Destination Guides: Ithaca, United States - City Information

Population:                  28,287

Elevation:                    1099 feet above sea level

Land Area:                   5.5 square miles           

Location:                     Located in the central New York Finger Lakes Region

Time Zone:                  Eastern Time Zone (when it’s noon in Ithaca, it’s noon in NY City; 11am in Chicago; and 9am in Los Angeles).  Ithaca observes Daylight Saving Time from April - October

Weather:

Climate:

Local Seasons:

The two busiest times of the year are September – June with Cornell University and Ithaca College in main session and in the summer when tourists come to experience the beauty and tranquility of the area.  The summer season is quite lovely and very comfortable.  With the daytime temperatures reaching the 80’s and the evenings in the 50’s, it’s the perfect time to experience many of the outdoor sites and activities available, not to mention the utter beauty of the area.  Summer also has the most sunshine.  Spring and fall are absolutely beautiful.  In the spring, nature comes alive with a re-birth of new colors.  Fall is the reverse as nature prepares for the coming of winter with a vibrant change of colors, transforming the entire area into a perfect foliage experience.  Winters are moderately cold and snow is seen on many days, the greatest number of days being in January.  It’s an ideal time to enjoy a fine meal at one of the city’s many restaurants while sipping on a warm drink with a fire roaring nearby.  Whatever the reason for a visit or whatever the season, Ithaca will make the visit one to remember. 

How to Get There:

By Air

Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport

1 Culligan Drive, Airport Terminal

Ithaca, NY 14850

607-257-0456

The airport is conveniently located near the city and is served by regional and local airlines

Ground Transportation

Most of the major car rental companies as well as taxi and limousine service are available at the airport as well as at select locations in and around the city. 

By Car

From Buffalo:
Approx. 3 Hours. Take NYS Thruway (I-90) to Exit 41, Then take Route 318 East to Route 89 South into Ithaca. Follow signs to Visitor's Center.

From Boston Massachusetts:
Approx. 51/2-6 Hours. Take the Massachusetts Turnpike (I-90 West ) into New York State, continue on I-90 (NYS Thruway), to Exit 34A, and follow I-481 South to I-81 South. Take exit 12 at Homer, then follow Rt. 281 South to Route 13 South into Ithaca. Or, take the Mass. Pike (I-90 West) to I-88W. At Bainbridge take Route 206 West to Whitney Point. Then take Route 79 West into Ithaca. Follow signs to Visitor's Center.

From Philadelphia:
Approx. 4-41/2 Hours Take I-276 West to the Northeast Extension or Route 9 North to I-81 North to Exit 8. Then follow Route 79 West into Ithaca. Turn right onto Route 13 North. Follow signs to Visitor's Center.

From New York City:
Approx. 4-41/2 Hours Take I-80 West to I-380 West, then I-81 North to Exit 8, then Rt. 79 West into Ithaca, turn right onto Route 13 North. Or take the Palisades Parkway North to Route 6 West to Rt. 17 West. Then I-81 North to Exit 8, continue as above. Follow signs to Visitor's Center.

From Montreal:
Approx. 5-51/2 Hours Take 401 West to I-81 South. Continue on I-81 South to Exit 12. Then follow Route 13 South into Ithaca. Follow signs to Visitor's Center. From Toronto: Approx. 4 Hours Take the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) West to Rt. 190 (now in the US) to Rt. 290 then I-90 East. Then, follow directions from Buffalo.

By Bus

Greyhound

Brenda Wallace Bus Terminal
710 W State Street
Ithaca, NY 14850

607-272-7930

New York Trailways

800-295-5555

How to Get Around;

Due to the many outdoor sites and activities available, the best way to get around is by car, either personal or rental.

National Holidays:

New Year’s Day, January 1

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the third Monday in January

President’ Day, the third Monday in February

Memorial Day, the last Monday in May

Independence Day, July 4

Labor Day, the first Monday in September

Thanksgiving Day, the fourth Thursday in November

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, December 24 and 25

New Year’s Eve, December 31