Travel Information

Driving directions, parking information, and travel by air or train.
 

Directions to the Empire State Plaza

We suggest using the following GPS coordinates: N=42.65675 / W=73.7600

The closest physical address is: 
100 S Mall Arterial, Albany, NY 12242
 

 

From the North: South (Exit 6A)

  • Take I-87 South (Northway) to I-90 East (Exit 1E).
  • Take I-90 East to 787.  
  • Take 787 South to Exit 3A for the Empire State Plaza. 
     

From the South:

  • Take I-87 North (NYS Thruway) to Exit 23. 
  • Follow signs for 787 North toward downtown Albany. 
  • Take Exit 3 for the Empire State Plaza.
     

From the East: 

  • Take I-90 West to Exit B1. 
  • Continue I-90 West toward 787 South. 
  • Take 787 South to Exit 3A for the Empire State Plaza.
     

From the West: 

  • Take I-90 East (NYS Thruway) to Exit 24 for Albany. 
  • Continue I-90 East to 787 South (Exit 6A). 
  • Take 787 South to  Exit 3A for the Empire State Plaza.
     

Parking

The Office of General Services operates several pay-by-the-day visitor parking areas in and around the Empire State Plaza in downtown Albany, NY. For more information on parking for visitors, please visit: empirestateplaza.ny.gov/parking.
 

V-Lot Parking 

The Empire State Plaza V-Lot (Visitors Lot) is the primary lot for visitors, located beneath the Empire State Plaza and accessed through the I-787 Empire State Plaza exit. 

  • $10.00 Flat Fee (parkers staying past 3:00 a.m. will be charged for next-day parking). 90 minutes or less: no charge at Exit Gate. 
  • Parking is pay on EXIT and cash is NOT accepted. 
     

Madison Avenue Lot

Located on Madison Avenue above the Cultural Education Center, and within easy walking distance to the Empire State Plaza and New York State Museum. This lot has designated accessible parking spaces.

  • Hours & Fees: Monday - Friday, $10.00 Flat Fee
  • Weekends and State Holidays. Lot open, no charge
  • During events, all visitor lots are subject to after-hours and/or weekend fees.
  • Card payments only - cash not accepted.
     

Grand Street Surface Lot

Located off Grand Street and within a short walking distance to the Empire State Plaza and downtown Albany.

  • Hours & Fees: Monday - Friday, $10.00 Flat Fee
  • Weekends and State Holidays, Lot open, no charge
  • During events, all visitor lots are subject to after-hours and/or weekend fees.
  • Card payments only - cash not accepted.
     

Elk Street Surface Lot

Located on the corner of South Swan and Elk Street, behind One Commerce Plaza.

  • Hours & Fees: Monday - Friday, $10.00 Flat Fee
  • Weekends and State Holidays, Lot open, no charge.
  • During events, all visitor lots are subject to after-hours and/or weekend fees.
  • Card payments only - cash not accepted.
     

Additional Downtown Albany Parking

Additional paid parking may be available in the following private garages (not managed by OGS):

  • MVP Arena, Market Street, 518-427-5066
  • Renaissance Hotel, 67 Howard Street, 518-862-9133
  • See other parking options on the City of Albany Parking Website.
     

Getting to Albany

Airport Information

Albany International Airport (ALB)

There are many nonstop flights daily with airlines such as Allegiant, JetBlue, Delta, United, American Airlines, Southwest, Avelo, and Breeze. 

Rail Service

Albany - Rensselaer Amtrak Station

Passenger rail service with 13 daily trains into the new Rensselaer Rail Station and 13 departures daily to destinations throughout the Northeast, Canada, and Mid-West.