Saratoga Springs travel guide

Saratoga Springs travel guide

National Airports

Saratoga Springs does not have its own airport with commercial flights. However, there are several national airports located within a reasonable driving distance.

Albany International Airport (ALB) – Located about 30 miles south of Saratoga Springs, Albany International Airport is the closest major airport to Saratoga Springs. It offers flights from major airlines like American, Delta, United, and Southwest, with destinations throughout the United States and beyond.

Bradley International Airport (BDL) – Located about 120 miles southwest of Saratoga Springs, Bradley International Airport in Hartford, Connecticut is another option for travelers. It offers flights from major airlines like American, Delta, United, and JetBlue, with destinations throughout the United States and beyond.

Burlington International Airport (BTV) – Located about 120 miles north of Saratoga Springs, Burlington International Airport in Burlington, Vermont is another option for travelers. It offers flights from major airlines like Delta, United, and JetBlue, with destinations throughout the United States and Canada.

Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) – Located about 150 miles west of Saratoga Springs, Syracuse Hancock International Airport is another option for travelers. It offers flights from major airlines like American, Delta, United, and JetBlue, with destinations throughout the United States and beyond.

There are also several smaller regional airports located within a short drive of Saratoga Springs, including Adirondack Regional Airport (SLK) in Lake Placid and Rutland Southern Vermont Regional Airport (RUT) in Rutland, Vermont.

Trains in Saratoga Springs

Saratoga Springs is served by Amtrak, which operates a station in the town. The station is located at 26 Station Lane, just a short walk from downtown Saratoga Springs. Amtrak’s Adirondack line runs through Saratoga Springs, connecting the town to Montreal, Canada to the north and New York City to the south. The train also makes stops in other towns and cities along the way, including Fort Edward-Glens Falls, Whitehall, Ticonderoga, Port Henry, Westport, Plattsburgh, and Rouses Point.

Amtrak’s Ethan Allen Express also stops in Saratoga Springs, connecting the town to Rutland and Burlington in Vermont. The train operates daily and offers a scenic ride through the Adirondack Mountains.

In addition to Amtrak, Saratoga Springs is served by the Saratoga and North Creek Railway, which operates scenic train rides through the Adirondack Mountains. The railway offers a variety of excursions, including a round-trip ride from Saratoga Springs to North Creek, a fall foliage tour, and a Polar Express ride during the holiday season.

Buses in Saratoga Springs

Saratoga Springs is served by several bus companies that operate local and regional routes, making it easy to get around the town and the surrounding area. Here are some of the bus companies that operate in Saratoga Springs:

Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA): CDTA operates bus routes throughout the Capital Region, including Saratoga Springs. The Saratoga Springs bus system includes several routes that serve downtown, Skidmore College, and other areas of the town.

Greyhound: Greyhound offers intercity bus service to and from Saratoga Springs, with connections to other cities throughout the United States and Canada.

Trailways: Trailways also offers intercity bus service to and from Saratoga Springs, with connections to other cities throughout the Northeast.

Amtrak Thruway Bus: Amtrak offers Thruway Bus service to and from Saratoga Springs, connecting to its Adirondack train service to Montreal and New York City.

Megabus: Megabus offers intercity bus service to and from Saratoga Springs, with connections to other cities in the Northeast and Midwest.

Overall, the bus system in Saratoga Springs is reliable and affordable, making it a great option for travelers looking to get around town or explore the surrounding area.

How to get to Saratoga Springs

There are several ways to get to Saratoga Springs, depending on your starting point and travel preferences. Here are some of the most common transportation options:

Car: Saratoga Springs is located in upstate New York and is easily accessible by car. If you’re coming from the south, take I-87 North to Exit 13N, which will take you right into the town. If you’re coming from the north, take I-87 South to Exit 15, which will also take you to Saratoga Springs.

Train: Saratoga Springs is served by Amtrak, with daily service on the Adirondack line from New York City to Montreal, Canada. The train station is located in the heart of downtown Saratoga Springs, making it a convenient option for travelers.

Bus: Several bus companies, including Greyhound, Trailways, and Megabus, offer service to and from Saratoga Springs, with connections to other cities throughout the Northeast.

Airplane: The nearest major airport to Saratoga Springs is Albany International Airport, which is located about 30 miles south of the town. Other airports within driving distance include Bradley International Airport in Hartford, Connecticut; Burlington International Airport in Burlington, Vermont; and Syracuse Hancock International Airport in Syracuse, New York.

No matter how you choose to get to Saratoga Springs, you’re sure to enjoy the scenic drive or ride through the beautiful upstate New York countryside.

What is the best time to travel to Saratoga Springs

The best time to travel to Saratoga Springs depends on your interests and preferences. Here are some things to consider:

Summer: Saratoga Springs is most popular in the summer months, particularly during July and August when the Saratoga Race Course is in full swing. The town is bustling with visitors, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as hiking, biking, and boating. However, be prepared for crowds and higher hotel rates during this time.

Fall: Fall is a beautiful time to visit Saratoga Springs, as the leaves change colors and the weather cools down. This is also the time of year when the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) hosts its annual wine and food festival, as well as other cultural events and concerts.

Winter: If you enjoy winter sports, Saratoga Springs is a great place to visit during the winter months. There are several ski resorts within driving distance, and the town itself offers ice skating, snowshoeing, and other winter activities. The town also hosts a popular Victorian Streetwalk during the holiday season, which is a great way to get into the festive spirit.

Spring: Spring is a quieter time to visit Saratoga Springs, with milder weather and fewer crowds. The town begins to come alive with the start of the horse racing season in April, and there are also plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy as the weather warms up.

Ultimately, the best time to visit Saratoga Springs depends on what you want to do and see while you’re there.

How to get around Saratoga Springs

Saratoga Springs is a walkable town, and many of the main attractions and restaurants are located in the downtown area. However, if you need to travel farther or prefer not to walk, there are several transportation options available:

Car: If you have your own car, it’s easy to get around Saratoga Springs and the surrounding area. There are several parking lots and garages in the downtown area, as well as street parking (although it can be limited during peak times).

Bike: Saratoga Springs is a bike-friendly town, with several bike rental companies and bike share programs available. There are also several bike trails and paths in and around the town, including the 10-mile Saratoga Spa State Park trail.

Taxi/ride-sharing: There are several taxi companies and ride-sharing services available in Saratoga Springs, including Uber and Lyft. Taxis can be hailed on the street or called ahead of time, and ride-sharing services can be booked through their respective apps.

Public transportation: Saratoga Springs is served by the Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA), which operates several bus routes throughout the town and the surrounding area. There is also an Amtrak train station located in downtown Saratoga Springs, with daily service on the Adirondack line between New York City and Montreal.

Overall, getting around Saratoga Springs is easy and convenient, with several transportation options available to suit your needs and preferences.

Accommodations in Saratoga Springs

Saratoga Springs offers a wide variety of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly motels and everything in between. Here are some of the most popular types of accommodation in Saratoga Springs:

Hotels: There are several upscale hotels in Saratoga Springs, including the historic Adelphi Hotel, the Gideon Putnam Resort & Spa, and the Saratoga Casino Hotel. These hotels offer luxurious amenities such as spas, restaurants, and swimming pools, and are perfect for those looking for a high-end experience.

Bed and Breakfasts: Saratoga Springs is home to several charming bed and breakfasts, including the Batcheller Mansion Inn, the Saratoga Arms, and the Union Gables Inn & Suites. These accommodations offer a more personalized experience, with unique rooms and breakfast included in the price.

Vacation Rentals: If you’re planning a longer stay or prefer a more homey feel, Saratoga Springs has several vacation rental options available, from apartments and condos to entire houses. Popular vacation rental websites such as Airbnb and VRBO have listings in Saratoga Springs, and there are also several local property management companies that offer vacation rentals.

Motels: For budget-friendly accommodations, there are several motels and inns in Saratoga Springs, including the Robin Hood Motel, the Roosevelt Inn & Suites, and the Community Court at Congress Park. These accommodations offer basic amenities at an affordable price, and are a good option for those looking to save money on lodging.

Overall, there are plenty of accommodation options in Saratoga Springs to suit all budgets and preferences.