Ithaca

Picturesque Ithaca, located in the Finger Lakes region, is renowned for its waterfalls and the prestigious Cornell University. Reaching this cozy corner of the United States is possible through various means: by a direct flight, bus, or car, while enjoying the scenic views of New York State. Regardless of the chosen route, the journey promises to be comfortable and memorable.

The fastest way to reach the destination is to take a flight to Ithaca Tompkins Airport (ITH), located just a few minutes from the city center. This aviation hub accepts regular flights and is convenient for those who value time.

Alternatively, you can consider flying into neighboring cities: Syracuse, Binghamton, or Elmira. Tickets to these airports can often be more cost-effective, and getting from there to your final destination is effortless via a rental car.

The city of Ithaca does not have its own railway station, so a train journey must be combined with other transport. The nearest major railway hub is Syracuse, where trains arrive from many major metropolitan areas.

After reaching the station by train, travelers usually transfer to an intercity bus or rent a car to cover the remaining part of the journey to the campuses and waterfalls.

Bus services connect the city with neighboring towns, offering a budget-friendly travel option. The fastest route runs from the city of Binghamton: the bus covers the distance of 63 km in approximately 1.5 hours.

Trips from other cities may take longer. For example, the road from the city of Elmira takes about 3.1 hours, and the journey from the city of Syracuse can take up to 3.9 hours, which is worth considering when planning transfers.

Traveling by car is one of the most convenient ways to get to the location, especially if you wish to enjoy the scenery. The drive from the city of Elmira will take only about 40 minutes (54 km).

The journey from the cities of Syracuse or Binghamton will also not be tiring: expect to spend approximately 1.1 hours behind the wheel. Well-maintained roads make this trip easy and pleasant.

Ithaca is a welcoming student city, but a little preparation will make your stay here much more comfortable.

1. Clothing and Essentials. The weather here is changeable, so dress in layers. Be sure to bring comfortable flat walking shoes, as the city is very hilly.
2. Transport. The center is compact for walking, but for trips to parks and waterfalls, it is better to use TCAT buses or taxis.
3. Finances. The official currency is the US Dollar. Bank cards are accepted everywhere, but keeping some cash is useful for small expenses.
4. Health and Safety. The city is safe for tourists. In emergencies, call 911; medical assistance is available in the center and at the university.
5. Communication. The primary language is English. Thanks to the university, locals are accustomed to international visitors and are always ready to help.
6. Local Etiquette. In restaurants and taxis, it is customary to leave a tip of 15–20% of the bill amount.
7. What to Avoid. It is strictly forbidden to swim in the gorges in undesignated areas — this is life-threatening and carries fines.
8. Extra Tip. Be sure to visit the local farmers' market on weekends to taste fresh regional produce.

By following these simple tips, you can avoid any issues and fully focus on exploring the natural beauties.