From the shores of Lake Ontario and the Thousand Islands on the Canadian border, through the Finger Lakes and the Catskills, to the tip of Long Island, New York State has something for every type of traveler.
However, these delights aren't always cheap, and it's easy to stretch your budget while visiting New York's wineries, enjoying its exquisite cuisine, and visiting its world-class art venues. However, with a little planning—and some insider tips—it's easy to save money while enjoying the best of the Empire State.
Below are our main tips for exploring New York State on a budget.
Daily costs
- Basic hotel room for two people: from $125
- Apartment with kitchen (including Airbnb): from $100
- Parking in state parks: from $6 to $10
- One-way bus ticket from New York: from $25
- Dinner in a restaurant for two people: from $60
- Beer (pint) at the bar: from $6 to $8
The bus is the fastest way economical way to travel by the state of New York
New York is a larger state than you might think. And while Amtrak trains run north from New York City toward the Adirondacks and west toward Buffalo, bus service offers the best option for long-distance travel within the state. If you purchase your ticket in advance from a bus company like NY Trailways, Megabus, or Greyhound, you can get from one point to another for about $1,400. Experiencing the luxury of the Hamptons will cost a bit more, with Hampton Jitney fares starting at $1,400 each way if you book online in advance.
Flying to an airport outside of New York
If you want to start exploring the state without visiting its largest city, consider flying into an airport on the outskirts of the New York City metropolitan area. New York Stewart Airport (SWF), west of Newburgh in the Hudson Valley, is served by ultra-highway airline low cost Allegiant Air, while Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) offers low-cost connections through Frontier, Southwest, and Breeze Airways.
If you're taking a road trip, bring an EZ Pass
A multi-lane highway, the New York State Thruway runs from Westchester County to the Pennsylvania border at Lake Erie—and it's hard to drive anywhere within New York State without using it at least a little. It's a toll road for its entire 500-mile length, with all tolls cashless, so if you're driving, be sure to rent a vehicle with an E-ZPass transponder to pay all applicable tolls without exorbitant surcharges from the rental car company. If you're visiting from elsewhere with the EZ-Pass program, bring your stickers with you: the system is supported in 16 states on the East Coast and Midwest.
Buy an Empire Pass to enjoy New York State Parks for less
New York's fabulous state parks—spanning 350,000 acres across 215 locations—are among its most popular attractions, and for good reason. To fund their preservation and operations, many charge for parking. If you plan to visit as many of them as possible—from Niagara Falls to Orient Beach—consider the Empire Pass, which offers unlimited parking at state parks for the entire season. (A full-season 2023 pass costs $80; check early in the year for 2024 rates.)
Schedule your visit to take advantage of reduced admission to art museums
Excellent art museums and local art are everywhere in New York State—and if you plan your visit carefully, you can save money while enjoying their masterpieces. The Impressionist and 20th-century masterpieces at the Buffalo AKG Art Museum (formerly known as the Albright-Knox Art Gallery) have pay-what-you-wish admission on the first Friday of each month. Visit the I.M. Pei-designed Everson Museum of Art in Rochester on the third Thursday evening of each month to enjoy its galleries of contemporary American art and ceramics free of charge.
Winter is the low season in New York State, with lower prices.
If you want to make your money go further, consider visiting New York State in the winter, from January to April. Hotels often offer discounted rates during the off-season, Broadway shows in New York City have deals to fill seats, and restaurant reservations are often easier to come by. Just bring plenty of layers: New York in the winter can be quite cold, and you may encounter several feet of snow on the ground.
Explore the Finger Lakes Wine Trail for Less
You may not know that New York is the third-largest wine producer (behind California and Washington); a wine tasting weekend offers a wonderful way to sample some of its finest wines. The Finger Lakes, in particular, have a climate well-suited to exceptional Rieslings and Cabernet Francs, and the region attracts travelers seeking tastings with stunning views. If you plan to follow the wine trail, consider investing in a Finger Lakes Wine & Travel Card, which provides discounts on tastings and purchases at wineries throughout the region. If the options overwhelm you, the Wine Tasting Passport offers extras at half a dozen wineries in and near Canandaigua Lake.
Savor world-class Hudson Valley cuisine during Restaurant Week
Long a hot spot for inventive chefs and stylish entrepreneurs, the Hudson Valley has never been more popular. So popular, in fact, that it's sometimes hard to decide where to start: Kingston and Saugerties? Cold Spring and Hudson? Troy, Poughkeepsie, or beyond? Enter Hudson Valley Restaurant Week, a twice-yearly promotion that allows diners to sample the work of some of the region's best restaurateurs through reduced prix fixe menus. The event takes place in the spring and fall; check the official website for updates on the latest participant list.
Take the LIRR to save on a day trip to Long Island
Looking for a budget-friendly trip from New York City? The Long Island Rail Road has you covered. The venerable train operator has long specialized in creating discounted tour packages that will make the (easy) round-trip from Penn Station unforgettable. Enjoy the golden sands of Long Beach with the train fare plus beach admission; you can also hop on the local trolley if you need a break from the sun. Head to the eastern tip of the North Fork with a full day in Greenport, including a guided town tour and a cruise to see the lighthouse up close. And you won't need a designated driver to taste Long Island's acclaimed wines, thanks to a tour that includes the train fare and bus transportation to Duck Walk and Pindar wineries.
With content from lonelyplanet.com
Lucas Wanderlust has a tireless spirit of adventure, always seeking new travel experiences. Fascinated by the world and the possibility of exploring unknown destinations, he fell in love with the sense of freedom and self-discovery that traveling alone provides. With a backpack on his back and a heart open to the unknown, Lucas embarks on exciting journeys, where each destination becomes a unique chapter in his life story. He gives himself body and soul to the magic of solo travel, inspiring others to follow in his footsteps and discover themselves through adventure.
