Ithaca, NY to New York, NY Bus Booking
Ithaca to NYC Bus – Route Overview
• Distance: About 225 miles
• Average Travel Time: 4 to 5 hours
• Starting Ticket Price: From $25
• First Bus Departure: 6:30 AM
• Last Bus Departure: 9:30 PM
• Frequency: 9 to 10 buses per day
• Pickup Location in Ithaca, NY:
Downtown Ithaca – E. Seneca Street
• Drop-off Locations in New York City, NY:
Hudson Yards – 11th Avenue between W. 35th and W. 36th Streets
11th Ave between W. 36th and 37th Streets
George Washington Bridge Bus Station
• Amenities Onboard: Free Wi-Fi, charging ports, comfortable seating, live bus tracking
Bus from Ithaca to NYC
Leaving Ithaca for NYC always feels a little different depending on why you’re traveling. Sometimes it’s the end of a quiet weekend. Sometimes it’s the start of something busy in the city. Either way, the ride south has become routine for many people.
The Ithaca to NYC bus usually takes around four to five hours. The first part of the drive is calm - open stretches of highway, changing trees depending on the season, the kind of scenery that makes you realize you’re leaving upstate behind. As you move closer to the city, traffic builds gradually, but by then you’re already settled into your seat.
Students make up a large portion of the riders, especially those traveling between Cornell University to NYC. The Cornell to New York City bus connection is almost second nature during the semester. But it’s not only students. Professionals commuting occasionally, families visiting relatives, and people heading to the city for work or appointments also rely on buses from Ithaca to NYC.
Taking a bus from Ithaca to NYC shifts the responsibility of the road off your shoulders. You don’t have to think about tolls or parking or whether traffic will surprise you at the wrong time. You just board, sit down, and let the trip happen.
Ithaca to NYC Bus Tickets
Buying bus tickets Ithaca to NYC doesn’t require much planning. The OurBus website and the OurBus App make it easy to scroll through departure times, choose your drop-off location, and secure your seat.
Once you’ve booked, your boarding pass is sent digitally. No paper tickets to worry about. No check-in lines.
If you’re traveling around holidays or university breaks, it’s usually a good idea to reserve your Ithaca bus to NYC a few days early. Even with 9 to 10 daily departures, certain times - especially Sunday afternoons - tend to fill up without much warning.
Many travelers going from Ithaca NY to NYC mention that the process feels smooth from beginning to end. There’s no extra complexity built into it.
Distance and Travel Time from Ithaca, NY to New York, NY
• Distance: Approximately 225 miles (360 km)
• Average Bus Travel Time: 4 to 5 hours
• First Departure: 6:30 AM
• Traffic Impact: Slower traffic possible when approaching NYC during peak hours
The shift from Ithaca to New York is noticeable. One moment you’re surrounded by hills and quiet roads. A few hours later, the skyline begins to appear. That transition is part of what makes this route feel familiar to regular riders.
Whether you’re heading from Cornell University to NYC for an internship interview or returning home after a visit, the timing tends to be consistent enough to plan around.
Ithaca to NYC Bus Ticket Price
Fares start at $25. Prices may vary slightly depending on demand and how close you book to your departure date.
Fare Information:
• Booking ahead usually provides better fare options
• Weekend travel often sees stronger demand
• Flexibility with dates can make a difference
Compared to driving - where fuel, tolls, and New York parking costs can add up quickly - the bus Ithaca to NYC keeps expenses predictable.
Ithaca to NYC Bus Schedule & Timings
With 9 to 10 departures daily, the Ithaca to NYC bus schedule spreads options across the day instead of concentrating them into one narrow window.
Daily Departure Windows:
• Morning: 6:30 AM – 10:30 AM
• Midday: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Evening: 4:30 PM – 9:30 PM
• Frequency: 9–10 buses daily
• Weekend Service: Available
• Holiday Schedule: May adjust based on demand
Whether you prefer leaving early or traveling later in the evening, there is usually a bus from Ithaca to NYC that fits your plans.
First and Last Bus from Ithaca to NYC
• First Bus Departure: 6:30 AM
• Last Bus Departure: 9:30 PM
• Total Travel Time: 4 to 5 hours
The early departure is useful if you need to reach Manhattan before noon. The last bus allows you to finish your day in Ithaca without rushing out too early.
Pickup and Drop-off Locations
Pickup Point in Ithaca, NY
• Downtown Ithaca – E. Seneca Street
This location is accessible for students and residents alike.
Drop-off Points in New York City, NY
• Hudson Yards
• 11th Ave between W. 36th and 37th Streets
• George Washington Bridge Bus Station
Once you book your bus from Ithaca to NYC, exact stop details are confirmed so there’s no confusion on arrival.
Cheap Bus from Ithaca to NYC – How to Save
Travel between Ithaca and New York doesn’t have to stretch your budget. A few simple habits can help:
• Book a few days in advance
• Look at midweek departures
• Check for updates on the OurBus website and App
• Avoid peak holiday return times
Frequent riders often find that adjusting their travel day by even one day can affect the fare.
Bus vs Train vs Car – Which Is Better for Ithaca to NYC?
| Travel Mode | Average Cost | Travel Time | Parking Needed | Stress Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | From $25 | 4-5 hrs | No | Low |
| Train | Typically higher than bus | 5+ hrs (may involve connections) | No | Medium |
| Car | Fuel + Tolls + Parking | 4-5+ hrs (traffic dependent) | Yes | High |
Driving offers control, but it also means constant attention. Trains can involve transfers and fluctuating prices. For many people, the bus from Ithaca to NYC strikes a middle ground that feels practical.
Why Choose OurBus for Ithaca to NYC?
What makes this route popular isn’t flashy advertising. It’s the consistency.
You know when the bus leaves.
You know where it arrives.
You know what you’re paying.
What You Can Expect:
• Direct service without transfers
• Complimentary Wi-Fi and charging ports
• Real-time bus tracking
• Flexible rescheduling options
• Clear pricing
Traveling with a group? OurBus Charters let you book an entire bus for your crew and enjoy a smooth, hassle-free journey.
How to Book Bus Tickets from Ithaca, NY to New York, NY on OurBus
Booking your seat takes only a few minutes:
• Select Ithaca, NY and New York, NY
• Choose your travel date
• Compare departure times
• Confirm pickup and drop-off stops
• Complete secure online payment
• Receive your digital boarding pass
The OurBus website and App keep the process straightforward.
Travel Tips for Ithaca to NYC Bus Passengers
• Arrive 10–15 minutes before departure
• Keep your boarding pass accessible
• Double-check your drop-off location
• Allow extra time when entering Manhattan during heavy traffic
The connection between Ithaca and New York continues year-round. The Ithaca to NYC bus remains a practical way to make the trip without taking on the stress of driving.
For return travel, the NYC to Ithaca bus is available as well, making round-trip planning easy.

Why choose OurBus?
Real-time Tracking and Notification
Track your ride and share your ETA with loved ones.
Book Ticket, Hassle Free
Use the app to show your ticket and board the bus, no printout needed!
Comfortable Journey
Enjoy OurBus on-board amenities for a relaxing ride
On-time, Every time
All measures are taken to ensure that the buses depart on-time every single time.
Hassle-Free Cancelation and Rescheduling
You can reschedule your trip up to 60 minutes before departure, or cancel your ticket and receive the ticket price as OurBus wallet credits up to 60 minutes before departure. (Not applicable to BestBus/DC Trails tickets.)
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