New York State is large, and how you get around depends heavily on where you're going. New York City has one of the world's great transit systems — subway, bus, and commuter rail cover almost every corner. Outside the city, a car is your best option: highways are well-maintained, and distances between upstate cities like Buffalo, Albany, and Syracuse are manageable in a few hours.
Getting Around by Car
Driving around upstate New York is easy and often the only practical way to reach smaller towns, the Adirondacks, or the Finger Lakes. Speed limits in urban areas are typically 30 mph; the interstate system (I-87, I-90, I-81) links the major cities efficiently. Avoid driving into or through New York City unless you know what you're doing — traffic and parking are both nightmares.
Getting Around by Bus and Rail
Amtrak's Empire Service runs from New York City to Albany and on to Buffalo, with stops in Yonkers, Croton-Harmon, Poughkeepsie, Rhinecliff, Hudson, and Schenectady. It's a scenic and relaxed way to see the Hudson Valley. Within New York City, the MTA subway and bus system is fast and affordable — a 7-day unlimited MetroCard is worth it if you're staying more than a couple of days.