Getting around Albany

The five transport options with real costs, and when a car actually matters.

Guide

Essentials

Length

6 min read

Region

Madrid

CDTA bus stop on State Street in downtown Albany

Walking downtown

The core between Empire State Plaza, the Capitol, Washington Park, and Lark Street is entirely walkable, about a mile end to end. Sidewalks are wide and safe. If you are staying in Center Square, you will not need any other transport for the main sights. This is the biggest argument for basing yourself in the neighborhood rather than Wolf Road.

CDTA buses

Capital District Transportation Authority runs frequent buses across Albany, Troy, and Schenectady. Single fare $1.50, day pass $4, exact change or the Navigator app. Route 905 (BusPlus) connects Albany to Schenectady every 15 minutes; Route 22 connects Albany to Troy every 15 minutes. Route 737 runs from Albany International Airport to downtown for $1.50, about 40 minutes.

Rideshare and taxis

Uber and Lyft are reliable. Airport to downtown is $22 to $30 depending on time of day. Downtown to Wolf Road is $18 to $25. Late-night waits are longer than you’d expect for a state capital; give yourself 15 minutes after midnight. Traditional taxis exist but rideshare is cheaper and cleaner.

Rental car and parking

Rentals from Albany International start at $45 a day, weekly about $280. You need a car for day trips to Cooperstown, Lake George, or the Pine Bush, and it helps in winter storms. Downtown parking is metered $1.25 to $2 an hour, free on Sundays. Hotels charge $15 to $25 a night for parking; Center Square guesthouses usually offer free street parking with a permit.

Frequently asked questions

What people ask before they set off on this one.

Do I need a car in Albany?

Not for the downtown core if you stay in Center Square. Yes if you want to do day trips to Saratoga, Lake George, or Cooperstown.

How much is the bus from the airport?

CDTA Route 737 is $1.50 and takes 40 minutes to downtown. Rideshare is $22 to $30 and takes 15 minutes.

Is CDTA reliable?

Yes for the frequent BusPlus routes to Troy and Schenectady. Less reliable on suburban routes with 30- to 60-minute headways.

Where is the cheapest parking downtown?

The Empire State Plaza visitor parking under the Plaza is $10 all day and connects directly to the concourse. Metered street is cheaper for stays under three hours.

Where to stay