Industry
Traveling to Ithaca
Traveling to Ithaca, New York, USA
Cornell University is located in Ithaca, a small city in central New York State (see map). It is approximately 250 miles (400 km) northwest of New York City, and 60 miles (100 km) south of Syracuse.
Travel by Air to Ithaca
As you will see, the most expedient way to arrive in Ithaca is through the Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport, which is four miles from the Cornell campus. An Executive Education staff member will be meeting flights at the Ithaca Airport and will arrange for the The Statler Hotel shuttle van.
Currently these airlines offer direct service at the Ithaca Airport:
US Airways to/from: Philadelphia International Airport
Delta to/from: Detroit Metro International Airport
United to/from: Newark Liberty International Airport
If you cannot arrange a flight to Ithaca, you will find that the Hancock International Airport in Syracuse, New York, offers more airline options. Ithaca is about a 90-minute drive from Syracuse. Ground transportation to and from the Hancock Airport can be arranged through a local service, Ithaca Airline Limousine (phone 1-607-273-3030 or 1-855-349-0084). You must call for a reservation, based on their scheduled times, at least 48 hours in advance. The cost is $85/one-way, or $125/round-trip (subject to change). (You also have the option of a private reservation, at a time you choose, for a higher cost.)
As an alternative to that service, you may choose to take a taxi from Syracuse to Ithaca. The taxi service is located in the Hancock Airport terminal. There are no schedules or advance reservations required, and you can usually depart quickly. The cost is approximately $180/one-way. Another possible option is to rent a car at the airport and drive to Ithaca.
Travel by Bus, Car and Train to Ithaca
Note: The information below is mostly specific to travel between New York City and Ithaca, however these options should also apply to other cities.
If you need to get from a New York City-area airport to one of the New York City stops listed below, you can take a taxi, local bus or shuttle. One shuttle option is New York Airport Service.
By bus: The following companies provide bus service between New York City and Ithaca (a 4.5 - 6 hour trip):
-Cornell's Campus-to-Campus Express (phone 1-607-254-8747)
Recommended: Cornell’s executive coach buses offer more comfortable and spacious seating, Wi-Fi, ethernet and electrical outlets, complimentary beverages and snacks, and faster, direct service. Advance reservations needed (we recommend you book early); no fee for changes or cancellations up to 12 hours before departure.
Ithaca stop: Cornell's "Sage Hall" (which is one block from the hotel)
New York City stops:
-The Cornell Club (at 6 E. 44th St, between Fifth and Madison Ave; boards in front). You can take a local bus or shuttle to the nearby Grand Central Station Terminal, and then walk 2 blocks/10 minutes to the Club, although may be difficult with more than one piece of wheeled luggage. A taxi directly to the Club is more convenient but higher priced. (Note: You may wait briefly up to 15 minutes in the Club lobby, however phone usage, food and drink are not allowed. Cornell Club services are available only to members.) or
-Weill Cornell Medical College (at 1300 York Ave, across from intersection with 69th St; boards in front of main entrance). (Note: You may wait in the main lobby.)
-Greyhound (phone 1-607-272-7930 or 1-800-231-2222)
Ithaca stop: Ithaca Bus Terminal (see below)
New York City stop: Port Authority Terminal
-ShortLine (phone 1-607-277-8800 or 1-800-631-8405)
Ithaca stops: Ithaca Bus Terminal (see below) or Cornell Theater Arts Center (call for the hotel shuttle or a 10 minute walk)
New York City stop: Port Authority Terminal
Note: If you will be getting off at the Ithaca Bus Terminal stop, about 30 minutes before your bus arrives you can call The Statler Hotel to request a shuttle pick-up at the terminal (hotel phone 1-607-257-2500). Local taxi service is also available (phone 1-607-277-7777 or 1-888-321-1149). Please note that the Ithaca Bus Terminal building is closed at night from 6:45 pm - 4:30 am (1845 - 0430 hrs), therefore if you arrive during that time, you will not be able to go inside. You should plan to have the shuttle/taxi there when you arrive.
By car: If you will be driving to Ithaca, maps and directions can be found here. (Hotel parking is $12/night, subject to change.) If you wish to rent a car, some of the companies that have local service outlets are:
-Avis (phone 1-607-257-0441 or 1-800-831-2847)
-Enterprise (phone 1-607-275-9000 or 1-800-736-8222)
-Hertz (phone 1-607-257-8677 or 1-800-654-3131)
-National (phone 1-607-272-2575 or 1-888-868-6207)
By train: Amtrak train service is also possible, however the nearest station to Ithaca is in Syracuse. Ithaca Airline Limousine can provide shuttle transportation from the Syracuse train station to Ithaca.
Entry/Visa Questions
You will need to determine the appropriate method of admission into the United States. Here are some general information websites for your reference:
US Department of State: Visas
US Customs and Border Protection
US Department of State: Visa Waiver Program
The Visa Waiver Program enables nationals of certain countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for stays of 90 days or less without obtaining a visa.
If a visa is required, we can send you a B-1 (Business Visitor) Visa Certification Letter that you can submit with an application to the U.S. Embassy/Consulate. It is used to support that you will be coming to the U.S. for a business purpose. You should confirm that the letter is sufficient with the Embassy/Consulate.
It is important to state that you will be a professional attending a business conference. You will not be an admitted student or earn academic credit, and therefore it should not be appropriate to apply for a student visa. We cannot provide you with an I-20 form, as that document is issued only to students admitted for full-time university study.
Also, if you plan to take a trip into Canada during your stay, it is your responsibility to determine whether you need a visa from the Canadian government and/or a re-entry visa to return to the U.S.
Weather and Travel
In January flight delays or cancellations due to winter weather are not uncommon here in the Northeastern U.S.A. With this in mind, you should plan ample overall travel time and time between connecting flights. Road travel can also be affected. This does not apply to the June program. Ithaca weather information can be found here.
