JFK is in Queens, New York City. Albany, the state capital, is up the Hudson Valley. Whether you're landing at JFK and heading upstate, or flying out of JFK from the Capital Region, here's how far the trip is and how to make it.
Distance from JFK Airport to Albany NY
- Straight line: about 146 miles between JFK and Albany International Airport (ALB), computed from the two airports' coordinates.
- By road: about 150 miles. The road is always longer than the straight line, so treat any figure under 146 miles as wrong.
- Albany International Airport is six miles northwest of Albany, in Colonie. If your destination is downtown Albany, add that short local leg.
Ways to travel from JFK Airport to Albany NY
Drive or rent a car
Driving is the most direct option and takes about 3 hours in normal traffic. The AirTrain connects the JFK terminals to the airport's rental car center, so you can pick up a car without leaving the airport.
Leaving JFK is often the slowest part. The airport warns that construction is slowing pick-ups and drop-offs for all vehicles, so allow extra time getting out of the airport.
Take the train
There is no direct train from JFK to Albany. The rail route has three legs:
- AirTrain to Jamaica Station. The fare is $8.75, charged when you leave the AirTrain at Jamaica.
- Long Island Rail Road from Jamaica to Penn Station. The fare is $5.25 off-peak or $7.25 peak. The MTA puts the LIRR and AirTrain together at $14 or $16.
- Amtrak from New York Penn Station (Moynihan Train Hall) to Albany-Rensselaer. Amtrak's Maple Leaf runs from New York City through the Hudson Valley and Albany on its way to Toronto.
Albany-Rensselaer is the Capital Region's main Amtrak station, with service to New York City. It is 14 miles from Albany International Airport.
This route takes longer than driving, but you skip the traffic and can work or rest on the train. It suits travelers without a car at either end.
Fly
Albany International Airport is served by several airlines, including American, Delta, JetBlue, United, Southwest, Allegiant and Breeze. The listings we checked do not confirm a nonstop flight between JFK and Albany, so check current schedules before you plan one, and remember that a short flight still includes check-in, security and boarding time.
Car service or taxi
A private car service or taxi takes you door to door, but on a trip this long the fare is high. Ask for a quote in advance. For a group sharing one car, the cost per person can make more sense.
Distance and Time taken to travel from JFK Airport to Albany NY
| Option | Distance | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Drive | About 150 miles | About 3 hours in normal traffic |
| Rail (AirTrain, LIRR, Amtrak) | Two transfers | Longer than driving. Check the Amtrak timetable |
| Flight | About 146 miles in a straight line | Depends on whether a nonstop is scheduled |
Travel Expenses from JFK Airport to Albany, NY
- Rail: $14 or $16 for the AirTrain and LIRR into Manhattan, plus your Amtrak fare to Albany-Rensselaer. Amtrak fares change with demand.
- Driving: rental, fuel and tolls. Prices vary by company and season.
- Car service: the most expensive option for one traveler. Get a written quote.
Tips for traveling from JFK Airport to Albany NY
- Avoid rush hour. Leaving JFK in the late afternoon puts you on the road with commuter traffic.
- Buy the right LIRR ticket. Peak and off-peak fares differ, and the MTA lets you buy rail tickets on your phone through the TrainTime app.
- Heading to JFK by rail? The MTA suggests sitting near the front of an eastbound LIRR train, which puts you closer to the AirTrain when you get off at Jamaica.
- Check the Amtrak timetable before you land so you know which train you're aiming for.
Flying from Manhattan to JFK first
If you're coming from Albany by train and flying out of JFK, you'll arrive in Manhattan before the airport. BLADE offers helicopter flights between Manhattan and JFK in about 5 minutes, from $195 per seat. After landing, a BLADE vehicle takes you to your departure terminal.
FAQs about How Far Is Jfk Airport From Albany Ny
How far is JFK airport from Albany NY?
About 146 miles in a straight line and about 150 miles by road.
What is the best way to travel from JFK airport to Albany NY?
Driving is the most direct option, at about 3 hours in normal traffic. Without a car, take the AirTrain to Jamaica, the LIRR to Penn Station and Amtrak to Albany-Rensselaer.
How long does it take to get from JFK airport to Albany NY?
About 3 hours by car in normal traffic. The rail trip takes longer because of the two transfers, so check the Amtrak timetable for your train.
Are there any direct flights from JFK airport to Albany NY?
The listings we checked do not confirm one. Check current airline schedules for Albany International Airport.
Can I rent a car at JFK airport to drive to Albany NY?
Yes. The AirTrain connects the terminals to JFK's rental car center.
Is there a train from JFK airport to Albany NY?
Not directly. Take the AirTrain to Jamaica, the LIRR to Penn Station, then Amtrak to Albany-Rensselaer.