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How to Get to Syracuse

How to Get to Syracuse

Syracuse New York State, USA Travel Guide

Air Travel

Major Airport & Airlines

Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) serves as the main airport for Syracuse and Central New York. It is about 5 miles northeast of downtown Syracuse.

Airport Details

  • SYR is served by major U.S. Airlines: American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and Allegiant Air.
  • Direct flights connect Syracuse to major cities like New York (JFK, LGA, EWR), Atlanta (ATL), Chicago (ORD), and Boston (BOS).
  • No direct international flights from SYR; international travelers usually connect through larger U.S. Hubs.

Seasonal Availability & Facilities

Flight frequency and prices to Syracuse can vary seasonally. Peak travel times include summer months and major holidays.

Airport Amenities

  • Booking flights well in advance for these times is a good idea. Prices may be lower during the low season (winter, excluding holidays) and shoulder seasons.
  • SYR has standard airport amenities: dining options, retail shops for necessities and souvenirs.
  • Car rental counters are within the terminal. Baggage services operate efficiently. The airport has free Wi-Fi.

Flight Deals

Find affordable flights with services like Dollar Flight Club.

Flight Search

Compare flight options from various airlines on Skyscanner for the best routes and prices.

Car Rentals

Book your vehicle through DiscoverCars.com for convenient pick-up at SYR.

Transfer Options from SYR

Cost-Effective Transfers

  • Public Bus (Centro): Route 40 (North Salina/Airport) provides regular bus service between the airport and downtown Syracuse. The fare is $2.00 per ride. Check the Centro website for schedules.
  • Hotel Shuttles: Many hotels near the airport or in the downtown area have complimentary shuttle services for guests. Inquire when booking.
  • Walking to local hotels if nearby, check maps for proximity.
  • For detailed directions to your accommodation, use a navigation app.

Direct & On-Demand Options

  • Taxis: Readily available outside baggage claim. A ride to downtown Syracuse typically costs between $20 and $30.
  • Ride-Sharing: Uber and Lyft operate from SYR. Designated pick-up areas are clearly marked outside the terminal.
  • Car Rental: Major car rental agencies (e.g., Enterprise, Hertz, Avis, Budget) have counters conveniently located at the airport for self-drive.
  • For larger groups, consider a pre-booked private transfer or van service.

Additional Airport Information

Check-in Efficiency

SYR offers a manageable size, often meaning quicker check-in and security processes compared to larger international hubs.

Baggage Services

Baggage services, including carousels and lost and found, operate efficiently at SYR.

Staying Connected

The airport has free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal, allowing you to stay connected upon arrival or before departure.

Land Transportation

Border Crossing & Rail

If you are traveling to Syracuse from Canada, you cross the U.S.-Canada border. This involves standard immigration and customs procedures.

Rail Connections

  • Amtrak provides passenger rail service to Syracuse at the William F. Walsh Regional Transportation Center (RTC).
  • The Empire Service route connects Syracuse to New York City and Niagara Falls. The Lake Shore Limited route offers service between NYC/Boston and Chicago.
  • A train journey from New York City to Syracuse takes approximately 5.5 to 6 hours.

Bus Services & Self-Driving

Long-distance bus services afford an affordable way to reach Syracuse from various cities.

Bus Options

  • Greyhound connects Syracuse to a wide network of cities across the U.S.
  • Trailways of New York provides routes mainly within New York State.
  • The Syracuse Bus Terminal is near the William F. Walsh Regional Transportation Center.

Self-Driving Details

Syracuse sits at a major interchange for Interstate 81 (north-south) and the New York State Thruway (I-90, an east-west toll road).

Driving Information

  • Requirements: Valid U.S. Driver's license or an International Driving Permit (IDP) accompanied by your valid foreign driver's license.
  • Road Conditions: Roads are generally well-maintained. Winter driving conditions can be severe due to heavy snowfall.
  • Tolls: The New York State Thruway (I-90) is a toll road. The E-ZPass system offers electronic toll collection.

Road Safety & Conditions

Winter conditions present the most significant safety concern for drivers in Syracuse. Heavy snowfall creates slippery roads, reduces visibility, and leads to challenging driving.

Safety Reminders

  • Always slow down, increase your following distance, and use headlights during adverse weather.
  • Monitor local weather reports and road advisories before and during your trip.
  • Outside of winter, road conditions are generally good, and traffic is manageable compared to larger metropolitan areas.

Important Travel Notes

  • Ensure you have your valid passport and any required visa or ESTA before crossing the U.S.-Canada border.
  • Be prepared for potential delays at border crossings, especially during peak travel times.
  • Be prepared to answer questions about your purpose of travel and duration of stay.
  • Note that Syracuse is an inland city and does not have sea or major river connections for passenger travel.
  • While Onondaga Lake supports recreational boating, no formal water transportation services bring passengers to the city.
  • Boat tours on Onondaga Lake are typically recreational or historical.

Sea/River Arrivals

Water Transportation Overview

Syracuse is an inland city. It does not have sea or major river connections for passenger travel. While Onondaga Lake supports recreational boating, no formal sea or river transportation services bring passengers to the city as a mode of public transport.

Boating in Syracuse

  • Recreational boating thrives on Onondaga Lake and nearby Finger Lakes.
  • No formal water taxi service exists for urban commuting within Syracuse.
  • Boat tours, recreational or historical, operate seasonally on Onondaga Lake.

Alternative Modes

The city’s topography and urban layout do not require such systems as cable cars, funiculars, or other unique local transport systems.

Transport Alternatives

  • Standard cars, taxis, buses, and ride-shares form the typical options.
  • Tour buses are not a common mode of daily public transportation in Syracuse.
  • Hop-on-hop-off services, common in larger tourist cities, are not typically found in Syracuse.

Train Departures

If departing by train, arrive at the station at least 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure.

Bus Departures

For long-distance bus departures, arrive at the Syracuse Bus Terminal 30 minutes before.

Airport Departures

For domestic flights from SYR, arrive 1.5 to 2 hours before scheduled departure.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Taxes

The United States does not levy specific exit fees or taxes directly on travelers departing from Syracuse.

Included in Ticket Price

  • Any applicable taxes are typically included in your airline ticket price.
  • There are no additional fees to pay at the airport or station upon departure.
  • This simplifies the departure process for travelers.

Departure Procedures

Plan your arrival time at the airport or station to ensure a smooth departure.

Timing Recommendations

  • Air Travel (SYR): For domestic flights, arrive at least 1.5 to 2 hours before scheduled departure.
  • This allows ample time for check-in, baggage drop, and security screening.
  • Train/Bus: Arrive at the William F. Walsh Regional Transportation Center at least 30 minutes prior to departure.

Airport/Station Facilities

Syracuse Hancock International Airport SYR

SYR has dining options, retail shops, and waiting areas for departing travelers. You can grab a meal or coffee or do some last-minute souvenir shopping.

William F. Walsh Regional Transportation Center

This facility has basic waiting areas, restrooms, and limited amenities. It yields a functional space for those awaiting train or bus departures.

Amenities for Travelers

Both locations ensure travelers have access to essential services before they depart from Syracuse.

Departure Reminder

Confirm your flight or train status before heading to the airport or station to account for any unforeseen delays.