Chautauqua is about 90 kilometres southwest of Buffalo, New York, and 120 kilometres northeast of Erie, Pennsylvania. The nearest significant airport is Buffalo Niagara International, roughly 90 minutes' drive away. Cleveland Hopkins International is about two and a half hours to the west.
There is no practical public transport connection. A car is essential unless you are staying within the Institution gates and plan to spend your entire time there — within the gates, the car-free environment means everything is on foot or by bicycle. Parking is available outside the gates, and electric golf carts shuttle visitors in.
The drive from Buffalo goes south on I-90 and then south through Chautauqua County on smaller roads. The approach through the grape-growing country along the Lake Erie shore is pleasant, passing through the small town of Westfield before turning inland toward Chautauqua Lake.