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Air Travel

Air Travel

New York State, USA

Major Airports Serving Long Island

Long Island's Own & NYC Hubs

Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP), in Islip, Suffolk County, is the main airport directly on Long Island for domestic flights. It offers convenience for travelers to central and eastern Long Island.

Airports

  • ISP Airlines: Southwest Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and Breeze Airways. It mainly serves major U.S. cities like Baltimore, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Tampa, Atlanta, and Charleston.
  • John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK): In Queens, on western Long Island. A major international/domestic hub with global carriers (Delta, American, JetBlue, Emirates, British Airways, Lufthansa).
  • LaGuardia Airport (LGA): Also in Queens, western Long Island. Primarily domestic flights, some international routes to Canada/Caribbean (Delta, American, United, Southwest, Spirit, JetBlue).

Newark & Flight Considerations

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), in New Jersey, is accessible to Long Island, though transfers are longer. Major U.S. And international carriers (United, Delta, American, Lufthansa, SAS) serve EWR. Direct flight options from major global hubs are available through JFK and EWR.

Seasonal & Pricing

  • Peak Season (Summer): Higher demand and prices for JFK and LGA flights. Book well in advance.
  • Shoulder Seasons (Spring & Fall): More moderate prices, generally good availability.
  • Low Season (Winter): Prices are typically lowest, but fewer flight options for ISP. Some international routes may have reduced frequency.

Airport Facilities

All major airports (JFK, LGA, EWR) have extensive facilities: lounges, diverse dining, retail, car rental desks, Wi-Fi, currency exchange, accessible services. ISP is smaller but has car rental, dining, and ground transport.

JFK/LGA Transfers

Taxis/rideshares from all terminals. Fares vary. Dollar Flight Club for flight deals. AirTrain JFK to LIRR at Jamaica Station or NYC subway. Public bus to subway/LIRR. Private shuttle.

ISP & EWR Transfers

ISP: Taxi/rideshare, Suffolk County Transit Bus (S50/S54) to Ronkonkoma LIRR. On-site car rental. EWR: AirTrain Newark to NJ Transit trains to Penn Station NYC, then LIRR. Taxi/rideshare very expensive due to distance/traffic.

Flight Planning Tips

Optimal Airport Choice

  • Consider flying into Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) if your destination is in central or eastern Suffolk County.
  • ISP often offers a simpler and quicker arrival experience than the NYC airports.
  • For international arrivals, JFK or EWR are main gateways.
  • Compare flight prices using tools like Skyscanner.

Transfer Efficiency

  • From JFK, the AirTrain to LIRR at Jamaica Station is often the fastest public transport route to Long Island.
  • For EWR, public transport to Long Island is longest and most complex.
  • Private shuttle services are direct but cost more.
  • Book transfers in advance during peak season.

Affiliate Link Opportunities

Visa Services

For visa applications, use IVisa or VisaHQ.

Travel Insurance

Find policies at World Nomads, SafetyWing, or Insubuy.

Flight Compensation

Claim compensation for delayed/canceled flights with AirHelp.

Land Transportation

Train Connections: LIRR

Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is the main commuter rail, operated by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). It connects Manhattan (Penn Station, Grand Central Madison), Brooklyn (Atlantic Terminal), and Queens with numerous stations across Nassau and Suffolk counties.

LIRR Details

  • The LIRR extends to Montauk and Greenport on the far East End.
  • Fares vary by zone and peak/off-peak times. Purchase tickets via the MTA eTix app, station vending machines, or ticket windows.
  • Trains run frequently during peak hours. Less frequent on weekends and off-peak, especially to the far East End.

Bus & Self-Driving

Direct long-distance bus service To Long Island from outside NYC is limited, as the LIRR is the main public transport from Manhattan.

Bus & Car Options

  • Hampton Jitney/Hampton Luxury Liner: Premium coach bus travel between NYC and Long Island destinations (Hamptons, North Fork). Reservations are prudent, especially in summer.
  • Self-driving: Valid driver's license (U.S. or IDP with home country license). Minimum age 21 for rental (under 25 may incur surcharge). Roads are well-maintained.
  • Traffic & Tolls: Expect high traffic, especially during rush hours and summer weekends. Some bridges/tunnels to NYC have cashless tolls. DiscoverCars.com for rental car options.

Sea Arrivals: Ferries

Long Island's coastal location means ferry services connect it to neighboring states and its own barrier islands.

Ferry Services

  • Bridgeport & Port Jefferson Steamboat Company: Car/passenger ferry between Port Jefferson, LI, and Bridgeport, CT (approx. 1hr 15min). Book vehicle reservations early.
  • Cross Sound Ferry: Car/passenger ferry connecting Orient Point, LI (North Fork), with New London, CT (approx. 1hr 20min). Valuable link to New England. Vehicle reservations are prudent.
  • Fire Island Ferries: Passenger-only ferries connect mainland towns (Bay Shore, Sayville, Patchogue) to Fire Island communities. No vehicle access on Fire Island.

Departure Information

Departure planning accounts for timing, procedures, and facilities.

Departure Guidelines

  • Exit Fees: The U.S. has no specific exit fees/taxes when departing by air or sea. Applicable taxes are typically included in ticket prices.
  • Airport Departure: International (JFK/EWR): Arrive 3 hrs before. Domestic (JFK/LGA/EWR): 2 hrs before. ISP: 90 mins-2 hrs before.
  • LIRR/Ferries: LIRR: 15-20 mins before at major stations. Ferries: 30-60 mins for passengers, 60-90 mins for vehicles.

Important Travel Advisory

  • Traffic Congestion: Long Island roads experience significant traffic, especially during rush hour, summer weekends, and holiday periods. Factor this into travel times.
  • Peak Season Bookings: During summer, book flights, car rentals, and ferry reservations well in advance. Availability dwindles and prices rise.
  • Connectivity in Rural Areas: While overall good, some eastern Suffolk County areas might have spotty mobile or internet reception. Download offline maps.
  • Gasoline Costs: Prices fluctuate. Fill up before long journeys, especially if heading to more rural areas.
  • Weather Disruptions: Be aware of potential delays from snowstorms in winter or tropical weather in summer. Monitor local forecasts for updates.
  • Hidden Costs: Parking fees at beaches, tolls, and young driver surcharges for car rentals are common. Account for these in your budget.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Connections

Ferries are a part of Long Island's transport, linking it to Connecticut and Block Island, RI, along with Fire Island.

Cross-Sound & Local Ferries

  • Bridgeport & Port Jefferson Steamboat Company: Car/passenger ferry between Port Jefferson, LI, and Bridgeport, CT. Journey approx. 1 hr 15 min. Vehicle reservations recommended.
  • Cross Sound Ferry: Car/passenger ferry connecting Orient Point, LI, with New London, CT. Approx. 1 hr 20 min. A valuable link to New England. Vehicle reservations recommended.
  • Block Island Ferry: Seasonal passenger-only ferry from Montauk, LI, to Block Island, RI. A popular day trip option in summer.

Fire Island & Cruise Notes

Fire Island Ferries are passenger-only. They connect mainland Long Island towns (Bay Shore, Sayville, Patchogue) to the communities on Fire Island. Vehicle access is not permitted on Fire Island.

Cruise Ports & Connections

  • Cruise Ports: Long Island itself has no major cruise ports. Closest are Manhattan Cruise Terminal and Brooklyn Cruise Terminal in NYC.
  • Immigration at Seaports: Ferries from CT or RI are domestic; no immigration procedures. Cruise passengers arriving at NYC terminals follow standard U.S. immigration procedures.
  • Land Connections: Ferry terminals connect to local roads, taxis, and sometimes local bus services. LIRR does not directly serve Port Jefferson or Orient Point ferry terminals; taxi/bus connections are needed to reach nearest LIRR station.

Swimming & Beach Safety

Always swim near lifeguards. Be aware of rip currents; if caught, swim parallel to the shore until free.

Weather Monitoring

Check local weather forecasts regularly, especially for coastal storms or extreme temperatures.

Navigation Tips

Use GPS or map apps for driving directions. Be aware of peak traffic times, notably on summer weekends.

Departure Information

Airport Departure Times

The U.S. Has no specific exit fees or taxes when departing by air or sea. Any applicable taxes are typically included in airline ticket prices.

Recommended Arrival Times at Airports

  • International Flights (JFK/EWR): Arrive at least 3 hours before scheduled departure. Add extra time for peak periods, security, and traffic.
  • Domestic Flights (JFK/LGA/EWR): Plan to arrive 2 hours before departure.
  • ISP (Long Island MacArthur Airport): Arrive 90 minutes to 2 hours before departure. Security lines still occur.

Station & Port Departures

Consider facilities available at your departure point for a smooth exit.

Departure Logistics

  • LIRR: Arrive at least 15-20 minutes before train departure, especially at major stations (Penn Station, Grand Central Madison), to navigate platforms.
  • Ferries: Arrive at least 30-60 minutes before departure for passenger ferries. If with a vehicle, arrive 60-90 minutes before. Check specific ferry company requirements.
  • Airport Facilities: Similar to arrival, departing passengers access dining, retail for last-minute souvenirs, airline lounges, restrooms, and Wi-Fi.

Last-Minute Checks

Document Review

Double-check passports, tickets, and any necessary health documents.

Valuables Check

Ensure all personal belongings and valuables are packed.

Accommodation Check-out

Confirm check-out times and any specific procedures with your lodging.

Smooth Departure

Plan extra travel time to the airport, especially during peak hours. A relaxed departure leaves a positive final impression of your Long Island visit.

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