Open thread: What’s the best way to travel to the city from the Hamptons?

We all know that Hamptons travel increases from New York City in the summer. But people are still coming to the Hamptons in the off-season, and locals are frequently escaping to the city in order to get away from the now-quiet and seemingly deserted East End. So we want to hear from our readers: What’s the best way to get to and from the Hamptons, and does your method change in the busy summer season?

Personally, I take the train. Driving to the city is stressful and the train is inexpensive—especially during off-peak house. Plus, you don’t have to worry about traffic.

The downside to the train is that it’s less comfortable than the Hampton Jitney and it’s not as convenient as driving. Also, there are no cup holders, which makes it difficult when you take a train in the morning and you have nowhere safe to store a coffee cup while rummaging through your bag for your Kindle.

Many people opt for the Hampton Jitney due to comfort and convenience. The Jitney has bathrooms on the bus, which means that if you do get stuck in traffic, you won’t have to worry about being stuck with a full bladder. They also provide snacks on-board.

Driving, of course, gives you the most freedom. You can carry a lot more baggage, bring your friends along, listen to music and podcasts easily in your vehicle’s stereo, and if you forget your wallet right after you’ve left the house you can easily turn around and retrieve it.

Lastly, there’s the option to take a helicopter. A seat on a BLADE helicopter starts at $495 and can go all the way up to $1,250. Of course, the con of getting to and from the East End by helicopter is the price. The benefit would be an expedited trip of just 40 minutes, comfort, convenience, and some serious water views on the way.

How do you travel to and from the city from the Hamptons? Does it change once the summer traffic hits? Let us know in the comments.