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Cheap bus tickets from New York to Ithaca

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20% OFF all Adirondack Trailways trips

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

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New York to Ithaca Bus Schedule

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Bus from New York to Ithaca: Journey Information

There are 19 intercity buses per day from New York to Ithaca. Traveling by bus from New York to Ithaca usually takes around 4 hours and 54 minutes, but the fastest OurBus bus can make the trip in 3 hours and 15 minutes.

Distance176 mi (283 km)
Shortest duration3h 15m
Cheapest price$4.99
Trips per day14
Most frequent serviceOurBus
Bus lines5

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Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Based on their reviews, passengers on this route appreciate the drivers' skills and friendliness, punctuality, and overall comfort throughout the journey.

(Based on 125 ratings and reviews)

4.7

5.0

Katharine

November 27, 2024

OurBus

Frank is the best driver, so professional, kind and helpful. He is amazing!

4.0

May

November 27, 2024- Visiting family

OurBus

Pros: The bus staff was friendly and helpful. The bus itself was very clean, the seats felt more spacious and cushy than usual, and there were also TVs installed above every other seat and cupholders and footrests for each seat. Additionally, the bus went straight from NYC to my destination (Ithaca) without making any stops, so it felt like we were on an express route, which was convenient for me. Cons: Unfortunately, the bus we were originally meant to take on this trip had issues, so we had to wait about an hour and a half to two hours for the relief bus to come meet us so we could transfer. This obviously delayed the trip, as I was originally supposed to get in around 10:30 but actually arrived around 1 p.m. However, this seems like an anomaly, as I use the bus somewhat frequently (about once a month to visit friends or family) and have not had any issues like this before.

5.0

Nadgie

October 26, 2024- Visiting friends

FlixBus US

Pros: I like that is wasn't too crowded. Cons: Please add sanitizing wipes in the bathroom and maybe a mirror. Tips: Pack light.

5.0

Aravind

October 2, 2024- Business

OurBus

Pros: Very comfortable journey and taken through the scenic beauty. Cons: Sign board at the bus stop in New York could be made more visible. Tips: If you want a short and comfortable travel to Ithaca, this is the best.

5.0

Nadgie

September 27, 2024- Visiting friends

FlixBus US

Pros: The driver was very friendly. Cons: Sometimes the bus rides are too cold but this time the AC was a bit low in the beginning but then turned up. Tips: Bring a neck pillow.

New York to Ithaca Route Map

New York Ithaca
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How much is a bus ticket from New York to Ithaca?

Bus tickets for a trip from New York to Ithaca cost $48.22 on average. Tickets cheaper than $48.22 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.

Average bus ticket prices from New York to Ithaca by travel date

$60$40$20DecDec

If you're planning to travel by bus from New York to Ithaca in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $39 to $56. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on December 11, 2024.

If you’re looking to travel to Ithaca this week, bus tickets are available starting at $39.

Average bus ticket prices from New York to Ithaca by month

$75$60$45$30$15JFMAMJJASOND
Taking the bus from New York to Ithaca is usually cheapest in December, when the average ticket price is only $47. If you're planning to take the bus from New York to Ithaca during November, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $55. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.

Prices as travel date approaches

$75$60$45$30$153020100

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 29 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $25.66 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.

What bus companies travel from New York to Ithaca?

There are 5 bus lines from New York to Ithaca available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. With 8 daily trips, OurBus usually has the most buses running on any given day. Here are some time and price comparisons for all the available options:

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Adirondack Trailways14h 33m$62.61
FlixBus US55h 25m$65.74
Greyhound46h 5m$83.44
Megabus44h 34m$57.37
OurBus64h 25m$61.61

  • 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 5 trips per day from New York to Ithaca, 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 New York to Ithaca every day, with the average journey taking around 6 hours and 5 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to Ithaca usually start from $32.

  • Book Megabus from New York to Ithaca from $5. There are 4 trips per day offered by Megabus from New York to Ithaca and you can expect on average to pay for a Megabus ticket to Ithaca. In New York, Megabus departs to Ithaca from Port Authority - 301 W 41st St . In Ithaca, Megabus arrives at Cornell University and one other station.

    An average trip on Megabus from New York to Ithaca takes 4 hours and 34 minutes , while the fastest available Megabus trip will get you to Ithaca in 3 hours and 15 minutes .

    On weekends, Megabus offers 5 trips per day. A one way ticket costs for a weekend trip to Ithaca.

  • OurBus is an intercity bus company based in New York City. OurBus provides cheap bus tickets to some of the most popular cities in the United States. All OurBus coaches come equipped with a generous roster of amenities, including extra legroom, freshly cleaned restroom, free WiFi, power outlets at every seat, and complimentary bottled water. With cheap bus tickets starting from $25, OurBus is one of the best ways to travel by bus from New York to Ithaca if you are looking for comfort at a good price.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from New York to Ithaca

Ithaca is about 222.7 miles (358.4 kilometers) from New York City. On average, the travel time between the two cities is 4 to 5 and a half hours by bus. In perfect weather and with clear traffic, a direct bus can make it to Ithaca in as fast as 3 hours.
Cornell University is a 4-minute drive from downtown Ithaca. To get to Cornell from downtown, there is a bus called TCAT (Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit) that charges an adult fare of $1.50. Throughout downtown, there are many TCAT bus stops with maps that show how to get to Cornell. Alternatively, since Cornell is so close to downtown Ithaca, many students just walk to campus — which takes about 22 minutes. Uber and Lyft are also available.
Unfortunately, there are no direct trains to Ithaca from New York City. The best option is to take the train to Syracuse (either the Amtrak Empire Service or Amtrak Maple Leaf), and switch to a bus for an additional 1.5 hours of travel. The average cost for a train ticket on this route is $95. All in all, you’re probably better off taking a bus for this route.

When comparing transportation options from New York City to Ithaca, both buses and planes offer their own perks.

Bus travel from New York City to Ithaca typically takes around 4 to 5 hours, offering direct routes but potentially longer travel times due to traffic and occasional stops along the way. Despite the extended duration, buses provide amenities like comfortable seating, restrooms, Wi-Fi, power outlets, and sometimes onboard entertainment options. Additionally, some bus companies offer snacks or beverages for purchase, enhancing the overall journey experience.

In contrast, flying from New York City to Ithaca is the quickest option, with flights typically lasting around 1 hour. However, this does not include the time spent getting to and from airports, going through security, and potential delays, which can add to the total travel time. Airplanes often have limited amenities, especially on shorter domestic flights, with economy-class seating that may be cramped and amenities like Wi-Fi and power outlets not always available.

From a budget standpoint, bus tickets are cheaper than to flights. While flight prices can vary widely based on factors like the time of booking, airline, and demand, bus travel from New York City to Ithaca tends to offer lower prices, with potential discounts for students, seniors, or members.

Lastly, when considering the environmental impact, buses are more environmentally friendly than planes on a per-passenger basis. While both modes of transportation produce emissions, buses contribute less to greenhouse gas emissions and help reduce carbon footprint, making them a more sustainable choice for environmentally conscious travelers.

So while flying may offer speed, bus travel from New York City to Ithaca provides a more comfortable, affordable, and environmentally friendly option. With amenities onboard and a more leisurely pace, taking a bus allows travelers to enjoy the journey while minimizing their impact on the environment.

The bus takes an average of 4 hours and 54 minutes to cover the 176 miles from New York to Ithaca. However, the fastest bus only takes 3 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.

Because many passengers travel from New York to Ithaca 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 5:00am and the last bus leaves at 11:00pm. To see the times for all buses from New York to Ithaca, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

There are 19 scheduled buses that travel from New York to Ithaca every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 14 direct buses, where you can stay on the same bus without having to transfer to a connecting bus at any point during your trip.

Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from New York to Ithaca; ticket prices start at $85.00.

City Information

New York

NYC-0NYC-1NYC-2

New York is one of the most exciting cities in the world for a reason – it offers numerous opportunities for a great time to visitors of all ages and interests. For the culturally inclined travelers, the city boasts a unique collection of world-famous museums, as well as the chance to see the best plays and musicals that Broadway has to offer, or check out the latest production at the Metropolitan Opera. If sightseeing is your cardio, NYC is the place to be – just by walking around town, you can visit such iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building, the Brooklyn Bridge, and Times Square. Or hop on a ferry to Ellis Island to meet the Statue of Liberty up-close and personal.

NYC’s five boroughs feature more than 1,700 parks, including the gorgeous Central Park, making it one of the best cities for outdoor activities in the country. As for the nightlife, there’s no argument that New York City is the biggest party hub in the U.S.

With three major bus and train stations in Manhattan alone – Port Authority, Grand Central & Penn Station – and three nearby airports, NYC is one of the predominant travel hubs in the world. If you are ever looking to get out of town, NYC is centrally connected throughout the state and region, you can easily hop on a train to Albany to go explore upstate New York.

Ithaca

Blessed with over 150 waterfalls within 10 miles, Ithaca is every outdoors fan’s petit haven. The most notable, and the tallest of the bunch, is the Taughannock Falls. There are hiking trails located close to the falls that will provide an amazing overlook of the falls itself, but do stay away from the water in the gorges. If hiking is not your cup of tea, perhaps a boat cruise on Lake Cayuga, which is the longest of the Finger Lakes, will offer the tranquility and peace of mind you need. For culturally-inclined tourists, don’t hesitate to take a short detour to the State Theatre of Ithaca, which offers top-tier shows and concerts that charm locals and visitors alike.

Ithaca boasts even more restaurants per capita than New York City, and its amazing food scene seems to have a little bit of everything for everyone. For the best burger in town, check out Ithaca Ale House. If Italian food is your thing, the door at Franco’s is wide open for you.

Several bus carriers conduct trips in and out of Ithaca, including Greyhound, OurBus, Flixbus and New York Trailways. Unfortunately, there are currently no Amtrak trains that go to Ithaca. The Ithaca Tompkins International Airport serves as the town’s main airport. It is located three miles northeast of the city center.

Station Information

Where does the bus leave from in New York?

New York Midtown (31st St & 8th Ave) Bus stop - NYCGOB2-0

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: 300-310 W 31 St (SW Corner of 31st & 8th Ave)

Buses to Ithaca leave from 15 stations in New York.

All bus stations in New York:

  • 300-310 W 31 St (SW Corner of 31st & 8th Ave)

  • Port Authority - 625 8th Ave

  • GW Bridge Bus Station - Slip 2

  • Port Authority - 301 W 41st St

  • 11th Ave (btw. 35th & 36th St.)

  • Port Authority Bus Station

  • Chinatown - 28 Allen St (eastside b/w Hester and Canal St)

  • Madison Ave btwn E. 26th and 27th St

  • GW Bridge Bus Station

  • JFK Airport Term 7, Arrivals

  • Horace Harding Blvd & 190th St, S Side

  • Madison Ave btwn E 33rd and 34th St

  • Santander Bank

  • Hudson Yards

  • Sunset Park

Where does the bus arrive in Ithaca?

Main arrival station: Green Street Pharmacy

Buses arrive in Ithaca at 5 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.

All bus stations in Ithaca:

  • Green Street Pharmacy

  • 130 E Seneca St

  • 131 East Green Street

  • Cornell University

  • Cornell University

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