Travel & Transportation Guide to Saratoga Race Course
Planning a day at Saratoga Race Course is part of the fun, but getting there takes a little strategy. Traffic on the Northway, parking near the track, and navigating downtown Saratoga Springs all factor into a smooth race day. This guide covers driving directions, rail and air travel, and local transportation options for getting to Saratoga Race Course.
Driving to Saratoga Race Course: Routes, Directions & Travel Times
Most visitors reach Saratoga Race Course by car, though regional bus service is also available for travelers who prefer not to drive. Knowing your route and timing in advance makes race day easier to plan around either way.
Driving Directions to Saratoga Race Course By Car
Saratoga Race Course is located at 267 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
Approximate driving times include:
- Albany: 40 minutes
- New York City: 3.5 to 4 hours
- Boston: 3.5 hours
- Montreal: 3 hours
- Syracuse: 2.5 hours
- Burlington, Vermont: 2 hours
Keep these tips in mind:
- Allow at least 30 to 60 extra minutes on busy weekends.
- Exit 14 on I-87 often experiences the heaviest congestion before and after racing.
- Exit 13N may be a better option for travelers approaching from the south.
- Exit 15 may provide easier access for visitors staying north or east of downtown.
- Follow real-time GPS directions because traffic patterns can change throughout the day.
- Arriving before late morning can make a major difference in traffic and parking availability.
Bus Service to Saratoga Springs
Regional bus carriers, including Greyhound and Trailways, serve Saratoga Springs and typically drop passengers off at the Saratoga Springs Train Station (26 Station Lane, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866), which also functions as the city's Amtrak station.
From there, travelers can connect with local CDTA routes to reach downtown Saratoga Springs or continue toward Saratoga Race Course.
During the summer, visitors may also be able to use the free Saratoga Summer Trolley to travel between downtown, local hotels, and the track.
Amtrak & Train Travel to Saratoga Race Course
Traveling by train is a convenient way to reach Saratoga Race Course while avoiding Northway traffic and parking concerns.
Amtrak Routes to Saratoga Springs
Amtrak serves Saratoga Springs through two routes: the Adirondack, connecting the city with New York City and Montreal, and the Ethan Allen Express, connecting to Burlington, Vermont. Travelers from New York City can depart from Moynihan Train Hall.
The Saratoga Springs train station is located at 26 Station Lane, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
Saratoga Springs Train Station: Location & Transportation Tips
The Saratoga Springs train station is approximately two miles from Saratoga Race Course. Although the distance may look manageable on a map, it is generally not a practical walk, especially for travelers carrying luggage or dressed for a day at the track.
Plan to arrange transportation as soon as your train arrives. Options may include:
- Uber or Lyft
- A pre-booked taxi
- A hotel shuttle
- CDTA transportation
Booking or coordinating your connecting ride in advance can help prevent delays during busy race weekends.
Flying to Saratoga Race Course: Airport Options
Two airports serve travelers heading to Saratoga Race Course, depending on whether you're flying commercial or private.
Albany International Airport (ALB)
Albany International Airport is the closest major commercial airport to Saratoga Race Course. The airport is located approximately 30 miles south of the track, and the drive takes about 30 to 40 minutes under normal conditions.
During the summer meet, weekend traffic on I-87 can significantly increase travel time. Friday afternoons, Whitney weekend, and Travers weekend are especially busy. Travelers should allow extra time when renting a car, scheduling a taxi, or arranging a rideshare from the airport.
Saratoga County Airport (5B2)
Saratoga County Airport is a convenient option for private charter flights and general aviation. The airport is located at 405 Greenfield Avenue, Ballston Spa, NY 12020, approximately 5.5 miles and a 15-minute drive from Saratoga Race Course.
Its proximity to downtown Saratoga Springs and the track makes it a popular alternative for private pilots, charter travelers, horse owners, and racing industry professionals.
Local Travel: Getting Around Saratoga Springs
Once you arrive in Saratoga Springs, several local transportation options can help you reach the track without driving or paying for parking each day.
CDTA Saratoga Summer Trolley: Schedule & Route
The CDTA Saratoga Summer Trolley, also known as Route 875, is one of the easiest ways to travel around the city during the racing season.
Key details include:
- Operates Wednesday through Sunday
- Runs from noon to 10:00 PM
- Arrives approximately every 30 minutes
- Is completely fare-free
- Connects downtown Broadway, local hotels, Saratoga Casino Hotel, and Saratoga Race Course
The trolley is especially convenient for visitors staying downtown who want to leave their car parked at their hotel. Schedules and stops may change from season to season, so check the current trolley schedule before your trip.
Complimentary Hotel Shuttle Services
Many Saratoga Springs lodging properties offer seasonal or complimentary transportation to Saratoga Race Course, including:
- Saratoga Casino Hotel
- Holiday Inn Saratoga Springs
- Residence Inn by Marriott - Saratoga Springs
- The Hotel Saratoga - Ascend Hotel Collection by Choice Hotels
- The Gideon Putnam
Shuttle schedules, operating hours, reservation requirements, and availability vary by property. Ask the front desk about track transportation when booking your stay, and confirm the schedule again when you check in.
Rideshares (Uber & Lyft)
Uber and Lyft operate throughout Saratoga Springs and are commonly used during the track season. However, riders cannot always choose a random pickup location along Union Avenue after the races. Visitors leaving the track should walk to the designated rideshare pickup and drop-off area on East Avenue before requesting a ride, and should confirm their driver and vehicle before entering.
Keep these tips in mind:
- Walk to the official rideshare zone before opening the app.
- Confirm your driver and vehicle before entering.
- Expect longer waits after the final races.
- Surge pricing may apply during major events and busy weekends.
- Consider waiting nearby for the heaviest crowds to clear before requesting a ride.
Pre-Booked Taxi & Shuttle Services
Traditional taxi companies serve Saratoga Springs, but visitors should not expect to hail a cab from the street. Taxis are best reserved in advance, especially for trips involving Albany International Airport, the Saratoga Springs train station, local hotels, Saratoga Race Course, major race days, or late-night pickups.
Scheduling both your arrival and return ride can help you avoid long waits. The following local providers offer reservation-based taxi and shuttle service to and from the track:
Based in Saratoga Springs, this service offers 24/7 flat-rate airport transfers to Albany International Airport as well as JFK, Newark, and LaGuardia, along with local taxi and executive transportation throughout the region.
Adirondack Blue Line Taxi Service
Operating out of Queensbury, this taxi service covers the Capital Region and North Country, from Bolton Landing to Albany, with 24/7 dispatch and airport transfers to Albany International Airport and New York City airports.
Also based in nearby Queensbury, APoint provides custom small-group shuttle service across the Adirondacks and Capital Region, including airport transfers and event transportation.
Parking Options at Saratoga Race Course
Saratoga Race Course offers several official parking options for visitors who choose to drive.
Official NYRA Parking Lots
Parking options may include:
- Free general parking
- Complimentary shuttle service from general parking areas
- Preferred parking
- Silver Trackside parking
- Valet parking for eligible guests
- Accessible parking for vehicles with a valid disability permit or plate
All official NYRA parking lots are cashless when paying in person. Visitors should bring a credit card, debit card, or mobile payment method.
Private Lawn Parking Near the Track
In addition to official lots, many homeowners near the track offer paid lawn parking during the summer meet. These private parking areas may provide a shorter walk or an easier exit after the races.
Private lawn parking is not operated by NYRA, and payment methods vary. Some homeowners may still prefer cash.
Race Day Transportation Tips for Saratoga Race Course
Getting to and from Saratoga Race Course requires extra planning on the busiest days of the summer season. Use these tips to make your trip easier:
- Arrive early on Whitney Day, Travers Day, and other major stakes days.
- Allow more time than your GPS initially recommends.
- Avoid Exit 14 when traffic is heavily backed up.
- Use the Summer Trolley or a hotel shuttle when possible.
- Reserve taxis and airport transportation in advance.
- Walk to the official East Avenue rideshare area before requesting an Uber or Lyft.
- Expect delays immediately after the final race.
- Consider enjoying dinner or spending time downtown before heading home.
- Keep a credit card or mobile payment method available for official parking.
Getting to Saratoga Race Course: Final Takeaways
Whichever route brings you to Saratoga Race Course, whether by car, train, plane, or bus, planning your transportation in advance makes race day easier to enjoy. Checking current parking policies, trolley schedules, and rideshare pickup locations before you go can help you spend less time in transit and more time at the track.
