How to Get to Catskills. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Major Airports Serving the Region

Approximate driving times to a central Catskills location (e.g., Woodstock or Phoenicia) are provided.

Regional & NYC Hubs

Albany International Airport (ALB): ~1h 30m north. Smaller, regional airport with direct flights to major U.S. Cities.
Stewart International Airport (SWF) (Newburgh, NY): ~1h south. Often used by budget airlines, a direct route into the Hudson Valley.
New York City Area Airports (EWR, LGA, JFK): 2-3 hours drive. Major international hubs with widest flight options.

Airlines & Transfers

All major domestic and international airlines serve these airports.

Options for Your Journey

Flight Prices: Stable year-round but peak during major holidays and summer. Compare prices on Skyscanner or check Dollar Flight Club for deals.
Transfer to Catskills: Rental car is most recommended from airports. Bus services (Trailways of New York) from NYC. Ride-share/Taxi options are available but can be costly from NYC airports.
Airport Facilities: All airports offer dining, retail, car rental agencies, and generally available Wi-Fi.

Domestic Flights

Airlines like American, Delta, United, Southwest, JetBlue, and Spirit offer extensive networks to these airports from across the United States.

International Flights

Direct flight options from major global hubs are mainly to the New York City airports (JFK, EWR, LGA). JFK is a main international gateway.

Seasonal Availability

ALB and SWF may have fewer direct routes and more fluctuating prices. Using comparison websites tracks prices.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Procedures

No specific exit fees or taxes beyond airline ticket prices.
Airport departure: Arrive 1.5-2 hours before domestic, 2.5-3 hours before international. Allow extra time for rental returns, luggage, security.
Bus/Train departure: Arrive 30-45 minutes before departure for tickets/boarding.
AirHelp for flight compensation assistance.

Facilities for Departing Travelers

Airports: Dining, shops, lounges.
Bus/Train stations: More basic facilities (restrooms, waiting areas, small cafes).
Plan for food and drinks before arriving at smaller terminals.
Consider premium services for comfort if flying internationally.

Ground Transportation Overview

Train Connections

Amtrak along Hudson Valley (Hudson, Rhinecliff, Poughkeepsie). No direct train service into Catskills core. Further transport needed from stations.

Long-Distance Bus

Trailways of New York offers service from NYC (Port Authority) to many Catskills towns. A practical and affordable option.

Sea/River Arrivals

No direct sea/river access to Catskills. Hudson River ferries connect towns across the river, not direct routes into the mountains.

Self-Driving & Road Safety

Self-Driving Considerations

Driving yourself is the most practical and recommended way to explore the Catskills, offering maximum flexibility.

Requirements for Driving

Valid driver's license (and International Driving Permit if not in English).
Minimum age for car rental is typically 21 (surcharge 21-24).
Major credit card in renter's name for booking.

Road Conditions & Safety

Roads vary from well-maintained to narrow and winding. Wildlife and winter conditions deserve attention.

Driving Safety

Road Conditions: Main roads are good. Secondary roads can be narrow, winding, steep; some unpaved.
Wildlife: Deer are common, especially at dawn/dusk/night. Drive defensively. Black bears are present.
Winter Driving: Check forecasts. Snow tires or AWD vehicles are helpful. Slow down on icy surfaces.

Rental Car Information

Major car rental companies operate at ALB, SWF, EWR, LGA, and JFK airports.

Booking & Vehicle Choice

Major Companies: Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National, Thrifty.
Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons, for availability and better rates.
Consider renting a SUV or vehicle with all-wheel drive if traveling in winter or exploring less-maintained roads.

Driving Laws & Parking

Familiarize yourself with local driving regulations and parking practices.

Road Rules & Parking Notes

Driving Laws: Drive on the right. Speed limits posted (typically 55 mph rural, lower in towns). Seatbelts mandatory. Cell phone use (holding to ear) restricted.
Road Safety: Be careful on blind curves. Department of Transportation plows main routes.
Parking: Generally ample and free in most towns and trailheads. Some popular spots may have limited capacity or charge a small fee.

Critical Driving Advisories

Always check weather forecasts before driving, especially in winter.
Wildlife can dart onto roads, drive defensively.
Secondary roads may take longer to clear after snow.

Hands-free phone devices are allowed, but avoid distractions.
Pay attention to parking signs to avoid tickets.
Carry an Emergency kit in winter (blanket, shovel, sand).

Other Travel Notes

Taxi & Ride-Sharing

Taxis and ride-sharing offer alternatives, but availability and cost vary significantly.

Availability & Costs

Taxis are available mainly in larger towns like Kingston. Rarely hailed on street; typically call a local company.
Uber and Lyft operate, but availability is limited, concentrated around larger towns and ski resorts.
Costs can be high for inter-town travel. Expect longer wait times or surge pricing.

Motorcycle & Scooter Rentals

These options are very limited or unavailable in the Catskills.

Considerations

Winding, often steep roads, and variable weather make motorcycles less practical for general tourism.
Best for experienced riders bringing their own vehicles.
Rental options are scarce to non-existent.

Walking Routes

Many Catskills towns have walkable downtowns (Woodstock, Phoenicia, Catskill, Kingston's Stockade District). Explore shops and architecture on foot.

Cycling Infrastructure

Growing network of rail trails (Ashokan Rail Trail, O&W Rail Trail) offers flat, scenic, traffic-free cycling. Road cycling is popular but awareness of traffic.

Specialized Transport

Ski resorts offer scenic gondola or chairlift rides during non-ski seasons for aerial views or mountain biking access. No large-scale tour buses within the region.

Accessibility & Tips

Public Transport Limitations

Public transportation within the Catskills is very limited and does not cover all towns or attractions extensively.

Bus Services & Frequency

Ulster County Area Transit (UCAT) is the most developed, connecting Kingston to Woodstock, Phoenicia, etc.
Operates mainly on weekdays; very limited or no service on weekends and public holidays.
Frequency is low, often hourly or less, meaning long waits.

Mobility Needs & Safety

While facilities strive for accessibility, variations exist in older buildings and natural trails.

Accessibility & General Safety

Most newer UCAT buses are wheelchair accessible. Confirm with agencies for specific needs.
Avoid walking/cycling on major highways or busy, winding roads with narrow shoulders.
Always wear a Helmet when cycling. Use front and rear lights, consider reflective clothing.

Local Transport refinements

Bus Limitations

Public transport is not suitable for extensive Catskills exploration. A personal vehicle is generally preferred.

Taxi Pre-Booking

Pre-booking taxis is often advisable, especially for early mornings or late nights. Confirm fares beforehand.

Ride-Share Expectation

Expect longer wait times for ride-shares in rural areas. Do not rely on them for remote trailheads.

Your Travel Strategy

For a comprehensive Catskills experience, a rental car or personal vehicle stands as the most practical choice. For winter, always carry an Emergency kit.

How to Get to Catskills