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About Albany Intl. Airport

Albany International Airport is located in Albany County, in the State of New York, within the Town of Colonie and close to the wider Albany metropolitan area. The airport is around 7 miles, or about 11 kilometers, from downtown Albany, offering convenient access to the city center and the surrounding Capital Region. Opened to civil air traffic in 1928 and operated by the Albany County Airport Authority, it serves as a key regional gateway for business, government, education, tourism and community travel across eastern New York.

The airport operates from a modern passenger terminal that supports both domestic flights and limited international flights, with concourses designed for efficient check-in, security screening, boarding and arrivals. Albany International Airport handles several million passengers in a typical year and offers essential facilities such as dining, retail services, car rental counters, parking areas, ground transportation links, cargo infrastructure and general aviation support. Traffic is generally strongest during holiday periods, summer travel months and key business seasons, while winter weather can influence schedules and operational flow.

Airlines operating from Albany International Airport typically include major U.S. carriers and their regional partners, offering direct services to important domestic destinations such as Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Detroit, Washington, D.C., Orlando, Tampa and other major hubs. International flights are more limited and are often handled through seasonal, charter or connecting services via larger hub airports. Demand for flight tickets remains steady thanks to government travel, corporate activity, university traffic, leisure passengers and residents who rely on the airport for practical access to national and global networks.

Albany Intl. Airport to Albany City Center Transport

Travelers going from Albany International Airport (ALB) to Albany city center can choose CDTA public buses, hotel or pre-booked shuttle services, taxis and rideshares, rental cars, or private transfers.

Bus

CDTA municipal buses serve Albany International Airport, with routes connecting the terminal area to Downtown Albany and nearby transfer points. Average journey time to the city center is about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the route, traffic, and transfers.

• CDTA Route 737: airport service with connections toward Downtown Albany on weekdays.
• CDTA Route 117: connects the airport with Colonie Center, where passengers can transfer to routes toward Downtown Albany.
• CDTA Route 1 or BusPlus Route 905: useful onward connections from Central Avenue and Colonie Center toward Downtown Albany.

Airport Shuttle (Havas/Havabus)

There is no Havas or Havabus-branded airport shuttle at Albany International Airport. Instead, passengers can use hotel shuttles where available or pre-book local shuttle services. Average travel time to central Albany is about 20 to 35 minutes.

• Hotel shuttle pickup and drop-off may be available for selected Albany-area hotels.
• Pre-booked local shuttle services can serve Downtown Albany, the Empire State Plaza area, and nearby business districts.
• Passengers should confirm shuttle availability directly with their hotel or provider before arrival.

Taxi

Taxis are available at Albany International Airport for direct transport to Albany city center. Service is generally available 24/7, and the average ride to Downtown Albany takes about 15 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic.

Car Rental

Car rental companies operate at Albany International Airport, with rental counters located in the terminal baggage claim area and vehicle pickup in the airport parking garage. Driving to Albany city center usually takes about 15 to 25 minutes via airport access roads and I-87 or local routes.

Transfer

A private airport transfer is a convenient option for travelers who want door-to-door transport from Albany International Airport to a hotel, office, university, or address in Albany city center. Booking in advance is recommended, especially for late-night arrivals, business travel, groups, or passengers with extra luggage.