Lake Placid travel guide

Lake Placid travel guide

National Airports

Lake Placid does not have its own airport, but the closest airport to Lake Placid is the Adirondack Regional Airport (SLK) in Saranac Lake, which is about 17 miles away. The airport is served by Cape Air, which offers daily flights to and from Boston and Albany. Another option is the Plattsburgh International Airport (PBG), which is about 60 miles away and is served by several major airlines, including Allegiant, Frontier, and Spirit. The Albany International Airport (ALB) and the Burlington International Airport (BTV) are also within driving distance of Lake Placid, both of which are about 2.5 hours away by car.

Trains in Lake Placid

There are no train stations in Lake Placid. The closest train station is the Westport Amtrak Station, which is about 45 miles away. However, there is no direct train service to Lake Placid. From the Westport Amtrak Station, visitors would need to rent a car or take a taxi to reach Lake Placid. Alternatively, visitors can take the Amtrak train to the nearby cities of Plattsburgh or Albany and then rent a car or take a bus to Lake Placid.

Buses in Lake Placid

Lake Placid is served by the Trailways of New York bus company, which operates daily bus service to and from New York City, Albany, and several other nearby cities. The bus station is located at the Olympic Center on Main Street in Lake Placid, within walking distance of many hotels and restaurants. The Adirondack Trailways bus also stops at the Adirondack Regional Airport in Saranac Lake, which is about 17 miles away from Lake Placid. Additionally, visitors can take the Greyhound bus to Plattsburgh or Albany and then transfer to a Trailways bus or rent a car to reach Lake Placid.

How to get to Lake Placid

Lake Placid is a popular tourist destination in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York, USA. Here are several ways to get there:

By car: Lake Placid is located about 5-6 hours driving time from New York City, Boston, and Montreal. The town is accessible via the Adirondack Northway (I-87) from the south and Route 3 from the east and west.

By plane: The closest major airports to Lake Placid are Albany International Airport (ALB), Burlington International Airport (BTV), and Plattsburgh International Airport (PBG), each of which is about a 2-hour drive away. The Adirondack Regional Airport (SLK) is the closest airport to Lake Placid and is about a 20-minute drive from the town.

By bus: Greyhound and Adirondack Trailways both offer bus service to Lake Placid from New York City, Albany, and other nearby cities.

By train: Amtrak offers train service to Westport, NY, which is about a 45-minute drive from Lake Placid. From there, you can take a taxi or rental car to Lake Placid.

Once you arrive in Lake Placid, you can explore the town’s many attractions, including the Olympic Center, Mirror Lake, and the Adirondack Mountains.

What is the best time to travel to Lake Placid

The best time to travel to Lake Placid largely depends on your preferences and what activities you plan on doing. Here’s a breakdown of the different seasons in Lake Placid:

Summer (June-August): This is the peak tourist season in Lake Placid, as the weather is warm and sunny, and outdoor activities like hiking, boating, and swimming are popular. The town is bustling with visitors during this time, and prices for accommodations and activities are generally higher.

Fall (September-November): Fall is a beautiful time to visit Lake Placid, as the leaves on the trees turn brilliant shades of red, yellow, and orange. The weather is cooler, making it a great time for outdoor activities like hiking and biking. It’s also a quieter time of year, with fewer tourists.

Winter (December-February): Lake Placid is known for its winter sports, including skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating. The town is transformed into a winter wonderland, with snowy streets and festive decorations. It’s a popular time of year for visitors, so expect higher prices and more crowds.

Spring (March-May): Spring can be a bit unpredictable in Lake Placid, with some days feeling like winter and others feeling like summer. It’s a quieter time of year, with fewer tourists and lower prices. It’s also a good time for hiking, as the trails start to thaw out.

How to get around Lake Placid

There are several ways to get around Lake Placid:

Walking: The town of Lake Placid is small and pedestrian-friendly, with many attractions located within walking distance of each other. Strolling around the charming Main Street and Mirror Lake is a popular activity.

Biking: Lake Placid has many bike trails and routes for both road and mountain biking. You can bring your own bike or rent one from one of the local rental shops.

Car: If you have your own car, getting around Lake Placid and the surrounding areas is easy. There are many parking lots and garages in town, and most attractions have their own parking lots.

Shuttle service: Several shuttle services operate in Lake Placid, offering transportation to and from the airport, train station, and other nearby towns. Some shuttle services also provide transportation to hiking and skiing destinations.

Taxis and rideshares: Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are available in Lake Placid. However, they can be limited in availability during peak tourist season. It’s best to book in advance or have a backup plan.

Public transportation: The Essex County Public Transportation system operates several bus routes in the Lake Placid area. The buses are equipped with bike racks, making them a good option for cyclists.

Accommodations in Lake Placid

Lake Placid offers a variety of accommodations for visitors, including hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and campgrounds. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most popular options:

Hotels and motels: Lake Placid has many hotels and motels, ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury resorts. Some popular choices include the Mirror Lake Inn Resort and Spa, the Golden Arrow Lakeside Resort, and the Lake Placid Lodge.

Bed and breakfasts: Lake Placid has many charming bed and breakfasts, often located in historic homes or buildings. Some popular options include the Interlaken Inn & Restaurant, The Haus on Mirror Lake, and The Porcupine Inn.

Vacation rentals: There are many vacation rental properties available in Lake Placid, ranging from cozy cabins to spacious homes. Vacation rentals are often a good choice for families or larger groups. Popular rental websites like Airbnb and Vrbo have many options available.

Campgrounds: Lake Placid has several campgrounds located in the surrounding Adirondack Mountains. Some popular options include the Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA and the Adirondack Loj Campground.

No matter what type of accommodation you choose, it’s a good idea to book in advance, especially during peak tourist season.