If you’re planning a trip to Central New York, you probably think Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) is your only move. It makes sense. It’s right there. But honestly, if you only look at SYR, you’re likely overpaying or missing out on a much smoother travel day.
I've spent years navigating the Thruway and the small-town backroads of the Finger Lakes. I've learned that "close" is a relative term when you’re talking about airports close to Syracuse. Sometimes driving 90 minutes west to Rochester saves you $400 on a family vacation. Other times, trekking down to Ithaca is the only way to catch a specific regional connection without a six-hour layover in Philly.
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Let's get into the weeds of where you should actually be flying.
The Big Three: SYR, ROC, and ALB
Most travelers stick to the "I-90 corridor" airports. These are the heavy hitters.
Syracuse Hancock International (SYR)
This is your home base. It’s located about 10 minutes north of downtown Syracuse. People love it because it’s small enough that you won't get lost, but big enough to have an Escape Lounge and decent food.
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However, SYR can be a bit of a wildcard with pricing. Because it’s a regional hub for business travelers (think Micron and the university system), mid-week flights can be brutally expensive. If you're flying out on a Tuesday, you might see prices that make your eyes water.
Greater Rochester International (ROC)
Basically the arch-rival. It sits about 90 miles west, roughly an hour and 20 minutes from Syracuse.
- The Vibe: Surprisingly modern.
- The Cost: Often $50 to $100 cheaper than Syracuse for domestic routes.
- Why bother? If SYR is booked solid or showing high fares, ROC is your best backup. Southwest has a strong presence here, which is a major factor for budget-conscious families.
Albany International (ALB)
Albany is further—about 2 hours and 15 minutes east. It’s a bit of a haul. But if you’re heading to the Hudson Valley or need a specific international connection that doesn't route through JFK, it's worth a glance. Just be warned: the TSA lines at ALB can be surprisingly long for an airport of its size, especially on Monday mornings when state lobbyists are out in force.
Tiny But Mighty: The Regional Alternatives
Sometimes the big airports are a headache. That's when the smaller airports close to Syracuse become secret weapons.
Ithaca Tompkins International (ITH)
About an hour south of Syracuse. It’s tiny. Like, "two gates" tiny.
You’ve probably heard people complain about the "Ithaca fog" canceling flights, and yeah, that’s a real thing. But for a quick hop to New York City or Washington D.C., it’s incredibly low-stress. You can park your car and be at the gate in under seven minutes.
Watertown International (ART)
Located about 70 miles north. This is mostly used by people living near Fort Drum, but American Airlines runs flights here. It’s a straight shot up I-81. If you're visiting the Thousand Islands and Syracuse is too pricey, check Watertown. It’s a niche move, but it works.
Why You Should Compare More Than Just Price
Driving distance is only half the battle. You have to think about the "hidden" costs of these airports close to Syracuse.
- Parking Fees: SYR has been modernizing its parking, and if you book online, you can snag economy spots for around $10 a day. Rochester is usually in the same ballpark. Ithaca? Sometimes you'll pay more for the convenience of being 50 feet from the door.
- Rental Car Availability: If you land in Elmira (ELM) or Binghamton (BGM) to save $50 on a ticket, you might find that the rental car desk closes at 10 PM. If your flight is delayed, you're stuck. Syracuse and Rochester have much more robust 24/7 operations.
- Reliability: Syracuse handles snow better than almost any airport in the country. Seriously. They have a massive "snow team" that keeps the runways clear while other East Coast hubs are shutting down for two inches of slush.
Making the Final Call
So, which one do you pick?
If you're flying for work and someone else is paying, stay at SYR. It’s the easiest. If you’re a family of four looking to save $600 on a trip to Orlando, check ROC first, then look at Buffalo (BUF) if you don’t mind a 2.5-hour drive. Buffalo often has the lowest fares in the state because of the high volume of low-cost carriers.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check Google Flights using the "Multi-City" or "Nearby Airports" feature. Enter SYR, then add ROC and ITH to the search.
- Calculate the gas and tolls. A round trip to Albany will cost you about $30 in gas and a few bucks in Thruway tolls. Factor that into your "savings."
- If you choose a smaller airport like Ithaca or Watertown, always take the first flight of the morning to avoid the ripple effect of delays.
Don't just default to the closest zip code. A little bit of driving can often buy you a much better flight experience.