How to Get to Albany
Students must arrange their own transportation to the University. Below are some tips and resources to help you make arrangements. This information, including price estimates, is subject to change.
The address for the main campus is 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12222.
Getting to the US
Air Transportation
New York City has three major airports: John F Kennedy International Airport (JFK); LaGuardia (LGA); and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey. LaGuardia and Newark have connecting flights directly to Albany International Airport (ALB). JFK does not.
Chicago-O’Hare (ORD), Detroit Metropolitan (DTT), and Atlanta (ATL) also have non-stop connecting flights to Albany (as do other airports). If you are continuing by airplane to Albany, we recommending using only a direct, non-stop connecting flight from your arrival airport to Albany.
US Customs & Border Inspection
You will be asked to present your passport, non-immigrant visa and I-20/DS-2019 form to Customs upon arrival. Be sure to carry these items on your person, along with your UAlbany letter of admission and proof of funding. As soon as you can after arriving in Albany, go to Customs and Border Protection's website to print out a copy of the I-94 arrival/departure record and keep it safe with your other important documents.
You will need to claim your luggage and walk with it through U.S. Customs. If you will be flying to Albany you will need to recheck your luggage before boarding the next flight.
Travel Tips
Before you depart photocopy all of your important documents (passport, visa, I-20, etc.) Put copies in a different place such as your carry-on and checked luggage.
For your safety and convenience do not book a flight into the U.S. that arrives late at night.
Never leave bags unattended or carry any article given to you by a stranger. While in an airport, train or bus terminal, ignore non-uniformed persons offering to assist with baggage or transportation. Go to ground transportation information counters, bus stops and taxi dispatchers for safe and legitimate transportation.
Always trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, avoid it. Be aware of your surroundings at all times, and remain alert and focused.
Getting to Albany from NYC Area Airports (JFK/NEW/LGA)
JFK/NEW/LGA to Albany via Shuttle Van
Premier Transportation Group offers an Express Shuttle Van on a daily basis. The van departs JFK at 6:30pm and LGA at 7:15pm and arrives to Albany Airport at 11:00pm ($65 fare). The van departs Newark at 6:30pm and arrives to Albany Airport at 9:30pm ($60 fare). You may call 518-459-6123 to make a reservation. For additional information, please visit the PTG website.
Another service is Our Bus, which offers service from JFK to Albany.
New York City to Albany via Train
(New York-Penn Station (NYP) to Albany-Rensselaer Station (ALB) via Amtrak Train) Penn Station in New York City is located on 8th Avenue between 31st and 33rd Streets under Madison Square Garden. Amtrak trains leave Penn Station daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and it is about a 3 hour trip to Albany. The fare runs from $40-$70. Most credit cards are accepted.
Reservations can be made online, by phone, or you may buy a ticket at the Station. Up to two pieces of luggage may be checked at no charge, with a weight of 50 lbs. total. Up to three additional pieces may be checked upon payment of $20 per piece. For more information regarding reservations and baggage, please visit the Amtrak website.
JFK or Newark Airport to New York City – Then by Bus to Albany
Several companies offer direct bus connections between the airports and the Port Authority bus station in New York City. You may purchase a one-way ticket for about $16 at the “Ground Transportation” counter in the baggage claim area. The trip to New York City takes about an hour. If you plan to travel from New York City to Albany by bus, be sure to get on a bus routed to the “Port Authority Bus Terminal.”
Taxi/Uber/Lyft are also options, but may be more expensive depending on the time of travel.
New York City to Albany via Bus
The Port Authority Bus Terminal is located at 625 8th Avenue, between 40th and 42nd Streets. Two companies, Adirondack Trailways and Greyhound, provide reliable, direct bus service to Albany.
The buses stop at the downtown Albany bus terminal station and some also stop at UAlbany’s campus. The trip takes about 3 hours, and the fare is about $30.
For an additional bus service, MegaBus is another way to travel to Albany; it drops off at the Albany campus or at the Albany-Rensselaer Train Station across the river. The trip is 3 hours and it is located at 34th St. Hudson Yards between 11th and 12th avenue. The fair is about $20 for a one way trip that takes you right ion the SUNY campus.
Driving to Albany
If you or a relative will be driving to Albany we suggest that you use MapQuest or Google Maps.
Transportation in Albany Area
Transportation from Albany Airport, Amtrak Station or Albany Bus Terminal
If you are arriving at Albany International Airport, the Albany-Rensselaer Train Station, or Albany Bus Terminal you can take an Uber/Lyft that will cost approximately $15-$30 depending on where you are going. In order to get this service, you must download Uber/Lyft from the app store on your phone, create your account and set up your debit/credit card. Once that is completed, you can now input your current location and where you will like to go so that someone may pick you up and take you there.
- The Albany Airport is approximately a 9 minute drive from the main campus. More information about ground transportation on their website.
- The Albany-Rensselaer train station is approximately a 15 minute drive from the main campus (it is located across the river in Rensselaer)
- The Albany Bus Terminal is approximately a 12 minute drive from the main campus (it is located in downtown Albany)
Limited One Time Transportation Reimbursement
ISSS will provide one-time, one-way complimentary transportation service reimbursement on select dates from Albany Airport, the Albany-Rensselaer Train Station, the Albany Bus Terminal, and select hotels only. Students must save the receipt from their taxi and/or rideshare (Uber/Lyft) in order to be reimbursed. Students must sign up in advance.