- Must visit
New York State Museum
Major state history, science, and art museum with notable exhibits on New York’s natural history, Adirondacks, and 9/11 recovery artifacts.
Cheapest price
$62
Average price
$84
Fastest journey
4 h 55 m
Average duration
7 h 45 m
Buses per day
6
Distance
319 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Rochester, NY 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 Rochester, NY to Albany, NY will cost around $84 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $62.
Of the 6 buses that leave Rochester, NY for Albany, NY on Fri, May 29, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, May 29 the direct buses cover the 319 km distance in an average of 7 h 45 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 55 m .
On Fri, May 29 the slowest buses will take 10 h 20 m 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 Rochester, NY to Albany, NY among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $48. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 17m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $48, and a flight costs an average of $142.
Distance: 198 miles (319 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$66 Average price | $57 Average price Cheapest | $411 Average price | $69 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 43m Average total duration 5h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 47m Average total duration Fastest 4h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 0m Average total duration 6h 0m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 16m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Rochester, NY to Albany, NY:
A train is $9 (€7) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Rochester, NY to Albany, NY costing on average $66 (€53).
A train is $354 (€285) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Rochester, NY to Albany, NY costing on average $411 (€331).
Other travel options to Albany, NY take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 13m.
Flight takes on average 6h 0m.
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 Adirondack Trailways | Departure Time 12:55AM | Arrival Time 06:00PM | Duration 17h05 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $165 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:35AM | Arrival Time 09:55AM | Duration 8h20 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $45 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:35AM | Arrival Time 01:55PM | Duration 10h20 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:35AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 10h20 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $57 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:20AM | Arrival Time 01:55PM | Duration 8h35 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:20AM | Arrival Time 02:55PM | Duration 8h35 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $63 |
Operator Adirondack Trailways | Departure Time 07:45AM | Arrival Time 06:00PM | Duration 10h15 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $143 |
Operator Adirondack Trailways | Departure Time 08:00AM | Arrival Time 11:15PM | Duration 15h15 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $137 |
Operator Adirondack Trailways | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 11:15PM | Duration 13h45 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $142 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:45AM | Arrival Time 02:40PM | Duration 4h55 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $32 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 12:05PM | Arrival Time 06:40PM | Duration 6h35 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $67 |
Operator Adirondack Trailways | Departure Time 01:20PM | Arrival Time 12:20AM | Duration 11h00 | Departure days Mon, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $143 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:45PM | Arrival Time 06:40PM | Duration 4h55 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $31 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:05PM | Arrival Time 10:40PM | Duration 6h35 | Departure days Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $46 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 05:05PM | Arrival Time 11:40PM | Duration 6h35 | Departure days Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:05PM | Arrival Time 01:55PM | Duration 14h50 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $67 |
The table below shows live departures for Rochester, NY to Albany, NY buses for today, Thursday, May 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 11:05 PM Rochester, NY | 14h50 | 1:55 PM Albany, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, May 29 | |||||
![]() | 3:35 AM Rochester, NY | 10h20 | 1:55 PM Albany, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:35 AM Rochester, NY | 10h20 | 2:55 PM Albany, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:45 PM Rochester, NY | 4h55 | 6:40 PM Albany, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:05 PM Rochester, NY | 6h35 | 10:40 PM Albany, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:05 PM Rochester, NY | 6h35 | 11:40 PM Albany, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
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 Rochester, NY to Albany, NY run on average 7 times per day, taking around 5h 13m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $29 (€23) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:30, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 198 miles (319 km) distance in 4h 55m.
Distance 198 miles (319 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price $29 (€23) |
Buses per day 7 |
Fastest bus 4h 55m |
First bus 12:30 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 28 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 history, science, and art museum with notable exhibits on New York’s natural history, Adirondacks, and 9/11 recovery artifacts.
One of the oldest museums in the US, known for Hudson River School paintings, regional history, and strong collections tied to Albany and the Upper Hudson Valley.
Historic World War II destroyer escort operated as a floating museum on the Hudson River, offering a rare look at naval life and wartime engineering.
Albany’s signature civic complex with monumental modernist architecture, fountains, memorials, and broad open spaces popular for photos and walks.
Historic Olmsted-inspired park beloved for paths, lake views, seasonal flowers, festivals, and relaxed local atmosphere near Center Square.
Popular corridor for strolling and street life, lined with historic buildings and known as one of Albany’s most recognizable neighborhood streets.
Spicy tomato-cream pasta with chicken and peppers, a beloved Upstate New York Italian-American specialty often found around the Capital Region.
Fried mozzarella served with sweet raspberry Melba sauce, a regional favorite strongly associated with Albany-area restaurant culture.
Small hot dogs topped with meat sauce, mustard, and onion, a classic quick bite tied to old-school Albany lunch counters and diners.
Established Italian restaurant celebrated for house-made pasta, Northern Italian dishes, and an intimate, classic Albany dining room.
Long-running fine dining restaurant known for refined Indonesian-influenced cuisine, polished service, and a special-occasion atmosphere in downtown Albany.
Historic Albany institution specializing in oysters, seafood, and traditional American fare with old-school upscale character.
Costs are moderate by U.S. standards. Casual dining is affordable, while hotels and fine dining can be pricier during peak dates.
Tip 18-20% at sit-down restaurants. 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 Rochester, NY 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