There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in Islip into a quick city adventure. From ISP, the Suffolk County Transit Bus & LIRR can get you into town in around 180 minutes. Below, we’ll walk you through transport, budget, bags, and what’s actually worth seeing.
Important Details Before You Go
Three things to verify before you walk out of ISP:
- Can you legally enter United States? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 180-minute journey each way by Suffolk County Transit Bus & LIRR, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the USD. You’re in USD territory, so no currency conversion needed.
How to Spend Your Time in Islip
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Islip, two standouts are:
- Connetquot River State Park Preserve — Nice green space that’s easy to enjoy without a tight schedule.
- Explore Patchogue Village — Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside ISP, you can spend time at Relax at The Landing Bar & Grill or try Browse Hudson News. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Best Bites Near ISP
For food in Islip, local travelers recommend Mama Lombardi’s. If you have time for a second stop, Maxwell’s is another popular pick.
Back at ISP, The Landing Bar & Grill is the go-to. Starbucks rounds out your in-terminal options.
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
| Option | Approximate Time | Cost Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suffolk County Transit Bus & LIRR | ~180 min | $ | Recommended for layovers |
| Taxi / Ride-share | ~200 min | $$$ | Convenient but traffic-dependent |
For a layover, the Suffolk County Transit Bus & LIRR is usually the way to go. It’s predictable, which matters when you have a flight to catch. Taxis can be faster in ideal conditions but slower when traffic builds up.
Layover Budget Breakdown
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Islip:
Transport to the city and back runs about $10 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $20 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $40 USD total.
Withdraw local currency from an ATM at the airport rather than using exchange counters — the rates are usually better.
Luggage Storage Options
Dedicated luggage storage at ISP may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Islip’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Staying Connected
WiFi at ISP should cover you while you’re in the terminal. Once you step outside, you’ll want your own data connection for maps, translating, and getting around. An eSIM is the simplest solution — set it up on your phone before landing in United States and you’re good to go.
Need a Nap? Options at ISP
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at ISP, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Islip count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave ISP. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.