Director’s Guide to Reaching Long Beach, New York via Public Transport, Driving, or Flying

Long Beach, New York, is a vibrant coastal town known for its picturesque skyline and scenic beaches. Whether you plan to enjoy a day by the water, explore the local attractions, or spend a weekend getaway, reaching Long Beach via the Long Island Railroad, driving, or flying requires some planning. This guide will provide you with detailed information on the best transport options.

Arriving by Public Transport: Long Island Railroad

The Long Island Railroad (LIRR) is a reliable and convenient way to reach Long Beach NY. This option is particularly appealing during the summer months, when the LIRR offers a special round trip railroad ticket that includes a voucher for a beach day pass. The scenic journey is a perfect way to experience the Long Island countryside.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Start at Penn Station in New York City. You can choose any convenient route to get there. Board the LIRR Long Beach line, which runs multiple times daily, departing from Penn Station. Change trains at Jamaica Station if necessary, where you can catch the direct, hourly trains to Long Beach. The trip takes about an hour, and you will arrive at the Long Beach train station. From here, a short walk leads you right to the beach, or you can use the free shuttle buses that stop at each end of the island.

This method ensures a stress-free and scenic journey to your destination.

Driving to Long Beach, New York

If you prefer driving, the journey to Long Beach NY is straightforward. Once you reach the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (BQE), take the Marine Parkway-Gil Hodges Memorial Bridge to reach Nassau County. Long Beach is just ahead, accessible via PCH.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Start from the BQE and follow signs to the Marine Parkway-Gil Hodges Memorial Bridge. Once across the bridge, continue onto PCH or Ocean Blvd. to reach Long Beach. The distance is approximately 50 miles from Manhattan, and you can expect the journey to take about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic.

Driving offers the flexibility to explore the area at your own pace, but be prepared for potential traffic.

Flying to Long Beach, New York

Flying is the fastest and most efficient way to reach Long Beach NY, especially if you have limited time to get there. Several airports in New York City offer direct flights to Los Angeles (LAX) or San Francisco (SFO), and you can either drive, take an Uber, or rent a car from the airport to reach Long Beach.

Step-by-Step Guide:

Choose your preferred New York airport, such as JFK or LaGuardia. Book your non-stop flight to LAX or SFO, depending on your preference. Transfer to a ride-sharing service or rent a car from the airport. The journey from LAX or SFO to Long Beach is approximately 5 hours via the 405 Freeway.

This method is ideal if you are traveling from the West Coast or have limitations on the time you can spend traveling.

Conclusion: No matter whether you prefer the scenic journey by train, the flexibility of driving, or the speed of flying, reaching Long Beach, New York, is a straightforward process with multiple convenient options. Each method has its unique benefits, and the choice ultimately depends on your personal preference and travel needs.