# Albany International Airport (ALB) > Albany, US · 6 mi (9.7 km) northwest of downtown Albany Web: https://airport.flights/airport/alb JSON: https://airport.flights/api/airport/alb.json ## Facts - **IATA**: ALB - **ICAO**: KALB - **Timezone**: America/New_York - **Runways**: 2 - **Terminals**: 1 - **Passengers**: 2,940,718/yr - **Official site**: https://www.albanyairport.com ## Overview ## Welcome Albany International Airport (ALB) may not be the largest, but it packs a punch for those flying through upstate New York. Located just 6 miles northwest of downtown Albany, this compact airport is known for its ease of navigation and delightful extras, such as an observation area and a sensory room. These comfort features are a pleasant surprise considering its size and regional status. Although it lacks the typical pay-per-use lounges, the airport compensates with a top-tier military lounge and a surprisingly comprehensive food court. However, everything tends to close early, leaving late-night arrivals with limited options. ## At a glance - **Passenger volume:** 2,940,718 per year - **Runways:** 2 - **Terminals:** Main Terminal - **Distance from Albany:** 6 miles (9.7 km) northwest of downtown ## Terminals & layout The Main Terminal of ALB is straightforward, serving airlines like American, Delta, and JetBlue. While there's no complicated terminal hopping, travelers still need to budget time for potential morning security congestion. The layout includes useful amenities like water refill stations near Gates B5 and C1, and quiet areas such as the sensory room on the upper level, which are part of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program. ## Getting to and from the city Transportation options abound, with CDTA local buses providing affordable connections to the city center on Route 737 for just $1.00 with a Navigator card, or $1.50 in cash. Taxis run around $20-$30 to downtown Albany, while rideshares with Uber or Lyft are slightly cheaper at $18-$25. As for parking, if you’re driving in, options range from the affordable Economy E-Lot at $7 a day to the more convenient Short Term Parking at $24.00 per day. Many local hotels offer shuttle services that may be included in your room rate, such as the Hilton Garden Inn’s under-10-minute transfer. ## Traveller essentials ALB makes sure you have free unlimited Wi-Fi with "AirportWiFiFree," which is great if you need to catch up on work or just relax online. Business travelers praise the business-center style seating for remote working sessions during delays. Without checked-bag storage, compact carry-ons are a wise choice to manage essentials as you move through the airport. ## Dining & shopping highlights The dining scene at ALB includes chains and local flavors. Chick-fil-A and McDonald's offer quick bites, while Wolfgang Puck Pizza and Greenleaf provide healthier options. The Hudson Valley Wine Bar on Concourse B is notable for showcasing regional wines—perfect for a pre-flight taste of upstate New York. ALB Local in Concourse C is a convenient stop for local gifts and snacks if you’re looking for souvenirs. ## Lounges While Albany International doesn't offer conventional lounges, the Capt. John J. McKenna IV Military Courtesy Room is a comforting space for eligible travelers. Located on the 3rd level near the observation area, it provides snacks, Wi-Fi, and television, adding a cozy note to this otherwise small airport. ## Insider tips - **Insider:** Active-duty military can access the Capt. John J. McKenna IV Military Courtesy Room located on the 3rd floor near the observation area. - **Time:** Concessions close early, often by 8-9 PM, so plan to dine before then if you’re landing late or during a layover. - **Money:** Consider parking in the Economy E-Lot for $7/day and use a hotel shuttle to the terminal to save on garage prices. - **Quiet:** Utilize the sensory room part of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program for a peaceful escape during busy holiday or school-break travel peaks. - **Avoid:** Be prepared for long security lines in the Main Terminal atrium between 5-7 AM; arriving 90 minutes early is recommended. - **Local:** Visit the Hudson Valley Wine Bar on Concourse B for a taste of regional wines before your flight. - **Time:** Use the observation area on the upper level to spot planes if you have extra time before departure. ## Terminals (1) - **Main Terminal** — American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines The Main Terminal is user-friendly and well-organized. ## Dining (10) - **Adirondack Lodge** - **ALB Local** — $$ - **Chick-Fil-A** — $ - **Greenleaf** - **Hudson Valley Wine Bar** - **McDonald's** - **Silks Saratoga Bistro** — $$ - **Starbucks** — $ - **The Market** - **Wolfgang Puck Pizza** ## Lounges (1) - **Capt. John J. McKenna IV Military Courtesy Room** — Landside level 3, military only ## Shops (1) - **ALB Local** ## Parking (6) - **Cell Phone Parking Lot** — $0/day · 2 min from terminal - **Economy E-Lot** — Remote · $7.00/day, $2.00/hr · 0.7 mi - **Long Term Parking** — Long stay · $12.00/day, $2.00/hr · 0.5 mi - **North Garage** — Long stay · $18.00/day, $2.00/hr · next to terminal - **Short Term Parking** — Short stay · $24.00/day, $2.00/hr · next to terminal - **South Garage** — Long stay · $18.00/day, $2.00/hr · next to terminal ## Ground transport (8) - **CDTA Route 117** — Local bus · 10-20 min airport ↔ Wolf Road depending on stop · $1.50-2.00 · About every 60 min · Weekdays only - **CDTA Route 190** — Local bus · Varies by segment; scheduled as an express commuter route · $1.50-2.00 · Peak‑oriented; more trips at rush hour, limited off‑peak - **CDTA Route 737** — Local bus to Albany and Wolf R · About 25-35 min airport ↔ downtown Albany depending on traffic · $1.00 with Navigator, $1.50 cash · Roughly every 20-30 min, with thinner service late evenings/early mornings - **Hilton Garden Inn Albany Airport Shuttle** — Hotel shuttle · Typically under 10 min hotel ↔ terminal · Included in room rate · Runs at set times or on request within limited daily hours; not 24/7 - **Hotel Shuttles** — Courtesy van · 5-15 min to most nearby hotels depending on distance and stops · Typically included in room rate for airport‑area hotels · Varies by property; often scheduled or on‑request within limited daily hours - **Lyft** — Rideshare · 15-30 min airport ↔ downtown by car depending on traffic · $18-25 airport ↔ downtown in normal conditions, before tip · On demand; can be sparser late at night compared with Uber - **Taxi Stand** — Metered taxi · 15-30 min airport ↔ downtown by car depending on traffic · $20-30 airport ↔ downtown (metered, excl. tip) · On demand; queues can form when several flights arrive - **Uber** — Rideshare · 15-30 min airport ↔ downtown by car depending on traffic · $18-25 airport ↔ downtown in normal conditions, before tip · On demand; availability varies with time and events ## Insider tips - _Insider_: Active-duty military can access the Capt. John J. McKenna IV Military Courtesy Room located on the 3rd floor near the observation area. - _Time_: Concessions close early, often by 8-9 PM, so plan to dine before then if you’re landing late or during a layover. - _Money_: Consider parking in the Economy E-Lot for $7/day and use a hotel shuttle to the terminal to save on garage prices. - _Quiet_: Utilize the sensory room part of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program for a peaceful escape during busy holiday or school-break travel peaks. - _Avoid_: Be prepared for long security lines in the Main Terminal atrium between 5-7 AM; arriving 90 minutes early is recommended. - _Local_: Visit the Hudson Valley Wine Bar on Concourse B for a taste of regional wines before your flight. - _Time_: Use the observation area on the upper level to spot planes if you have extra time before departure.