Travel to Montauk from JFK & New York

While the wedding itself will be at East Hampton Point, the majority of guests will be staying in Montauk, New York.

BEFORE LEAVING:
If you're not a US citizen, then READ THIS! As of January 12th 2009, the Department of Homeland Security insist on foreign travellers (or anyone who's ever looked like a traveller) registering at least 72 hours beforehand at CPB.gov. Registration is good for two years, so get it out of the way now.

ARRIVING IN JFK:
Once you land at the airport, you can probably get by with a credit card, but I really recommend already having dollars in your pocket for any little things that may come up. Your options for proceeding from the airport will depend on whether you're staying in Manhattan for a couple of days or going directly to Montauk.

JFK TO MONTAUK:
Montauk is on the tip of Long Island, so the best way to get there from the airport is by train. Take the Jamaica Route on the JFK AirTrain to Jamaica Station. It'll cost $5. Once you're at Jamaica Station, walk through to the main station itself and get a ticket for $18 ($13 at off-peak times). Montauk's the last stop, which makes it easier to see which platform you need as it'll actually display "Montauk". This map gives a good sense of where Manhattan, Jamaica Station and Montauk are in relation to each other. Note: You can also buy your ticket on the train itself if you're in a rush, but it's more expensive and they only take cash.

JFK TO MANHATTAN:
You have two choices: taxi or train.
TAXI -
Don't get in any cab at the airport unless it's an actual yellow taxi. You'll be able to queue up for them outside the terminal, and the queue is always really quick. If you're going to Manhattan itself, then it'll be a flat fare of $45 to wherever you're going. This will be the first time of many that you'll be expected to tip, so get used to it! More details here.
TRAIN -
If you're going by train, then take the Howard Beach Route on the JFK AirTrain to Howard Beach Station. It'll cost $5. You can then get a subway on the "A" line going to Manhattan. (Don't take it in the opposite direction out to Queens.) Here's a good general subway map (JFK is on the far right), and this map shows the stops on the A line. You can transfer to other lines for free to get where you're going, just like the subway systems in London or Paris. The subway costs $2 a trip, and runs 24 hours a day, unlike London or Paris. You'll need to buy a Metrocard at one of the machines in the station. If you're only staying for a day or two, I'd just buy a card with $20 credit on it. Otherwise get the 7-day Unlimited Ride Metrocard for $25 (but this type can't be shared between two people).

MANHATTAN TO MONTAUK:
You can either take a train or bus to Montauk from Manhattan. You could also take a taxi, but it would cost like a gazillion dollars, as Long Island is the length of Ireland.
TRAIN -
Go to Penn Station (map) on 34th St and get a ticket for Montauk on the Long Island Rail Road. It'll cost $21 ($15.25 at off-peak times). Hang onto your ticket, as you'll be taking a train going through Jamaica Station first and then changing for the train to Montauk. Once you're in Montauk, you can get a taxi to your hotel.
BUS -
The best bus to get is a private company called the Hampton Jitney. It's $30 one-way or $53 round-trip. You really should make a reservation beforehand as it's pretty popular, and this includes telling them what stop you'll be getting on at. I'd recommend getting on at the corner of 40th Street and 3rd Avenue, as they spend a bit more time waiting there before leaving the city. Your reservation won't make them wait for you if you're late though! The jitney arrives in the center of Montauk, so a lot of you will then be able to walk to your accomodation.

UPDATED NOTE ABOUT TRAINS:
There's apparently track work happening on the Montauk track, but trains are still running on a limited schedule. People taking the 4:15pm, 5:51pm or 8:30pm weekday trains will be okay, but everyone else should plan ahead, and confirm that the replacement buses are running when buying your ticket.
Manhattan to Montauk - Mon-Fri
Manhattan to Montauk - Sat/Sun
Montauk to Manhattan - Mon-Fri
Montauk to Manhattan - Sat/Sun