Ways east · Train
TrainLIRR Train: JFK to the Hamptons
AirTrain to Jamaica, then ride the Montauk Branch.
Driving lines are real OSRM-routed roads; the train follows the LIRR Montauk Branch; air routes are direct. Times are typical, non-peak estimates.
The Long Island Rail Road is the cheapest way east and the only one you can board directly from JFK: ride the AirTrain to Jamaica and connect onto the Montauk Branch. In summer the reserved Cannonball runs express to the Hamptons; the rest of the year you change at Babylon or Jamaica.
How it works
- Take the JFK AirTrain to Jamaica Station.
- Board the LIRR Montauk Branch (often a transfer at Babylon outside peak season).
- Ride to Westhampton, Southampton, Bridgehampton, East Hampton, Amagansett or Montauk.
- Taxi, app or pre-booked car for the last mile from the station.
Best for
Solo and budget travelers, light packers, car-free weekenders.
Watch out
Off-peak service involves a transfer and can run 3+ hours to Montauk. The Cannonball is reserved-seat and sells out; stations are not your final destination, so plan the last mile.
Where it can take you
From JFK, train reaches these East End destinations along the NY-27 corridor:
| Destination | Drive miles | Typical time | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Westhampton Beach | 67 mi | 1 h 38 m | Open → |
| Quogue | 68 mi | 1 h 41 m | Open → |
| Hampton Bays | 73 mi | 1 h 42 m | Open → |
| Southampton | 80 mi | 1 h 53 m | Open → |
| Bridgehampton | 85 mi | 2 h 4 m | Open → |
| Sag Harbor | 90 mi | 2 h 13 m | Open → |
| East Hampton | 92 mi | 2 h 18 m | Open → |
| Amagansett | 94 mi | 2 h 24 m | Open → |
| Montauk | 106 mi | 2 h 41 m | Open → |
Operators on this route
MTA Long Island Rail Road. Schedules, fares and availability change seasonally — confirm directly with the operator before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
How long does lirr train take from JFK to the Hamptons?
Typical door-to-door time is 2 h 45 m – 4 h, depending on your exact destination and the season. Off-peak service involves a transfer and can run 3+ hours to Montauk. The Cannonball is reserved-seat and sells out; stations are not your final destination, so plan the last mile.
How much does it cost?
Budget roughly $11–$33 per person. You can begin the trip at or near JFK itself.
Who runs it?
Operators on this route include MTA Long Island Rail Road. Always confirm current schedules and fares directly before booking.
Train listicles
Ranked roundups of the operators and options that run this leg.
Best LIRR Summer Trains to the Hamptons, Ranked (2026)
Ranking the LIRR's summer options to the Hamptons in 2026 — the reserved Cannonball, weekend expresses, regular Montauk Branch service, and reverse-peak.
ListicleThe Best Car-Free Ways to the Hamptons, Ranked (2026)
Ranking the no-car options to the Hamptons for 2026 — LIRR, Hampton Jitney, Hampton Ambassador, train-plus-bike — and the honest last-mile reality.
ListicleThe Cheapest Ways from JFK to the Hamptons, Ranked (2026)
The budget routes from JFK to the East End ranked by total cost, time, and hassle: LIRR off-peak, the Cannonball, the Jitney, shared rides, and split cars.
ListicleEvery LIRR Hamptons Station, Ranked (2026)
All seven Montauk Branch stops that serve the Hamptons, ranked on access, last-mile options, walkability, and the town each one drops you into.
Train blog
How this way east actually works — explainers, timing and field notes.
Bikes, Boards & Luggage on the LIRR to the Hamptons
Bag rules, the lifted bike permit, surfboard reality, peak-train crowding, and how to pack for the Montauk Branch without becoming the person everyone hates.
BlogThe LIRR Cannonball, Explained
The LIRR's seasonal Thursday/Friday express to the Hamptons: reserved seats, ~92-96 minutes to Westhampton, the bar car, how to reserve, and when it sells out.
BlogJFK to the Hamptons by Train: A Step-by-Step Guide
How to ride the LIRR from JFK to the East End: AirTrain to Jamaica, onto the Montauk Branch, the off-peak Babylon transfer, app tickets, and the last mile.
BlogThe Last Mile: Getting from Your LIRR Station to the Door
Your LIRR stop isn't your destination. Taxis, ride apps, pre-booked cars, bikes, and what each Hamptons station actually offers for the final stretch.