Fastest way from New York City to Rochester (New York): Flight, about 1h 29min – 1h 56min (from €161). Cheapest: Bus, from €54 (about 7h). Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 6, 2026): FlixBus, Greyhound; main departure point: NY W 31st St Bus Stop.
There are 2 ways to get from New York City to Rochester (New York)
Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.
Companies selling this route on 12Go
Offers listed on 12Go on November 6, 2026 for a departure on November 27, 2026. Timetables and prices change with the date: check them before booking.
| Company | Mode | Departs from | From | Offers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | Bus | NY W 31st St Bus Stop | €54 | 8 |
| Greyhound | Bus | NY Port Authority Bus Station | €63 | 6 |
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Practical tips
Before booking, ask yourself how much of your day you can give to the journey. If a full day on the road would ruin your plans, compare flights too, rather than choosing only on the lowest fare.
In New York, some buses leave from a street corner rather than a terminal. Read your e-ticket carefully, note the address and look at it on a map before the day of departure.
New York has several airports, and each is reached differently from the city. Confirm which one your flight uses and plan your transfer from Manhattan with enough margin before check-in.
Boarding areas can be crowded and signs are not always clear. Arrive well ahead of departure, find your operator's spot and keep your ticket ready on your phone so you do not miss the bus.
Fares tend to rise as departure approaches, especially on weekends and holidays. Booking ahead gives you the best choice of times and lowers the risk of ending up with an inconvenient departure.
The journey experience
Getting from New York to Rochester is a classic upstate trip, and the first question is whether to go by bus or by plane. The page shows both options side by side with durations and price ranges, so you can see at a glance which one fits your budget and your schedule.
The bus is the budget-friendly choice and the one most independent travellers pick. It is a long-distance ride across upstate New York, with room to sit back, charge your phone and watch the landscape change as you leave the city behind. The plane is the fast option: flights usually involve a connection or a longer routing, so the real door-to-door time depends on the itinerary you choose. Check the schedule carefully, because the gap between the quickest and slowest flight is large.
Our advice: decide first how much time you can afford to spend. If you are travelling on a tight budget and have a flexible day, the bus is a safe and simple choice. If time matters more, compare flight options before booking. Whatever you choose, always confirm the exact departure stop or airport on your e-ticket, since bus stops in New York can be on a street rather than in a station. Book early for the best fares and keep your confirmation handy on your phone.
Frequently asked questions — New York City → Rochester (New York)
It depends on your priorities. The bus is the cheapest option and works well if you have a flexible day. The plane can be much quicker, but the real time varies a lot depending on the flight and any connection. Compare both in the table before booking.
By bus, the journey takes about 7 hours. By plane, durations range widely, from about 1 h 30 to about 9 h depending on the flight and whether you have a connection. The shortest flights are much faster than the bus, but the longest are slower.
Bus tickets start from €54 and typically go up to €64. Flights start from €161 and typically go up to €384. Prices change with the date and how early you book, so reserving ahead usually gives you a better fare on either option.
The departure point depends on the operator and the departure you pick, and some New York buses leave from a street stop rather than a station. Your e-ticket shows the exact address, so check it carefully and look at it on a map beforehand.
Flying is worth it if saving time matters most to you. Flights start from €161, while the bus starts from €54. Some flights take about 1 h 30, but others take up to about 9 h, so check the itinerary before you choose.
Why visit Rochester (New York)?
- ✓ Explore the George Eastman Museum, the world's oldest photography museum, set in the inventor's historic mansion and gardens
- ✓ Walk along the Genesee River to the 96-foot High Falls in the heart of downtown
- ✓ Play your way through the Strong National Museum of Play, home to the National Toy Hall of Fame
- ✓ Stroll through Highland Park during the Lilac Festival in May, with over 1,200 lilac bushes in bloom
- ✓ Enjoy the vibrant Rochester Public Market and the nearby Neighborhood of the Arts with its galleries, cafés and festivals
When to visit Rochester (New York)?
HUMID CONTINENTAL CLIMATE
May to October — mild, sunny weather, lilacs in spring and lively festivals; winters are cold and snowy
What to do in Rochester (New York)?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit Rochester (New York)?
Plan 2 to 3 days in Rochester. Two days cover the essentials: the George Eastman Museum, the Strong National Museum of Play, Highland Park and the Genesee River High Falls. A third day lets you add a day trip to the Finger Lakes wine country or Letchworth State Park. Rent a car, as public transport is limited and attractions are spread out.
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