How can I get from Long Island (Port Jefferson) to New York City (Manhattan) area using public transportion?

Question

I'm visiting my boyfriend who recently moved to Long Island in a week. His parents are terrified of the city and refuse to drive us there, but we'd both like to see it. I've been on the MTA website, but there doesn't seem to be an easy way to get from Port Jefferson to Manhattan. What's the easiest/cheapest route I can take using public transportation? If I can avoid it, I don't want to go from train to train because of the cost. Trains ARE preferable, though, but anything else (buses, etc) will work. Any New Yorkers know what they're doing? Please help us out! Thanks!!

Answer 1

I take the LIRR every day. The ticket will cost $9.50 each, each way off peak if you buy it at the station. $15 each if you buy it on the train. http://lirr42.mta.info/Fares.asp
Here's a Saturday schedule. http://mta.info/lirr/Timetable/Branch.htm?Folder=Branch&Branch=Port%20Jefferson&Direction=West&Period=Weekend
There is no additional charge for changing trains. You will more than likely have to change trains in Huntington on the weekend. If you are not sure if the train is direct or you need to change, ask the ticket collector, they're usually helpful.
Here's a weekday schedule too.
They can be a little annoying to read but you can also go here: http://lirr42.mta.info/
to get information easier and compare it to the bigger schedult to find out about transfers, etc. As I said befor, if you're not sure about if or where you need to change, ask, it's ALOT easier than winding up in the completely wrong place!

Have a great trip!

Answer 2

Port Jefferson Train

Answer 3

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
How can I get from Long Island (Port Jefferson) to New York City (Manhattan) area using public transportion?
I'm visiting my boyfriend who recently moved to Long Island in a week. His parents are terrified of the city and refuse to drive us there, but we'd both like to see it. I've been on the MTA website, but there doesn't seem to be an easy way to get from Port Jefferson to Manhattan....

Answer 4

I believe you take the train from Port Jefferson to Babylon station, change at Babylon for the train to Penn (NYC) there may be a change between Port Jeff and Babylon, you can call the MTA and ask, or ask at the Port Jefferson train station, they'll be happy to help.

I don't blame his parents for not wanting to drive into the city...there's absolutely no reason to do it.
I really wouldn't suggest taking a bus at any point in your trip, it'll add far too much time, and you already have at least a two hour trip ahead of you.

PS
It should be ONE train ticket that you will be able to take from train to train

Answer 5

The train is the easiest by far. There are plenty of trains from Port Jefferson that go to Penn Station, but you must change at eitrher Huntington or Hempstead on each one. I'd suggest taking the ones that change at Huntington -- much easier: you get off your train and walk directly to the train parked ahead. You can't miss it.

Answer 6

I used to take this train every other weekend when I lived in America from Stony Brook (one or two stops before PortJ.)to the city.
You go from Port Jefferson to NYC on the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR). I think MTA only goes upstate from Grand Central.
The LIRR will take you to Penn Station at 34th Street.
You´ll have to switch trains in either Jamaica, Huntington or Hicksville, depending on when you go.

If you go during off-peak you pay a few dollars less then on-peak, meaning during rush hour.

From Stony Brook I used to pay about 7 dollars (five years ago).
At the train station you´ll find train schedules you can take with you.