Albany: Transportation

Approaching the City

Albany was one of the first cities in the nation to have its own airport. In 1928 Charles Lindbergh landed his craft at Albany International Airport in Colonie, located about seven miles west of downtown Albany. This airport accommodated more than 1.4 million enplanements in 2003.

A modern superhighway network that grew up along the shores of Albany's waterways connects the city with New York City to the south via the New York State Thruway (Interstates 90 and 87), and to the Adirondack region and Lake Champlain via the Adirondack Northway (Interstate 87). Interstate 787, the Riverfront Arterial, assists intercity travel and access to New England through connections with Interstate 90 east and U.S. Route 7. Other major highways include U.S. Routes 5, 7A, 9, 9R, and a host of county highways.

Amtrak provides intercity rail passenger service to the Northeast, Midwest, and Canadian cities. The station is located in Rensselaer, about ten minutes from downtown Albany. An increasing number of motor coaches carry tourists to the region from New England and Canada.

Traveling in the City

Two downtown bus terminals operated by Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) handle passenger service in the city and its environs. In addition, CDTA trolleys run a continuous loop through the downtown area, the Theatre Arts District, the waterfront, and Lark Street during the summer.