How to Get to Lake Placid from New York City [2025-2026 Guide]
Planning a trip to Lake Placid from New York City? This 2025–2026 guide explains buses, trains, flights, and driving routes with travel times, costs, and the best ways to reach the Adirondacks.
Lake Placid, nestled in the Adirondack Mountains of Upstate New York, is a famous destination for outdoor lovers, winter sports, and Olympic history. If you’re in New York City, there are several ways to reach this scenic village—whether you prefer driving, taking a bus, riding the train, or even flying part of the way. This guide breaks down each option with time, cost, and convenience so you can plan your journey smoothly.
🚗 Option 1: Driving (Most Flexible)
Driving is the most direct way to reach Lake Placid from NYC.
- Distance: ~290 miles (470 km)
- Route: Take I-87 North (New York State Thruway) to Exit 30, then follow Route 73 West into Lake Placid.
- Scenic highlights: Catskills, Hudson Valley, and the High Peaks region.
⏱ Travel time: 5–6 hours
💵 Cost: ~$40–$60 in gas + ~$15 in tolls
👉 Best for families, groups, or those wanting scenic stops.
🚌 Option 2: Bus (Most Affordable Public Transit)
The Adirondack Trailways bus is the main service from NYC to Lake Placid.
- Departures from Port Authority Bus Terminal in Midtown Manhattan.
- Buses usually require a transfer in Albany or Keene Valley, depending on schedule.
- Drops off in Lake Placid Village.
⏱ Travel time: 6–7 hours
💵 Cost: ~$60–$80 one way
👉 Check schedules at Trailways.
🚆 Option 3: Train + Bus (Scenic Combo)
Amtrak doesn’t go directly to Lake Placid, but you can combine train and bus.
- Take Amtrak’s Adirondack line from Penn Station, NYC to Westport, NY.
- From Westport, connect to the Essex County shuttle bus that runs to Lake Placid.
⏱ Travel time: 7–8 hours total
💵 Cost: $60–$90 (train + shuttle)
👉 Book tickets via Amtrak.
🛫 Option 4: Flight + Drive/Bus
Flying cuts down travel time if you don’t want a long bus or car ride.
- Nearest airports: Adirondack Regional Airport (SLK) in Saranac Lake (~20 min from Lake Placid) or Albany International Airport (ALB) (~2 hours away).
- Flights from NYC (JFK, LGA) to SLK are limited and seasonal.
- From ALB, rent a car or take a bus to Lake Placid.
⏱ Travel time: 3–4 hours (flight + transfer)
💵 Cost: $120–$250 (depending on airline and season)
🚴 Option 5: Guided Tours & Shuttles
Some private tour operators and shuttle companies run seasonal routes from NYC to Lake Placid, especially during winter ski season and summer hiking season.
- Departures from Manhattan or Brooklyn.
- Package includes transport and sometimes accommodation.
⏱ Travel time: 6–7 hours
💵 Cost: $100–$150 round trip
📊 Travel Options Summary
| Option | Time (approx.) | Cost (USD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driving 🚗 | 5–6 hrs | $55–$75 | Flexibility & stops |
| Bus 🚌 | 6–7 hrs | $60–$80 | Budget travelers |
| Train + Bus 🚆 | 7–8 hrs | $60–$90 | Scenic journey |
| Flight + Drive/Bus 🛫 | 3–4 hrs | $120–$250 | Fastest travel |
| Tours & Shuttles 🚴 | 6–7 hrs | $100–$150 | Hassle-free packages |
🙋 FAQs about Getting to Lake Placid from NYC
Q1: What is the cheapest way to get to Lake Placid from NYC?
The cheapest option is the Adirondack Trailways bus, costing around $60–$80 one way.
Q2: What is the fastest way to reach Lake Placid from NYC?
Flying to Adirondack Regional Airport (SLK) and then driving 20 minutes to Lake Placid is the quickest.
Q3: Is there a direct train to Lake Placid from NYC?
No, Amtrak only goes as far as Westport, NY, where you’ll need a bus connection.
Q4: How long is the drive from NYC to Lake Placid?
Driving takes about 5–6 hours, depending on traffic and weather.
Q5: Can I visit Lake Placid as a day trip from NYC?
Not realistically—it’s best as a weekend getaway or longer trip, due to the long travel time.
✅ In summary: Getting to Lake Placid from New York City is possible by car, bus, train + bus, or flight. Driving is most flexible, buses are budget-friendly, and flights save time if you’re in a rush.