Your comprehensive guide to exploring New York State

While NYC might steal the spotlight during your vacation, don’t overlook the breathtaking landscapes waiting for you in New York State – we have all the details you need on how to get there and navigate your way around.

There are numerous ways to experience the cities, beaches, and scenic beauty of New York State: trains to Long Island’s eastern tip; buses through the Adirondacks and Finger Lakes; flights to Syracuse and Niagara Falls; and much more.

Regardless of how you travel through New York State, one thing is guaranteed – the journey will be breathtaking any time of year, with autumn colors, snowy peaks, vibrant spring landscapes, and summer greenery enchanting visitors all year round.

Here are the top methods for getting around New York State.

Experience New York State’s diverse landscapes from the train

Beyond the city’s subway tunnels, the beauty of New York State is truly spectacular when viewed from a train window.

Traveling to Long Island by train

New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) operates not only the subway in New York City but also two commuter rail networks that extend well beyond the city limits. To reach all points east, board the Long Island Rail Road, commonly known as the LIRR.

From its hub in Manhattan at Penn Station, 947 trains depart daily, traversing 700 miles of track along 11 lines that cover nearly all of Long Island. The longest LIRR route ends at Montauk, the easternmost tip of Long Island and the state, located about 120 miles from the city.

How to reach Westchester, the Hudson Valley, and Rockland County by train

The MTA operates the Metro-North Railroad, which transports travelers north from the iconic Grand Central Terminal (a destination in itself).

From Grand Central, three lines diverge: the Harlem line winds through Westchester into Dutchess County; Hudson line trains trace a picturesque riverside route in the Hudson Valley up to Poughkeepsie; and the New Haven line stretches eastward to New Haven, Connecticut. Two additional lines cross New Jersey and enter Rockland County, located on the west bank of the Hudson.

For both LIRR and Metro-North services, fares depend on peak (NYC-bound trains from 6–10 AM; outbound trains from 4–8 PM) and off-peak (all other times) periods, as well as distance. Tickets can be purchased from machines at all stations, although lines can be long.

We suggest downloading the MTA’s TrainTime app to save time and reduce paper use. Conductors check both printed and digital tickets on board.

How to reach Albany, Syracuse, Rochester, and Niagara Falls by train

If your journey takes you further afield, Amtrak can take you there. Its north-south route spans from New York City nearly to the Canadian border, while an east-west connection links Albany to Niagara Falls.

As is the case with all Amtrak tickets, purchasing in advance gives you a better chance at lower fares; be cautious, as some last-minute prices may exceed those of a flight. Seats in coach class are unreserved, but boarding without a ticket could result in a fine from the conductor.

Both Amtrak and Metro-North operate in the Hudson Valley, but Metro-North fares are generally more affordable. While the pace may be slower than driving, the scenic journey through the countryside is one of the joys of train travel in New York State (or anywhere).

Taking the bus is a wallet-friendly choice

Numerous bus companies link cities and towns across New York State. As part of its vast national service, Greyhound operates approximately 60 stations within the state, connecting popular destinations like Buffalo, Cooperstown (a must-visit for baseball enthusiasts), Ithaca, Lake Placid, and Saratoga Springs. Each bus comes equipped with free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and extra legroom.

A budget-friendly alternative to Greyhound, Megabus offers fares as low as $1 if you book in advance, providing affordable travel across the state. Trailways also features a comprehensive network in New York, serving smaller towns that larger lines might overlook, particularly in the Catskills.

For those traveling to the Hamptons, the well-known Hampton Jitney picks up passengers at various locations in Manhattan and Brooklyn, transporting them to both the North and South Forks of Long Island’s East End.

Make sure to check the bus drop-off location and plan your next steps, particularly in smaller towns where you might need to book a taxi in advance.

Save time by opting for a flight across the state

New York State is larger than you might expect. If you're in a rush to travel between New York City and an upstate location, flying to or from LaGuardia, Kennedy, or Newark Airports could be your best bet, even though it's not the most eco-friendly option.

From its Newark hub, United Airlines offers direct flights to Ithaca in the Finger Lakes, as well as Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse in the western region of the state, plus a quick flight to Albany up the Hudson.

JetBlue provides service to Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse from JFK, while Delta also connects various New York State destinations from both LaGuardia and JFK. With connecting flights, you can reach smaller cities like Elmira, Plattsburgh (the gateway to the Adirondacks), or Watertown (near the Thousand Islands).

Embark on a road trip across New York State

Is a car essential for navigating New York State? Not necessarily, but it certainly helps. With so much of New York’s stunning scenery found in its mountains, forests, lakes, rivers, and waterfalls, having your own vehicle is often the most practical way to explore.

Prominent car rental companies are available in cities throughout the state, typically located at both the airport and near downtown. You may also want to explore Turo, a platform similar to Airbnb that allows you to rent vehicles from private owners, many of whom offer delivery to your location.

In New York State, car rental companies must rent to any licensed driver aged 18 and above, though expect an additional fee if you're under 25. No credit card is necessary for car rentals.

The availability of ride-sharing services and taxis varies by location and local demand. In more remote areas, it may be more effective to contact a local cab service directly.

Driving tip for New York State: The New York State Thruway is a multi-lane highway that traverses the entire state, following the Hudson River north to Albany before heading west toward the Pennsylvania border.

This toll road spans 500 miles and utilizes a cashless system for all fees. Ensure your rental vehicle is equipped with an E-ZPass transponder to manage tolls efficiently and avoid hefty charges from the rental company.

Accessible transportation across New York State

While New York State has different regulations for public transport providers regarding accessibility, most train, plane, and bus services connecting cities are generally equipped to handle various mobility challenges.

However, if you're traveling to areas farther away from major urban centers, it's advisable to verify in advance that local transportation services can accommodate accessibility needs.