In order to get a decent fare for a last minute trip, I am considering using Islip for the return portion of my trip. I will be flying into LGA and staying in Midtown. I will only have a rolling carryon so could navigate the train. Any suggestions and realistic expectations regarding travel time from Penn Station(I think) to Islip?

i think, not 100% certain that the train ride is about an hour. then you'd need a cab to the airport.

check the website for the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) to be certain.

go to: www.mta.nyc.ny.us and click
on the LIRR sked. for trains to
Ronkonkoma which take approx
1 hr 15 min.
$5 Shuttle bus to MacArthur Airport
Southwest has just added 4 new gates and there is a foodcourt, etc
on 2nd level.
Many NYC execs are using this airport for trips since they are not
penalized as harshly for last minute
fares.

it's about 1 hr and 15 minute. i commute from the ronkokoma station (the most convenient for islip aiport) to penn station every day for work. it's easier than it sounds. with an express train instead of a local, it's no time at all.

Everyone's right, it's about an hour and 15 tops, and about a little under an hour on a good day. I take the Ronkonkoma line every day about 2 stops short of the stop for Islip. Very convenient. Round trip for the LIRR should cost about $25 - $30.

Thanks for the input. Are all the trains express, or do you have to make sure that you are not getting on at a time when it is a local? I have had both quick(25 minutes) and long(1/2 hours) cab rides in from LGA so I think I am willing to try Islip since it will only be for the return leg of my trip. I will take a book!

Be careful about the train schedule. The Long Island Railroad is known for very infrequent trains at non-commuter hours, so you may have to add an hour or more of slack time to your plans, depending on your flight time. Also, the LIRR can have unplanned delays due to any number of unexpected events and failures. Be careful!