4.0
My driver did not know where the Albany station was and was lost for 10 mins
5.0
Friendly and helpful driver. the trip was the duration stated
5.0
Arrived 15 minutes early to my destination. No issues along the way.
Boston to Albany bus
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Bus Trip Information: Boston to Albany
There is one daily bus from Boston to Albany. Traveling by bus from Boston to Albany usually takes around 4 hours and 35 minutes, but some buses might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled depending on traffic conditions.
| Distance | 139 mi (223 km) |
| Shortest duration | 4h 35m |
| Cheapest price | $53.00 |
| Most frequent service | Peter Pan Lines |
| Bus lines | 1 |
Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for buses from Boston to Albany
(Based on 16 ratings and reviews)
4.6
How much is a bus ticket from Boston to Albany?
Bus tickets for a trip from Boston to Albany cost $56.33 on average. Tickets cheaper than $56.33 are an excellent bargain. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.
Monthly average prices
Taking the bus from Boston to Albany is usually cheapest in June, when the average ticket price is only $31,
If you're planning to take the bus from Boston to Albany during November, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $37. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.
Prices as travel date approaches
Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices closer to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. To find the cheapest bus tickets, book your trip at least 8 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $1.67 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from Boston to Albany?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Boston to Albany. Peter Pan Lines is the only company that has bus schedules available to search and book at the moment. It only makes the trip once a day on most days.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peter Pan Lines | 1 | 4h 35m | $57.83 |
- Peter Pan Bus Lines is one of the biggest bus carriers in the Northeast region of the United States. Headquartered in Springfield, Massachusetts, the company offers affordable bus tickets and comfortable bus trips to over a dozen destinations across nine states and the District of Columbia. Peter Pan is known for their reliable bus service and green certified modern coaches that offer amenities such as onboard restrooms, free WiFi, power outlets and extra legroom between seats. Running an average of 1 bus trips every day during the week and 1 trips on weekends, Peter Pan is one of the main bus carriers between Boston and Albany, offering bus tickets as low as $53.
Frequently Asked Questions
Trains do go to Greater Albany from Boston: The Amtrak Lake Shore Limited arrives at the Albany-Rensselaer Station after traveling at least 5 hours from Boston. The bus may be a better option, though. Buses from Boston can arrive in Albany in as little as 3 hours 15 minutes, and while the average train ticket costs around $100, bus tickets cost about $28.
Boston to Albany does not make for a great day-trip. The earliest bus from Boston arrives in Albany at 10:55 a.m., and the latest bus departs Albany back to Boston at 4:10 p.m. That leaves just over 5 hours in Albany, which isn’t really enough to fully enjoy the city. You’re better off staying overnight, or spending a full weekend there.
Albany is slightly closer to New York City than Boston. The fastest bus from Boston to Albany takes around 3 hours 15 minutes, while the fastest bus from New York to Albany takes about 2 hours 40 minutes.
Our bus partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, bus carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.
Although masks are no longer required on public transportation, we stand behind CDC guidelines that encourage passengers to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on the bus or in stations.
Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.
The bus takes an average of 4 hours and 35 minutes to cover the 139 miles from Boston to Albany. In other words, you'll have plenty of time to rest and relax on the road. 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 Boston to Albany 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, Tuesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Tuesday ticket is the way to go.
There is usually only one bus per day from Boston to Albany. It leaves the station in Boston at 10:00am each day. The time might vary for specific dates, so be sure to search on Wanderu for the most up-to-date information.
There is usually only one bus per day from Boston to Albany. However, it is not a direct bus, so you will have to get off your original vehicle to change buses during the trip.
City Information
Boston
Boston is one of the oldest cities in the country, but it is kept young and fresh with the help of over 150,000 students who flock to the city’s prestigious universities every year. Beantown’s many sights and activities celebrate American history, prolific sports teams, and New England seafood. So let's spill the tea (into the harbor, if you will):
Boston's Freedom Trail is the best way to see the city on foot and visit some of the most iconic landmarks of the American Revolution: from Bunker Hill and the USS Constitution to the Old North Church and Faneuil Hall. The Freedom Trail officially begins in Boston Common, the oldest public park in the U.S. and a beautiful spot for walking, picnicking, or ice skating in the winter. Foodies will love tasting the Italian cuisine in the North End and the modern eateries of South End, while sports fans can tour Fenway Park, and art lovers can explore the expansive Museum of Fine Arts.
From Boston, travelers can easily get to the beachy summer destination of Cape Cod, or surrounding states like New Hampshire, Vermont, and Rhode Island. With four main train stations and several bus stops in the city, as well as Boston Logan Airport (which, by the way, has some excellent airport food), Boston is a central hub for travel throughout New England and beyond.
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 Boston?
Image credit: CaribDigita
Main departure station: South Station Bus Terminal
The South Station Bus Terminal is Boston's primary intercity bus station, and a major hub for bus companies like Greyhound, OurBus, Concord Coach Lines, Peter Pan Bus Lines, and more. The bus station is directly adjacent to the South Station Train Terminal, making it easy to access the local MBTA public transit, commuter rail, and connections to the airport. At the bus station, you'll find an on-site parking garage, a food court, and free WiFi. Nestled between the Financial District, Chinatown, and the Seaport, South Station is within a short walk from some of Boston's top sights and it is easily accessible by any mode of transportation.
All bus stations in Boston:
South Station Bus Terminal
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.
All bus stations in Albany:
Albany Bus Terminal
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