Lake Placid is not easy to reach without a car. The nearest commercial airports are Burlington (Vermont) across Lake Champlain, about 90 minutes by road, and Albany, about 2.5 hours. Amtrak's Adirondack line stops at Westport, about 30 miles east on Lake Champlain; a shuttle can meet the train by arrangement. There is no direct bus service from New York City, though some summer and winter services run through the Adirondacks.
By car from New York City, take I-87 (the Adirondack Northway) north to Exit 30 at Lake Placid, then Route 73 west. The drive takes about 5 hours in normal traffic. From Boston, take I-87 north via Albany, about 5.5 hours. Once in the village, most attractions are within walking distance of Main Street.