Long Island Railroad services from Penn Station take around two hours to reach Port Jefferson so if you want a full day out you're going to have an early start.
As of 2010 there are no direct morning services so the journey involves a change of train. Direct services operate only during the late afternoon peak period.
You can leave Penn Station at 7:49 a.m., change trains at Jamaica and get to Port Jefferson at 9:53 a.m. Alternatively, you can leave Penn Station at 9:15 a.m., change at Hicksville and get to Port Jefferson at 11:10 a.m.
The ferry service between Port Jefferson and Bridgeport is operated by the Bridgeport and Port Jefferson Steamboat Company. The ferries dock approximately one mile from the Long Island Railroad Station and sailings begin at 6 a.m. If you're planning a day cruise starting at Penn Station at 7:49 a.m. or 9:15 a.m. you will board either the 10:30 a.m. or noon crossings.
There's open deck space on which to enjoy the fresh sea air during the trip on one of the three ferries operated by the Bridgeport and Port Jefferson Steamboat Company. The vessels have a variety of comfortable seating in their lounges and food and drink is available in the Galley. It is worth spending at least some time outside to enjoy the views of Long Island Sound. Put on plenty of high factor suncream in summer and you'll be able to top up your tan but be careful not to burn. On clear winter days wrap up and enjoy good cold weather visibility.
There's a variety of activities in Bridgeport. Captain's Cove, with it's quaint shops, is one of Connecticut's tourist attractions where you can take to the water again to enjoy a scenic harbour cruise. Bridgeport is also the location of Beardsley Zoo, a 36-acre facility which is described on the city's official website as being "committed to the preservation of endangered animals".
As of 2010, return sailings to Port Jefferson operate at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. Long Island Railroad departures to Penn Station are at 8:34 p.m., 9:41 p.m. and 11:22 p.m. All involve train changes en route. If you don't want to spend as long getting back to New York, you can travel from Bridgeport to Grand Central Station on the Metro North Network. As of 2010 trains leave Bridgeport at 6:17 p.m., 7:18 p.m., 8:18 p.m. and 9:18 p.m. The journey takes an hour and 20 minutes.
