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.

Most popular restaurants in Ithaca

Contemporary American
Very good (388 reviews)
Italian
Wonderful (113 reviews)
Italian
Wonderful (52 reviews)
Contemporary American
Very good (388 reviews)
Italian
Wonderful (113 reviews)
Italian
Wonderful (52 reviews)

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 21m.

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 Ace and Kyte, among others, in New York.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Ithaca, including Megabus, OurBus and FlixBus. 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 21m.

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 Ace and Kyte, among others, in New York.

Bus

Several bus lines operate bus routes to Ithaca, including Megabus, OurBus and FlixBus. 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 (4,614 reviews)
KLM
Good (848 reviews)
British Airways
Good (4,452 reviews)
Delta
Good (4,599 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (2,282 reviews)
Air France
Good (973 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (476 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (4,929 reviews)
Emirates
Good (2,125 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (2,478 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (5,729 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (228 reviews)
Finnair
Good (878 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (832 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,160 reviews)
LOT
Good (682 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (911 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (832 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (5,516 reviews)
ITA Airways
Good (708 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Ithaca

Average rates range from around $216 per night for a double room in a 3-star hotel to $208 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, 476 reviews)
$266+
Canopy by Hilton Ithaca Downtown
4 stars
Excellent (8.8, 263 reviews)
$180+
Hotel Ithaca
3 stars
Good (7.9, 856 reviews)
$144+
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ithaca
3 stars
Good (7.9, 620 reviews)
$142+
A Cayuga Lakefront Inn - Hotel Alt, Ithaca New York
2 stars
Excellent (9.2, 5 reviews)
$251+
Best Western University Inn
2 stars
Good (7.4, 627 reviews)
$108+

Renting a car in Ithaca

Renting a car in Ithaca costs $76 per day, on average, or $152 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, 6% 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. Economy (Kia Forte or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Ithaca, while also 46% cheaper than other types, on average.

Renting a car in Ithaca costs $76 per day, on average, or $152 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, 6% 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. Economy (Kia Forte or similar) is the most popular car type to rent in Ithaca, while also 46% cheaper than other types, on average.