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Journey Information
There are 13 intercity buses per day from Rochester to Albany. Traveling by bus from Rochester to Albany usually takes around 12 hours and 26 minutes, but the fastest Adirondack Trailways bus can make the trip in 5 hours and 30 minutes.
| Distance | 198 mi (319 km) |
| Shortest duration | 5h 30m |
| Cheapest price | $39.73 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Bus lines | 3 |
How much is a bus ticket from Rochester to Albany?
$47.40 is the average price of a bus ticket from Rochester to Albany. 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
Bus tickets from Rochester to Albany are expected to cost between $40 and $80 over the next four weeks. If you're planning a trip to Albany within the next week, you can find the cheapest bus tickets starting from $43. Don't wait too long to book your ticket, as prices tend to rise as the travel date approaches.
Monthly average prices
Prices as travel date approaches
To save money on bus tickets, buy them as early as possible. Bus carriers usually charge higher ticket prices the closer you book to the date of travel. Book your ticket at least 22 days in advance to save up to $81.55.
What bus companies travel from Rochester to Albany?
There are 3 bus lines from Rochester to Albany available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. With 6 daily trips, FlixBus US usually has the most buses running on any given day. Here are some time and price comparisons for all the available options:
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adirondack Trailways | 5 | 10h 11m | $179.29 |
| FlixBus US | 6 | 14h 1m | $81.74 |
| Greyhound | 4 | 12h 28m | $59.60 |
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.
FlixBus US is the American branch of German bus company FlixBus, known for providing sustainable, affordable, and modern bus travel. The company offers cheap bus tickets to popular urban destinations throughout the United States. FlixBus US buses include many amenities, including comfortable seats, free WiFi, power outlets at every seat, and an online portal for free entertainment. On average, FlixBus US operates 6 trips per day from Rochester to Albany, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
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 4 bus trips from Rochester to Albany every day, with the average journey taking around 12 hours and 28 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Albany usually start from $37.
Frequently Asked Questions
The bus takes an average of 12 hours and 26 minutes to cover the 319 kilometers from Rochester to Albany. However, the fastest bus only takes 5 hours and 30 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.
Saturday is usually the day when buses are busiest, as many travelers take the bus to enjoy the weekend in Albany. If you are planning to travel on a Saturday, 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 12:00am and the last bus leaves at 5:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Rochester to Albany, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
City Information
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.
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.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in Rochester?
Main departure station: 186 Cumberland St
Buses to Albany leave from 4 stations in Rochester.
All bus stations in Rochester:
186 Cumberland St
Rochester Bus Stop
Rhees Library - 755 Library Rd
Grace Watson Hall - Dorm Cres
Where does the bus arrive in Albany?
Image credit: Paul Sableman
Link to image attributionMain arrival 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.
Bus stations in Albany:
Albany Bus Terminal
66 Green Street
Albany (SUNY)
Albany SUNY Bus Stop (Collins Circle)
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