The Hudson Valley travel guide

The Hudson Valley travel guide

National Airports

There are several airports in the Hudson Valley region that serve domestic and international flights. Here are some of the major national airports in the Hudson Valley:

Stewart International Airport (SWF) – located in Newburgh, NY, about 15 miles south of Poughkeepsie. It serves several domestic and international airlines, including Delta, JetBlue, and Allegiant.

Albany International Airport (ALB) – located in Albany, NY, about 60 miles north of Poughkeepsie. It serves several domestic airlines, including Delta, Southwest, and United.

Westchester County Airport (HPN) – located in White Plains, NY, about 50 miles south of Poughkeepsie. It serves several domestic airlines, including American, Delta, and JetBlue.

LaGuardia Airport (LGA) – located in Queens, NY, about 80 miles south of Poughkeepsie. It serves several domestic and international airlines, including American, Delta, and United.

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) – located in Queens, NY, about 90 miles south of Poughkeepsie. It serves several domestic and international airlines, including Delta, JetBlue, and Emirates.

Travelers to the Hudson Valley can fly into any of these airports and rent a car or take a shuttle service to their final destination.

Trains in The Hudson Valley

The Hudson Valley is well-connected by train, with Amtrak and Metro-North Railroad providing service to the region. Here are some of the major train stations in the Hudson Valley:

Poughkeepsie Station – served by Amtrak and Metro-North Railroad, Poughkeepsie Station is the northernmost stop on the Metro-North Hudson Line.

Rhinecliff Station – served by Amtrak and Metro-North Railroad, Rhinecliff Station is located just across the Hudson River from Kingston and offers stunning views of the river and surrounding mountains.

Hudson Station – served by Amtrak and the Hudson line of Metro-North Railroad, Hudson Station is located in the heart of the city and offers easy access to shops, restaurants, and galleries.

Yonkers Station – served by Metro-North Railroad’s Hudson Line, Yonkers Station is located just north of New York City and offers convenient access to the Hudson River Museum and other local attractions.

Croton-Harmon Station – served by Metro-North Railroad’s Hudson Line, Croton-Harmon Station is located about 40 miles north of New York City and offers easy access to hiking and biking trails in nearby Croton Gorge Park.

Travelers can take Amtrak to various cities in the Hudson Valley, including Poughkeepsie, Rhinecliff, and Hudson. Metro-North Railroad offers commuter trains from New York City to various cities in the Hudson Valley, including Poughkeepsie, Rhinecliff, Hudson, and Yonkers.

Buses in The Hudson Valley

The Hudson Valley is served by several bus companies that provide transportation within the region, as well as to New York City and other nearby cities. Here are some of the major bus companies that operate in the Hudson Valley:

Trailways NY – Trailways NY provides bus service throughout the Hudson Valley and beyond, with stops in cities such as New Paltz, Kingston, and Woodstock.

Adirondack Trailways – Adirondack Trailways provides bus service from the Hudson Valley to New York City, as well as to cities in upstate New York and Canada.

Greyhound – Greyhound provides bus service from the Hudson Valley to New York City, as well as to cities throughout the United States and Canada.

Short Line – Short Line provides bus service from the Hudson Valley to New York City, as well as to cities throughout New York State and New Jersey.

Coach USA – Coach USA provides bus service from the Hudson Valley to New York City, as well as to cities throughout the Northeastern United States.

Travelers can take these buses to various cities in the Hudson Valley and beyond, as well as to New York City and other nearby cities. Many of these bus companies also offer connections to other modes of transportation, such as trains and airports, making it easy to travel throughout the region.

How to get to The Hudson Valley

The Hudson Valley is easily accessible by car, train, and bus from many major cities in the northeastern United States. Here are some of the most common ways to get to the Hudson Valley:

By car – The Hudson Valley is located about 100 miles north of New York City and is easily accessible via the New York State Thruway (I-87) and other major highways. Travelers can rent a car or drive their own vehicle to explore the region at their own pace.

By train – Amtrak and Metro-North Railroad provide train service to the Hudson Valley from New York City and other nearby cities. The Hudson Line of Metro-North Railroad runs along the eastern shore of the Hudson River, stopping at cities such as Poughkeepsie, Rhinecliff, and Hudson. Amtrak provides service to cities such as Rhinecliff and Hudson.

By bus – Several bus companies, including Trailways NY, Adirondack Trailways, Greyhound, Short Line, and Coach USA, provide bus service to the Hudson Valley from New York City and other nearby cities.

By plane – The closest airports to the Hudson Valley are Stewart International Airport in Newburgh and Albany International Airport. Both airports offer flights to and from several major cities in the United States.

Once travelers arrive in the Hudson Valley, they can use a car, train, bus, or taxi to get around and explore the region’s many attractions.

What is the best time to travel to The Hudson Valley

The best time to travel to the Hudson Valley depends on the activities and experiences that you are interested in. Here are some things to consider:

Fall foliage – The Hudson Valley is known for its stunning fall foliage, which usually peaks in late September or early October. If you want to see the region’s colorful autumn leaves, plan your trip for this time of year.

Summer activities – The Hudson Valley has many outdoor activities to offer during the summer months, such as hiking, swimming, and boating. The weather is usually warm and pleasant, with temperatures averaging in the mid-70s.

Winter sports – If you enjoy skiing, snowboarding, or other winter sports, plan your trip for the winter months when the region’s ski resorts are open.

Festivals and events – The Hudson Valley has many festivals and events throughout the year, including the Hudson Valley Wine & Food Fest in September, the New York State Sheep & Wool Festival in October, and the Dutchess County Fair in August. Check the local events calendar to see what’s happening during your visit.

Overall, the Hudson Valley is a year-round destination with something to offer in every season. However, if you have specific interests, it’s a good idea to plan your trip around the activities and experiences that you are most interested in.

How to get around The Hudson Valley

The Hudson Valley is a large region with many different cities, towns, and attractions, so the best way to get around will depend on your specific itinerary and preferences. Here are some options:

Car rental – Renting a car is a popular option for visitors to the Hudson Valley, as it allows for the most flexibility and independence. Most major car rental companies have locations in the region.

Train – The Hudson Line of Metro-North Railroad runs along the eastern shore of the Hudson River, stopping at cities such as Poughkeepsie, Rhinecliff, and Hudson. The train is a convenient way to get between cities and towns in the region, and provides scenic views of the Hudson River.

Bus – Several bus companies, including Trailways NY, Adirondack Trailways, Greyhound, Short Line, and Coach USA, provide bus service to the Hudson Valley from New York City and other nearby cities. Once you’re in the region, buses can be a good option for getting around between cities and towns.

Taxis and ride-sharing services – Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in many parts of the Hudson Valley, especially in larger cities and towns.

Biking and walking – The Hudson Valley has many scenic bike trails and walking paths, and some cities and towns have bike share programs or bike rental shops.

Guided tours – If you prefer not to drive or navigate public transportation, there are many guided tours available in the Hudson Valley that can take you to popular attractions and provide commentary and information along the way.

Overall, the best way to get around the Hudson Valley will depend on your itinerary and preferences. It’s a good idea to research your options in advance and plan your transportation accordingly.

Accommodations in The Hudson Valley

The Hudson Valley offers a wide variety of accommodations to suit different tastes and budgets. Here are some options to consider:

Hotels and Motels – The Hudson Valley has many hotels and motels, ranging from budget-friendly chains to high-end resorts. Many of these options are located in or near popular tourist destinations like Hudson, Rhinebeck, and Woodstock.

Bed and Breakfasts – The Hudson Valley is known for its charming bed and breakfasts, many of which are housed in historic homes and buildings. These accommodations offer a more personalized experience and often include home-cooked breakfasts.

Vacation Rentals – If you prefer the privacy and space of a vacation rental, the Hudson Valley has many options available. From cozy cabins in the woods to spacious villas with river views, there is something for everyone.

Camping – For those who enjoy the great outdoors, the Hudson Valley has many campgrounds and RV parks. Many of these sites offer amenities like showers, laundry facilities, and swimming pools.

Farm Stays – The Hudson Valley is home to many working farms and agritourism businesses that offer farm stays. These accommodations provide a unique opportunity to experience farm life and often include activities like animal feeding, cheese-making, and hayrides.

Retreat Centers – The Hudson Valley has many retreat centers that offer accommodations for groups and individuals seeking a quiet and contemplative environment. These centers often offer programs and classes focused on yoga, meditation, and other spiritual practices.

Overall, there are many options for accommodations in the Hudson Valley, ranging from rustic and budget-friendly to luxurious and high-end. It’s a good idea to research your options in advance and book your accommodations early, especially during peak travel seasons.