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Journey Information
There are 5 intercity buses per day from Albany to Rochester. Traveling by bus from Albany to Rochester usually takes around 7 hours and 43 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 5 hours and 10 minutes.
| Distance | 198 mi (319 km) |
| Shortest duration | 5h 10m |
| Cheapest price | $41.85 |
| Most frequent service | Adirondack Trailways |
| Bus lines | 2 |
How much is a bus ticket from Albany to Rochester?
$53.56 is the average price of a bus ticket from Albany to Rochester. Taking a bus is an affordable way to make this trip. It’s easy to find a bus ticket at this price or lower when you use Wanderu to book your trip online in advance of your travel date.
Average prices by travel date
Over the next four weeks, the average price of bus tickets from Albany to Rochester is expected to be between $47 and $104. The cheapest day to travel in the next month is May 1, 2024, when tickets are available for May 1, 2024. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next week start at just $50.
Monthly average prices
Prices as travel date approaches
The easiest way to save money on bus tickets is by booking in advance! Many carriers increase prices as the travel date approaches, so it's always a good idea to buy your tickets as early as possible. Book at least 24 days in advance to save $98.93 or more on your ticket, compared to booking at the last minute.
What bus companies travel from Albany to Rochester?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Albany to Rochester that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Adirondack Trailways usually offers more choice, with 5 scheduled trips per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adirondack Trailways | 5 | 14h 6m | $165.24 |
| Greyhound | 2 | 6h 2m | $67.97 |
Adirondack Trailways connects areas in New York such as the Adirondacks and Hudson Valley with New York City, serving a total of 94 cities. Some of its top routes include those going to Albany, Ithaca, and Syracuse. Onboard, Adirondack Trailways vehicles have Wi-Fi for internet connectivity on the move and additional amenities, including power outlets, restrooms, air conditioning, overhead lighting, and reclinable seats with footrests.
Greyhound is the largest nationwide bus carrier in the United States, offering cheap, safe and reliable service across the country. Greyhound has become a household name, serving over 16 million passengers per year with daily trips to over 2,400 destinations. Greyhound performs about 2 bus trips from Albany to Rochester every day, with the average journey taking around 6 hours and 2 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Rochester usually start from $42.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 7 hours and 43 minutes to cover the 319 kilometers from Albany to Rochester. However, the fastest bus only takes 5 hours and 10 minutes. It’s definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable for a long road trip. Keep in mind that your actual bus may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.
"Because many passengers travel from Albany to Rochester at the beginning of the work week, Monday is usually the busiest day for buses. If you are planning to travel on a Monday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Thursday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Thursday ticket is the way to go."
The first bus leaves at 4:00am and the last bus leaves at 7:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Albany to Rochester, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
City Information
Albany
As the capital city of New York state, Albany is blessed with many historic buildings and quaint quarters, making it the perfect city to take a stroll around. One of the city’s top attractions is the famous New York State Capitol Building, a stately structure that has been around since as far as the 19th century. If you wish to learn more about the city’s rich history, head over to Bidwell House museum, which is actually a restored home filled with impressive artifacts. While staying in Albany, do take the time to visit The Egg, a unique-looking building that will certainly satisfy your architectural curiosity.
For a great dinner with a quirky twist, head over to Canvas, Corks and Forks - Schenectady. For some of the best BBQ dishes in town, don’t hesitate to give Warehouse Grill & BBQ a shot.
The busiest bus station in the area is the Albany Bus Terminal. The bus station welcomes buses from New York, Boston, Baltimore, and many other places. The nearest Amtrak train station is located in the neighboring town of Rensselaer, NY. The city’s principal airport is the Albany International Airport, located six miles northwest of Albany.
Rochester
Perched on the shore on Lake Ontario, Rochester is an idyllic city with a small-town vibe, making it the perfect destination for those looking for some family-friendly fun. Rochester’s pride is Highland Park, which is one of the oldest arboretums in the U.S. Designed by the famous landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, the park features idyllic paths cutting through treelines and fragrant lilac bushes. If you wish to marvel at the beauty of the Genesee River’s Gorge, go on a hiking trip on the Genesee Riverway Trail. For more cultural activities, George Eastman Museum, the world’s oldest photography museum, would be a great choice.
Rochester’s food scene features many quirky dishes, including the famous local garbage plate, which features your choice of meat along with decadent sides. For the best garbage plates, you might want to check out Nick Tahou Hots.
The city’s busiest bus station is the Trailways Terminal downtown. The station serves several bus carriers, including New York Trailways, Greyhound and OurBus, among others. The principal Amtrak train station is Louis M. Slaughter Station, which is located just across the street from the bus station. Rochester is served by Amtrak’s Empire Service, Lake Shore Limited and Maple Leaf lines. The city’s commercial air services are served by the Greater Rochester International Airport, located 3 miles southwest of downtown.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Albany?
Image credit: Paul Sableman
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Albany Bus Terminal
The Albany Bus Terminal is a busy hub of intercity bus travel in downtown Albany. Jefferson Lines, Greyhound, Adirondack Trailways, and Peter Pan operate bus trips that stop at this station. The terminal has customer service staff on-site, as well as restrooms and a small cafe. Several parking lots are available around the station, and a hotel is available just down the street. It is only a few blocks to downtown Albany and the New York State Capitol complex from the station.
All bus stations in Albany:
Albany Bus Terminal
66 Green Street
Albany (SUNY)
Where does the bus arrive in Rochester?
Main arrival station: 186 Cumberland St
Buses arrive in Rochester at 4 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.
Bus stations in Rochester:
186 Cumberland St
Rochester Bus Stop
Grace Watson Hall - Dorm Cres
Rhees Library - 755 Library Rd
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