Getting Around Syracuse
Syracuse is a city where a car makes life easiest, but visitors can absolutely manage without one if they plan ahead. The area is often described as a "20-minute city," meaning most destinations are reachable within about a 20-minute drive from downtown. Traffic is generally light, so driving yourself is a straightforward option rather than a stressful one.
Driving
If you rent a car, you'll find the region well connected by major highways. Interstate 90, the New York State Thruway, runs east–west, while Interstate 81 runs north–south, and Syracuse sits at the junction of the two. Other routes such as I-481, I-690, and Route 20 round out the network, with smaller highways feeding into downtown from every direction.
Walking
Downtown Syracuse is genuinely walkable. The distance from The Oncenter, the main convention center, to Clinton Square and Armory Square is short and easy on foot. The Syracuse Creekwalk runs from downtown out to Destiny USA, and self-guided walking tours are available if you'd like some structure to your stroll. Beyond the center, walkability drops off: the Downtown, Northside, and Westside neighborhoods are the most pedestrian-friendly, and conditions become less convenient the farther out you go.
Biking and Scooters
Biking and scooter use has grown in recent years, and the city has been improving bike lanes, connections, and safety. Several trails are useful for visitors: the Loop the Lake Trail links up with the Creekwalk and runs from downtown Syracuse to Liverpool, while the Connective Corridor connects Syracuse University to downtown. The region also includes part of the Erie Canal Trail and a segment of the Empire State Trail running from Syracuse to DeWitt.
For short trips, electric bikes and scooters can be rented through the Veo app and used within Syracuse city limits. Keep in mind a few drawbacks: bike lane maintenance is inconsistent, the terrain varies, and winters are harsh.
Public Transit
Local public transportation is provided primarily by the Centro bus system, which serves the city and Onondaga County, plus special routes for large events such as the New York State Fair. Routes and schedules are available on the Centro website. Be aware that transit coverage and frequency are limited, so advance planning is important if you intend to rely on buses.
Intercity Connections
For travel beyond the Syracuse area, the William F. Walsh Regional Transportation Center is the hub. It is served by Amtrak as well as Greyhound, Megabus, Trailways, and Centro. Destinations reachable from there include Rochester, Niagara Falls, Boston, New York City, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis, Uber, and Lyft are all available throughout the greater Syracuse area, making them a convenient fallback when buses don't fit your schedule or route.
Getting In from the Airport
Syracuse Hancock International Airport serves the city. Once you arrive, your onward options mirror the general picture above: taxis and ride-hailing services such as Uber and Lyft operate throughout the greater Syracuse area, and the Centro bus system covers the city and Onondaga County, with routes and schedules published on the Centro website. If you're continuing to another city rather than into Syracuse itself, the William F. Walsh Regional Transportation Center connects to Amtrak and intercity bus services including Greyhound, Megabus, and Trailways.