These 13 Cheap Flights from Albany, NY Will Blow Your Mind

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Looking for flights from Albany International used to make me want to pull my hair out. After endless research (and more spreadsheets than I care to admit), I’ve finally found some legit deals that don’t require driving to NYC or Boston. The game changed when I discovered you could actually score affordable flights to places worth visiting.

These are the best places in New York’s Capital Region to grab budget flights, and I can’t wait to share what I found. Just last month, I snagged a crazy deal to Savannah for less than I spend on takeout in a week. Between wandering Forsyth Park and stuffing my face at Mrs. Wilkes Dining Room, I couldn’t believe more people weren’t taking advantage of these routes. Here are 13 destinations you can actually reach without sacrificing your savings account.

#1 tip for finding cheap flights from Albany, NY

Looking for cheap places to fly from Albany, NY? Before jumping into all the coolest cities and airports to fly into, I want to share a quick tip to save money on airfare.

For the past 5 years, I’ve used Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going) to find cheap flight deals. It’s free and super easy to use. All you have to do is enter in your home airport (i.e. ALB) and where you want to go, and they’ll send you mistake fares and other ridiculously cheap flight deals.

In 2024 alone, I saved thousands of dollars thanks to their email alerts. This includes most recently, a $225 roundtrip fare from Miami to London. On average, I save about $300 roundtrip on selected flight routes. So, I’m a huge fan and couldn’t recommend them more!

If you’re a frequent flier, consider getting their premium version. It costs $49 per year, but it will easily save you hundreds (or thousands) of dollars if you fly just 1-2 times. I recommend signing up for the free trial (which you can cancel at any time) to test it out for yourself. And if you like it, use my coupon code JON20 to save 20%!

Best Cheap Getaways from Albany, NY

Looking for cheap getaways from Albany, NY? Visit Buffalo for Niagara Falls and vibrant arts, Boston for historic landmarks and waterfront charm, Philadelphia for iconic sites and rich history, and Washington, D.C. for museums and national monuments. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or cuisine, these destinations offer budget-friendly escapes from Albany.

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Looking to save BIG on airfare? I recommend signing up for Dollar Flight Club. Thanks to DFC, I’ve saved $5,000+ on travel in 2024…so I couldn’t recommend it more!

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1. Albany to Buffalo ($150–$180 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour
• 🛫 Best Airlines: United, American (regional connections)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to September 🌞 for outdoor activities and May to October 🍁 for Niagara Falls
• 🏆 Perfect for: Waterfall chasers 💦, wing enthusiasts 🍗, architecture buffs 🏛️

Buffalo is the comeback story you didn’t see coming. Once known for snow and steel, this Lake Erie city now buzzes with restored architecture, indie neighborhoods, and a food scene that goes way beyond wings.

Canalside is where the action happens now. What used to be abandoned waterfront is now filled with kayakers, food trucks, and concert venues right on the water. Elmwood Village is the neighborhood where you’ll find all the cool spots, from craft coffee shops to vintage stores in old Victorian houses that somehow survived urban renewal. Architecture fans can explore buildings by Frank Lloyd Wright, including the stunning Martin House Complex, just minutes from downtown.

United usually offers the best flight deals midweek, with fares sometimes under $160. Summer is ideal when the weather is perfect and the city feels alive

A weekend here will have you wondering why more people aren’t talking about how Buffalo got its groove back.

• Read next: Cheap Flights from Buffalo

2. Albany to Boston ($177–$210 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• 🛫 Best Airlines: JetBlue, Delta (some direct options)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: September to October 🍁 for perfect weather and April to May 🌸 for fewer crowds
• 🏆 Perfect for: History buffs 🏛️, sports fanatics ⚾, seafood lovers 🦞

Boston is that perfect mix of old-school charm and new-school cool just a quick flight from Albany. This super walkable city packs centuries of American history alongside cutting-edge tech spots and food that’ll make you question why you’d ever eat seafood inland. 

Beacon Hill gives those cobblestone street vibes for your Instagram, but the real action happens in spots like Seaport, where abandoned warehouses have transformed into rooftop bars and innovative restaurants with killer harbor views. For the ultimate local experience, catch a game at Fenway Park where even non-sports people get swept up in the energy of America’s oldest ballpark while feasting on surprisingly good food that goes way beyond typical stadium fare.

Fall lights up Boston’s streets with fiery colors and crisp sweater weather. When it comes to flights, JetBlue frequently runs midweek sales from Albany, making it easy to plan a quick and memorable escape.

• Read next: Affordable Places to Fly from Boston

3. Albany to Philadelphia ($148–$175 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• 🛫 Best Airlines: American, United (some direct options)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June 🌷 and September to October 🍁 for perfect outdoor weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: History nerds 🏛️, mural hunters 🎨, food adventurers 🥪

Philadelphia feels like the East Coast’s most underrated city. It’s historic, walkable, and surprisingly fun once you get to know it.

Old City covers the textbook stuff, but Fishtown is where you want to spend your time. This formerly industrial neighborhood is now packed with converted factories housing spots like Evil Genius Beer Company where the brews have names like “Purple Monkey Dishwasher” and outdoor seating perfect for day drinking. Northern Liberties is filled with vintage stores and coffee shops where creative energy is everywhere. For skyline views, walk across the Ben Franklin Bridge and thank us later.

When it comes to flights, American Airlines usually has the best midweek fares under $155. Time your visit in fall when the crowds thin and the Schuylkill River Trail lights up with color.

• Read next: Cheap Flights from Philadelphia

4. Albany to Washington D.C. ($101–$140 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• 🛫 Best Airlines: United, American (direct flights available)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May 🌸 for cherry blossoms and September to November 🍁 for perfect temps
• 🏆 Perfect for: Museum fanatics 🖼️, monument hoppers 🏛️, food crawl enthusiasts 🌮

Washington D.C. is the ultimate high-value getaway. World-class museums are free, the Metro is spotless, and the food scene has moved way past government dinners and steakhouse clichés.

The National Mall is obviously iconic, but the real move is hitting Smithsonian museums strategically. Start at the Air and Space Museum when doors open to see the Apollo command module without crowds, then head to the National Museum of African American History, where free timed-entry tickets unlock one of the country’s most powerful cultural experiences.

Beyond the tourist zone, neighborhoods like Shaw and H Street now buzz with indie music venues, standout restaurants, and bars where locals actually hang.

Spring is peak season when cherry blossoms turn the Tidal Basin into a pastel dream. United often drops midweek fares below $110 roundtrip from Albany.

• Read next: Best Waterfalls in Washington State

5. Albany to Chicago ($135–$170 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• 🛫 Best Airlines: United, American (direct flights available)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to September 🌞 when the city emerges from winter hibernation
• 🏆 Perfect for: Architecture geeks 🏙️, deep dish devotees 🍕, lakefront loungers 🏖️

Chicago brings big city energy with Midwest friendliness and lake views that feel almost coastal. It’s stylish without being pretentious and packed with art, food, and music in every neighborhood.

The Loop is where you’ll find the iconic skyline and museums, but head to Logan Square for indie venues, cocktail bars, and chef-run restaurants inside old warehouses. The Architecture Boat Tour might sound touristy, but it’s genuinely one of the best ways to experience the city. For something uniquely Chicago, hit the Lakefront Trail on a bike where miles of paved paths connect beaches, harbors, and skyline views that’ll have your followers asking if you’re actually in Miami.

United dominates O’Hare as their global hub, frequently running direct flight specials from Albany that dip below $150 roundtrip during slower travel periods. 

6. Albany to Charlotte ($205–$230 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours
• 🛫 Best Airlines: American, Delta (direct flights available)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May 🌸 and September to October 🍁 for perfect outdoor weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: Urban explorers 🏙️, brewery hoppers 🍺, nature lovers 🌳

Charlotte has shaken off its buttoned-up banking image and turned into a cultural hotspot with murals, music, and beer gardens on nearly every block.

NoDa (North Davidson) is basically Charlotte’s version of Brooklyn, where former textile mills now house epic breweries, live music venues, and street art that’ll upgrade your social feed instantly. Plaza Midwood brings the quirk factor with vintage shops, tattoo studios, and dive bars next to upscale cocktail spots in a neighborhood that feels authentically cool, not manufactured. For fresh air, Freedom Park delivers trails, paddleboats, and skyline views just minutes from Uptown.

American Airlines runs multiple daily flights from Albany, with midweek fares sometimes dipping under $210. A few days here and you’ll see why Charlotte’s growth isn’t slowing down.

• Read next: Budget-Friendly Destinations to Fly from Charlotte

7. Albany to Atlanta ($227–$260 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• 🛫 Best Airlines: Delta, United (direct flights available)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: March to May 🌸 and September to November 🍁 for perfect weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: Urban explorers 🏙️, food enthusiasts 🍽️, music lovers 🎵

Atlanta brings big-city energy with Southern charm, offering skyline views, tree-lined streets, and a cultural mix that feels like several cities in one.

Midtown brings the glossy high-rise vibes, but spots like Little Five Points show the city’s weird, wonderful side with vintage shops, vegan cafes, and record stores where you might spot actual celebrities digging through vinyl bins. The Atlanta BeltLine is a 22-mile trail where you’ll find murals, pop-up markets, and outdoor events that connect neighborhoods in a uniquely ATL way. 

Fall hits different in Atlanta when the brutal summer humidity finally breaks. For flights, Delta often runs direct flights from Albany, with midweek fares dipping below $235. 

Stay in East Atlanta Village or Reynoldstown for lower rates and local vibes.

• Read next: Affordable Places to Fly from Atlanta

8. Albany to Orlando ($299–$335 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
• 🛫 Best Airlines: JetBlue, Southwest, Frontier (direct flights available)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: January to April 🌞 and September to November 🍂 for fewer crowds
• 🏆 Perfect for: Theme park warriors 🎢, spring breakers 🏊, wildlife spotters 🐊

Orlando may be known for theme parks, but there’s a lot more going on beyond the mouse ears. Sunshine, natural springs, and a rising food scene make this a smart winter escape from Albany.

In Winter Park, you’ll find oak-lined streets, lakeside boat rentals, and a downtown packed with indie shops and cafés. Mills 50 is the foodie heart, where Vietnamese and fusion joints serve top-tier meals without theme park prices. For something scenic, head to Wekiwa Springs where you can kayak crystal-clear waters and maybe spot a gator all for $6. East End Market is the go-to for craft coffee and artisanal eats in a chill garden setting. 

For flights that won’t hurt your budget, JetBlue and Frontier often compete on direct fares, sometimes dropping below $310 roundtrip.

• Read next: Cheap Places to Fly from Orlando

9. Albany to Cleveland ($211–$240 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• 🛫 Best Airlines: United, American (some direct options)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to September 🌞 for lakefront activities and September to October 🍁 for perfect temps
• 🏆 Perfect for: Rock music fans 🎸, food adventurers 🌮, budget travelers 💰

Cleveland has outgrown its rust belt reputation and now delivers serious cultural energy without big city prices.

Ohio City is where all the action happens. Think converted factories now housing craft breweries, coffee shops where baristas know way too much about beans, and the massive West Side Market where you can score pierogies that taste like someone’s grandma made them. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is actually worth the hype, especially if you time it for the late-night events when they serve booze and let you dance between the exhibits.

Flying from Albany, United usually has the best deals, sometimes dropping below $220 roundtrip if you fly midweek. One weekend here and you’ll start seeing Cleveland in a whole new light.

• Read next: Cheapest Places to Fly from Cleveland

10. Albany to Detroit ($248–$280 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• 🛫 Best Airlines: Delta, United (direct flights available)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: May to October 🌞 for outdoor activities and neighborhood festivals
• 🏆 Perfect for: Architecture photographers 📷, music history buffs 🎵, urban explorers 🏙️

Detroit has become the ultimate “I liked it before it was cool” destination. The creative energy here is real, with murals, music, and old buildings turned into something entirely new.

Eastern Market on Saturdays is pure sensory overload in the best way. Hundreds of vendors pack historic sheds with everything from farm produce to street art while the smell of barbecue and sound of street musicians create the perfect weekend vibe. For amazing pics without even trying, the Z Lot parking garage has floors covered in murals from world-famous street artists and a rooftop with skyline views that’ll make your followers think you hired a photographer.

Delta often drops midweek fares from Albany under $260. Stay in Midtown or Corktown for boutique hotels at half the price of other major cities. 

• Read next: Cheap Places to Fly from Detroit

11. Albany to Pittsburgh ($199–$225 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• 🛫 Best Airlines: United, American (connecting service)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: April to June 🌸 and September to October 🍁 for perfect outdoor weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: Bridge enthusiasts 🌉, food adventurers 🍽️, budget travelers 💰

Pittsburgh is that classic third-date city: not super flashy at first glance, but once you get to know it, you’re completely smitten. This city of three rivers has transformed from steel town stereotype to cultural hotspot with absurdly good food, neighborhoods that each feel like their own mini-cities, and prices that’ll make your Albany dollars stretch like nowhere else.

The Strip District brings all the sensory goodness with international food markets, sidewalk vendors, and local institutions like Primanti Bros where they put the fries INSIDE the sandwich because why not? Lawrenceville brings vintage shops, tattoo parlors, and craft breweries in converted rowhouses. For panoramic views, skip the incline and head to the free lookout on Mount Washington.

For flights, United runs reliable service from Albany, with fares sometimes dipping under $210 roundtrip.

• Read next: Cheap Places to Fly from Pittsburgh

12. Albany to Toronto ($209–$250 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• 🛫 Best Airlines: Air Canada, United (direct options available)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to September 🌞 for outdoor festivals and May to October 🍁 for pleasant weather
• 🏆 Perfect for: Urban explorers 🏙️, foodies 🍲, international vibes hunters 🌎

Toronto gives you global city energy without the jet lag. It’s walkable, diverse, and clean, with neighborhoods that feel like mini cultural worlds and a skyline that’s shockingly underrated.

Kensington Market is where culture collides in the best possible way. This neighborhood packs Caribbean juice bars, vintage shops, and taquerias into colorfully painted Victorian houses that make for perfect social media backdrops. Queen Street West delivers major cool kid energy with indie boutiques, vinyl record shops, and cafes where everyone seems to be working on some creative side hustle. And for waterfront vibes, the Toronto Islands are just a quick ferry ride from downtown, offering car-free paradise with the most stunning skyline views and beaches that make you forget you’re in a major city.

Air Canada typically hooks it up with the best direct flight deals, sometimes dropping below $220 roundtrip for Tuesday and Wednesday departures. 

• Read next: Cheapest Places to Fly to in Canada

13. Albany to Montreal ($287–$315 roundtrip)

• ✈️ Flight Time: 1 hour
• 🛫 Best Airlines: Air Canada, United (some direct options)
• 📅 Best Time to Visit: June to September 🌞 for outdoor fun and December to March ❄️ for winter magic
• 🏆 Perfect for: European vibe seekers 🇫🇷, food lovers 🧀, festival hoppers 🎭

Montreal is that perfect taste of Europe without the transatlantic flight or painful jet lag. With cobblestone streets, French-speaking locals, and a food scene that rivals Paris, it feels like another world just an hour from Albany.

Old Montreal gives you historic charm, but neighborhoods like The Plateau and Mile End offer the real flavor with colorful row houses, bagel shops, and murals on nearly every block. For green space that impresses, Mount Royal Park offers city views from the summit that’ll have you questioning why this place isn’t more expensive to visit.

For the best deals, Air Canada offers reliable direct flights, often under $300 for midweek departures. With walkable neighborhoods, year-round festivals, and favorable exchange rates, Montreal makes a strong case for your next weekend away.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Cheapest Flights from Albany

Looking to expand your knowledge about the cheapest destinations from Albany? Here are some common questions I get a lot about cheap flights from Albany to anywhere.

What flies out of Albany NY?

Albany International Airport (ALB) in New York serves as a regional airport with a variety of domestic flights and limited international service. The airlines and destinations can change, so it’s always a good idea to check the most current information. However, here are some airlines that currently operate out of Albany:

• Southwest Airlines: Offers flights to destinations like Baltimore, Orlando, and Fort Lauderdale.
• Delta Air Lines: Primarily serves Atlanta, Detroit, and Minneapolis, with connections to various other destinations.
• American Airlines: Provides service to cities like Philadelphia, Charlotte, and Chicago.
• United Airlines: Offers flights to hubs like Chicago, Washington Dulles, and Newark.
• JetBlue Airways: Known for flights to destinations like Orlando and Fort Lauderdale.
• Frontier Airlines: A budget airline that offers seasonal flights to destinations like Denver and Orlando.
• Allegiant Air: Another low-cost option, offering flights to leisure destinations like Myrtle Beach and St. Petersburg.
• Cape Air: Provides regional service to destinations like Boston and New York City.

Which destinations are typically the cheapest to fly to from Albany?

Cities such as Montreal, Toronto, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, and Detroit frequently emerge as affordable options from Albany. However, the list can change based on airline promotions, seasonal demand, and other market dynamics.

What airline has a hub in Albany NY?

Albany International Airport (ALB) in New York does not serve as a hub for any major airline. It functions primarily as a regional airport. The airport offers a variety of domestic flights to major cities and connections to international destinations. Airlines like Southwest, Delta, American, and United operate out of Albany, but none of these airlines consider it a hub.

The airport does serve as a convenient gateway for travelers in the Capital District of New York State, western New England, and even parts of southern Canada. However, it is not a hub in the traditional sense where airlines operate a large number of flights and offer extensive connections.

Why are some destinations cheaper than others from Albany?

Flight prices are influenced by a myriad of factors. Airline competition on specific routes, the duration of the flight, and the overall demand for flights to a particular destination play significant roles. Additionally, airport taxes, fuel prices, and bilateral aviation agreements can also impact pricing.

Which airlines offer the cheapest flights from Albany?

Airlines like Southwest, JetBlue, Air Canada, and Delta often have competitive rates from Albany. However, it’s also worth checking regional carriers and budget airlines that might offer special deals or promotions.

How can I find the best deals on flights from Albany?

Early booking is a tried-and-true method. Being flexible with your travel dates can also yield better prices. Regularly monitoring airline websites, subscribing to newsletters, and using flight comparison tools can alert you to promotions, discounts, and fare drops. Personally, I’ve found that the best deals flying from Albany are around 2-3 months before a flight date.

Is it cheaper to book a round trip or two one-way tickets?

The answer varies. Sometimes, airlines offer discounts on round-trip tickets, while at other times, booking two separate one-way tickets with different airlines might be more economical. Always compare both options before finalizing your purchase.

How does the time of year affect flight prices from Albany?

Seasonal demand significantly influences flight prices. For instance, popular vacation spots from Albany might be pricier during peak tourist seasons, holidays, or special events. Conversely, the off-season can offer substantial savings.

Are international flights from Albany more expensive than domestic ones?

Not always. Some international destinations, especially those in close proximity like Canada, can have fares that are quite competitive with or even cheaper than domestic routes. This is especially true during promotional periods.

How early should I book to get the cheapest flights from Albany?

While 2-3 months in advance is a general guideline, for peak travel seasons or popular events, even earlier booking might yield better prices. Monitoring fare trends can give you a sense of the best times to book flights from Albany.

Do flight prices from Albany decrease closer to the departure date?

Occasionally, airlines might offer last-minute deals to fill unsold seats from Albany. However, this approach is riskier, as prices can also skyrocket due to high demand and limited seat availability, especially during peak seasons.

Are there any hidden fees I should be aware of when looking for the cheapest flights?

Absolutely. Some airlines advertise low base fares but may charge extra for services like checked baggage, in-flight meals, seat selection, and more. It’s crucial to factor in all potential costs when comparing flight prices.

When hunting for cheap flights, it’s essential to strike a balance between cost and convenience. A super-cheap flight might be tempting, but consider factors like flight duration, layovers, and the reputation of the airline to ensure your journey is both affordable and enjoyable.