Ithaca travel guide

Ithaca Tourism | Ithaca Guide

You're Going to Love Ithaca

With a population of 30,014, Ithaca is a must-see destination in New York State, United States. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Ithaca deserves at least 2 full days for you to see its main sights.

Where to Eat in Ithaca

If you’re looking for affordable options, Coltivare - Ithaca (235 South Cayuga Street) and North Star Dining Room - Cornell University (186 Cradit Farm Dr North Campus, Appel Commons, Third floor) are great picks.

When to visit Ithaca

Ithaca in December
Estimated hotel price
$123
1 night at 3-star hotel
Ithaca in December
Estimated hotel price
$123
1 night at 3-star hotel

Looking for warm weather? Then head to Ithaca in July, when the average temperature is 68 °F, and the highest can go up to 80.6 °F. The coldest month, on the other hand, is January, when it can get as cold as 17.6 °F, with an average temperature of 24.8 °F. You’re likely to see more rain in July, when precipitation is around 3.9″. In contrast, January is usually the driest month of the year in Ithaca, with an average rainfall of 2″.

Data provided by weatherbase
Temperatures
Temperatures
Data provided by weatherbase

How to Get to Ithaca

Plane

When flying to Ithaca, you’ll arrive at Ithaca Tompkins County (ITH), which is located 4 miles from the city center. The shortest domestic flight to Ithaca departs from New York and takes around 1h 08m.

Car

Another option to get to Ithaca is to pick up a car rental from New York, which is about 174 miles from Ithaca. You’ll find branches of Sixt and Kyte, among others, in New York.

Bus

You can travel by bus to Ithaca using Megabus or Trailways. The most popular bus station is Ithaca 131 E Green St, located 0.1 miles from downtown Ithaca. Ithaca Cornell University is also a commonly used station, and is 0.7 miles from the city center.

Plane

When flying to Ithaca, you’ll arrive at Ithaca Tompkins County (ITH), which is located 4 miles from the city center. The shortest domestic flight to Ithaca departs from New York and takes around 1h 08m.

Car

Another option to get to Ithaca is to pick up a car rental from New York, which is about 174 miles from Ithaca. You’ll find branches of Sixt and Kyte, among others, in New York.

Bus

You can travel by bus to Ithaca using Megabus or Trailways. The most popular bus station is Ithaca 131 E Green St, located 0.1 miles from downtown Ithaca. Ithaca Cornell University is also a commonly used station, and is 0.7 miles from the city center.

Airlines serving Ithaca

Lufthansa
Good (4,689 reviews)
KLM
Good (846 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,573 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,607 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,279 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (488 reviews)
Air France
Good (979 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (2,113 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,953 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,441 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,925 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (226 reviews)
Finnair
Good (864 reviews)
LOT
Good (681 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (923 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,175 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (5,716 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (834 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (1,595 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (726 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Ithaca

Average rates range from around $223 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $283 and up for a 5-star experience.

Where to stay in popular areas of Ithaca

Most booked hotels in Ithaca

The Statler Hotel at Cornell University
4 stars
Excellent (9, 481 reviews)
$276+
Canopy by Hilton Ithaca Downtown
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, 259 reviews)
$190+
Hotel Ithaca
3 stars
Excellent (8, 884 reviews)
$163+
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ithaca
3 stars
Good (7.9, 610 reviews)
$164+
Cayuga Lake Inn Ithaca Hotel Alt 
2 stars
Excellent (9.2, 5 reviews)
$251+
Best Western University Inn
2 stars
Good (7.4, 634 reviews)
$139+

Renting a car in Ithaca

Renting a car in Ithaca costs $80 per day, on average, or $159 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 7% more expensive than at Ithaca Tompkins County.

Expect to pay $3.90 per gallon in Ithaca (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $46.79 and $62.38. The most frequently booked car type in Ithaca is Supplier choice (Class Special Car or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Hyundai Accent or similar) are, on average, 52% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Ithaca costs $80 per day, on average, or $159 if you want to rent if for 2 days.

You’re likely to save money by renting your car at the airport: locations in the city are, on average, 7% more expensive than at Ithaca Tompkins County.

Expect to pay $3.90 per gallon in Ithaca (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $46.79 and $62.38. The most frequently booked car type in Ithaca is Supplier choice (Class Special Car or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Hyundai Accent or similar) are, on average, 52% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.