Discover the best ways to travel from NYC to Lake Placid, including driving, bus, train, and flights. Plan your trip with ease!
Hey guys, gather around. I’ve made the trek from the bustling streets of NYC to the serene mountains of Lake Placid more times than I can count. As an experienced traveler, I love sharing these stories over coffee or beers. Let me walk you through how to get from NYC to Lake Placid like I do it myself. It’s all about picking the right option for your vibe—whether you’re chasing adventure or just want to chill.
Lake Placid sits in the Adirondacks, about 290 miles north. The journey can take 5 to 10 hours, depending on your choice. I’ve tried every method, from road trips to trains. Each has its perks and pitfalls. Stick with me, and I’ll break it down step by step.
First off, why head there? The place is magic. Think Olympic history, crystal-clear lakes, and epic hikes. I’ve skied Whiteface Mountain in winter and kayaked Mirror Lake in summer. It’s a spot that resets your soul. Now, let’s dive into the travel details.
Overview of Your Travel Options
I’ve narrowed it down to four main ways: driving, bus, train, and flying. Driving gives freedom but demands energy. Public transport like buses or trains lets you relax. Flying speeds things up but adds logistics. Costs range from $50 for a bus to $300 for a flight plus extras.
Pick based on your group size and timeline. Solo? Train might suit you. Family? Car is easier. I’ve mixed them too—like train one way, drive back. Weather plays a big role up north. Check forecasts always.
In winter, snow can slow everything. Summer brings crowds on roads. Off-season like fall? Pure bliss with foliage views. I’ve learned to book early for peak times. That saves hassle and money.
Driving: The Scenic Road Trip Adventure
Nothing beats hitting the road yourself. I’ve driven this route a dozen times. Start from NYC, hop on I-87 North. It’s straightforward, about 5 hours if traffic cooperates. You’ll pass Hudson Valley gems.
The main path sticks to I-87 all the way to Exit 30, then NY-73 into town. For scenery, detour through Saratoga Springs. Stop at Lake George for a quick dip. I’ve pulled over at Ausable Chasm—it’s like a mini Grand Canyon. High Falls Gorge is another must with waterfalls crashing down.
Gas costs me around $50-70 round trip in my sedan. Tolls add $10-15 via E-ZPass. Rent a car if you don’t own one—expect $100-200 per day with mileage. Pros: Stop whenever, blast your playlist, pack heavy. Cons: Fatigue hits after hours, winter roads get icy.
Tips from my trips: Pack snacks and water. Use apps like Waze for real-time traffic. Check tire pressure before leaving. In fall, leaves turn the drive golden. Once, I extended it to 7 hours with stops—worth every minute.
Vehicle prep is key. I always carry chains in winter. Rest areas are sparse after Albany, so plan breaks. Parking in Lake Placid is easy downtown. Hotels often have lots. This option shines for explorers like us.
Step-by-Step Driving Guide
Fire up your GPS. From Manhattan, cross the George Washington Bridge to I-87. Cruise north past Yonkers. Hit Albany in 2-3 hours. That’s your halfway mark.
From Albany, continue on I-87 through Adirondack Park. Views kick in here—mountains everywhere. Exit at 30 for Lake Placid. Follow signs to NY-73. It’s winding but paved well.
Total distance: 288 miles. Avoid rush hour leaving NYC. I’ve left at 6 AM to beat it. Arrive by noon, grab lunch at a local spot. Easy peasy.
If renting, use Enterprise or Hertz at NYC airports. Unlimited mileage deals save cash. I’ve scored SUVs for winter traction. Don’t forget insurance coverage.
Scenic Stops Along the Way
Don’t rush it. Saratoga Springs has hot springs and horse racing vibes. I’ve soaked there mid-trip. Lake George offers boat rentals—perfect summer break.
Ausable Chasm wows with trails over chasms. Entry is $20, worth it. High Falls Gorge has boardwalks by falls. I’ve picnicked there. These add 1-2 hours but make memories.
In Keene Valley, grab coffee at a cafe. Views of High Peaks stun you. Fall foliage here explodes in color. I’ve timed trips for peak leaves—unreal.
For history buffs, Fort Ticonderoga is off-route but epic. Revolutionary War site with views. I’ve detoured once—added an hour. Totally rewarding.
Pros and Cons of Driving
Freedom tops the list. Stop for photos anytime. I’ve discovered hidden spots that way. Pack all your gear—no limits. Costs stay low if sharing gas.
Downsides? Driving solo bores me sometimes. Weather can turn nasty. Once, fog slowed me to a crawl. Parking fees in NYC add up if starting there.
Eco-wise, it’s not the greenest. But carpooling helps. Overall, I pick this for flexibility. Suits adventurous souls like mine.
Bus: The Budget-Friendly Ride
Buses are my go-to for hassle-free trips. Adirondack Trailways runs direct from Port Authority. Departs around 7 AM, arrives by 2 PM. About 7 hours total.
Greyhound and FlixBus offer similar routes. Stops in Albany for breaks. Tickets run $50-80 one way. Book online early for deals. I’ve snagged $40 fares off-peak.
Amenities include Wi-Fi, outlets, restrooms. Reclining seats help you nap. Pros: No driving stress, cheap, eco-friendlier. Cons: Less flexible, potential delays.
From my experience, pack headphones and snacks. Windows show great views after Albany. Once in Lake Placid, walk or shuttle to your hotel.
Other companies like Trailways of New York connect via Albany. Total time 8-10 hours with transfers. I’ve done it—smooth if planned.
Bus Schedules and Booking Tips
Check Trailways site for times. Daily departures from NYC. Morning bus is popular—book a week ahead. App makes it easy.
Costs fluctuate. Weekdays cheaper than weekends. I’ve used promo codes for 20% off. Print tickets or use e-version.
Port Authority is chaotic. Arrive 30 minutes early. Security checks bags. I’ve missed one by cutting it close—lesson learned.
For returns, afternoon buses leave Lake Placid. Align with your plans. Flexible dates save money.
Pros and Cons of Taking the Bus
Affordability wins. I’ve saved hundreds versus flying. Relax and read en route. Meets fellow travelers sometimes. Good stories there.
Drawbacks: Crowded during peaks. Motion sickness hits some. Limited luggage space. I’ve overpacked once—regretted it.
Still, for budget trips, it’s solid. Eco bonus too. I recommend for first-timers.
Train: The Relaxed Scenic Journey
Trains offer views without effort. Amtrak’s Adirondack line departs Penn Station at 8 AM. Heads to Westport, NY—about 5-6 hours. Then, taxi or shuttle to Lake Placid.
Westport station is quaint. Taxi ride takes 45 minutes, costs $80-100. Total journey: 7-9 hours. Tickets $70-100 coach class.
Amenities: Cafe car, Wi-Fi, comfy seats. Pros: Stunning Hudson River views. No traffic worries. Cons: Not direct, transfer needed.
I’ve ridden it multiple times. Pack a book—time flies. Book early for lower fares. Off-peak is quieter.
Connections vary. Some use Uber, but it’s spotty up there. Arrange rides ahead. I’ve used local shuttles—reliable.
Train Schedules and Connections
Daily train northbound. Departs 8:15 AM, arrives Westport around 1:30 PM. Check Amtrak app for updates.
From Westport, options include High Peaks Resort shuttle if staying there. Or taxis like Northern Lights. Book in advance.
Return southbound leaves Westport afternoon. Sync with NYC arrival. I’ve timed it for evening events back home.
Fares start at $92 average. Business class adds comfort for $150+. Worth it for long legs.
Pros and Cons of the Train
Scenery is unbeatable. Lake Champlain views amaze me every time. Relax fully—no steering. Pet-friendly too, if you have furry friends.
Issues: Limited schedules. Delays from weather. Transfer adds cost and time. I’ve waited in rain once—not fun.
Still, for views lovers, it’s prime. I choose it in fall for colors.
Flying: The Quickest Hop
Flying cuts time drastically. No direct from NYC to Lake Placid. Closest is Adirondack Regional Airport (SLK) in Saranac Lake. Cape Air flies from Boston—90 minutes—but from NYC, connect via BOS or use major airports.
From NYC, fly to Albany (ALB) on Delta or Southwest. 1-hour flight, $100-200. Then drive 2 hours north. Rental cars at ALB.
Burlington (BTV) in Vermont is another—1-hour flight, then 2-hour drive or ferry across Lake Champlain. I’ve done BTV—scenic drive.
To SLK direct? Limited. Cape Air from BOS, but from NYC, add connection. Total time 4-6 hours with layovers.
Costs: $150-300 flight plus $100 rental. Pros: Fastest overall. Cons: Airport hassles, no direct.
Airport Options and Transfers
JFK, LGA, or EWR for departures. For ALB, nonstops abound. Arrive ALB, rent from Avis or Hertz.
SLK is tiny—easy navigation. Taxi to Lake Placid: 20 minutes, $30-50. I’ve flown in—quick and painless.
BTV offers more flights. Drive west via ferry—fun twist. Ferry costs $10 per car.
Plattsburgh (PBG) is 1 hour away. Budget airlines serve it. Good alternative.
Pros and Cons of Flying
Speed is king. I’ve turned day trips possible. Less fatigue than driving. Views from air are bonus.
Downsides: Expensive with add-ons. Weather cancellations happen. Luggage fees sting. I’ve lost bags once—annoying.
For time-crunched trips, it’s ideal. I fly when schedules tight.
Combination Trips: Mixing Modes
Sometimes I mix it up. Train to Albany, then bus to Lake Placid. Amtrak to Albany 2.5 hours, then Trailways 3 hours more. Total 6-7 hours.
Costs around $100 combined. Pros: Breaks up monotony. Cons: Transfer timing.
Drive one way, fly back—I’ve done that. Saves energy. Or bus up, rent car there for local exploring.
Uber from stations? Unreliable in Adirondacks. Plan shuttles. This hybrid suits flexible plans.
Getting Around Once You’re in Lake Placid
Lake Placid village is walkable. Main Street has shops, eateries. I’ve strolled it end to end.
For outskirts, use Lake Placid XPRSS trolley—free park-and-ride. Runs seasonally. Covers key spots.
Rent bikes or cars for freedom. Hotels offer shuttles to Whiteface. I’ve used them for skiing.
Taxis exist but book ahead. Uber spotty. Public transport limited, so plan accordingly.
Best Times to Travel and Seasonal Tips
Summer peaks with crowds. I’ve gone in June—perfect weather, fewer people. Avoid July 4th traffic.
Fall foliage September-October. Drives glow. I’ve timed for peak colors—breathtaking.
Winter: Snowy but magical. Chains for driving. Trains handle it well. I’ve skied post-arrival.
Spring thaws roads. Mud season—watch for potholes. Off-peak saves money everywhere.
Always check NY DOT for road conditions. Pack layers—weather flips fast.
Cost Comparison Across Options
Driving: $60-100 gas/tolls round trip. Cheapest for groups.
Bus: $100-160 round trip. Budget solo pick.
Train: $150-250 with transfer. Mid-range.
Flying: $300-500 with rental. Priciest but fastest.
Factor food, extras. I’ve budgeted $200 total for bus trips.
Personal Recommendations from My Trips
For first-timers, try the train. Views hook you. I’ve made friends onboard.
Adventurers: Drive with stops. Unforgettable.
Budget? Bus all the way. Reliable.
Families: Fly to ALB, drive up. Easy on kids.
Whatever, pack patience. Journeys build excitement.
One trip, I drove through a storm—bonded with nature. Another, train delay led to extra NYC fun. Embrace it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a direct train from NYC to Lake Placid?
No direct train exists. Amtrak goes to Westport. Then take a taxi or shuttle. Total time is about 7-9 hours. I’ve arranged rides ahead—smooth.
How much does a bus ticket cost from NYC to Lake Placid?
Tickets range $50-80 one way. Depends on company and timing. Book early for deals. I’ve paid $40 off-peak.
What’s the fastest way to get there?
Flying to Albany then driving takes 3-4 hours total. Direct flights cut ground time. I’ve used it for quick weekends.
Do I need a car in Lake Placid?
Not necessarily downtown. Walk or use trolleys. For mountains, yes. I’ve rented onsite—convenient.
Are there flights directly to Lake Placid?
No commercial direct from NYC. Closest is Saranac Lake via connections. Private charters land at Lake Placid Airport. Expensive but possible.
How’s winter travel?
Roads get snowy. Use all-wheel drive. Trains and buses handle it. I’ve traveled in blizzards—prep with chains.
Can I bring pets on the trip?
Amtrak allows small pets. Buses vary—check policies. Driving is easiest. I’ve taken my dog driving—fun.
What’s the distance and drive time?
About 290 miles. 5-6 hours normally. Traffic or weather adds time. I’ve done it in 4.5 hours once.
Are there shuttles from airports?
Yes, from ALB or BTV. Book private ones. Costs $100-200. Taxis work too.
Best app for planning?
Use Rome2Rio or Google Maps. Amtrak and Trailways apps for bookings. I’ve relied on them.
Conclusion
There you have it, friends. How to get from NYC to Lake Placid boils down to your style—drive for freedom, bus for ease, train for views, fly for speed. I’ve cherished every method on my adventures. Pick one, pack your bags, and go. The Adirondacks await with open arms. Safe travels—let’s swap stories next hangout. Cheers!
