For a trip from SYR to Ithaca, you can fly into Ithaca Tompkins International Airport (ITH) or Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR). ITH is in Ithaca and has local ground transport onsite; SYR has bus services and a shared-ride shuttle connection to Ithaca.
- ITH address: 1 Culligan Dr, Ithaca, NY 14850.
- ITH offers rental cars, taxis, rideshare services and TCAT buses.
- SYR has Centro service and bus stops outside Terminal A.
How do you choose between Ithaca and Syracuse airports?
Ithaca Tompkins International Airport is the airport in Ithaca, while Syracuse Hancock International Airport is an alternative with bus and shuttle connections to the city. From the Springwater Inn, ITH is about a 9-minute drive and SYR is about a 73-minute drive.
At ITH, ground transport includes rental cars, taxis, rideshare services and TCAT bus service. The airport is at 1 Culligan Dr, Ithaca, NY 14850. At SYR, you can consider Centro, intercity bus services or a shared-ride shuttle when planning the journey to Ithaca.
Getting from Ithaca Tompkins International Airport
From ITH, you can continue by rental car, taxi, rideshare or TCAT bus. The airport identifies TCAT Route 32 for weekdays and Route 72 for weekends, with both routes connecting the airport to the Ithaca Commons. From the Commons, riders can connect to other destinations in Tompkins County.
TCAT fares are $1.50 each way for adults and $0.75 for children under 17 and seniors. You can buy a ticket from the driver using exact-change cash, a credit or debit card, a digital wallet, Tcard or the TFare Mobile App. The airport also has a compiled list of local taxi services and their rates.
Traveling from Syracuse Hancock International Airport
From SYR, Centro’s SY84 Mattydale route serves the airport on weekdays from 5:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., with limited weekend service. Pickups and drop-offs are in the Arrivals A area, beside the South (Terminal A) baggage claim.
For schedules, fares and live tracking, SYR recommends the GoCentroBus app; a bus tracker is also available in the Terminal A baggage claim.
Trailways and OurBus operate to and from SYR, with both stops outside Terminal A. Contact each company for its service and schedule details when planning a trip to Ithaca.
Cornell University identifies Big D’s Limousines as a car-service and charter-travel provider between Syracuse and Ithaca. Tompkins Transportation Scout identifies Big D’s Limousine as a shared-ride shuttle and gives the fare as $141.50 one way or $283.50 round trip. It advises reserving a seat at least 48 hours in advance to guarantee a ride.
Ground transport and arrival planning
If Ithaca’s waterfront is part of your plans, the beaches and waterfront options in Ithaca give you ideas for places to visit.
SYR requires commercial taxis, shuttles, black cars, limousines, charter buses and courtesy vehicles operating at the airport to hold a valid ground-transportation permit. Permitted providers must use the curbside zones designated for their service type, so follow the airport’s instructions for your pickup.
For a city-focused visit, a one-day route through Ithaca and campus can help shape your time after arrival.
Before you go: Routes, schedules, fares and ground-transport rules can change, so check the official site before you go. For bus and pickup information, use the relevant airport operator’s site; check TCAT directly for its current service details.
FAQs
Which airport is in Ithaca?
Ithaca Tompkins International Airport (ITH) is at 1 Culligan Dr, Ithaca, NY 14850.
Does a bus connect ITH with downtown Ithaca?
TCAT Routes 32 and 72 connect the airport with the Ithaca Commons. Route 32 is identified for weekdays and Route 72 for weekends.
Can you take a bus from Syracuse airport toward Ithaca?
Trailways and OurBus operate to and from SYR. Contact each company for route and timetable details.
Is there a shuttle between Syracuse and Ithaca?
Tompkins Transportation Scout identifies Big D’s Limousine as a shared-ride shuttle between Ithaca and Syracuse Airport and advises reserving at least 48 hours ahead.