Ferry or drive around from LI to ME

Ok, trying to plan a vacation, we'll be visiting a relative in Sayville, NY, about the middle of Long Island. From there, we'll be making our way up to Augusta, ME. It looks like there's a couple ferries that we could take, either from the north side of the Island near Sayville, up to Bridgeport, CT, or there's another that goes from the eastern end up to New London, CT. Is it worth taking either of these, or would we be better served to go back through NYC and around? The last time we went to ME through NYC, it was just after 9/11, and one single bridge had a toll of ~$24... I'd prefer to avoid such things. I know that the ferry will be a bit over $60, but if it can avoid some big tolls and a couple of hours driving time, it might be worth it. Anyone from LI around to help me out?

I forget the cost.. but it is a nice ride. I have done it, and much better than going back to NYC and facing the traffic

The ferry won't save much time, or money, but depending on the time of day it is better than sitting on 95 in traffic. I can't think of any tolls here that are close to $24 unless you have a trailer but from Maine the only bridge you should have to pay would be the Throgs Neck which is about $5.00 now. There are ways to avoid tolls altogether but it will add a bit of time to the trip. I would try to leave Sayvill about 3 am. You will be off the island before rush hour and hopefully hit Connecticut as they are clearing the overnight construction, and hit Boston after the morning rush.

I'd say take the ferry to New London.

The last time I drove on Long Island, I swore I'd never come back (I haven't) and I-95 through Connecticut is never good.

Take the ferry. It won't save you a ton of time....but it saves you driving time.

driving time and frustration

If you time it right the ferry is a waste. That part of 95 can be a breeze.

IF you time it right

And timing it right would involve leaving at 3am, correct? I can do that.

Is one of those ferries in Orient Point,NY? If so take that one to New London,CT. I-95 through CT does suck very hard,and the trip on the ferry is fun especially for kid if you have them with you.

take the ferry from port jeff to bridgeport. its straight across the island, but on the north shore, from sayville, so not a long ride. port jeff is a nice place to walk around a bit, the kids will never forget the ferry, and theres a bar on board....everybody should do it once, and its so much better than sitting in traffic for hours. its an excellent investment, bring a camera...

If you are going to take one the Port Jeff to bridgeport would be easier. Orient point is way out on the North Fork and a good chunk of the ride is on local roads, a slow start to a long trip.

I usually do the Port Jeff to Bridgport run, same cost, less BS than driving and it's nice on a nice day. Everyone should drive the LIX back to the city on Suday night at least once in their life.

Leave your handguns at home....

I lived just south of Port Jefferson for 21 years....I'd say take a ferry instead of driving. You never know what you're going to get driving west on the LIE and through NYC. It could suck at any point during the day. The Port Jeff/Bridgeport ferry is a nice ride, but I think the Orient Point/New London is nicer. It is a longer ride out to Orient Point, but the north fork of Long Island is great. It's a nice drive out there.

Woody wrote: I'd say take the ferry to New London. The last time I drove on Long Island, I swore I'd never come back (I haven't) and I-95 through Connecticut is never good.

I'd rather deal with I-95 in CT than NYC. Especially heading north near the Bruckner Interchange. There's always a bottleneck around Co-Op City.

When will you be in Sayville, I live a town over. Maybe a meet and b/s session somewhere?

As for the ferry/95 issue...I have lived on LI all my life and if I ever go north ( at least once every year), we use the ferry. If you take the first (recommended) ferry, traffic wise, Sayville to Orient Point is just a tad over an hour, it's a nice scenic ride through the east end of LI. The ferry ride is 1 hr 20 min but very relaxing. Will it save time, possibly if you hit traffic to the bridge and up 95, otherwise it's a wash time wise. However, your car and family will love you for avoiding the abuse your bodies will take if you drive. And the toll is only 8.00 on the T-neck and 2.00 on the NE Thruway ext, unless you have a dually or you're towing something. If you need the best way to the ferry, I can supply you directions. Also you should make an online reservation ahead of time for summer ferry travel. One car and driver plus an extra person is about 60.00 but worth every penny.