You can leave the hot, steamy city, and put your toes in the cool ocean in Saltaire, Fire Island in under 2 hours. Easy to reach by car, train, or jitney minivan, Saltaire, Fire Island is one of New York's closest getaways. Getting to Saltaire Fire Island is always fun.

From New York City: Take the Triboro Bridge to the Grand Central Parkway East. This becomes the Northern State Parkway. Take this east to the Meadowbrook Parkway south. Continue to the Southern (State) Parkway east. Stay on the right fork and take exit 42 South (Fifth Avenue Bay Shore). Make a left and the first right onto Fifth Avenue, and continue south to Main Street. Turn left, and then right onto Maple Avenue. Go to the end of Maple Avenue, where you will see signs for the various ferries. The Saltaire, Fire Island ferry dock and parking lot is on your left past the Chowder Bar. Take the Fire Island Ferries across the Great South Bay and you will be in Saltaire Fire Island in about 25 minutes.

Alternate route: Take the Midtown Tunnel to the Long Island Expressway east. Take Exit 53 South (Sagtikos Parkway). Take this to the end of the Sagtikos, bear left onto the Southern State Parkway East and quickly get into the right lane on the Southern (State) Parkway to exit 42 South ( Fifth Avenue Bay Shore) See above directions to the ferry dock.

Alternate route: Take the Grand Central Parkway east to the Cross Island Parkway south. Continue south to the Southern Parkway East. Continue east to exit 42 South ( Fifth Avenue Bay Shore). See above for directions to Saltaire Fire Island ferry dock.

By Train: Take the Long Island Railroad to Bay Shore (click for schedule), which takes about an hour. When you arrive, look for Tommy's Taxi or David's Taxi service right outside the station. They will take you to the Saltaire Ferry Dock in about 5 minutes. Take the Fire Island Ferry to Saltaire, and arrive in about 25 minutes.

By Jitney Minivan: Tommy's Car Service and David Brothers Car Service have air-conditioned minivans leaving on a regular schedule from midtown Manhattan. They board in several locations in midtown Manhattan and will drop you off right at the Ferry Dock. Call for times and departure locations. Tommy’s: 631.665.4800. David’s: 631.665.1515. The ride takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Take the Fire Island Ferry directly to Saltaire and arrive in about 25 minutes. Reservations recommended.

Create Driving Directions at www.mapquest.com. Note: For your "Ending Location" address, please use "105 Maple Avenue, Bay Shore, NY 11706". This will guide you to the ferry, which will be on the left-hand side, just past the Clam Bar.