JFK to the Hamptons by car service: cost, drive time and tips

Landing at JFK and heading straight out east? A private car is the simplest way to get from the terminal to your door in Southampton, East Hampton or Montauk. Here is what it costs, how long it takes and how to avoid the worst of the summer traffic.

By Ariel Geronimo, founder of GeronimoLux

Short Answer

About two hours on a good day, priced by the mile.

JFK to Southampton is roughly 90 miles and East Hampton about 100. With clear roads that is around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours. On a summer Friday afternoon it can be well over three. Your chauffeur meets you at the terminal, loads the bags and drives you straight to the house: no transfer to a bus or train.

Prices

What JFK to the Hamptons costs.

Hamptons trips use our per-mile pricing. A Chevrolet Suburban is $90 for the first 3 miles, then $4 per mile. A Cadillac Escalade ESV is $120 for the first 3 miles, then $6 per mile. These are estimates by typical distance; your quote confirms the exact fare.

JFK toAboutSuburbanEscalade ESV

Westhampton Beach70 miles$358$522

Southampton90 miles$438$642

Bridgehampton / Sagaponack95 miles$458$672

East Hampton100 miles$478$702

Montauk120 miles$558$822

The price is per vehicle, not per person, and there is no surge on busy weekends. A Suburban fits up to 6 passengers with luggage, which is why families and groups often find it costs about the same as a few bus or train tickets plus taxis at each end.

Timing

When the drive is easy, and when it is not.

Weekday mornings and midday: the easiest time, close to 2 hours to East Hampton
Summer Fridays from about 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.: the hardest time; plan for 3 hours or more
Sunday afternoons heading back west: heavy on the Long Island Expressway
Late evening arrivals: usually smooth, a good reason not to fear a late flight

If your flight lands on a summer Friday afternoon, we will tell you honestly what to expect. Sometimes the best plan is an early dinner near the airport and leaving after 7 p.m.

At The Airport

How the JFK pickup works.

We track your flight and the first hour of waiting after landing is free. As soon as your flight is marked as landed, your chauffeur texts you (or your contact person) to confirm the meeting point. At Terminals 4, 5 and 8 you can choose Meet & Greet ($85) and your chauffeur waits inside with a sign. Terminals 1 and 7 are curbside only during construction, and at Terminal 5 we suggest curbside because of the long walk to the parking area. If your trip starts at LaGuardia, the same per-mile pricing applies. The JFK terminal guide explains each terminal.

Compared

Car service vs. Jitney, LIRR and helicopter.

Hampton Jitney

Cheapest per person and comfortable, but it runs on a schedule, makes stops, and still leaves you needing a ride from the stop to your house.

LIRR

Means the AirTrain to Jamaica, a train east and often a change, all while carrying your luggage. Fine when you travel light.

Helicopter

Fastest, and far more expensive. Luggage is limited and you still need a car on the ground in East Hampton.

Private car

Door to door with your bags, on your schedule, one price for the whole group. It is the option most of our Hamptons clients choose with kids, a lot of luggage or a late flight.

Hamptons FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is a car service from JFK to the Hamptons?

With GeronimoLux, about $438 to Southampton and $478 to East Hampton in a Chevrolet Suburban, or $642 and $702 in a Cadillac Escalade ESV. The fare is per vehicle and based on distance.