Long Island Commuters, Rejoice! The Best Ways to Travel to NYC & Beyond

Ah, commuting from Long Island to New York City—the daily test of patience that turns even the most tranquil among us into expert-level eye rollers. Whether you're a grizzled veteran of this war zone or a rookie still getting your bearings, knowing the best travel options in your arsenal can make or break your daily grind. From the ever-dependable (questionable) LIRR to buses, boats, and even helicopters (no joke), let's go down the top methods of commuting to the city and beyond.

1. Long Island Rail Road (LIRR): The Island's Iron Horse

For most Long Islanders, the LIRR is the commute of choice, because, let's be real, unless you enjoy sitting in traffic for hours, there really aren't that many better options. The trains offer a direct, relatively speedy ride into Penn Station or Grand Central Madison, with express trains getting you to Manhattan in under an hour from many towns. With the new Grand Central Madison terminal, LIRR riders now have some extra flexibility and the option of avoiding the Penn Station chaos. But before you get too excited, let's talk about the downsides. The cost is no joke, with monthly passes taking a serious bite out of your paycheck. And if you think you'll always get a seat, that's cute—during rush hour, personal space is a distant memory. And, of course, delays happen more often than we care to admit, so always have a Plan B. If you're okay with the occasional train drama and the high cost, the LIRR is still the fastest way to get from Long Island to NYC.

2. Driving: The Lone Road Warrior’s Gamble

There's something to be said for the liberty of driving—depart when you want, stop when and where you want, and travel in the comfort of your own private space. Then reality intrudes: you're on the Long Island Expressway, traveling at the speed of an injured turtle, with every other commuter who believed driving was a good idea. The LIE has long earned its reputation as "The World's Longest Parking Lot," and if you're heading into Manhattan, you now have the joy of congestion pricing. As of January 2025, entering Manhattan south of 60th Street during rush hours will cost you an extra $9, because your misery wasn't enough. Parking? Good luck finding a reasonably priced spot. Gas prices? Don't even get us started. Unless you're in a zone with no public transportation access or need your car once in the city, driving isn't just a hassle—it's an expensive, soul-sucking test of endurance.

3. Buses: The Scenic (and Sometimes Slow) Route

Buses are not most commuters' first choice, but for some, they’re an acceptable second best. The Hampton Jitney and the NICE bus network both offer direct service into Manhattan, often with comfortable seats, Wi-Fi, and the occasional bonus of a quiet ride—at least until someone starts screaming at the top of their lungs about traffic. And did we mention traffic? That’s the worst of it. If there’s a massive backup on the roads, buses are right there with the cars, which makes your commute time entirely unpredictable. That said, buses are generally cheaper than the LIRR, and if you’re lucky enough to avoid the peak traffic times, they’re a viable option. Just don’t expect them to be faster than a train, because spoiler alert: they won’t be.

4. Ferries: The Chillest Way to Commute

If you hate traffic and aren't fazed by a bit of a detour, ferries can be your secret weapon. Options like the NYC Ferry and the Port Jefferson ferry offer a nice, scenic way of arriving in the city without the hassle of road congestion. Imagine sipping your coffee as you ride across the water instead of white-knuckling your steering wheel or fighting for a seat on the train. Sounds great, right? The downside? Ferry schedules can be limited, and if you don't live near a dock, the trek to the ferry can be more trouble than it's worth. But if you're lucky enough to have this as an option, it's one of the most relaxing commutes.

5. Helicopter Services: For Those Who Want to Commute Like a CEO

Yes, you can now helicopter from Long Island to NYC, since sitting in traffic is evidently just too common. Companies like Blade offer flights that get you to Manhattan in about 10-15 minutes—quicker than some individuals can locate their keys in the morning. No traffic, no waiting, just a quick flyby of the insanity below. Of course, this sort of convenience doesn’t come inexpensively—$95 per flight, to be exact. If you have that sort of money to burn, congrats, you’ve effectively won at commuting. For the rest of us? We’ll just remain on our buses and trains and continue daydreaming about what life must be like for the helicopter elite.

6. Biking: For the Brave and the Fit

Biking to the city is not for everyone, but for the capable, it’s an inexpensive and healthy way to travel. It’s great exercise, environmentally friendly, and best of all—skips the traffic debacle altogether. But let’s be realistic: biking from Long Island to New York City is not a laughing matter. Not all roads are bike-friendly, and if you don’t enjoy the idea of battling aggressive drivers or the elements, this might not be your best bet. A more practical option is combining biking with mass transportation—bike to the train or ferry, then finish the journey on two wheels. It’s a good option for those who don’t mind a little sweat in their commute, but let’s be real—most of us will be among the ranks of those complaining about traffic while sitting in it.

Thinking of Moving Closer to a Better Commute?

Let’s face it: commuting from Long Island isn’t perfect, but choosing the right option can make all the difference. Whether you’re a train warrior, a ferry enthusiast, or a dedicated driver, finding the best method depends on your budget, schedule, and tolerance for stress.

Thinking about moving closer to an easy commute? Dean Miller knows the best neighborhoods near transit hubs, ferries, and express routes. Let’s find you a home that makes your daily grind a little easier—contact me today!

📞 Call or text: (516) 535-9698
📩 Email: Dean@TheBeaconTeam.com
🌐 Explore listings: www.TheBeaconTeam.com

🚦 Less traffic, more time—let’s make it happen!