026.
ListicleThe Best Hamptons Seaplane Routes, Ranked (2026)
Every Hamptons seaplane water landing ranked for 2026 by proximity to town, last-mile car, scenery, and which operators actually serve it.
ListicleSeaplane to the Hamptons: Services & Routes (2026)
The real seaplane operators flying Manhattan to the Hamptons in 2026, ranked by schedule, fares, and where they touch down.
Seaplane blog
How this way east actually works — explainers, timing and field notes.
Which Hamptons Water Landing Is Right for You?
East Hampton, Sag Harbor, and Montauk seaplane landings compared — proximity to the villages and what the last-mile car looks like from each dock.
BlogSeaplane to the Hamptons: Baggage, Boarding & the Dock
Skyport check-in, real weight and bag limits on an 8-seat amphib, and exactly what boarding a seaplane to the Hamptons is like.
BlogWhat a Seaplane Trip to the Hamptons Is Actually Like
From the JFK transfer to the East River takeoff and the harbor water landing, here is how a Hamptons seaplane day actually unfolds.
BlogSeaplane vs. Helicopter to the Hamptons
Speed, price, where each one lands, and how weather treats them — a straight comparison of the seaplane and the helicopter to the East End.