Getting Here

By car

From NYC: approximately 1.5 to 2 hours via the Long Island Expressway (I-495) to Route 25 East. Take Exit 73 toward Greenport/Orient. Route 25 (Main Road) runs the length of the North Fork — follow it east.

Traffic note: Friday afternoons in summer add 1 to 2 hours. Consider leaving early morning or after 7pm.

By train

The Long Island Rail Road runs to Greenport from Penn Station with a transfer at Ronkonkoma. Trip time approximately 2.5 hours. Taxis and Ubers available at Greenport station, but a car is strongly recommended for exploring.

By ferry

The Cross Sound Ferry runs from New London, CT to Orient Point year-round. A scenic alternative if coming from New England. Cars and passengers welcome. Book ahead in summer.

crosssoundferry.com

By bus

Hampton Jitney and Hampton Ambassador serve the North Fork with stops in Riverhead, Mattituck, Cutchogue, Southold, and Greenport. Good option if you're staying in one village.

hamptonjitney.com

Once you're here

A car is essential for exploring the full Fork. Many wineries and farms are spread across rural roads not served by transit. Some villages (Greenport, Mattituck's Love Lane) are walkable once you've parked.

Ride share: Uber and Lyft operate in the area but can have long wait times — plan ahead if you're wine tasting.

Biking: Route 25 has wide shoulders and is popular with cyclists. Several bike rental shops operate in Greenport and Mattituck seasonally.

When to visit

Spring

April – May

Smaller crowds, cooler temps. Farms begin opening, wineries fully staffed. Great for hiking Orient Beach and exploring without summer prices.

Summer

June – August

Peak season. Beaches, farm stands, and wineries are all at their best — and most crowded. Book lodging well in advance. Friday traffic is brutal.

Fall

September – November

The best season. Harvest festivals, apple and pumpkin picking, wine releases, and golden vineyard views. Crowds thin after Labor Day.

Winter

December – March

Quiet and local. Many businesses reduce hours or close. Greenport stays lively year-round. Great for a peaceful weekend escape.

Good to know

Most wineries accept cash or card — no tasting fee waivers for designated drivers
Parking at popular spots (Orient Beach, Greenport) fills by 10am on summer weekends
Cell service can be spotty east of Southold — download maps offline before you go
Many farm stands are cash only

The North Fork is dog-friendly — many wineries and beaches welcome leashed dogs
Summer lodging books out months in advance — plan early
The Cross Sound Ferry requires reservations for cars in summer
Mosquitoes are real in marshy areas — bring repellent for evening events

Emergency & Safety

In any emergency, call 911.

🚔 Police

Southold Town Police Department

41405 Route 25, Peconic, NY 11958
Non-emergency: (631) 765-2600

Serves: Southold, Greenport, Cutchogue, Peconic, Mattituck, Orient, East Marion, New Suffolk

🚔 Police

Riverhead Town Police Department

200 Howell Ave, Riverhead, NY 11901
Non-emergency: (631) 727-4500

Serves: Riverhead, Jamesport, Aquebogue, Baiting Hollow, Wading River, Laurel

🏥 Hospital

Eastern Long Island Hospital (ELIH)

201 Manor Place, Greenport, NY 11944
Main: (631) 477-1000
Emergency Dept: (631) 477-1000 ext. 1

Closest hospital to the eastern North Fork (Greenport, Orient, East Marion, Southold)

elih.org