As visiting traffic in the Rochester region increases each year, travelers are looking for more affordable options from major cities like New York City. Travelers heading between Rochester and NYC this
fall can often save money by taking a bus or train instead of flying.
In 2025, 742,924 passengers traveled to and from ROC over June, July and August, according to the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport
.In late summer, Rochester will see an increase in travel by college students as they prepare for the school year. Here are some options for visitors traveling to and from NYC:
Options for travelers going from Rochester to NYC
Train and bus tickets are proving to be the most cost-effective option for traveling to major cities like NYC. Long-distance travel agencies like Amtrak, OurBus and Trailways offer affordable options for domestic travelers and college students.
Bus tickets from Rochester to NYC on Trailways, Greyhound, OurBus and FlixBus start at $80 round-trip, including taxes and fees.
According to the Trailways website, buses from New York to Rochester travel 318 miles, typically a seven-hour trip. Usually, 23 buses are operating daily, including direct routes.
Amtrak tickets start at $108 round-trip, including taxes and fees. Travelers will find discounts available for students, seniors and veterans through OurBus, Greyhound and Amtrak. Discounts vary per organization.
Flights from ROC to NYC
Round-trip flights from Frederick Douglass airport to John F. Kennedy International and Newark Liberty International start at $257 during September, while flights to LaGuardia International start at $297.
Driving from ROC to NYC
Travelers can book a rental car starting at $34 per day or $310 for a seven-day round-trip through third-party travel agencies like Expedia.
According to GasBuddy, an online tool that helps drivers find the best gas prices, regular gas starts at $3.79 per gallon in Rochester and increases to $3.89 near Newark, New Jersey, and Brooklyn.
—Genae Shields is the Business and Development Impact Reporter, working on mobility stories that focus on how people get around Rochester. As a member of the local community, Genae enjoys learning about emerging businesses and changes that impact Rochester's BIPOC and LGBTQ neighborhoods. She also enjoys supporting local artists and nonprofit organizations. Reach out at gshields@usatodayco.com or on Instagram:@genaebriphoto for questions, comments, or concerns. Thank you for your continued support!
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Cheapest ways to travel between Rochester and New York City
