How to get from Albany airport to Downtown Albany

The city of Albany is a little hidden gem in the state of New York. Not only is it the capital of the state but also a great destination to experience the history of the area, whilst being surrounded by a beautiful natural environment. With its many museums, spirited arts and entertainment scene and shopping options, Albany is a great option that will cover all your travel needs.

The Downtown area of Albany is 12 km (7.5 miles) from Albany airport and there are two main transportation options connecting these locations. The public transportation option involves a bus service run by CDTA (Capital District Transportation Authority) that offers a route into the city but there are limitations associated with this option. The most convenient way to get from Albany airport to downtown Albany is undoubtedly to use an Albany airport taxi that will transport you swiftly and comfortably to your destination.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Albany at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Taxi	€46.50	15min	24/7
Bus	€3	50min	07:00–16:53

How to get from Albany airport to Downtown Albany by Taxi

A taxi or private shuttle remains the most convenient way to travel from Albany airport to downtown Albany. There are no limitations regarding this service as it is available 24/7 and the transfer should only take about 15 mins depending on traffic. The benefits of a taxi are even more evident if travelling with children or a lot of baggage.

How much is the taxi fare from Albany airport to downtown Albany?

The transportation from Albany airport to downtown Albany via taxi will cost about $45 (€45). This cost is based on the average metered fare for the area, which can fluctuate considerably between taxi providers. Each additional passenger is charged $1.50 (€1.50) and transfers from 18:00 to 6:00 and all day Sunday and on Holidays are subject to a $1 (€1) surcharge. Fixed-rate taxi fares from the airport are also available with most providers and should be requested and agreed upon with the driver before the start of the transfer. For a guaranteed, hassle-free, set fare with no hidden costs, you can also book your Albany airport to downtown shuttle with Welcome Pickups.

Cost

$45 (€45)

Trip Duration

15 minutes

Each additional passenger is charged at $1.50 (€1.50) and transfers from 18:00 to 6:00 and all day Sunday and on Holidays are subject to a $1 (€1) surcharge.

Convenience

Safety

Value for money

Albany Airport taxis are available 24/7.

Where do I get a taxi from?

Taxis at Albany airport are located on Level 1 of the main terminal building, they are found across from the terminal in the Commercial Lane.

Convenience

The use of a taxi is simply the easiest way to get from Albany airport to the downtown area of the city. Service is available 24/7 with short wait times, you will be transported to your downtown destination in the least amount of time – just 15 minutes, and you won’t have to carry your baggage from the bus stop to your hotel on public transport.

Editor’s Note

Always (even when using a metered taxi) request a quote or an estimate for your transfer before getting into the cab.

Useful Tips

Fixed-rate fare shuttles can be more affordable than a metered ride, so request a set-rate fare at the start of your journey, especially for longer trips and popular destinations.

Taxi drivers in the state of New York are obliged by law to give an estimated fare for all destinations, following a passenger request.

Tipping is standard practice at the end of your transfer and it is usually between 15-20% of the total fare.

How to get from Albany airport to Downtown Albany by Bus

The public transport option involves a bus from Albany airport to downtown Albany. This service is run by CDTA (Capital District Transportation Authority) and offers a bus route (737) that will take you into the heart of the city. Bus route 737 only runs on weekdays and departs from the airport four times a day, between 7:00 and 16:53, so there are limitations to this service. The bus journey time from the airport to downtown Albany is 45-50 minutes.

How much is the bus fare from Albany airport to downtown Albany?

The bus fare for route 737 from Albany airport to downtown Albany costs $1.50 (€1.50). Tickets can be purchased directly on the bus; all buses are equipped with a farebox but the fare must be paid in the exact change as no change is given back. The farebox accepts US coins and $1 and $5 dollar bills. Children under 46″ (117 cm) ride for free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Cost

$1.50 (€1.50)

Trip Duration

45-50 minutes

Please have the exact change as the bus is equipped with fareboxes that do not make change. They accept US coins and $1 and $5 dollar bills.

Convenience

Safety

Value for money

CDTA bus route 737 only runs on weekdays and departs the airport four times a day starting at 7:00 then at 12:20, 15:47 and 16:53.

Where do I get the bus from?

CDTA bus route 737 departs from the Access Road that passes in front of Level 1 of the terminal building. The actual stop is located at the beginning of the terminal building and just before the Airport Parking Garage.

Convenience

The public bus service is a very affordable transportation option, however, it is also with its limitations and will not suit all traveller arrangements. It only runs on weekdays and there are only four buses a day from the airport to downtown so there could be long wait times between services. This service has numerous stops so travel time is also quite lengthy at 45-50 minutes before it reaches its final stop in downtown Albany. You should also take into account that your hotel or accommodation may still be some distance from the closest bus stop that you will be alighting at.

Timetables

CDTA Bus Route 737

Map & Schedule

CDTA Bus Route 737

Bus Stops

Editor’s Note

Other bus routes run by CDTA are also available for this journey but involve multiple bus changes. Bus route 737 is the only direct CDTA service with no unnecessary connections.

Useful Tips

If you are taking the bus, check the map of bus route 737, so you can get off at the closest stop to your hotel or accommodation.

All CDTA buses are wheelchair accessible and have bike racks.

Have the exact change ($1.50) available when purchasing a ticket on the bus, as no change is given back.

Base fare ($1.50) tickets on CDTA buses do not permit transfers to other bus routes without purchasing a new ticket.

Welcome Pickups has a Net Safety Score of 99 of 100

We’ve introduced a metric indicating how safe travellers feel when using our services during the COVID-19 pandemic. After every ride, we ask each traveller to leave a review.

20 minute gap between transfers
Regular Car Sanitisation
Contactless ride
Sanitiser in every car

How can I get from Albany airport to downtown?

There are two main transport options to travel from Albany airport to downtown Albany. The public transport option involves bus route 737 run by CDTA but is only available on weekdays, with four departures a day from the airport. The other option is an Albany airport taxi that is available 24/7 and will transport you directly to the door of your hotel or accommodation.

Is there a direct bus service from Albany airport to downtown?

CDTA runs bus route 737 which is a direct service from Albany airport to downtown. However, it only runs on weekdays and has four departures a day from the airport, so it may not be suitable for all travellers. The journey also has a lot of stops with a total journey time of 45-50 minutes.

What’s the distance from Albany airport to downtown Albany?

The distance from Albany airport to downtown Albany is 12 km (7.5 miles). This journey with a taxi or private shuttle will take approximately 15 minutes, depending on traffic.

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How to get from Albany airport to Downtown Albany by Taxi

How much is the taxi fare from Albany airport to downtown Albany?

Cost

$45 (€45)

Trip Duration

15 minutes

Convenience

Safety

Value for money

Albany Airport taxis are available 24/7.

Where do I get a taxi from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Albany airport to Downtown Albany by Bus

How much is the bus fare from Albany airport to downtown Albany?

Cost

$1.50 (€1.50)

Trip Duration

45-50 minutes

Convenience

Safety

Value for money

CDTA bus route 737 only runs on weekdays and departs the airport four times a day starting at 7:00 then at 12:20, 15:47 and 16:53.

Where do I get the bus from?

Convenience

Timetables

CDTA Bus Route 737

Map & Schedule

CDTA Bus Route 737

Bus Stops

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Frequently asked questions

How can I get from Albany airport to downtown?

Is there a direct bus service from Albany airport to downtown?

What’s the distance from Albany airport to downtown Albany?

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The best way to arrive in Albany

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