The 3 Best Airports in Upstate New York: Gateways to Adventure and Ease
Upstate New York, with its stunning Finger Lakes, majestic Adirondacks, thundering Niagara Falls, and vibrant cities like Buffalo and Albany, offers a perfect escape from the hustle of New York City. But getting there doesn't have to mean navigating the chaos of JFK or LaGuardia. Instead, savvy travelers opt for the region's top airports, which blend efficiency, modern amenities, and direct access to the best of the Empire State.
The 3 Best Airports in Upstate New York: Gateways to Adventure and Ease
Based on recent passenger satisfaction surveys, expert rankings, and connectivity, here are the three standout airports in upstate New York—each excelling in different ways to make your journey as enjoyable as the destination.
1. Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF)
Just 11 miles east of downtown Buffalo in Cheektowaga, Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) reigns supreme as the busiest and most connected hub in upstate New York. Serving a massive catchment area of over 9 million people—including cross-border travelers from southern Ontario—BUF handled millions of passengers last year, earning it the No. 3 spot among medium-sized airports (4.5–9.9 million annual passengers) in J.D. Power's 2025 North American Airport Satisfaction Study with a stellar score of 698 out of 1,000. This ranking highlights its strengths in terminal facilities, local dining options, and overall ease of travel, boosted by recent upgrades like expanded retail featuring authentic Buffalo staples such as Anchor Bar wings and beef on weck sandwiches.
Why it's one of the best: BUF shines for its robust nonstop flight network—over 100 daily departures to more than 30 destinations, including sunny escapes like Miami, Las Vegas, and Fort Lauderdale. Major airlines like Delta, Southwest, American, JetBlue, and United make it a low-fuss choice for both leisure seekers and business flyers. Proximity to iconic attractions is a huge plus: It's a quick 30-minute drive to Niagara Falls State Park, where you can marvel at the world's most powerful waterfalls or hop on a Maid of the Mist boat tour. Canadians love it too, as it's often cheaper and less crowded than flying through Toronto Pearson.
Pro tip: Park in the on-site garage for $15–$20 per day, or grab the NFTA Metro Bus for a budget-friendly ride into the city. With amenities like a USO lounge for military travelers and pet relief areas, BUF feels welcoming from the moment you land.
2. Albany International Airport (ALB)
Just six miles north of Albany's historic city center, Albany International Airport (ALB) is a compact powerhouse that's been serving the Capital District since 1928—making it the oldest municipal airport in the U.S. still operating under city ownership. Ranked second in expert guides to upstate gateways, ALB caters to the bustling tech and government scene while offering seamless access to the Hudson Valley and Adirondacks. Its two-level terminal keeps things simple: Check-in and security on the upper level, baggage claim below, with quick TSA PreCheck lines that rarely exceed 10 minutes.
Why it's one of the best: ALB punches above its weight with nonstop flights to 20+ destinations on carriers like Southwest (year-round to Vegas), Delta, JetBlue, American, United, Allegiant, and Avelo. It's ideal for East Coast hoppers heading to hubs like Chicago or Atlanta, but the real draw is its role as a launchpad for upstate exploration—from Saratoga Springs' horse racing tracks (45 minutes away) to the Catskills' hiking trails (under two hours). Recent expansions have added more gates and local flavor, like farm-to-table eateries serving Hudson Valley cheeses and craft beers from nearby breweries.
Pro tip: Rent a car from on-site agencies like Hertz or Enterprise to zip along I-87 toward Lake George, or take the Capital District Transportation Authority bus into Albany for $1.50. Families appreciate the quiet vibe and proximity to the New York State Museum, just a 15-minute drive away.
3. Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC)
Only three miles southwest of downtown Rochester on the shores of Lake Ontario, Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) is a traveler's dream for its intimate scale and thoughtful perks. Renamed in 2020 to honor the abolitionist, ROC soared to No. 7 on USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards for small U.S. airports in 2024 (up from No. 10 the year prior), thanks to features like a free video arcade, a kids' play area in partnership with the Strong National Museum of Play, and hearing loops for accessibility. Its single terminal with 22 gates and a three-level parking garage keeps navigation effortless.
Why it's one of the best: ROC offers 18 nonstop routes via Allegiant, American, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, Spirit, United, and seasonal Avelo flights—think quick hops to Orlando or longer hauls to Denver. What sets it apart is the local touch: The Frederick Douglass Legacy Mural greets arrivals, and eateries spotlight Finger Lakes wines and Genesee beer. It's perfectly positioned for northern upstate gems, like the scenic drive to Watkins Glen State Park (90 minutes south) or a wine tour in the Finger Lakes region (just 45 minutes away). Avoid Buffalo's traffic headaches while still accessing western New York's highlights.
Pro tip: Use the airport's free shuttle to connect to Rochester's Amtrak station, or snag a spot in the economy lot for $9 per day. Art lovers will dig the terminal's rotating exhibits from the Rochester Museum & Science Center.
Why Fly Upstate? A Smarter Start to Your New York Adventure
These three airports—Buffalo for bold connections, Albany for regional reach, and Rochester for feel-good facilities—stand out in 2025 for their blend of satisfaction scores, direct flights, and proximity to upstate's natural and cultural treasures. Whether you're chasing waterfalls, wineries, or wilderness, skipping the NYC airports saves time and stress. Check out these current flight deals and remember: Upstate's charm starts at touchdown. Safe travels!