How to Get to the Finger Lakes
for a Wine Tasting Getaway
New York | Finger Lakes
If you’re planning a wine-tasting getaway to the Finger Lakes, you’re in for a memorable experience. Known for its scenic landscapes, charming small towns, and some of the best wineries in the U.S., the Finger Lakes region is a top destination for wine lovers. With over 100 wineries around Seneca Lake, Keuka Lake, and Cayuga Lake, visitors can enjoy an many cool-climate wines and styles, all while soaking in the beauty of the region’s rolling vineyards and serene lake views.
The major towns that make great starting points for your wine-tasting adventure include Ithaca, Seneca Falls, Watkins Glen, Geneva, Hammondsport, and Penn Yan. These towns not only provide easy access to the best wineries, but also offer a range of dining, shopping, and outdoor activities to round out your stay. Whether you’re interested in exploring the waterfalls, experiencing the local food scene, or just relaxing by the lake, the Finger Lakes region has something for everyone.
Complete guide on where to stay in the Finger Lakes Wine Region
But first, you'll need to figure out how to get to the Finger Lakes and how to navigate the area once you arrive. With a variety of travel options, from driving to flying or even taking an Amtrak train, there are plenty of ways to reach this wine region. Once there, you'll want to decide whether to rent a car, hire a driver, or join a wine tour for your excursions between wineries.
Best Finger Lakes Wine Tours and Drivers
In this guide, we’ll explore the different transportation options, the pros and cons of each, and offer tips on how to get around the Finger Lakes once you arrive. Whether you’re planning a leisurely weekend getaway or an in-depth exploration of the Finger Lakes wine scene, this guide will help you plan a smooth and enjoyable trip.
This site contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we believe in.
Finger Lakes Wine Travel Tips
How to Get to the Finger Lakes
Driving to the Finger Lakes
Driving is one of the most convenient ways to visit the Finger Lakes, especially for those within a few hours of the region. Whether you’re driving from New York City, Boston, or Philadelphia, it’s easy to reach the Finger Lakes in 5-6 hours. It’s close proximity to many major north east cities make it an accessible wine destination for many.
Pros: Driving gives you full control over your schedule, allowing you to explore wineries at your own pace. It also makes it easy to transport any wine you purchase. Additionally, having your car is great for visiting restaurants and attractions, outside of your wine tour.
Cons: Be sure to plan for a designated driver, especially if you plan on visiting multiple wineries.
Flying to the Finger Lakes
For those traveling from farther away, flying is a quick and efficient way to get to the Finger Lakes. The closest airports are:
Ithaca Tompkins International Airport
Address: 1 Culligan Dr, Ithaca, NY 14850Greater Rochester International Airport
Address: 1200 Brooks Ave, Rochester, NY 14624Syracuse Hancock International Airport
Address: 1000 Col Eileen Collins Blvd, Syracuse, NY 13212
Check Airline Routes and Rates
Pros: Flying can save you time, especially if you’re coming from a distant location. Once you land, you can easily pick up a rental car to get around.
Find Rental Car Locations and Rates
Cons: You’ll need to rent a car to explore the wineries since public transportation is limited. If you plan to bring wine back home, consider using a wine suitcase designed for air travel to safely pack your bottles.
For Tips on Safely Transporting Wine Home After Your Trip
Amtrak Train to the Finger Lakes
Taking an Amtrak train to either Rochester or Syracuse is another scenic and relaxing option.
Rochester Amtrak Station
Address: 320 Central Ave, Rochester, NY 14605Syracuse Amtrak Station
Address: 131 Alliance Bank Pkwy, Syracuse, NY 13208
Check Amtrak Schedule and Rates
Pros: Train travel is a comfortable, hassle-free way to reach the Finger Lakes, allowing you to enjoy the ride without the stress of driving.
Cons: You’ll still need a rental car once you arrive, as the train stations are located outside the main wine regions.
How to Use Guided Wino’s New York Wine Travel Guide
Our New York Wine Travel Guide is designed to be user-friendly, whether you’re planning your trip on a desktop or on the go. Here’s how to make the most of this powerful tool:
Pinterest Integration: If you’re a Pinterest user, save this post to a board for easy access during your trip. Use the Pinterest icon below.
Mobile Phone Convenience: For quick access, create a Guided Wino shortcut on your phone’s home screen. Though Guided Wino doesn’t have a dedicated mobile app, our website is fully optimized for mobile use. By adding a shortcut, you can operate it as a mobile app. If you’re visiting the Finger Lakes wine region, we suggest creating a shortcut to the Guided Wino New York Wine Travel Guide for easy reference.
How to Get Around in the Finger Lakes
Once you arrive, you might be wondering should you rent a car in the Finger Lakes? The answer is yes, especially if you want to visit several wineries and explore the area at your leisure. The wineries are not walkable so a car is required to get around. While renting a car is ideal for flexibility, there are alternatives.
Renting a Car
Pros: Renting a car allows you to explore the Finger Lakes' wineries, restaurants, and other attractions with ease. Many of the best vineyards are spread out, and a car gives you the flexibility to visit multiple tasting rooms, scenic spots, and local landmarks. You can also use your car to drive to dinner or explore other sights, such as state parks or lakeside activities.
Cons: If you're planning on visiting multiple wineries, having a designated driver is important to ensure everyone’s safety.
Find Rental Car Locations and Rates
Staying in Walkable Towns
If you'd rather not drive at all, consider staying in one of the more walkable towns, such as Watkins Glen, Ithaca, or Geneva. These towns offer plenty of dining and entertainment options within walking distance, but you cannot walk to the wineries from these towns. From there, you can hire a local driver or join a guided wine tour to explore the surrounding vineyards.
Watkins Glen: Known for the Watkins Glen State Park and on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail
Ithaca: A lively college town on the Cayuga Lake Wine Trail
Geneva: Great restaurants and bars on the Seneca Lake Wine Trail
Find the Best Towns to Stay in
Hiring a Driver or Joining a Wine Tour
If you'd prefer to avoid driving between wineries, consider hiring a private driver or joining a wine tour.
Pros: This option allows everyone in your group to fully enjoy the tastings without worrying about who will drive. Several companies offer guided wine tours that include transportation and provide insights into the region’s wine history. You can use your rental car or personal vehicle for other outings, such as going to dinner or exploring attractions, while relying on the wine tour service for winery visits.
Cons: This option can be more expensive than driving yourself, but it’s an excellent choice for a relaxed and enjoyable experience. Note that Uber and Lyft are not widely available in the Finger Lakes, so these services should not be relied upon for getting to and from wineries.
Find the Best Wine Tour Companies and Hired Car Service
Final Thoughts
No matter how you choose to travel, the Finger Lakes offers an unforgettable wine-tasting experience. Driving to the Finger Lakes provides flexibility, especially if you want to stock up on wine and transport home easily. If you're flying, consider using a wine suitcase to safely bring bottles home. Once there, renting a car is highly recommended for easy access to wineries, restaurants, and other attractions. However, if you'd prefer not to drive between wineries, hiring a driver or booking a wine tour company ensures that everyone can enjoy the experience safely.
By planning ahead and choosing the right transportation, your Finger Lakes wine getaway is sure to be smooth and enjoyable!