Albany International Airport
Airport guide 2026

Albany International Airport ALB

United States

The single terminal handles domestic connections to major cities on the east coast of the United States.

Gateway to Albany, capital of New York State, with a historic downtown that includes the famous Empire State Plaza.

Content verified on 06/09/2026
Official source: www.albanyairport.com

How to get to Albany International Airport

Albany city center is some kilometers from the airport: transfer takes approximately 20-25 minutes by CDTA Route 737 bus.

By Car

Those arriving by car reach downtown Albany in approximately 15-20 minutes, traffic permitting.

By Train

There is no train station at the airport: Amtrak-Albany-Rensselaer station is on the other side of the Hudson River, reachable by taxi or CDTA network.

By Bus

CDTA Route 737 bus connects the airport, via Corporate Woods, to downtown Albany; fare 1.50 USD per ride, day pass 4 USD, 3-day tourist pass 10 USD, purchasable on board.
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Tips The 3-day CDTA tourist pass at 10 USD is convenient if you plan multiple trips around the city during a short stay in Albany.

Average travel time to ALB

TrainNot available (Amtrak station across Hudson River)
Shuttle bus20-25 minutes (1.50 USD, CDTA Route 737)
Taxi / Private hire15-20 minutes (20-30 USD)

Parking near Albany International Airport

The Economy E-Lot with free shuttle is the most economical option at 7 USD/day; the Long-Term Lot costs 12 USD/day; the North and South garages cost 18 USD/day; short-term parking reaches up to a maximum of 24 USD/day.

How to get to Albany from ALB

By Train

There is no train station at the airport; the Amtrak-Albany-Rensselaer station is located on the other side of the Hudson River.

By Bus

The CDTA Route 737 bus connects the airport to downtown Albany via Corporate Woods; fare 1.50 USD, day pass 4 USD.

By Taxi

Uber/Lyft average around 34 USD (plus a 2 USD surcharge); private transfers start from around 19 USD, to downtown, with a 15-20 minute ride.

Need an airport transfer?

Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com

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Car rental at Albany International Airport

Every major car rental company has a desk inside the terminal.

Basic documents are a driver's license, passport, and credit card; in winter, experience driving on snow and ice may be required.

 

Hotels near Albany International Airport

Albany International Airport is in Colonie, about 18 minutes by car or taxi from downtown: there's no direct bus, so a taxi or rental car remains the most practical solution. Those just making a layover or leaving at dawn stay on Wolf Road, a few minutes from the gates; those who want the Capitol and the Empire State Plaza head for the historic center, where hotels often offer a free shuttle; those gravitating around the University at Albany find dedicated properties near the campus, while Crossgates Mall is another convenient base for those who get around by car anyway.
Airport area

Airport Area (Wolf Road)

about 1-2 km from the terminal (5 minutes by car); several hotels offer a free shuttle

Best for: those making a short layover or leaving at dawn who want to reach the gate within minutes

Pros
  • a free shuttle to the terminal at several properties
  • just minutes from check-in to the gate even at peak times
Cons
  • a commercial area along Wolf Road, little else on foot in the evening
  • to dine outside the hotel you still need a car
See more hotels in this area
City centre

Downtown and the Capitol

about 18 minutes by car or taxi from the airport; some hotels offer a free shuttle on request

Best for: those who want to visit the Capitol, the Empire State Plaza and the historic center on foot

Pros
  • a few minutes' walk from the Capitol and the Empire State Plaza
  • restaurants, brewpubs and venues of the historic center nearby
Cons
  • farther from the airport than the other areas
  • parking is almost always paid
See more hotels in this area
Neighbourhood

SUNY / University

about 15 minutes by car or taxi from the airport

Best for: those attending an event or visit at the University at Albany who want to stay near the campus

Pros
  • a few minutes from the University at Albany campus
  • rates generally lower than the central areas
Cons
  • a residential neighborhood, little else on foot in the evening
  • too far to walk to the historic center
See more hotels in this area
Neighbourhood

Crossgates Mall

about 15 minutes by car or taxi from the airport

Best for: those traveling by car who want stores and restaurants a few steps from the hotel

Pros
  • connected to the Crossgates Mall shopping center
  • rooms with a kitchenette, convenient for families
Cons
  • you always need a car to get around elsewhere in the city
  • a commercial area, little life outside the shopping center
See more hotels in this area
 

Airport services

The airport serves Albany, New York's state capital, with domestic connections.

Shopping & Duty Free

The duty-free area features typical New York products and luxury items.

Lounges & relaxation

The airport offers multiple reserved lounges for business clientele.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

The entire terminal is served by free Wi-Fi and has solid coverage from major U.S. telephone operators.

Families & Children

Play areas for children and family assistance services are available in all terminals.

Terminal guide

The single terminal is dedicated to domestic flights.

For flights, allow 2-2.5 hours of buffer time before departure.

Map of Albany International Airport

Map of Albany International Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. How much does the CDTA bus from Albany Airport cost?

1.50 USD per ride, with a day pass at 4 USD or a 3-day tourist pass at 10 USD.

Q. Is Albany the capital of New York State?

Yes, with the Empire State Plaza and the State Capitol as the downtown's main attractions.

Q. Is the Amtrak station close to Albany Airport?

The Albany-Rensselaer Amtrak station is located on the other side of the Hudson River, not directly downtown.

Q. Which CDTA line serves Albany Airport?

Route 737, which also passes through Corporate Woods.

Flight board

Real-time status of arriving and departing flights

Nearby Airports

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