Does anyone know if it's possible to catch a bus or train from JFK to go to Long Island (near Islip is fine)?

Specific links? Is it any more convenient than renting a car from JFK?

Thanks.

You can take the JFK Airtrain to Jamaica Station and then the LIRR to Long Island.

http://www.panynj.gov/airtrain/

Trains from Jamaica go to all areas of LI on several different lines - so you need to get your exact destination station/train line worked out in advance. And once you hit suburban LI public transit except LIRR is almost nil.

If you're going to the airport in Islip there's a shuttle bus to the airport from the Ronkonkoma station. Or if you're going to visit people who will drive you around it's fine. Otherwise you may well need a car when you get there.

Thanks, all, for your helpful responses.

Does it get bad driving from Long Island to JFK on Monday afternoon for a 6 p.m. flight out? Or it's best to take the train to JFK as well?

Thanks.

It could be a breeze or it could be crowded, depending on what's happening that day (e.g. holiday weekend.)

If you can take the train, you will have a more predictable experience.

Do you realize there's an airport in Islip that could make your life much easier. Code is ISP and Southwest is the major carrier there.

In addition to the LIRR, the hamptonjitney.com has stops for both JFK (Queens airport connection) and Islip (islip airport connection) but it will be a lot more expensive and probably not worth the trouble. You need to take a taxi to get to the bus at both stops or be dropped off. Actually, if you are getting a ride to JFK and the driver doesn't have to go to JFK, it might be worth considering the Jitney going back to the airport.