Syracuse is located in Upstate New York, next to Onondaga Lake Park in the Finger Lakes Region. Downtown Syracuse is a pleasure to explore thanks to its many public parks and beautifully preserved Neoclassical and Gothic buildings. The city houses many attractions, such as the Eerie Canal Museum, the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, and the Museum of Science and Technology. Theatre lovers can catch a show at the historic Landmark Theatre, and for those who love shopping, Destiny USA, which is in downtown Syracuse is the fifth-biggest shopping mall in the US. For anyone who wants to explore a little further, the Green Lakes State Park and Skaneateles village are just a short drive away.

A taxi or private transfer is the fastest and only direct way from Syracuse airport to downtown locations, and it only takes about 15 minutes for an estimated cost of $30.21 (€28.70). Alternatively, to get from Syracuse airport to downtown Syracuse using public transportation, you will need to take a bus from the airport to Syracuse Regional Transportation Center and then switch to a second bus that goes downtown. The tickets for public transportation from Syracuse airport to downtown Syracuse start from $9 (€8.60), and the total travel time is 30-55 minutes, depending on the bus service and not accounting for waiting time.

2 options to go from Syracuse Airport to city center

PRICE FOR
OPTION
PRICE
TIME
AVAILABILITY
Bus
€17.20 55min 10:24–14:44
Convenience
Read more
Taxi
€28.70 15min 24/7
Convenience
Book
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How to get from Syracuse Airport to Downtown Syracuse by taxi

A taxi or private transfer is the fastest and most hassle-free way to get from Syracuse airport to downtown locations as it is the only direct option available. The cab from the airport to downtown Syracuse is a short 15-minute drive, and the average fare is estimated at $30.21 (€28.70).

Taxi fare from Syracuse airport to downtown

The average cab ride from Syracuse airport to downtown Syracuse takes only 15 minutes and is estimated to cost around $30.21 (€28.70). Keep in mind, however, that cabs in Syracuse operate as private companies, so it can be difficult to offer a specific cost estimate. For this reason, we recommend asking companies for their rates and charges before booking your trip. Companies often provide flat fees for certain routes and may have surcharges for additional baggage, distance from the city, and the number of passengers. If you would like to secure a competitive fixed rate for your transfer, we suggest booking in advance with a trusted company.

Where do I get the taxi from?

At Syracuse Hancock International Airport, taxi ranks can be found at either end of the airport, at Terminals A and B.

Convenience

Taking a cab or private shuttle is almost always the easiest and fastest way to reach your destination. With respect to transportation from Syracuse airport to downtown Syracuse, a taxi can save you a significant amount of time and stress, as wait times for the buses can be up to 4 hours for the non-direct route. With a taxi, you will set off as soon as you’re ready, and be dropped off exactly at your destination downtown in just 15 minutes. To make the most of your time in Syracuse, book your private shuttle in advance with Welcome and secure yourself a fixed rate.

Useful Tips

It’s unlikely that you will be able to hail a cab in Syracuse, so it’s best to call for a taxi pickup or book your transfer in advance.
In Syracuse, as in most of the country, you are expected to tip your driver 15-10% of the total fare.

How to get from Syracuse Airport to downtown by bus

Taking public transportation from Syracuse airport to downtown Syracuse is a budget-friendly option as the tickets, in total, cost only $9 (€8.60). However, as there is no direct bus route from the airport to downtown, you will have to take an Amtrak Thruway Connecting Service from the airport to reach the Syracuse Regional Transportation Center and, from there, switch to a Centro bus service (Sy 18 or Osw46) to downtown Syracuse.

Although the local Centro buses run regularly, there are only two Amtrak coach services from the airport each day, leaving at 10:24 and 14:44. Depending on the bus service, the total travel time ranges between 30 and 55 minutes, but please note that this does not include any time you may have to spend waiting for one of the buses. 

How much is the bus from Syracuse airport to downtown?

In total, the tickets for the two buses required to get from Syracuse airport to downtown Syracuse amount to $9 (€8.60).  Specifically, a single ticket for the AMRAK Thruway service costs $8 (€7.60) and a ticket for the local Syracuse Centro buses costs just $1 (€). There is little information regarding ticket purchasing options, but you should be able to secure your tickets online or from the driver with cash or a card. Either way, make sure to check ahead of time or ask at the airport information desk. 

Cost
€8.60
Trip Duration
30-55 Min.
The information relates to the two buses needed to reach downtown Syracuse and does not account for waiting times.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

There are only two AMTRAK bus services per day, with a 4-hour waiting period between the two. The Centro buses run a lot more regularly throughout the day.

Where do I get the bus from?

As you walk out of Terminal A at Syracuse Hancock International airport, you will find the Syracuse Amtrak Bus Stop to the right.

Convenience

Unfortunately, taking public transportation from Syracuse airport to downtown Syracuse is quite an inconvenient option. Although it is budget-friendly, with tickets priced at $9 (€8.60), there is no direct route from the airport to downtown Syracuse, and the first bus service runs only twice per day. This is perhaps the most difficult aspect of getting downtown using public transportation, as you will have to make sure that the departure times of the first bus align with your flight times. 

Timetables

Amtrak Thruway Connecting Services

Syracuse Hancock Airport to Syracuse Regional Transportation Center

Useful Tips

To get around the not-so-convenient AMTRAK schedule, you can also take a taxi from the airport to the Transportation Center and get a local bus to downtown Syracuse from there.
To buy a ticket on the bus, make sure you have the exact change.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get from Syracuse Airport to downtown Syracuse?

There are two ways to get from Syracuse Airport to downtown Syracuse. By taxi or private transfer, it will take just 15 minutes and cost about $30.21 (€28.70). To get there by public transportation, on the other hand, you will have to take one bus from the airport to the Transportation Center in Syracuse and then a second bus from there to reach downtown Syracuse. Together, the two tickets cost $9 (€8.60) and the total travel time is 30-55 minutes, depending on which bus service you take. However, keep in mind that journey length does not include wait times which, for the first leg of this journey, can be 4 hours long. 

What's the cost of a taxi from Syracuse Airport to downtown?

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Transfer Options in Syracuse