How far is Ithaca, NY from West Albany, NY?

Fastest route

The route from Ithaca, New York to West Albany, Albany, NY 12205 is approximately 162 miles (260 kilometers) long and is estimated to take around 2 hours and 50 minutes. It is the fastest route considering traffic conditions, but please note that it includes tolls.

Directions

  1. 🚗 Get on I-88 E in Bainbridge from NY-79 E and NY-206 E.
  2. 🗺️ Head south on N Albany St toward Esty St.
  3. ➡️ Turn left onto W Buffalo St.
  4. ➡️ Turn right onto Stewart Ave.
  5. ➡️ Turn left onto E M.L.K. Jr. St/E State St.
  6. ➡️ Continue onto NY-79 E/Slaterville Rd.
  7. ➡️ At the traffic circle, continue straight onto NY-206.
  8. 🛣️ Merge onto I-88 E.
  9. 🛣️ Continue on I-88 E to Albany. Take exit 5 from I-90 E (Toll road).
  10. 🛣️ Use the right 2 lanes to take exit 25-1 to merge onto I-90 E toward Albany (Toll road).
  11. 🛣️ Use the left 2 lanes to take exit 24 for I-87 N/I-90 E toward Albany/Montreal (Toll road).
  12. 🛣️ Continue onto I-87 N/I-90 E (Toll road).
  13. 🛣️ Keep left to continue on I-90 E.
  14. 🛣️ Take exit 5 toward Everett Rd.
  15. 🚗 Follow Everett Rd Ext and Exchange St to Sand Creek Rd.
  16. ➡️ Turn left onto Everett Rd Ext.
  17. ➡️ Turn right at the 2nd cross street onto Exchange St.
  18. ➡️ Continue onto Exchange Street Exd.
  19. ➡️ Turn left onto Sand Creek Rd.
  20. 📍 Arrive at West Albany, Albany, NY 12205.

Tips & Suggestions

  • 🚙 Make sure to check traffic conditions and plan accordingly.
  • ⛽ It's a good idea to have enough fuel before starting the journey, especially if the route has tolls.
  • 🛣️ Stay alert and follow road signs carefully, as there might be toll booths and exits to watch out for.
  • 🚧 Be prepared for any unexpected delays and have some extra time in hand for a smooth trip.
  • 🗺️ Carry a GPS device or use a navigation app to help you stay on track during the journey.
  • 🍴 Pack some snacks and drinks to keep you energized on the road.
  • 🛣️ Familiarize yourself with the route and landmarks beforehand to avoid getting lost.
Trip Tools

Reverse, save, or send this route

This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.

Reverse Route
Quick Snapshot
Road
161.64 mi
02h 56m
Flight
139.34 mi
224.24 km direct

This route works well as a day trip with time at the destination.

Learn Distance

Choose another destination from Ithaca.

Flight Distance

Direct air line
139.34 mi
Kilometers
224.24 km
Flight Time
00h 16m

Driving Distance

Road route
161.64 mi
Kilometers
260.13 km
Drive Time
02h 56m

Gas Cost Calculator

Leave and Arrive Planner

Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.

Drive time stays fixed at 02h 56m.

Arrival Snapshot
Arrive in West Albany
Thu, Oct 15, 5:30 PM EDT
Return by in Ithaca
Thu, Oct 15, 8:27 PM EDT
Useful when you're deciding between a quick errand, a day trip, or a longer stop.
Leave Ithaca
2026-10-15T14:33
Arrive West Albany
Thu, Oct 15, 5:30 PM EDT
Route Timing
02h 56m
One way by road
Best Departure Window
8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT
Aim for a morning departure
Arrive between
10:57 AM to 12:57 PM EDT

A morning start gives you useful time at the destination and keeps the return out of the late evening.

Leave by
12:36 PM EDT
Keeps a same-day return open with about 03h 00m at the destination.
Back in Ithaca
9:30 PM EDT
Morning start is best

You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.

Halfway Point

A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.

Mid-route stop
Otego
NY

Human settlement in Otsego County, New York, United States of America

From Ithaca
80.6 mi
01h 28m
To West Albany
81 mi
01h 28m

Route Weather Snapshot

Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.

Origin
63°F
Thursday

Partly Sunny

Starts
Thu, Oct 15 6:00 AM EDT
Wind
2 to 6 mph NE
Destination
55°F
Today

Mostly Sunny

Starts
Thu, Oct 15 11:00 AM EDT
Wind
6 mph NE

Driving Route Map

The map below follows the saved road route between Ithaca and West Albany.

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Ithaca and West Albany.

  1. 1

    Start on East Seneca Street

    20 m · 6 sec · East Seneca Street

  2. 2

    Turn right onto North Tioga Street

    99 m · 15 sec · North Tioga Street

  3. 3

    Turn right onto East Buffalo Street

    1267 ft · 39 sec · East Buffalo Street

  4. 4

    Turn right onto Schuyler Place

    814 ft · 28 sec · Schuyler Place

  5. 5

    At the end of the road, turn left onto East State Street

    1.1 mi · 2 min · East State Street

  6. 6

    Continue on Slaterville Road

    11.1 mi · 17 min · Slaterville Road

  7. 7

    Continue on State Highway 79

    15.2 mi · 17 min · State Highway 79

  8. 8

    Continue on Main Street

    3 mi · 4 min · Main Street

  9. 9

    Turn left onto East Main Street

    2670 ft · 45 sec · East Main Street

  10. 10

    Continue on State Highway 206

    10.3 mi · 15 min · State Highway 206

  11. 11

    Continue on Genesee Street

    2466 ft · 44 sec · Genesee Street

  12. 12

    Continue on Washington Street

    1521 ft · 26 sec · Washington Street

  13. 13

    Continue on Coventry Road

    609 ft · 10 sec · Coventry Road

  14. 14

    Continue on State Highway 206

    6.7 mi · 10 min · State Highway 206

  15. 15

    Continue on State Highway 41

    1.3 mi · 2 min · State Highway 41

  16. 16

    Continue on State Highway 206

    6.8 mi · 11 min · State Highway 206

  17. 17

    Continue on West Main Street

    1.5 km · 2 min · West Main Street

  18. 18

    Continue on Demarest Avenue

    651 ft · 12 sec · Demarest Avenue

  19. 19

    Enter the roundabout and take exit 2 toward Demarest Avenue

    31 m · 2 sec · Demarest Avenue

  20. 20

    Exit the roundabout onto Demarest Avenue

    131 m · 7 sec · Demarest Avenue

  21. 21

    Continue on State Highway 206

    780 ft · 18 sec · State Highway 206

  22. 22

    Take the ramp left

    2343 ft · 57 sec

  23. 23

    Merge slight left

    87.6 mi · 1 hr 41 min

  24. 24

    Keep slight right to continue on I 90 East: Albany

    2339 ft · 44 sec

  25. 25

    Merge slight left onto New York State Thruway

    9.6 mi · 11 min · New York State Thruway

  26. 26

    Keep slight left to continue on I 87 North, I 90 East: Albany, Montreal

    1.2 mi · 2 min

  27. 27

    Keep slight left

    3.1 mi · 4 min

  28. 28

    Take the exit slight right toward Everett Road

    1077 ft · 25 sec

  29. 29

    Turn left onto Everett Road Extension

    1302 ft · 49 sec · Everett Road Extension

  30. 30

    Turn right onto Exchange Street

    1429 ft · 48 sec · Exchange Street

  31. 31

    Turn left onto Sand Creek Road

    22 m · 2 sec · Sand Creek Road

  32. 32

    Arrive at your destination

    0 m · 1 sec · Sand Creek Road

Car Route Details

A richer read on the saved driving route between Ithaca and West Albany.

OSRM road route
Drive Character

Highway-focused drive

Most of the mileage stays on named highways, so the important moments are ramps, exits, merges, and the final local approach.

Directions
32 steps
10 turns on the saved route
Ramps & Exits
6
2 merges, 4 ramps or exits
Navigation Density
19.8 / 100 mi
Decision points by distance
Main Roads
State Highway 206
112 mi · 69%
State Highway 79
15.2 mi · 9%
Slaterville Road
11.1 mi · 7%
New York State Thruway
9.58 mi · 6%
I 87 North
4.24 mi · 3%
Main Street
3.03 mi · 2%
Longest Stretch

State Highway 206

Merge slight left

87.6 mi · 01h 41m

Route Summary

A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.

Trip Read

A comfortable day-trip route

This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.

Drive Time
02h 56m
Day trip friendly
Same-Day Return
05h 54m
Round-trip wheel time
Road vs Air
+22.3 mi
139.3 mi direct line
Halfway Stop
Otego
01h 28m from Ithaca
Leave By
12:36 PM EDT
Morning start is best
Weather Watch

Partly Sunny leaving Ithaca and Mostly Sunny near West Albany.

Trip Questions

Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.

How long does it take to drive from Ithaca to West Albany?

The road trip is about 161.6 miles (260.1 km) and usually takes 02h 56m in normal driving conditions.

Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?

This route works well as a day trip. You can leave in the morning, spend meaningful time at the destination, and still return the same day.

What is the halfway point on this route?

Otego is a useful midpoint, sitting about 80.6 miles from Ithaca and 81 miles from West Albany.

How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?

The direct path is about 139.3 miles (224.2 km), while the road route adds roughly 22.3 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.

When is the best time to leave for this route?

A good departure window is usually 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM EDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 12:36 PM EDT.

How much will gas cost for this route?

Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $25.35 one way or $50.71 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 50.7 kg one way.

What should you check before leaving?

Before you leave, expect Partly Sunny around Ithaca and Mostly Sunny near West Albany.

Stop Ideas Near Otego

Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.

Mid-route Guidance
Local place coverage is thin around Otego, so nearby transit and meeting points are shown instead.
Reviewed stop coverage is still thin around this midpoint, so practical transit waypoints are shown on the right.

Transit and Meeting Points

Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Otego.

RAIL

Union Station

79 mi away
321 Main St.
RAIL

Rome station

92 mi away
6599 Martin Street
RAIL

Amsterdam station

100 mi away
Railroad St. & West Main Ave.
RAIL

Schenectady

111 mi away
332 Erie Blvd.

Flight Path Map

This map shows the direct air route between Ithaca and West Albany. Straight-line distance: 139.34 mi (224.24 km).

Ithaca

#1 Ithaca

City in New York, USA

Population30,981
Coordinates42.4406300, -76.4966100
Altitude125
CountryUnited States
Photo coming soon

#2 West Albany

A hamlet in the town of Albany in Albany County, New York.

Population22,000
Coordinates42.6831300, -73.7784500
Altitude61
CountryUnited States
Start: (-76.496606, 42.440534)
End: Sand Creek Road (-73.778577, 42.683146)

Estimated Travel Time

Distance: 260 km by road

SpeedTime
30 mph (48.3 km/h)05h 23m
40 mph (64.37 km/h)04h 02m
50 mph (80.47 km/h)03h 13m
60 mph (96.56 km/h)02h 41m
70 mph (112.65 km/h)02h 18m
80 mph (129 km/h)02h 00m

Fuel, Round Trip and CO2

Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.

One-way fuel
5.7 gal
21.59 L · about $25.35
Round trip
$50.71
11.4 gal · 43.18 L
Estimated CO2
50.7 kg one way
Round trip: 101.3 kg / 223 lb CO2, using regular gasoline.
Fuel$/galOne wayRound trip
Regular gas $4.45 $25.35 $50.71
Mid-grade $4.98 $28.40 $56.79
Premium $5.38 $30.68 $61.35
Diesel $6.51 $37.10 $74.20

Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.

Prices in New York · Oct 15, 2026

There is no time difference between Ithaca and West Albany. The current time is 14:33:40.

Distance to Other Cities

How did we calculate? Place names are translated into coordinates. The Haversine formula calculates straight-line distance; driving distance uses road network data.