Ways to Cut Costs on Your Trip to New York State

From the shores of Lake Ontario and the stunning Thousand Islands near the Canadian border, through the scenic Finger Lakes and the picturesque Catskills, to the eastern tip of Long Island, New York State offers experiences for every traveler.

However, enjoying these attractions can add up quickly, especially when indulging in wineries, fine dining, and top-notch arts venues. Fortunately, with some careful planning and insider advice, you can enjoy the best of the Empire State without breaking the bank.

Here are our best tips for discovering New York State affordably.

Daily Expenses

• Basic hotel room for two: starting at $125

• Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): starting at $100

• Parking fees at state parks: $6 to $10

• One-way bus fare from NYC: starting at $25

• Restaurant dinner for two: starting at $60

• Beer/pint at the bar: $6 to $8

Taking the bus is the most economical way to travel around New York State

New York is larger than you might expect. While Amtrak trains travel north from New York City to the Adirondacks and west to Buffalo, bus services provide the most affordable option for long-distance travel within the state. By purchasing your ticket in advance from companies like NY Trailways, Megabus, or Greyhound, you can journey between most points for around $30. If you want to enjoy the Hamptons, expect to pay a bit more, with the Hampton Jitney costing $40 each way if you buy online ahead of time.

Consider flying into an airport outside of NYC

If you wish to begin your journey through the state without going through its largest city, think about arriving at an airport on the outskirts of the New York City metropolitan area. New York Stewart Airport (SWF), located west of Newburgh in the Hudson Valley, is served by the budget airline Allegiant Air, while Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) provides affordable options from Frontier, Southwest, and Breeze Airways.

If you're planning a road trip, make sure to bring an E-ZPass

The New York State Thruway is a major multilane highway extending from Westchester County to the Pennsylvania border along Lake Erie, making it nearly impossible to travel within New York State without using it for at least part of your journey. This toll road spans 500 miles and operates entirely on a cashless system, so if you plan to drive, ensure you rent a vehicle equipped with an E-ZPass transponder to handle tolls without incurring hefty rental fees. If you're coming from another state that uses E-ZPass, bring your tags, as the system works in 16 states across the East Coast and Midwest.

Get an Empire Pass for discounted access to New York's state parks

New York's stunning state parks – covering 350,000 acres across 215 locations – are popular for good reason. To help maintain these parks, many charge for parking. If you intend to visit multiple parks, from Niagara Falls to Orient Beach, consider purchasing the Empire Pass, which offers unlimited parking at state parks for an entire season. (A full-season pass for 2023 is $80; check early next year for 2024 pricing.)

Plan your museum visits to take advantage of discounted admissions

New York State is home to numerous remarkable art museums, and if you time your visits right, you can enjoy their collections at a lower cost. For instance, the Buffalo AKG Art Museum (formerly known as the Albright-Knox Art Gallery) has a ‘pay what you wish’ admission on the first Friday of every month. Additionally, the IM Pei-designed Everson Museum of Art in Rochester offers free entry on the third Thursday evening of each month, allowing you to explore contemporary American art and ceramics at no charge.

Winter marks the low season in New York State, and the prices reflect that.

If you’re looking to maximize your budget, consider visiting New York State during the winter months, from January to April. Hotels frequently offer special rates during this off-peak season, Broadway shows in New York City provide discounts to fill seats, and it's generally easier to secure restaurant reservations. Just remember to bundle up: winter in New York can be quite chilly, and you might encounter several feet of snow.

Explore the Finger Lakes winery trail at a reduced cost.

You may be surprised to learn that New York ranks as the third-largest wine-producing state in the U.S., following California and Washington. A weekend dedicated to wine tasting is a fantastic way to explore some of its finest vintages. The Finger Lakes region, in particular, boasts a climate perfect for exceptional rieslings and cabernet francs, attracting visitors eager for scenic sips. If you're venturing down the wine trail, consider getting a Finger Lakes Wine & Travel Card, which offers discounts on tastings and purchases at numerous wineries. If you're feeling overwhelmed by choices, the Wine Tasting Passport provides additional perks at several wineries around Canandaigua Lake.

Taste the Hudson Valley’s top-tier dining options during Restaurant Week.

The Hudson Valley has long been a haven for innovative chefs and chic entrepreneurs, gaining immense popularity. With so many wonderful options—be it Kingston, Saugerties, Cold Spring, Hudson, Troy, or Poughkeepsie—it can be tough to know where to begin. That’s where Hudson Valley Restaurant Week comes in. This biannual event lets diners enjoy a selection of the region's finest restaurants through discounted prix-fixe menus. The event occurs in both spring and fall; visit the official website for the latest participant updates.

Use the LIRR for a budget-friendly Long Island day trip.

If you're searching for an affordable day trip from NYC, the Long Island Rail Road is your answer. This well-established train service offers a variety of discounted excursion packages, ensuring a memorable round trip from Penn Station. Relax on the beautiful sands of Long Beach, where your ticket includes both the train fare and beach entry; you can also catch a local trolley for a respite from the sun. Alternatively, explore the North Fork’s eastern tip with a day in Greenport, featuring a guided tour and a cruise to view its lighthouse up close. Plus, you can enjoy tastings of renowned Long Island wines without needing a designated driver, thanks to an excursion that covers train fare and bus transport to Duck Walk and Pindar Vineyards.