In case you missed it, luxury transporter Blade — which is best known for operating helicopters and private jets across New York, Europe and Canada — has expanded into the bus market.
Yes, you read that correctly, and it is not a typo.
For this summer only, Hampton visitors will have an alternative to the Hampton Jitney with Blade’s latest product: the Hamptons Streamliner. It offers first-class motorcoach service between Manhattan and the most exclusive part of Long Island.
Hamptons Streamliner service begins May 23 and runs through Sept. 3.
Blade will operate 15 trips to the Hamptons and 25 trips to New York City across its two-month summer schedule. It’ll offer three round-trip journeys from Manhattan Thursday to Sunday, one round-trip option on Saturdays and a one-way trip from the Hamptons on Mondays.
City trips will depart from Hudson Yards in Manhattan, with select trips leaving from Hoboken, New Jersey; Manhattan-bound buses depart East Hampton, Bridgehampton and Southhampton, with stops at each depot along the way. There are various daily trains from 6 a.m. to 11:15 p.m., depending on the date and direction. All trips to the city include one stop at Third Avenue and 34th Street before the West Side stop.
Double (side-by-side) aisle or window seats cost $195 per person, while a single seat will set you back $275. Flex fares, which allow modifications up to three hours prior to departure, are an additional $50. Each bus has 19 seats, with single seats on the left side of the bus for more privacy and space. Travelers with pets must pay $50 or $100 depending on their pet’s size, and they also must select a single seat.
Travelers are permitted two checked bags and one carry-on bag. Extra or oversize luggage — such as golf clubs, bikes and surfboards — cost an additional $65.
A bus is a bus, but rest assured that Blade buses promise the upscale amenities you’d expect from the brand. Onboard features include seats with memory-foam backs, 45-degree reclines and 5 feet of legroom. There is Hi-Fi Wi-Fi, and guests can easily reach team members using a call button. The onboard staff can provide pillows and blankets upon request.
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Food service includes PopUp Bagels (which are so popular that they sell out their limited inventory and require preordering) on morning buses and Sweetgreen in the afternoon. Alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages — including Chateau La Coste rosé, Nutrl seltzers, Patron El Alto tequila and Saint James iced tea — are available. Passengers can also enjoy Dria Hamptons Survival Dopp kits, Bonefly dog accessories and local real estate tips via Saunders & Associates.
Maximize your purchase
If you book this service, consider using a credit card that earns bonus points on bus travel, such as the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card for 2 points per dollar spent on travel or the Chase Sapphire Reserve® for 3 points per dollar spent on travel.
Related: The best credit cards for your commuting expenses
Bottom line
While we can’t confirm you’ll be seated next to Serena van der Woodsen eating chocolate-covered strawberries a la “Gossip Girl,” we feel confident that this is the chicest bus (to the Hamptons) to ever exist.
Seats from Manhattan to the Hamptons are available to book for the summer season from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
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