A long-weekend break in the Hamptons is any New Yorker’s dream, but when everyone has the same dream, traffic becomes a nightmare. Here’s how to save time, based on our research.
Since we offer chauffeur service between New York City and East Hampton, Montauk, and Southampton, we analyzed the median drive times for thousands of rides taken between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend in 2021, and found some pretty big differences.
Tip #1: Extend your weekend in a different direction
While in theory it makes sense to leave a little early to get more out of your weekend, it turns out most other New Yorkers have the same idea.
The figures for Tuesday and Wednesday reveal an untapped opportunity to avoid traffic. Instead of taking Thursday and Friday off to extend your trip, consider starting your trip earlier, and perhaps adding a couple days after the weekend.
Tip #2: Choose your departure time wisely
The time you choose to leave can also be the difference between a quick, leisurely drive and a frustrating, traffic-heavy crawl.
Since most travelers leave just after lunch, you can gain a big advantage — and over an hour of your time — by leaving a little earlier or later.
Here’s how shifting your departure time by a couple hours can make all the difference:
| Departure date and hour | Ride duration | Alternate departure time | Ride duration | Time savings |
| Thursday 2:00 p.m. | 4 hours 3 minutes | Thursday 12:00 p.m. | 2 hours 34 minutes | 1 hour 29 minutes |
| Thursday 3:00 p.m. | 3 hours 37 minutes | Thursday 6:00 p.m. | 2 hours 46 minutes | 51 minutes |
| Friday 2:00 p.m. | 3 hours 56 minutes | Friday 12:00 p.m. | 3 hours 10 minutes | 46 minutes |
| Friday 4:00 p.m. | 4 hours 20 minutes | Friday 7:00 p.m. | 2 hours 42 minutes | 1 hour 38 minutes |
Tip #3: Book a Blacklane!
You knew it was coming… but seriously, booking your chauffeured ride in advance is truly the best way to ensure you have a stress-free, door-to-door journey. You can choose the best time for you, and leave the driving to the professionals.
With top-tier sedans as well as larger SUVs or Vans for groups, there’s an option for everyone, and you can feel good about your footprint since all our rides are carbon neutral.
Plus, if your plans change you can easily change your booking or cancel for free up until 24 hours before any long-distance ride.
Download the Blacklane app today to be able to book rides not just in the NYC area, but also across the U.S. and over 50 more countries.
