Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport: where to stay, areas and…

Ithaca airport is small and just a few minutes from both downtown and Cornell, so the choice depends more on the reason for the trip than on the schedule: those with an early-morning flight or a late arrival find it convenient to stay near the terminal, with a free shuttle and just a few minutes by car. Those who want to enjoy the Ithaca Commons, the restaurants and the nearby waterfalls prefer downtown, still reachable by car in a quarter of an hour. Those in Ithaca for an event or a graduation at Cornell find the campus itself more practical, with a direct connection to the airport.

Airport area

a few minutes by car from the terminal, free shuttle on request

Best for: for those with a very early flight or arriving late at night who don't want to drive

Pros

No long transfer to organize
Free shuttle to/from the terminal
Also convenient for those arriving with a rental car

Cons

A commercial area, little to do on foot in the evening
Far from the Ithaca Commons and the lake

Recommended hotels in this area

Courtyard by Marriott Ithaca Airport/University: The closest hotel to the terminal, with a free shuttle and breakfast available early for the first flights.
Homewood Suites by Hilton Ithaca: 8 minutes from the terminal with a shuttle on request, useful for those with heavy luggage or multi-night stays.

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Ithaca Commons

City centre · about 20 minutes by car or taxi from the terminal; connection with TCAT bus line 32 (weekdays, line 72 on weekends), hourly service

Best for: for those who want to dine, stroll and visit downtown without having to drive

Pros

Restaurants and shops of the Ithaca Commons within steps
Several properties offer an airport shuttle
A convenient base for the Finger Lakes too

Cons

Farther from the terminal than the airport area
Night and Sunday bus service is limited

Recommended hotels in this area

Ithaca Marriott Downtown on the Commons: It's right on the Ithaca Commons and offers a free round-trip shuttle to the airport.
Canopy by Hilton Ithaca Downtown: An Art Deco hotel on East State Street, convenient for downtown, with airport transfer among its services.
William Henry Miller Inn: A Victorian bed & breakfast a ten-minute walk from the Commons, a different choice from the chains for those seeking a more intimate stay.

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Cornell Campus

Neighbourhood · shuttle from the airport, about 7 km from the campus

Best for: for those attending an event, a conference or a graduation at Cornell

Pros

Inside the Cornell campus, useful for university events
Run by Cornell's hotel management school, with attentive service
Several in-house restaurants

Cons

Outside downtown, a car or shuttle is needed for the Commons
Higher prices during graduation weekends or major events

Recommended hotels in this area

The Statler Hotel at Cornell University: It's the only hotel inside the campus, with an airport shuttle and run by students from the School of Hotel Administration.

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