Lake Placid sits deep in the Adirondacks — here’s how to actually get there, depending on where you’re coming from and how you like to travel.
The Honest Truth About Getting to Lake Placid
Lake Placid is not the easiest destination to reach. There’s no direct train, no major airport nearby, and the last stretch of road — no matter how you arrive — is mountain highway. That’s part of what makes it feel like a genuine escape rather than another crowded weekend destination. But it does take some planning. This guide breaks down every realistic option so you can choose what works for your trip.
Driving to Lake Placid
For most visitors coming from New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut, or Boston, driving is the most practical option — and honestly, one of the better parts of the trip.
From New York City: approximately 5.5 to 6 hours depending on traffic. Take I-87 North (the Adirondack Northway) to Exit 30 at Underwood, then Route 73 west into Lake Placid. The last 45 minutes on Route 73 through Keene Valley is genuinely beautiful — stone walls, mountain views, the road narrowing as the peaks close in around you.
From Boston: approximately 4.5 to 5 hours via I-89 North into Vermont, then crossing into New York at Chimney Point and taking Route 9N north along Lake Champlain before cutting west. A slightly longer route but a spectacular one if you have the time.
From Montreal: approximately 2.5 hours south via I-87. Lake Placid is one of the closer Adirondack destinations for Canadian visitors.
Parking: GO Cottage has private off-street parking for guests. In the village, the main municipal lot off Main Street handles overflow in summer.
Tips for the drive:
- Leave NYC before 7am or after 7pm on Fridays in summer — the Northway backs up badly between Exits 15 and 24
- Gas up before Route 73 — stations thin out quickly once you’re in the mountains
- Cell service becomes unreliable after Keene; download your maps offline before you leave
Taking the Train to Lake Placid
Amtrak’s Adirondack line runs daily from Penn Station in New York City to Westport, NY — a scenic 5.5-hour ride along the Hudson River and into the Adirondacks. The views through the Hudson Valley and along Lake Champlain are legitimately worth the trip on their own.
From Westport, it’s approximately 45 minutes to Lake Placid by car. You’ll need to arrange a rental car or a rideshare from the station — there’s no direct public transit connection. Essex County also runs an Adirondack Trailways bus connection on select schedules worth checking if you prefer not to rent a car.
The Adirondack line also stops in Albany-Rensselaer, which gives you access to a full range of rental car options if you’d rather pick up a car there and drive the remaining 2.5 hours north.
Best for: couples who want the journey to feel like part of the trip, travelers who don’t want to deal with NYC traffic, anyone who wants to arrive relaxed.
Flying Into Lake Placid
There is no commercial airport in Lake Placid itself. The closest options:
Burlington International Airport (BTV) — Burlington, Vermont, approximately 1.5 hours east. Served by United, Delta, American, and JetBlue with connections from major hubs. This is the most convenient flying option for most travelers. From Burlington, you cross Lake Champlain by ferry or bridge and take Route 9N or Route 86 west into Lake Placid.
Albany International Airport (ALB) — approximately 2.5 hours south. More flight options and often lower fares, especially from NYC-area airports. Good choice if you’re flying from farther away and price matters more than drive time.
Plattsburgh International Airport (PBG) — approximately 1 hour north. Limited commercial service but worth checking if you’re coming from a specific hub — it’s the closest airport to Lake Placid by distance.
All three airports have rental car options. We recommend booking in advance for summer and fall foliage weekends — inventory goes fast.
The Scenic Route: Driving Through the Adirondack Byway
If you have an extra half-day and you’re arriving from the south or east, the Adirondack North Country Scenic Byway through Keene Valley on Route 73 deserves a detour. Stop at the Adirondack Loj trailhead, grab lunch in Keene, and take your time on the final approach into Lake Placid. It’s one of the better mountain drives in the Northeast.
For cyclists and motorcycle travelers, Route 9N from Elizabethtown into Lake Placid is a local favorite — winding, well-paved, and almost no truck traffic.
Getting Around Once You’re in Lake Placid
Lake Placid’s village is small and walkable. Main Street, Mirror Lake, and most restaurants are accessible on foot from GO Cottage — about a 10-minute walk to the center of town.
For trailheads, you’ll want a car. The Adirondack Loj, Mt. Van Hoevenberg, and Whiteface Mountain are all short drives but not walkable. Rideshare availability is limited in the Adirondacks — don’t count on Uber or Lyft reliably, especially outside of peak season.
Where to Stay When You Arrive
GO Cottage runs two historic cottages in the village — private, dog-friendly, and a ten-minute walk to Main Street. No shared lobbies, no hotel neighbors, no surprise pet fees.
- Studio Cottage — sleeps 2, ideal for couples
- Two Bedroom Cottage — sleeps 4, great for families or two couples
- Charming Dual Cottage Retreat — both cottages together, sleeps 6
[Check availability and dates →]
FAQ: Getting to Lake Placid
How far is Lake Placid from New York City? Approximately 300 miles, or 5.5 to 6 hours by car depending on traffic. The most common route is I-87 North to Exit 30, then Route 73 west.
Is there a train to Lake Placid? Not directly. Amtrak’s Adirondack line stops in Westport, NY — about 45 minutes from Lake Placid. You’ll need a rental car or rideshare for the final leg.
What is the closest airport to Lake Placid? Burlington International Airport (BTV) in Vermont is approximately 1.5 hours away and is the most convenient flying option for most travelers. Albany International (ALB) is 2.5 hours south with more flight options.
Can you get to Lake Placid without a car? It’s difficult but possible. Amtrak to Westport plus a rental car is the most realistic car-free option. Adirondack Trailways runs bus service on select routes. Once in the village, most amenities are walkable.
How long is the drive from Boston to Lake Placid? Approximately 4.5 to 5 hours via I-89 North through Vermont, crossing into New York near Chimney Point.
Heading up soon? GO Cottage has two private cottages in the heart of the village — dogs welcome, parking included. [Check dates →]
