- Must visit
New York State Museum
Major state museum covering New York history, nature, and culture, with notable exhibits including the September 11 gallery and Adirondack wilderness displays.
Cheapest price
$169
Average price
$220
Fastest journey
17 h 16 m
Average duration
19 h 4 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
1027 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Charlotte, NC to Albany, NY is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Charlotte, NC to Albany, NY will cost around $220 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $169.
Of the 4 buses that leave Charlotte, NC for Albany, NY on Wed, Jun 17, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jun 17 the direct buses cover the 1027 km distance in an average of 19 h 4 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 17 h 16 m .
On Wed, Jun 17 the slowest buses will take 1 d and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.








Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Charlotte, NC to Albany, NY among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $141. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 9h 17m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $141, and a flight costs an average of $270.
Distance: 638 miles (1027 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$209 Average price Cheapest | $328 Average price | $448 Average price | $150 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
17h 38m Average total duration 17h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 2m Average total duration 9h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 17m Average total duration Fastest 9h 17m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 11h 14m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Charlotte, NC to Albany, NY:
A bus is $119 (€96) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Charlotte, NC to Albany, NY costing on average $328 (€265).
A bus is $239 (€193) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Charlotte, NC to Albany, NY costing on average $448 (€362).
Other travel options to Albany, NY take longer:
Train takes on average 9h 32m.
Bus takes on average 17h 8m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:10AM | Arrival Time 06:55PM | Duration 17h45 | Departure days Mon, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $145 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:25AM | Arrival Time 06:55PM | Duration 17h30 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $169 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:25AM | Arrival Time 07:55PM | Duration 17h30 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $233 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 02:35AM | Arrival Time 08:15PM | Duration 17h40 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $181 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:59AM | Arrival Time 09:15PM | Duration 17h16 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $254 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:25AM | Arrival Time 02:40AM | Duration 21h15 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $139 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:20PM | Arrival Time 10:05AM | Duration 20h45 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $144 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 02:10PM | Arrival Time 09:45AM | Duration 19h35 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $164 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:20PM | Arrival Time 05:20PM | Duration 24h00 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $222 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:05PM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 20h50 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $156 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:05PM | Arrival Time 11:10AM | Duration 17h05 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $144 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:25PM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 17h30 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $136 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:05PM | Arrival Time 07:55PM | Duration 20h50 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $195 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:15PM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 18h00 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $149 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 05:15PM | Duration 17h40 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $149 |
The table below shows live departures for Charlotte, NC to Albany, NY buses for today, Monday, June 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus+ · | 6:05 PM Charlotte, Freedom Drive (Planet Fitness), NC | 20h50 | 2:55 PM Albany, Bus Terminal | 2 transfers | |
· | 6:05 PM Charlotte, W 4th St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 17h05 | 11:10 AM Albany, Bus Terminal | 1 transfer | |
+ FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:05 PM Charlotte, W 4th St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 19h15 | 1:20 PM Albany, Collins Circle (SUNY - Near Flagpoles), NY | 2 transfers | |
· · | 9:25 PM Charlotte, W 4th St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 17h30 | 2:55 PM Albany, Bus Terminal | 2 transfers | |
| Tuesday, June 16 | |||||
![]() | 1:25 AM Charlotte, NC | 17h30 | 6:55 PM Albany, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:25 AM Charlotte, NC | 17h30 | 7:55 PM Albany, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Monday, June 15 | |||||
FlixBus+ · | 11:15 PM Charlotte, Freedom Drive (Planet Fitness), NC | 18h00 | 5:15 PM Albany, Bus Terminal | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · | 11:35 PM Charlotte, W 4th St (Greyhound Bus Station) | 17h40 | 5:15 PM Albany, Bus Terminal | 2 transfers | |
| Tuesday, June 16 | |||||
![]() | 3:59 AM Charlotte, NC | 17h16 | 9:15 PM Albany, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:20 PM Charlotte, NC | 24h00 | 5:20 PM Albany, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Charlotte, NC to Albany, NY run on average 9 times per day, taking around 17h 8m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $141 (€114) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 01:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 638 miles (1027 km) distance in 17h 5m.
Distance 638 miles (1027 km) |
Average bus duration 17h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price $141 (€114) |
Buses per day 9 |
Fastest bus 17h 5m |
First bus 1:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Albany — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Albany trip today.
Major state museum covering New York history, nature, and culture, with notable exhibits including the September 11 gallery and Adirondack wilderness displays.
One of the oldest museums in the United States, known for Hudson River School paintings and exhibitions on regional history and art.
Historic World War II destroyer escort operating as a floating museum on the Hudson River, offering a distinctive naval history experience.
Modern civic complex with monumental architecture, fountains, memorials, and broad public spaces that are central to Albany sightseeing.
Albany's best-known urban park, popular for walking, seasonal blooms, and relaxed city views.
Lively neighborhood corridor known for independent shops, murals, nightlife, and a strong local character.
Crispy chicken wings tossed in spicy butter hot sauce, a classic Upstate New York bar food strongly associated with the region.
Roast beef on a kummelweck roll topped with coarse salt and caraway, a beloved regional sandwich from Western New York often found across the state.
Fried mozzarella served with raspberry melba sauce, a Capital Region favorite said to have local roots and common on Albany-area menus.
Established Italian restaurant loved for handmade pasta, robust wine list, and warm, intimate atmosphere near downtown Albany.
Long-running fine-dining restaurant known for refined Indonesian-influenced New American cuisine and polished special-occasion atmosphere.
Historic downtown seafood and steak restaurant, celebrated for its classic Albany dining room and old-school service.
Costs are moderate by U.S. standards. Hotels vary by season, while casual dining and coffee are fairly affordable.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants for good service; 15-18% is lower end. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff and delivery drivers.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Charlotte, NC to Albany, NY by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Albany, NY, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need