Transportation in Albany

Albany is a bus-and-car city at heart. CDTA runs the public bus network across the Capital District, and for most visitors it's the most affordable way to get around, fares are a fraction of what you'd spend on rideshares. If you're planning to ride more than once or twice, grab a Navigator card to tap and go instead of fumbling for exact change. Uber and Lyft both operate here and fill the gaps where bus routes thin out, evenings and weekends when service drops off. Don't assume Albany has a subway or light rail, it doesn't, and planning around one that isn't there is the fastest way to strand yourself. Getting from Albany International Airport into downtown is straightforward but not always obvious. CDTA runs a bus connection from the airport, which is the budget-friendly option, though the schedule isn't as frequent as you might hope, check current timetables before banking on it. Rideshares are the practical default for most arrivals and run moderately more than the bus but save real time, with luggage. Rental car counters are at the terminal if you're heading anywhere beyond the city itself, and given how spread out the Capital District is, a car earns its keep quickly once you're exploring beyond downtown. One thing worth knowing: Albany-Rensselaer is the Amtrak station, sitting just across the river in Rensselaer rather than in Albany proper. If you're arriving by train, don't wander the Albany streets looking for it, and budget a short cab or rideshare from the station into the city center rather than walking across the bridge with your bags.