The Group Travel Guide to Airports in & Around Albany, New York

When it comes to group travel, catching a flight out of Albany International Airport is often just the first leg of your journey. For large groups—whether business teams, wedding parties, school bands or sports squads—coordinating transportation to the airport can be more stressful than the flight itself! If you’re tired of arranging carpools, wrangling luggage on crowded hotel shuttles, or worrying about parking fees, Charter Bus Rental Albany has an easy solution: book a private airport shuttle service tailored to your group’s size, schedule and needs.

Our charter bus company offers 24/7 support and access to one of the largest fleets of buses in New York State. We regularly provide airport transfer services at Albany International and other regional airports. Call 838-839-6660 any time to get a quick quote on a minibus, sprinter van, or full-size motorcoach—or read our guide below for tips on group-friendly airport ground transport in Albany.

Quick Answer:

Albany International Airport (ALB) is the main airport serving Upstate New York's Capital Region. Located about 7 miles northwest of downtown Albany, ALB is easily accessible via I-87 (the Adirondack Northway) and Wolf Road. It offers nonstop flights to major hubs like Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Detroit, Orlando, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., with seasonal routes to popular vacation destinations such as Fort Lauderdale, Myrtle Beach, Punta Gorda, and Tampa. The airport is served by several airlines, including American, Delta, Southwest, United, JetBlue, and Allegiant. With modern amenities, convenient parking options, and a range of ground transportation choices, ALB provides a hassle-free travel experience for both business and leisure travelers.

Albany International Airport (ALB)

Address: 737 Albany Shaker Rd, Albany, NY 12211

The largest and busiest airport in New York’s Capital Region, Albany International handles over 1 million passengers annually—including thousands of group travelers each month. ALB serves as a gateway to all of Upstate New York, with direct flights to major hubs like Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Florida cities and beyond.

It features three concourses (A, B and C), a consolidated security checkpoint, free Wi-Fi, multiple restaurants, shops and a business center. The terminal is open 24/7, though airline ticket counters and concessions have varying hours.

Charter Bus Loading Zones

All oversized vehicles must use designated commercial zones located at the far end of the terminal’s Arrivals curb. Have your bus head to “Ground Transportation” signage—it’s adjacent to taxi, limo and rideshare staging areas. Your group can unload luggage, then walk directly into baggage claim or check-in without crossing traffic lanes.

If your charter bus needs to wait for a returning flight, it can stage in the airport’s Cell Phone Lot on Albany Shaker Road until your group is ready for pickup.

Group-Friendly Dining & Amenities

ALB’s main terminal offers several fast-casual dining options before and after security, including Dunkin’, Starbucks, Wolfgang Puck Pizza, Silks Sushi and a full-service bar. Larger groups may want to pre-order boxed lunches from local favorite Honest Weight Food Co-op Café or arrange catering from nearby Wolf Road restaurants.

For those with long layovers, the airport also houses a USO lounge (for military members/families), a meditation room, children’s play area, and rotating art exhibits. Small meeting rooms are available for rent on-site if your group needs a private space to gather.

Nearby Attractions for Layovers

Have a few hours before your flight? Ask your charter bus to make a detour to the New York State Museum, Empire State Plaza, or Crossgates Mall—all within a 15-minute drive. Outdoor enthusiasts can visit the Pine Bush Preserve’s hiking trails, while history buffs might enjoy walking tours of the Schuyler Mansion or Ten Broeck Mansion.

Schenectady County Airport (SCH)

Distance from Downtown Albany: ~19 miles or 25 minutes

Address: 30 Aviation Rd, Glenville, NY 12302

Though primarily a general aviation facility, Schenectady County Airport occasionally handles charter flights for college sports teams, government delegations, or corporate events when ALB is too busy or expensive. It’s also home to Stratton Air National Guard Base and the Empire State Aerosciences Museum.

Small groups using SCH can request drop-off/pickup at the Civil Terminal’s front entrance. There’s ample parking for buses, and FBOs like Richmor Aviation offer private lounges and conference rooms. If you have downtime, tour the museum’s vintage aircraft collection or grab lunch at a nearby diner in Scotia.

Stewart International Airport (SWF)

Distance from Albany: ~85 miles or 1 hour, 45 minutes

Address: 1180 First St, New Windsor, NY 12553

Located near Newburgh in the Hudson Valley, Stewart is a growing alternative to ALB for groups headed to Downstate destinations or seeking budget flights on Allegiant, Frontier or Play Airlines (to Iceland). SWF’s compact terminal is easy for groups to navigate, with short security lines and quick access to rental car lots.

Oversized vehicle loading is permitted at the outer curb, where charter buses can idle briefly. For longer waits, use the economy parking lot. Stewart’s proximity to I-87 and I-84 makes it ideal for groups combining air and ground travel across the state—and there’s plenty to do nearby, from shopping at Woodbury Common Premium Outlets to exploring West Point Military Academy or Storm King Art Center.

Bradley International Airport (BDL)

Distance from Albany: ~100 miles or 2 hours

Address: Schoephoester Rd, Windsor Locks, CT 06096

Groups flying internationally or needing more airline options sometimes choose Bradley, just north of Hartford, CT. BDL offers nonstop service to major U.S. cities plus Canada and Ireland, with spacious terminals and robust ground transport infrastructure.

Charter buses can load/unload at the Departures level (outer curb) or park in designated bus spaces in Garage 1. Inside, groups will find sit-down restaurants, duty-free shops, lounges, and even an onsite Sheraton hotel for overnight stays. If you arrive early, consider a group visit to the New England Air Museum next door or downtown Hartford attractions like the Mark Twain House.

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK)

Distance from Albany: ~155 miles or 3 hours

Address: Queens, NY 11430

If your group requires transatlantic flights, JFK is the region’s primary international gateway. While the drive from Albany is lengthy, a charter bus allows everyone to travel together, avoid NYC parking hassles, and relax en route. Each JFK terminal has dedicated bus lanes and commercial vehicle staging areas—be sure to confirm which terminal your airline uses, as they’re spread out.

Groups may want to plan extra time for security, customs, and navigating JFK’s extensive amenities (from food courts to the TWA Hotel’s rooftop pool). Consider scheduling your bus to arrive well ahead of departure or to pick up late-arriving members from different terminals.

Tips for Booking Group Airport Transportation in Albany

Choose the right bus size for your group and luggage. Our fleet includes minibuses (15-35 passengers) for small teams with carry-ons, sprinter vans for VIP transfers, and full-size charter buses (up to 56 seats) with undercarriage storage for large groups and lots of checked bags. Not sure what you need? Tell us your headcount and gear—we’ll match you to the perfect vehicle.

Plan your pickup/drop-off times carefully. Airlines recommend arriving 2 hours before domestic and 3 hours before international flights. Factor in loading/unloading, traffic on I-87, and possible TSA delays. For arrivals, give your bus real-time updates on your flight status so they can meet you curbside when you exit baggage claim.

Consider adding premium amenities. Upgrade your airport shuttle to include WiFi for last-minute emails, power outlets for device charging, a PA system for announcements, or even onboard restrooms on long-haul trips. Your group can watch movies, review itineraries, or simply recline and nap until you reach the terminal.

Get Your Albany Airport Shuttle Quote Today

No matter which airport you’re flying from, Charter Bus Rental Albany has the resources and experience to handle your ground transportation seamlessly. We’ve moved everyone from Fortune 500 executives to high school orchestras through ALB and beyond, always prioritizing safety, comfort and punctuality.

Ready to simplify your group’s airport travel? Call 838-839-6660 now or fill out our online form for an instant quote. Let us know your flight details, headcount, luggage requirements and any special requests—we’ll customize a private shuttle package that gets your team to the gate on time, every time. With Charter Bus Rental Albany, your next trip takes off stress-free!