The Hamptons

The Hamptons, shown highlighted

The Hamptons refers specifically to the towns of Southampton and East Hampton on the South Fork, Suffolk County, New York on the east end of Long Island.

It is a well-known summer colony. Parts of the Hamptons are well known for being a playground for the rich who own summer homes there. Others are seaside resorts frequented by middle class residents of New York City particularly during the summer months for weekend getaways.

The area has excellent transit options making it easy for the residents of Manhattan who do not own cars to make the trip. By train, one can go the length of the Hamptons in about an hour (see Long Island Rail Road schedules from Westhampton to Montauk). Trip times from Penn Station to The Hamptons run from under two hours to just over 3 hours. The "Cannonball" gets there quickest by skipping suburban stops. This express train runs Fridays only year round, and Thursdays and Fridays during the summer peak. The most popular transportation provider is The Hampton Jitney, which provides motor coach year round, with far more frequent service than the LIRR. Since 2001 the area has also been served by the Hampton Luxuary Liner. This company provides a first class, style of motor coach service. With the exception of the LIRR's "Cannonball", the motor coach companies usually offer travel times of 1 hour or more better than the railroad.