Hampton Jitney vs. Driving to Montauk: A Real Comparison
If you live west of Montauk and are planning a visit—whether for a weekend in summer or a quiet winter day—you'll face the same decision hundreds of people make each week: take the Hampton Jitney or drive yourself. Neither choice is objectively correct. Both have real tradeoffs that depend on your tolerance for traffic, your budget, and what you plan to do once you arrive.
The Jitney is a coach service that runs from Manhattan and Brooklyn directly to Montauk, usually arriving downtown near Gosman's Dock and the village center. The appeal is obvious: you don't drive. You can work, read, or sleep instead of sitting behind the wheel through the Hamptons corridor. In summer and early fall, when the LIE and Route 27 back up starting around 2 p.m. on Fridays, this matters. You're not the one gripping the wheel at 5 mph in July heat.
But the Jitney adds hours to the journey. In light traffic, you're looking at three and a half to four hours minimum from Manhattan. In peak season, it's five or more. You're also paying for that convenience, and you can't control departure times during shoulder months when frequency drops.
When Driving Makes Sense
If you have a car already, driving gives you flexibility. You leave when you want. You can stop in Bridgehampton for coffee, pick up supplies at a real grocery store before reaching town, and avoid the crowded center entirely. In winter—November through March—when the roads are clear and traffic is minimal, driving to Montauk takes just under two hours from central Brooklyn or Queens. That's faster than any Jitney.
The real problem is summer and early September. If you arrive Friday afternoon or evening during peak season, you're spending two hours stuck on Route 27 alone. Parking at wherever you're staying can be complicated too. Many rentals and hotels have limited spots, and the village itself is a maze of small streets.
The Hybrid Approach
Some people Jitney out on Friday evening when driving is worst, then rent a car for the weekend or use rideshares to reach the beaches and restaurants. Others drive off-peak only—Thursday evenings in summer, or any day between October and April. If you're a fishing enthusiast heading out before dawn, you need your own vehicle. A Jitney won't wait.
Check the actual schedule and cost before you decide. The Jitney's frequency and prices shift seasonally. In February, there are fewer departures than in June.
Local tip: If you're staying in Montauk village for more than two nights, don't feel obligated to have a car. Most restaurants and shops are walkable. You can use a local cab for longer trips to explore the wider area.
Read our full guide to getting to Montauk to weigh all your options.