COVID-19 Travel Guide
Learn more ›
Wanderu Logo
United States flag
$
Log in

Buses from Boston to Albany

Lowest Prices

We partner with the top bus & train carriers to bring you the best deals.

No Wanderu Fees

Without any extra fees, we make it easy to book your tickets.

Best Travel Options

We help you find & compare the best buses & trains in one place.

Boston - Albany Bus Schedule

Find cheap rental carsFind great deals on cheap cars in the area.
RentalCars logotypeRentalCars logotype
from$30.00

Bus Trip Information: Boston to Albany

There are 2 intercity buses per day from Boston to Albany. Traveling by bus from Boston to Albany usually takes around 4 hours and 28 minutes, but the fastest Greyhound bus can make the trip in 4 hours and 15 minutes.

Distance139 mi (223 km)
Shortest duration4h 15m
Cheapest price$25.00
Trips per day2
Most frequent serviceGreyhound
Bus lines2

Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for buses from Boston to Albany

(Based on 10 ratings and reviews)

4.5

4.0

Sydney

January 3, 2022- Solo travel

Greyhound

More regulated temperature in the bus. It was so hot and the seat was right against the heaters

More regulated temperature in the bus. It was so hot and the seat was right against the heaters

5.0

Christa

April 10, 2021- Solo travel

Greyhound

Pros: The driver was wonderful, he really made us feel comfortable and safe. Cons: The bus did not feel as clean as it could be.

Pros: The driver was wonderful, he really made us feel comfortable and safe. Cons: The bus did not feel as clean as it could be.

4.0

Subira

December 27, 2019- Vacation

Greyhound

Pros: Staff informed us when there was a delay. Cons: Bus was late to leave.

Pros: Staff informed us when there was a delay. Cons: Bus was late to leave.

4.0

Joshua

December 19, 2019- Visiting friends

OurBus

Pros: Was fast and cheap. Cons: Wasn't very comfortable. Wifi cut out and never came back.

Pros: Was fast and cheap. Cons: Wasn't very comfortable. Wifi cut out and never came back.

4.0

Alison

June 14, 2019- Visiting family

Greyhound

Didn't give us enough time to actually get food in the station in Springfield so I was really hungry. They gave us like 7 minutes to go all the way down the end to the station and I felt like they were going to leave if I waited in line for a sandwich. It sucked

Didn't give us enough time to actually get food in the station in Springfield so I was really hungry. They gave us like 7 minutes to go all the way down the end to the station and I felt like they were going to leave if I waited in line for a sandwich. It sucked

How much is a bus ticket from Boston to Albany?

$29.02 is the average price of a bus ticket from Boston 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

$45$30$15MayMay

Over the next four weeks, the average ticket price of a bus from Boston to Albany is expected to range from $27 to $38. If you are looking to travel to Albany within the next week, you can find bus tickets starting from $28. The cheapest bus tickets in the next month are $27 and can be found on June 2, 2022.

Monthly average prices

$50$40$30$20$10JJASONDJFMAM

The lowest bus ticket prices on this route can usually be found in May. That’s when the average price of a bus ticket is expected to be just $29 – the lowest of the year.

Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Boston to Albany in November, expect to spend more on your bus trip, as the average ticket price may surge to $34 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you can still score a ticket at a lower price.

Prices as travel date approaches

$50$40$30$20$103020100

Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices the closer you book to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. The best way to find cheap bus tickets is to book at least 20 days in advance. By doing so, you can expect to save $14.06 on your bus ticket compared to booking at the last minute.

What bus companies travel from Boston to Albany?

There are two bus lines that have daily service from Boston to Albany that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Greyhound usually offers more choice, with 2 scheduled trips per day.

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Greyhound24h 28m$31.48
Peter Pan Lines14h 35m$58.00
  • Greyhound

    Greyhound

    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 Boston to Albany every day, with the average journey taking around 4 hours and 28 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Albany usually start from $25.

    GLI-0GLI-1GLI-2GLI-3GLI-4
  • Peter Pan Lines

    Peter Pan Lines

    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 $58.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Amtrak go from Boston to Albany, NY?

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.

Is Boston to Albany a good day-trip?

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.

Is Albany closer to Boston or New York City?

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.

Is it safe to travel by bus from Boston to Albany during the COVID-19 pandemic?

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.

How long is the bus ride from Boston to Albany?

The bus takes an average of 4 hours and 28 minutes to cover the 139 miles from Boston to Albany. However, the fastest bus only takes 4 hours and 15 minutes. 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.

What is the busiest day of the week to travel by bus?

Buses from Boston to Albany are the most crowded on Saturday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your bus tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

When do the earliest and latest buses leave Boston?

The first bus leaves at 10:00am and the last bus leaves at 1:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Boston to Albany, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

How many buses are there each day?

There are usually only 2 buses per day from Boston to Albany. Both of these are direct buses, meaning that you do not have to worry about transferring buses at any point during your 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 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?

Boston, MA - South Station Bus Terminal - BOSSSB-0

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?

Albany Bus Term - 34 Hamilton St - ALBPPA-0

Image credit: Paul Sableman

Link to image attribution

Main 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

From the Wanderu blog

Need a return trip from Albany to Boston?

Search Bus Tickets

Plan your next adventure

More buses from Boston

Continue by bus from Albany

Check out these popular routes

Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.

With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free and with no additional fees. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.

Book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.

Download our app and snag the best travel deals across North America & Europe.Learn more

iPhone
Android
Available on iOS & Android