Buffalo, NY, USA to Albany, NY, USA from $24: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car
Compare Travel Options and Prices
How to Get from Buffalo to Albany: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.
$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.
See more options
Sort by
Traveling From Buffalo to Albany
Traveling from Buffalo to Albany offers you a striking contrast between the bustling energy of Buffalo's waterfront and the historic charm of Albany's state government buildings.
Best Neighbourhoods in Albany
Albany features diverse neighborhoods, each with its own distinct charm.
Center Square
• Vibrant arts scene and colorful architecture.
• Great selection of restaurants and cafes.
Albany Historic District
• Rich in 18th and 19th-century architecture.
• Walking tours highlight its storied past.
Pine Hills
• Family-friendly vibe with beautiful parks.
• Home to eclectic shops and eateries.
Best Times To Visit Albany's Attractions
Timing your visits can enhance your experience in Albany's attractions.
New York State Museum
Visit during weekdays for a quieter experience and special exhibits.
Empire State Plaza
Enjoy early mornings or late afternoons to avoid lunchtime crowds.
Albany Institute of History & Art
Fridays offer smaller crowds, ideal for leisurely exploration.
Albany Weather: What to Expect Year-Round
Albany experiences a humid continental climate, with warm summers and cold winters, making spring and fall the best times to visit for pleasant temperatures. Knowing the weather patterns helps you prepare for your outdoor activities and explore the city comfortably.
Dining in Albany: A Culinary Contrast
Try the local favorite, the rabbit ragu at The Hollow Bar + Kitchen, where the focus on farm-to-table dining brings a fresh twist to the experience. This dish showcases Albany's commitment to local ingredients and offers a lighter, more sophisticated flavor profile, setting it apart from Buffalo's rich comfort food scene.
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.
Or choose the category:
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.
Trips from Buffalo
- Buffalo to Philadelphia
- Buffalo to Chicago
- Buffalo to Boston
- Buffalo to Atlanta
- Buffalo to Indianapolis
- Buffalo to Seattle
- Buffalo to Fort Myers
- Buffalo to Nashville
- Buffalo to Tampa
- Buffalo to Miami
- Buffalo to San Francisco
- Buffalo to Las Vegas
- Buffalo to Savannah
- Buffalo to New York City
- Buffalo to Niagara Falls
- Buffalo to Toronto
- Buffalo to Cooperstown
- Buffalo to Cleveland
- Buffalo to Orchard Park
- Buffalo to Ithaca
- Buffalo to Binghamton
- Buffalo to Rochester
- Buffalo to Olean
- Buffalo to Toledo
- Buffalo to Utica
- Buffalo to Scranton
- Buffalo to Cincinnati
- Buffalo to Jamestown
- Buffalo to Corning
- Buffalo to Syracuse
- Buffalo to Watertown
- Buffalo to Columbus
- Buffalo to London
- Buffalo to Williamsville
- Buffalo to Canton
- Buffalo to Gillette
- Buffalo to Lancaster
- Buffalo to Erie
- Buffalo to Niagara Falls
- Buffalo to Cleveland
Trips to Philadelphia
- Boston to Albany
- Montreal to Albany
- New York City to Albany
- Pittsburgh to Albany
- Plattsburgh to Albany
- Cooperstown to Albany
- Philadelphia to Albany
- Ithaca to Albany
- Rochester to Albany
- Chicago to Albany
- Poughkeepsie to Albany
- White Plains to Albany
- Oneonta to Albany
- Newburgh to Albany
- Syracuse to Albany
- Kingston to Albany
- Toronto to Albany
- Utica to Albany
- Amsterdam to Albany
- Providence to Albany
- Schenectady to Albany
- Johnstown to Albany
- Watertown to Albany
- Binghamton to Albany
- Kingston to Albany
- Minneapolis to Albany
- Miami to Albany
- Rome to Albany
- Atlanta to Albany
- Saratoga Springs to Albany
- Burlington to Albany
- Lake George to Albany
- Dallas to Albany
- Niagara Falls to Albany
- Glens Falls to Albany
- Malta to Albany
- Saranac Lake to Albany
- Lake Placid to Albany
- Clifton Park to Albany
- Wilkes-Barre to Albany