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SUNY ESF
Transportation

Syracuse is located in Onondaga County in the geographic center of New York State, on the eastern edge of the Finger Lakes, within a five-hour drive of New York City, Toronto, and the High Peaks Region of the Adirondack Mountains. The city is accessible by I-90 (NY State Thruway) and I-81. Most students from outside of the U.S. fly into Syracuse Hancock International Airport in Syracuse, New York from connecting flights out of New York City (east) or Chicago (west). However, some students may chose to fly to New York City then find transportation by bus or train to Syracuse, New York. The easiest and safest way to travel is to make the additional flight from a major city to Syracuse, especially if you have baggage. When you arrive at Hancock International Airport in Syracuse, NY, you can find taxi service at the airport, use an Uber or Lyft. 

Syracuse Regional Transportation Center

If you determine that you wish to take alternative transportation from New York City to Syracuse, you may travel by bus or train. The Syracuse Regional Transportation Center is located about 3 miles (4.8 km) north of the SUNY ESF campus with access to I-81 and I-690. Contact Amtrak or Greyhound Bus Lines for information on daily schedules. Travel time from New York City to Syracuse, New York varies depending on the mode of transportation, but no less than five hours by motor vehicle.

Note to International students: When making your transportation arrangements, you may meet individuals who offer to drive you to Syracuse. Do not accept their offers. Arrange transportation with a reputable company before you arrive in the U.S. We recommend that you purchase traveler’s insurance while in route to the U.S. if your personal health insurance will not cover the expenses of emergency medical care.

Directions to SUNY ESF

From Points East of Syracuse:

  1. New York State Thruway (I-90) west to exit 36 for I-81 south.
  2. I-81 south to exit 18 for East Adams Street (follow signs).
  3. Turn left onto East Adams Street; proceed two blocks to Irving Avenue.
  4. Turn right onto Irving Avenue. Follow Irving Avenue to the end.
  5. The ESF campus entrance is on the left, next to the JMA Dome.

From Points South of Syracuse:

  1. I-81 north to exit 18 for East Adams Street.
  2. Turn right onto East Adams Street at the end of the exit ramp.
  3. Proceed two blocks to Irving Avenue.
  4. Turn right onto Irving Avenue. Follow Irving Avenue to the end.
  5. The ESF campus entrance is on the left, next to the JMA Dome.

From Points West of Syracuse:

  1. New York State Thruway (I-90) east to exit 36 for I-81 south.
  2. I-81 south to exit 18 for East Adams Street (follow signs).
  3. Turn left onto East Adams Street; proceed two blocks to Irving Avenue.
  4. Turn right onto Irving Avenue. Follow Irving Avenue to the end.
  5. The ESF campus entrance is on the left, next to the JMA Dome.

From Points North of Syracuse:

  1. I-81 south to exit 18 for East Adams Street (follow signs).
  2. Turn left onto East Adams Street; proceed two blocks to Irving Avenue.
  3. Turn right onto Irving Avenue. Follow Irving Avenue to the end.
  4. The ESF campus entrance is on the left, next to the JMA Dome.

Bus Schedules

ESF students may ride campus area buses free of charge by showing their valid ESF ID card. Information about campus area bus routes and schedules. The Central New York Regional Transportation Authority (Centro) services the Central New York area. 

Parking

Students who hold on-campus employment may obtain parking permits through University Police. Students who do not hold an assistantship may purchase parking permits for the Standart Street Lot . Syracuse University Parking Services manages student parking – contact them at:

Parking Services
208 Skytop Office Building
Syracuse, New York 13244-5300
Telephone: (315) 443-4652

ESF and Syracuse University area parking map

More information about parking regulations or special event parking.

Students who need handicapped parking facilities should contact ESF University Police by calling (315) 470-6666.

Driving in New York State

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles manages all regulations for operation of motor vehicles.