Shelter Island is reached by two car ferries: North Ferry from Greenport and South Ferry from North Haven.
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The answer to how to get to Shelter Island, NY is simpler than the map makes it look: pick the ferry that matches the side of Long Island you are coming from. Greenport feeds the north end of the island, while North Haven near Sag Harbor feeds the south end.
There is no bridge, tunnel, airport, or train station on Shelter Island. The last leg is always a short ferry ride, and the right plan depends on whether you are driving, arriving by train, coming from the Hamptons, or cutting across from Connecticut.
Getting To Shelter Island: The Ferry Choice That Fits Your Route
Shelter Island has no bridge, tunnel, or passenger rail stop, so every public route ends with a ferry. North Ferry works for Greenport, the North Fork, and most New York City transit routes; South Ferry works for Sag Harbor, Bridgehampton, East Hampton, and the South Fork.
Travelers who want the cleanest door-to-door plan should compare the full route before committing to train, bus, rental car, or private transfer. For most visitors starting in Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Queens, the practical comparison is New York City to Greenport plus North Ferry versus driving east and boarding at the easier terminal for the day’s traffic.
Compare train, bus, ferry, and transfer options for the New York City route here:
Which Ferry Should You Take To Shelter Island?
North Ferry is the right choice from Greenport, the North Fork, and most rail or bus approaches from New York City. South Ferry is the right choice from Sag Harbor, North Haven, and the Hamptons corridor.
North Ferry runs between 3rd Street in Greenport and Shelter Island Heights. North Ferry Company’s current rate page lists an automobile with driver at $16 one-way, a same-day North Ferry return at $26, and additional passengers at $3 each way. Vehicles board first-come, first-served, and North Ferry accepts cash or check onboard.
South Ferry runs between North Haven and the south end of Shelter Island. South Ferry Company’s current rate schedule lists an auto under 22 feet at $18 one-way or $25 round trip, a walk-on passenger at $2 one-way, and a bicycle at $5 one-way. South Ferry states that onboard payment is cash only.
Travelers crossing the whole island between the North Fork and the Hamptons need both ferries. Route 114 is the main road across Shelter Island, and the drive between ferry terminals is about 5 miles, so the full cross-island move often takes about 30 minutes when the lines are normal.
Routes To Shelter Island Compared
Shelter Island routes are easiest to choose by matching your starting point to the closest ferry dock. The table below gives the practical route, the usual ferry, and the cost detail that matters most.
| Starting Point Or Mode | Route To Shelter Island | Time And Cost Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Greenport or North Fork by car | Drive to 3rd Street in Greenport, then take North Ferry | Short ferry ride; North Ferry auto with driver is currently $16 one-way |
| Sag Harbor or Hamptons by car | Drive to North Haven, then take South Ferry | South Ferry auto under 22 feet is currently $18 one-way or $25 round trip |
| New York City without a car | LIRR or bus to Greenport area, then walk on North Ferry | Train and bus fares vary; North Ferry walk-on fares are far lower than vehicle fares |
| New York City by car | Drive east on Long Island, usually toward Greenport and North Ferry | Plan for traffic swings on summer Fridays and Sundays; ferry vehicles board in line order |
| Connecticut by ferry | Cross Sound Ferry to Orient Point, drive to Greenport, then take North Ferry | Useful from New London; check Cross Sound sailing times before the same-day drive |
| Bike trip from Greenport | Ride to the North Ferry dock, board as a cyclist, then ride Route 114 or local roads | South Ferry lists bicycles at $5 one-way; North Ferry bike fares are paid onboard |
| North Fork to Hamptons through Shelter Island | North Ferry, Route 114 across the island, then South Ferry | Requires two separate ferry payments because the ferry companies are separate |
Can You Get To Shelter Island Without A Car?
Travelers can reach Shelter Island without a car by using the North Ferry as a walk-on passenger from Greenport. Greenport is the easiest car-free gateway because the village, rail station area, bus stops, restaurants, and ferry dock are close enough to connect without a long transfer.
The car-free plan works well for a short stay near Shelter Island Heights or for visitors whose hotel can help with pickup. It works poorly if the plan includes beaches, restaurants across the island, late dinners, or several scattered stops in one day.
- Use Greenport as the gateway: the North Ferry dock sits right in the village waterfront area.
- Confirm the last return: late-night options are thinner once summer crowds and dinner traffic clear.
- Plan island movement first: taxis and rideshares can be limited, so do not assume instant pickup.
- Pack light: walk-on boarding is simple, but luggage gets annoying once you are away from the dock.
Driving From New York City, Connecticut, Or The Hamptons
Drivers from New York City usually have the simplest route through the North Fork and North Ferry unless Hamptons plans make South Ferry more logical. Drivers from Sag Harbor, Bridgehampton, East Hampton, and nearby South Fork towns should use South Ferry from North Haven.
The Shelter Island Chamber’s getting here page confirms the island is reached by ferry, with North Ferry from Greenport and South Ferry from North Haven. That matters because GPS can route you toward the wrong side if you enter only a street address and do not check the ferry terminal first.
Summer traffic changes the answer more than distance does. A route that looks faster on a map can lose time at a backed-up ferry line, a Sag Harbor bottleneck, or a late Friday push east from New York City.
If Shelter Island is part of a wider Long Island trip, a rental car can save time between wineries, beaches, ferry docks, and hotels. Compare rental options before you leave the city or a larger Long Island hub, since small-island inventory can be limited.
Ferry Timing, Cash, And Summer Waits
North Ferry and South Ferry both run year-round, with frequent crossings during normal daytime travel windows. The exact wait depends on the season, weather, traffic, and whether emergency or service delays pause the line.
North Ferry’s published schedule shows frequent departures between Greenport and Shelter Island, with later Friday and Saturday service in the Memorial Day to Labor Day window. South Ferry states that it shuttles vehicles and passengers between Shelter Island and North Haven 365 days a year, usually every 10 to 15 minutes.
Bring cash for South Ferry and cash or check for North Ferry. Do not build a tight dinner reservation, train connection, or airport run around the assumption that the next ferry will load your car immediately.
Practical timing: arrive earlier on summer Fridays, holiday weekends, and Sunday afternoons. Those are the moments when a short ferry crossing can turn into a longer wait in line.
Where To Stay For Easier Ferry Access
Shelter Island Heights is the easiest area if you are arriving without a car through Greenport and North Ferry. Staying near the south side works better if the trip is tied to Sag Harbor, North Haven, or other Hamptons stops.
Greenport can also be a smart base if you want North Fork restaurants, wineries, and simple ferry access without sleeping on the island. Sag Harbor works better for a Hamptons-first trip where Shelter Island is a day or overnight add-on.
Compare Shelter Island places to stay on a map before choosing a ferry plan:
Your Route Pick For Shelter Island
The right way to reach Shelter Island comes down to your starting side of Long Island and whether you need a car after arrival. Pick the route below, then check the ferry company’s current schedule before leaving.
- From New York City by transit: go to Greenport, walk to North Ferry, and arrange island pickup or stay near Shelter Island Heights.
- From New York City by car: drive toward Greenport and use North Ferry unless traffic or your hotel makes South Ferry easier.
- From the Hamptons: drive to North Haven and use South Ferry.
- From Connecticut: take Cross Sound Ferry to Orient Point, drive to Greenport, then use North Ferry.
- For the North Fork to Hamptons crossing: use both ferries and allow about 30 minutes for the island crossing when lines are normal.
- For the lowest ferry cost: walk on instead of bringing a vehicle, but only if your lodging and island transportation are already sorted.
Shelter Island rewards a simple plan: choose the correct ferry first, leave room for line delays, and avoid treating a short crossing like a fixed-time bridge.
References & Sources
- Shelter Island Chamber Of Commerce.“Getting Here.”Confirms Shelter Island ferry access via North Ferry from Greenport and South Ferry from North Haven.