🎓 How to Get to Cornell From San Francisco [2025–2026 Guide]

Cornell University is ~2,900 miles from San Francisco. Flying is the fastest option (6–8 hours with connections), while train and bus trips take 3+ days. This guide covers all travel modes, times, and costs.

Cornell University, located in Ithaca, New York’s Finger Lakes region, is one of the Ivy League’s most prestigious campuses. Getting there from San Francisco requires cross-country travel, usually by plane, but alternatives exist. This 2025–2026 guide covers flights, train, bus, and driving options with times and costs.

✈️ Flying from San Francisco to Cornell (Ithaca)

Flying is by far the fastest and most practical way.

Option 1: Fly into Ithaca Tompkins International Airport (ITH)

• Airlines: Delta, United, American (connections required)

• Duration: ~7–8 hours total (1 layover, often in Detroit, Newark, or Chicago)

• Cost: $250–$450 round trip

• Final Step: 15–20 min taxi, rideshare, or shuttle to Cornell campus

Option 2: Fly into Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR)

• Duration: ~6–7 hours (1 layover + ground transfer)

• Cost: $200–$400 round trip

• Ground Transport to Ithaca:

  • Drive/rideshare: ~1.5 hours (65 miles)

  • Shuttle (Ithaca Shuttle or Cornell Campus-to-Campus, seasonal): ~$40–$60

Option 3: Fly into New York City (JFK, LGA, or EWR)

• Duration: 5–6 hours flight + 4–5 hours by bus/train to Ithaca

• Best For: Students combining a New York City visit with their Cornell trip.

✅ Recommendation: Fly into SYR (Syracuse) or ITH (Ithaca) for the most convenient route.

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🚆 Train from San Francisco to Cornell

A scenic but very long journey.

• Step 1: Amtrak California Zephyr: Emeryville (near SF) → Chicago (~52 hrs)

• Step 2: Amtrak Lake Shore Limited: Chicago → Syracuse (~12 hrs)

• Step 3: Shuttle, bus, or car rental: Syracuse → Ithaca (~1.5 hrs)

• Total Duration: ~70 hrs (3 days)

• Cost: $250–$400 (coach), $600–$1,200 (sleeper car)

• Best For: Train lovers who want a cross-country adventure.

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🚌 Bus Travel to Cornell

• Greyhound/FlixBus/Megabus: San Francisco → New York City (~65–75 hrs, $200–$300)

• NYC → Ithaca: Cornell Campus-to-Campus bus or Greyhound (~4–5 hrs, $50–$80)

• Total Duration: 3+ days

• Best For: Budget travelers with time to spare.

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🚗 Driving from San Francisco to Cornell

• Distance: ~2,900 miles (4,660 km)

• Duration: 43–48 hours driving (5–7 days recommended with stops)

• Route: I-80 East across Nevada, Utah, Colorado, Midwest → I-90 East → Ithaca

• Cost: ~$400–$600 fuel + lodging + food

• Highlights Along the Way: Salt Lake City, Denver, Chicago, Cleveland, Finger Lakes

✅ Best if you want a coast-to-coast road trip and flexibility.

📝 Travel Summary Table

❓ FAQ

Q1: What is the fastest way to get to Cornell from San Francisco?
Flying into Syracuse (SYR) or Ithaca (ITH), then taking a shuttle or taxi.

Q2: Does Cornell have its own airport shuttle?
Yes. Cornell Campus-to-Campus Bus connects NYC → Ithaca, mainly for students and staff.

Q3: Can I take Amtrak directly to Ithaca?
No. The nearest major station is Syracuse; from there, drive or take a shuttle.

Q4: How far is Ithaca from NYC?
~220 miles; 4–5 hours by bus, car, or train + shuttle.

Q5: What’s the most budget-friendly option?
Fly to NYC on a cheap ticket, then take a bus to Ithaca (~$50–$80).

✅ In summary: The fastest and most convenient option from San Francisco to Cornell is to fly into Syracuse (SYR) or Ithaca (ITH) and then transfer by car or shuttle.