Buffalo, NY, USA to Albany, NY, USA from $24: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from Buffalo to Albany: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$24 by busBest price
466 kmDistance
4h 58m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Buffalo to Albany with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.
Buffalo - Albany operators
Explore transport companies operating between Buffalo and Albany, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html
Train from Buffalo to Albany-Rensselaer Amtrak Station
Average Duration
5h 15mEstimated price
$45-110Contact phone
+1 888 842-7245Website
http://www.viarail.ca/
Train from Buffalo to Albany-Rensselaer Amtrak Station
Average Duration
5h 42mEstimated price
$45-110Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100Website
https://www.greyhound.com/
Bus from Buffalo to Syracuse Bus Station
Average Duration
2h 30mEstimated price
$1175-1171Bus from Syracuse Bus Station to Albany Bus Terminal, NY
Average Duration
3h 5mEstimated price
$1175-1171Contact phone
+1 800-858-8555Website
https://trailways.com
Bus from Buffalo to Syracuse
Average Duration
3h 20mEstimated price
$248-249Bus from Syracuse to Albany
Average Duration
3hEstimated price
$248-249Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585Website
https://flixbus.com
Bus from Buffalo to Syracuse Bus Station
Average Duration
2h 50mEstimated price
$304-11720Bus from Buffalo to Ithaca
Average Duration
3h 40mEstimated price
$305-11725Contact phone
+1-844-800-6828Website
https://www.ourbus.com
Bus from Ithaca to Albany
Average Duration
4h 25mEstimated price
$306-1171Drive from Buffalo to Albany
Average Duration
4h 58mEstimated price
$50-80Website
delta.com
Plane from Buffalo (BUF) to Albany (ALB)
Average Duration
6h 38mEstimated price
$173-450Website
southwest.com
Plane from Buffalo (BUF) to Albany (ALB)
Average Duration
4h 5mEstimated price
$244-245Website
aa.com
Plane from Buffalo (BUF) to Albany (ALB)
Average Duration
5h 33mEstimated price
$1109-800Website
united.com
Plane from Buffalo (BUF) to Albany (ALB)
Average Duration
5h 21mEstimated price
$1109-240Buffalo to Albany: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Buffalo and Albany offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard Services: On your train trip from Buffalo to Albany, Amtrak provides catering services through its café car, where you can purchase a selection of snacks, beverages, and light meals. Be sure to check the menu upon boarding, as offerings may vary, and you might want to grab a meal in advance if you have specific dietary needs.
• Seating Options: Amtrak offers two main seating classes for your route: Business Class and Coach Class. Business Class provides more spacious seating with added legroom and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages, while Coach Class offers comfortable seating in a more economical setting. Make your choice based on your comfort level and budget.
• Arrival Station Tip: When you arrive in Albany at the Albany-Rensselaer Rail Station, you'll find that it has restrooms available for passengers, but no showers. If you need to explore the city before checking into your hotel, you can leave your luggage at the station's luggage service for a small fee, allowing you to enjoy some time in Albany without the hassle of carrying bags.
🚌 The bus trip from Buffalo to Albany is a scenic journey covering a distance of 295 miles. The total travel time is approximately 6 hours and 27 minutes, with a transfer involved along the route.
🚍 For the first step of the journey, travelers will board a FlixBus towards New York Midtown departing from Buffalo. This leg of the trip takes around 2 hours and 50 minutes, with the transfer point in Syracuse.
🛣️ The second step entails taking a Greyhound bus towards Boston from Syracuse Bus Station. This portion of the journey lasts about 3 hours and 5 minutes before arriving at Albany Bus Terminal, completing the route from Buffalo to Albany by bus.
Useful tips for bus travellers
• When booking your trip from Buffalo to Albany, consider checking multiple bus operators such as Greyhound and FlixBus for the best pricing and schedules, as prices can vary significantly; you can find Greyhound's schedules at greyhound.com transit and FlixBus at flixbus.com
• Since you will be transferring in Syracuse, ensure you check the transfer times carefully; the Syracuse bus station is busy, and you might need to navigate between platforms quickly, so plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your next bus departure.
• Upon arrival at Albany Bus Terminal, familiarize yourself with the surrounding area by looking up local dining options; there are several eateries within walking distance, such as The Hollow Bar + Kitchen, which is great for a meal after your journey; you can check their menu and location here.
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Buffalo to Albany.
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The distance between Buffalo and Albany is approximately 285 miles by road. The typical travel time by car is around 4.5 to 5.5 hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions. If you prefer to travel by train, the Amtrak service between the two cities usually takes about 8 hours, while flying would be the quickest option, with a flight time of around 1 hour.
The most cost-effective transportation option for traveling from Buffalo to Albany would likely be by bus or carpooling, as these tend to be more budget-friendly compared to other modes of transportation. However, if you are looking for a more time-efficient option, flying would be the quickest way to travel between the two cities, though it may come at a higher cost. Alternatively, taking the train could be a good balance between cost and time, providing a comfortable journey with a moderate travel duration.
The prices for traveling from Buffalo to Albany can vary depending on the mode of transportation chosen. On average, a one-way bus ticket can cost around $30-$50, while carpooling or driving can incur expenses for gas and tolls. Train tickets with Amtrak typically range from $50-$70 for a one-way trip, and flights between the two cities can vary greatly based on the airline, time of booking, and availability, with prices starting from around $100 one way.
If you prefer not to use public transportation, you can drive from Buffalo to Albany by taking Interstate 90 East, which is a direct route between the two cities. Alternatively, you could carpool with a friend or family member to share the driving responsibilities and costs. Another option would be to hire a private car service or use a ridesharing app for a more convenient and personalized journey without relying on public transportation.
To travel from Buffalo to Albany without a car, you have several transportation options available. You can take a bus with providers like Greyhound or Trailways, which offer direct routes between the two cities. Another option is to book a seat on an Amtrak train, such as the Empire Service, which offers a scenic journey between Buffalo and Albany. Additionally, you can consider flying from Buffalo Niagara International Airport to Albany International Airport with airlines like Delta or Southwest for a faster travel option.
Yes, there are direct transportation links between Buffalo and Albany. You can travel between the two cities by bus, train, or plane. Greyhound and Trailways operate bus services that provide direct routes, while Amtrak offers train services like the Empire Service that run directly between Buffalo and Albany. Additionally, airlines like Delta and Southwest operate direct flights between Buffalo Niagara International Airport and Albany International Airport for a quick and convenient travel option.
The flight duration between Buffalo and Albany is typically around 1 hour. The cost of a one-way flight ticket between these two cities can vary depending on the airline, time of booking, and availability, but it generally ranges from $100 to $300. It is advisable to book your flight in advance to secure the best deals and prices for this short domestic flight.
There are various accommodation options near Albany ranging from hotels to bed and breakfasts to vacation rentals. Some popular hotels in Albany include The Desmond Hotel, Hampton Inn & Suites Albany-Downtown, and Renaissance Albany Hotel. Additionally, there are many charming bed and breakfast establishments in nearby towns like Troy and Saratoga Springs, providing a cozy and intimate lodging experience for visitors to the area.