Albany airport (ALB)

Albany International Airport (IATA code: ALB), established in 1928, is the primary commercial airport serving New York's Capital Region. It offers scheduled and seasonal domestic flights connecting to major national hubs and popular leisure destinations across the East Coast and Florida.

Official Website: albanyairport.com

Phone: +1 (518) 242-2200

Terminals

The airport features a single two-level passenger terminal divided into three boarding concourses interconnected through a central post-security atrium:

• Concourse A: Gates A1 through A6, completely modernized and equipped with enclosed passenger boarding bridges.
• Concourse B: Gates B1 through B11.
• Concourse C: Gates C1 through C3.

The terminal connects directly to the parking garage via a covered pedestrian bridge on Level 2. The public side of the terminal remains open 24 hours, while the TSA central security checkpoint opens daily at 3:00 a.m. through the departure of the last scheduled flight.

Annual Passenger Traffic (2024): 2.8 million passengers.

Information Desks

The Ambassador Help Desk is located on Level 1 of the main terminal. In addition, Airport Ambassador volunteers are stationed throughout the concourses to assist travelers with directions and information.

 Location

The airport is located 7 miles (11 km) northwest of Albany, in Albany County, New York, United States.

Public and private transportation

Albany Airport is situated approximately 15 to 20 minutes by road from downtown Albany. Several public and private ground transportation alternatives are available:

Local and Regional Buses

The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) provides scheduled public bus service via Routes 117 and 737, connecting the terminal to downtown Albany and surrounding areas in about 40 to 50 minutes. Fares range between $1.30 and $1.50 USD.

For intercity travel, Trailways offers routes across New York State, and Vermont Translines connects the airport with points throughout Vermont. Buses pick up passengers at the Commercial Lane directly across from the terminal.

Official Taxis

Contracted taxi service is provided by Advantage Taxi (Yellow Cab). The marked taxi stand is located on the Commercial Lane directly outside the terminal building. Typical one-way fares to downtown Albany run between $30 and $45 USD.

Ridesharing

Uber and Lyft are authorized to operate at the airport. The designated Rideshare Pick Up zone is located curbside outside the baggage claim area. Fares to downtown Albany generally range from $22 to $35 USD depending on time and demand.

Private Shuttles and Hotel Vans

Private shuttle operators like Tech Valley Shuttle provide pre-arranged door-to-door group and individual transportation. Additionally, area hotels run complimentary shuttle services picking up passengers in the Commercial Lane.

Car rental agencies

Car rental counters are conveniently located on Level 1 of the main terminal, adjacent to the Baggage Claim area.

Rental Companies and Vehicle Pick-Up

Leading rental companies operating at the airport include Avis, Budget, and Hertz, among others. Vehicles are parked inside the Airport Parking Garage, easily reachable on foot from the terminal via the covered pedestrian walkway or across the lane, without requiring a shuttle bus.

Additional Information: Hand-control equipped vehicles are available for travelers with mobility disabilities upon advance reservation. Rentals originating at the airport are subject to standard airport concession recovery fees.

Parking services at Albany airport (ALB)

Albany Airport provides several parking facilities operated by the Airport Authority, featuring automated credit card payments and E-ZPass Plus lanes.

Parking Facilities

• Short-Term Parking: Located on Level 1 of the North Garage and adjacent surface bays. First 30 minutes free; $2.00 USD per hour thereafter up to a $24.00 USD daily maximum.
• Parking Garage (GP1 & GP2): Floors 2 through 4 of North Garage and floors 1 through 4 of South Garage, linked to the terminal by a skywalk. Daily rate: $18.00 USD.
• Long-Term Parking: Surface lot located behind the North Garage within short walking distance to the terminal. Daily rate: $12.00 USD.
• Economy E-Lot: Located southeast of the terminal on Albany Shaker Road. Daily rate: $7.00 USD, featuring complimentary 24/7 continuous shuttle bus service to and from the terminal.

Additional Information and Amenities

Cell Phone Lot: Free waiting lot for motorists picking up arriving passengers.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging: Free charging stations in the Long-Term Lot, North Garage (Floor 2), and South Garage (Floor 4).

Parking Office: Contact the parking office directly at +1 (518) 242-2277.

Facilities for passengers with special needs

Albany International Airport is fully equipped to provide comfortable and accessible travel for passengers with special mobility and accessibility requirements.

Mobility Assistance and Wheelchairs

Wheelchair assistance from curb to boarding gate is managed directly by each airline. Travelers are advised to request assistance at least 48 hours prior to flight departure. Contracted service through PrimeFlight assists passengers through security and boarding.

Terminal Infrastructure and Accessibility

Facilities feature curb ramps, automatic doors, elevators connecting all terminal and garage levels, accessible drinking fountains, and TTY phones. All boarding gates in modernized Concourse A feature level boarding jet bridges. The airport is also enabled for the AIRA smartphone app, providing visual interpreting assistance for blind or low-vision passengers.

Hidden Disabilities and Therapy Dogs

The airport is part of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program; passengers with invisible conditions can obtain a Sunflower Lanyard at information desks. A therapy dog program operates periodically across concourses to ease travel anxiety.

Nursing Facilities and Service Animals

A dedicated, private Nursing Mothers' Room equipped with comfortable armchairs, a sink, and a children's play table is located within the central terminal. Dedicated service animal relief areas are situated both landside near baggage claim and post-security airside.