Search bus tickets to Albany

The best areas to stay in Albany are Downtown and Pine Hills. Albany Bus Terminal, the busiest bus station in Albany, is located right Downtown, which will make it easy to navigate from the bus terminal to your hotel. Downtown Albany is also thick with attractions, including theaters, museums and parks.

Pine Hills, a popular area with college students, is slightly northwest of the city center and easily accessible from Albany Bus Terminal by a direct ride on the 114 bus. Pine Hills is a lively neighborhood, filled with local restaurants and bars.

Ten Broeck Triangle is another neighborhood located close to the Albany Bus Terminal, just a mile away. This historic corner of Albany has some good eateries, too, and some very reasonably priced accommodations in charming brick buildings.

The best way to get around Albany without a car is to ride local buses, which are operated by the Capitol District Transportation Authority (CDTA). The CDTA offers transportation to many major Albany landmarks, including the New York State Capitol, The Egg performance center, and Washington Park. The base fare for a bus ride is $1.50.

If you’re staying in the Downtown area near the Albany Bus Terminal, the city is also fairly walkable.

Albany is the state capital of New York, so you’ll want to take a free tour of the New York State Capitol building. The city’s museums include the Albany Institute of History & Art (where you can view the previously misidentified mummy Ankhefenmut), the New York State Museum (which is only .7 miles from the Albany Bus Terminal), and the Destroyer Escort Historical Museum where the USS Slater — the last Destroyer Escort ship from World War II — stays afloat.

For interesting and historical architecture, check out the Schuyler Mansion, site of Alexander Hamilton’s wedding to Elizabeth Schuyler, the Ten Broeck Mansion (built in 1797), Cherry Hill, the Lark Street district, and (for something more modern) the performing arts center known as The Egg for its unique shape.

If you’re up for a longer bus ride, consider visiting Watervliet Shaker Historic District, America’s first Shaker settlement or the Albany Pine Bush Preserve.

Albany has some good restaurant options that are both affordable and easily accessible by bus.

Iron Gate Cafe is a charming breakfast, brunch and lunch spot near Washington Park, and Cider Belly is a tasty spot for donuts if you’re closer to Downtown.

A Better Bite is perfect for lunch or a mid-afternoon meal break between the New York State Museum and the Albany Institute of History & Art.

For dinner, great options include The Cuckoo’s Nest and The City Beer Hall (which has more than just beer, although a free personal pizza does come with each beer you buy).

Finally, for a splurge option, make a reservation at the New World Bistro Bar, where executive chef Chef Ric Orlando of Food Network fame offers a small but delicious menu.

Summer and fall are probably the best times to visit Albany by bus. Summer is the busiest tourist season, which means you’ll likely find both the highest prices for accommodations and the most events. Fall weather is slightly warmer and less rainy than spring, plus it’s a better season for avoiding other tourists.

Winter is not a great season to visit Albany, especially by bus. Albany can get very cold, and winter weather conditions can make roads slippery for bus travel.