New York, NY to Ithaca, NY Bus Booking
New York to Ithaca Bus – Route Overview
• Distance: About 225 miles
• Average Travel Time: 4 to 5 hours
• Starting Ticket Price: From $25
• First Bus Departure: 6:00 AM
• Last Bus Departure: 11:59 PM
• Frequency: 9 to 10 buses per day
• Pickup Locations in New York City, NY:
Hudson Yards – 11th Avenue between W. 35th and W. 36th Streets
George Washington Bridge Bus Station, Level 3, Slip 2
• Drop-off Location in Ithaca, NY:
Downtown Ithaca – E. Seneca Street
• Amenities Onboard: Free Wi-Fi, charging ports, comfortable seating, live bus tracking
Bus from New York to Ithaca
Anyone who has driven from New York to Ithaca knows the first part of the trip can feel busy. Getting out of the city takes patience. Once you’re past that stretch, though, the road opens up and the ride becomes quieter and more scenic.
That’s part of why the NYC to Ithaca bus remains such a steady choice. The trip usually takes around four to five hours, which feels manageable - long enough to settle in, but not so long that it drags. Some riders open their laptops. Others plug in headphones and watch the landscape change as you head north.
During the school year, the Cornell bus NYC to Ithaca is especially popular. Students heading back to campus, parents visiting for the weekend, and alumni coming into town all use this route regularly. But it’s not just for students. Plenty of travelers simply prefer the ease of taking a bus from NYC to Ithaca instead of dealing with traffic themselves.
There’s something reassuring about knowing you can sit down and let someone else handle the road.
New York to Ithaca Bus Tickets
Booking bus tickets from NYC to Ithaca doesn’t take much effort. Through the OurBus website or the OurBus App, you can see available departure times, choose your pickup point, and reserve your seat without jumping through extra steps.
After payment, your boarding pass arrives digitally. No printing, no waiting in lines, no guesswork.
If you’re traveling during peak times - especially around university breaks or long weekends - it’s smart to book your bus from NYC to Ithaca NY a few days in advance. Even with 9 to 10 departures daily, certain time slots fill up faster than you might expect.
For many travelers, the bus from NYC to Ithaca New York simply feels dependable. It’s consistent, and that consistency matters.
Distance and Travel Time from New York, NY to Ithaca, NY
• Distance: Approximately 225 miles (360 km)
• Average Bus Travel Time: 4 to 5 hours
• First Departure: 6:00 AM
• Traffic Impact: Heavier congestion possible when leaving NYC during peak hours
The route north gradually shifts from dense city streets to open stretches of highway and rolling hills. Taking a bus to Ithaca from NYC gives you a pocket of time where you don’t need to concentrate on driving. That alone can make a difference.
Early departures work well if you want to arrive before midday. The last departure at 11:59 PM gives flexibility to those who prefer traveling later, especially after finishing work or class.
New York to Ithaca Bus Ticket Price
Fares begin at $25, with pricing adjusting slightly depending on demand and booking timing.
Fare Information:
• Booking early usually provides better starting fares
• Weekend departures often see higher demand
• Being flexible with travel dates can open up more options
Compared with driving - where fuel, tolls, and parking costs add up quickly - the bus NYC to Ithaca keeps expenses more predictable.
New York to Ithaca Bus Schedule & Timings
With 9 to 10 daily departures, the NYC to Ithaca bus schedule offers flexibility throughout the day.
Daily Departure Windows:
• Morning: 6:00 AM – 10:30 AM
• Midday: 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM
• Evening: 5:00 PM – 11:59 PM
• Frequency: 9–10 buses daily
• Weekend Service: Operates regularly
• Holiday Schedule: May adjust depending on demand
Whether you prefer an early start or a late ride, there’s typically a bus NYC to Ithaca that fits naturally into your plans.
First and Last Bus from NYC to Ithaca
• First Bus Departure: 6:00 AM
• Last Bus Departure: 11:59 PM
• Total Travel Time: 4 to 5 hours
The first departure gets you into Ithaca before lunchtime. The last option gives you the flexibility to wrap up your day in New York before heading north.
Pickup and Drop-off Locations
Pickup Points in New York City, NY
• Hudson Yards – 11th Avenue between W. 35th and W. 36th Streets
• George Washington Bridge Bus Station, Level 3, Slip 2
Both locations are accessible by subway and public transportation, making departures straightforward.
Drop-off Point in Ithaca, NY
• Downtown Ithaca – E. Seneca Street
From here, Cornell University and other parts of Ithaca are easily reachable. Exact stop details are confirmed once you book your bus from NYC to Ithaca NY.
Cheap Bus from New York to Ithaca – How to Save
A few small habits can help keep fares lower:
• Book several days ahead when possible
• Consider midweek departures
• Check promotions on the OurBus website and App
• Avoid peak holiday return times
Frequent travelers often find that even shifting a trip by a day can change the available fare options.
Bus vs Train vs Car – Which Is Better for NYC to Ithaca?
| 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 (often with connections) | No | Medium |
| Car | Fuel + Tolls + Parking | 4-5+ hrs (traffic dependent) | Yes | High |
Driving gives independence, but it also requires steady focus. Train routes may involve connections. For many, the bus from NYC to Ithaca strikes a practical balance between comfort and cost.
Why Choose OurBus for New York to Ithaca?
What keeps riders returning isn’t flashy messaging. It’s reliability.
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
• Transparent 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 New York, NY to Ithaca, NY on OurBus
Booking takes only a few minutes:
• Select New York, NY and Ithaca, NY
• Choose your travel date
• Compare departure times
• Confirm pickup and drop-off stops
• Complete secure payment
• Receive your digital boarding pass
The OurBus website and App are designed to make the process simple without unnecessary steps.
Travel Tips for New York to Ithaca Bus Passengers
• Arrive 10–15 minutes before departure
• Keep your boarding pass accessible
• Double-check pickup details
• Allow extra time when leaving NYC during busy hours
The connection between New York and Ithaca continues to serve students, families, and professionals throughout the year. The NYC to Ithaca bus remains a steady and practical way to reach upstate New York.
For return travel, the Ithaca to NYC bus is available as well, making round-trip planning simple.

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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