Is your child attending college or university in Albany? From where to eat, to parking information, to places to stay, we've got you covered with all the helpful details about Albany, New York. Scroll on for tips and tricks for parents of Albany college and university students. 

Parking & Transportation

The Capital Region is accessible via bus, train and plane! The Greyhound/Adirondack Trailways bus terminal is located in downtown Albany, a short drive away from most Albany college and university campuses. Across the river in Rensselaer, the Albany-Rensselaer Amtrak Station is one of the busiest train stations in the country connecting Albany County to destinations throughout the Northeast and beyond. Plus, the Albany International Airport offers direct flights to a variety of destinations beyond New York State. Albany is located at the crossroads of the Northeast making it an easy road trip destination. 

Parking in Downtown Albany is a breeze with the ParkAlbany app from the Albany Parking Authority. Simply download the free app, create an account, find your parking zone and enter your payment method. Out and about in Downtown Albany for longer than expected? No need to fret! The app sends alerts to your phone when your parking session is about to end and allows you to add time directly from your phone.

Capital District Transportation Authority connects the Capital Region through public transportation. University at Albany, The College of Saint Rose, Russell Sage Colleges, Albany College of Pharmacy, Maria College and Siena College students receive universal access to all CDTA bus routes, the Northway Xpress Commuter service and STAR with the swipe of the student ID card. Your kids (or you when visiting!) can also take advantage of CDPHP Cycle!, a bike-share program operated by CDTA & CDPHP, or SCOOT, a brand-new fully electric scooter-sharing program, to explore the local area. Plus, students save 50% on both membership and pay-as-you-go pricing with this program.

Dining

Whether you are moving your child onto campus, or traveling into town for a football game, Albany County's culinary scene features a variety of restaurants perfect for every occasion. Check out the Discover Albany College Edition: Off-Campus Dining blog post for a guide on where to eat for breakfast, lunch and dinner organized geographically by Albany colleges and universities! This blog post is packed with helpful information including if reservations are needed or not at each restaurant. 

Things To Do 

While visiting your college student, explore the local area beyond campus. Albany County is home to a variety of attractions that the whole family will love. Venture to Cohoes Falls, the second largest waterfall in New York State, to admire the impressive sight and spy an array of wildlife. Marvel at panoramic views of the of the Hudson-Mohawk Valleys and the Adirondack and Green Mountains from the overlook at John Boyd Thacher State Park. Visit the Corning Tower Observation Deck, located on the 42nd floor of the tallest skyscraper in New York State outside of NYC, for breathtaking skyline views.  Another fun attraction that kids, adults and everyone in between will enjoy is a Hudson River sightseeing cruise with Dutch Apple Cruises. The first half of the cruise is narrated by a Hudson River Historian who tells tales of the city and points out landmark sights along the river. On the second half of the cruise, relax under the sun and enjoy the riverside views. 

Where To Stay

University at Albany: Albany County offers a variety of hotels located near the University at Albany. Located along Washington Avenue, there are a handful of hotels from Hampton Inn Albany, Western Ave University to Fairfield Inn by Marriott Albany University to Albany Hilton Garden Inn, SUNY Area. Conveniently stay onsite at Crossgates in Guilderland at the dual-branded Homewood Suites by Hilton and Tru by Hilton. 

Siena College: There are a wide selection of hotels to choose from near Siena College. Located a short-drive away in Latham, parents can stay at The Century House, a family-owned and operated hotel offering a variety of amenities and plenty of historic charm. Wolf Road, a bustling corridor around the corner from the Albany International Airport, is a 10-minute drive from the Siena campus. Stay at the Albany Marriott Hotel, Crowne Plaza Albany - The Desmond Hotel, Tru by Hilton, Albany/Airport, Staybridge Suites Albany Wolf Rd-Colonie Center and many more. 

The College of Saint Rose/Maria College/Russell Sage College/Albany College of Pharmacy: These college campuses are located near Downtown Albany hotels. Stay at the Four Points by Sheraton Albany, conveniently located off Highway 87 and 787 in south Albany, a quick ride to local colleges and universities. The Hilton Garden Inn and TownePlace Suites by Marriott are both conveniently located near these college campuses as well. 

All Albany Colleges & Universities: Searching for a boutique hotel experience? The Morgan State House Inn and Washington Park Inn are both located a stone's throw away from Albany's historic Washington Park. These cozy boutique hotels, housed in revamped mansions in the heart of downtown Albany, boast plenty of amenities and are full of charm. 

9 Pet-Friendly Hotels in Albany County
For a complete list of hotels in Albany County, click here.