Ithaca travel guide

Ithaca travel guide

National Airports

Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport (ITH) is the main airport serving Ithaca and the surrounding area. It is a small airport with limited flights, but it offers connections to several major hubs, including Philadelphia, Detroit, and Washington D.C. Another option for travelers is Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR), which is located about an hour’s drive from Ithaca and offers a wider range of flight options.

Trains in Ithaca

Ithaca does not have a train station, so there is no passenger train service directly to Ithaca. The nearest Amtrak station is located in Syracuse, which is about an hour’s drive from Ithaca. From Syracuse, travelers can take a taxi, rental car, or bus to Ithaca. Additionally, the Finger Lakes Railway offers freight service throughout the region, but it does not offer passenger service.

Buses in Ithaca

Ithaca has a public transportation system called TCAT (Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit), which operates several bus routes in and around the city. TCAT buses run from early morning until late at night, and the fares are affordable. The bus routes cover most areas of Ithaca, including the downtown area, Cornell University, Ithaca College, and several shopping centers. Additionally, there are several private bus companies that provide intercity bus service to and from Ithaca, including Greyhound, Trailways, and OurBus. These companies offer connections to several major cities in the region, including New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C.

How to get to Ithaca

Ithaca is located in the Finger Lakes region of New York and can be accessed by several transportation options:

By plane: The Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport (ITH) is the closest airport to Ithaca, offering direct flights to several major hubs, including Philadelphia, Detroit, and Washington D.C. Alternatively, Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) is located about an hour’s drive from Ithaca and offers a wider range of flight options.

By bus: Greyhound, Trailways, and OurBus provide intercity bus service to and from Ithaca, with connections to several major cities in the region, including New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C.

By car: Ithaca can be accessed by car via several major highways, including Interstate 81, Interstate 86, and the New York State Thruway (Interstate 90). From these highways, travelers can take exit ramps to reach Ithaca.

By train: Although Ithaca does not have a train station, the nearest Amtrak station is located in Syracuse, which is about an hour’s drive from Ithaca. From Syracuse, travelers can take a taxi, rental car, or bus to Ithaca.

By private shuttle or car service: Several private shuttle and car services offer transportation to and from Ithaca, including Ithaca Airline Limousine, Ithaca Dispatch, and Ithaca Premier Limousine.

What is the best time to travel to Ithaca

The best time to travel to Ithaca depends on your preferences and the purpose of your trip. Here’s some information to help you plan your trip:

Summer: Summer is a popular time to visit Ithaca, as the weather is warm and there are many outdoor activities to enjoy, such as hiking, swimming, and boating. However, this is also peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices.

Fall: Fall is a beautiful time to visit Ithaca, as the leaves on the trees change colors and the weather is generally mild. It’s also harvest season, so visitors can enjoy local food and drink festivals. However, this is another peak season, and prices may be higher.

Winter: Winter can be a good time to visit Ithaca for those who enjoy winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. However, the weather can be cold and snowy, and some attractions may be closed or have limited hours.

Spring: Spring is a quieter time to visit Ithaca, with fewer tourists and milder weather. The city comes alive with blooming flowers and trees, and visitors can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and biking. However, it can be rainy and unpredictable, so be prepared for changing weather conditions.

Overall, the best time to visit Ithaca depends on your interests and preferences. If you want to avoid crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of spring or fall.

How to get around Ithaca

There are several ways to get around Ithaca:

Walking: Ithaca is a pedestrian-friendly city, and many attractions are located within walking distance of each other. The downtown area, in particular, is easily walkable and has several shops, restaurants, and parks.

Biking: Ithaca has a well-developed network of bike lanes and trails, making it easy to get around on two wheels. There are several bike rental shops in the city, including Ithaca Bike Rental and Swan Cycles.

Public transportation: Ithaca has a public transportation system called TCAT (Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit), which operates several bus routes in and around the city. The bus routes cover most areas of Ithaca, including the downtown area, Cornell University, Ithaca College, and several shopping centers. Fares are affordable, and there are several passes available for frequent riders.

Taxi and ride-sharing: Several taxi companies operate in Ithaca, including Ithaca Dispatch and Ithaca Airline Limousine. Additionally, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the city.

Rental car: Several car rental companies operate in Ithaca, including Hertz, Enterprise, and Budget. However, parking can be limited in some areas of the city, so be sure to check for parking options before renting a car.

Accommodations in Ithaca

Ithaca has a variety of accommodations to suit every budget and preference. Here are some options:

Hotels: There are several hotels in Ithaca, ranging from budget-friendly options like Econo Lodge and Best Western to more upscale options like The Statler Hotel at Cornell University and The Ithaca Marriott Downtown on the Commons.

Bed and Breakfasts: Ithaca has several bed and breakfasts, including the William Henry Miller Inn, The Inn at Grist Iron, and The Rogues’ Harbor Inn.

Vacation Rentals: There are several vacation rental options available in Ithaca, including apartments, houses, and cabins. Websites like Airbnb and VRBO have a variety of options to choose from.

Hostels: Ithaca has one hostel, the Ithaca Hostel, which offers affordable dormitory-style accommodations for travelers on a budget.

Camping: There are several campgrounds in the Ithaca area, including Buttermilk Falls State Park, Robert H. Treman State Park, and Taughannock Falls State Park.

Overall, there are plenty of accommodation options in Ithaca to suit every budget and preference. Be sure to book in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.