TRAVELING BY AIR

Planning to attend one of the most exciting weekends on the NASCAR calendar at Watkins Glen International? If you're coming from out of town, flying can be a convenient and time-saving option. While Watkins Glen is tucked away in the scenic Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, it’s still easily accessible thanks to several nearby airports and rental car options.

Whether you’re flying in from across the country or just a few states away, here’s what you need to know to plan your trip by air:

Main airport option 

Elmira Corning Regional Airport (ELM)

Elmira Corning is the closest airport with commercial service to Watkins Glen. It may be small, but it offers daily flights through major carriers like Delta and American, with connections via Detroit, Charlotte, and Philadelphia.

• Distance to the track: Around 25 miles
• Drive time: About 35–40 minutes
• Transportation: On-site car rental agencies (Enterprise, Hertz, Avis) are available. Rideshare options like Uber or Lyft may be limited, so it’s best to arrange transportation ahead of time.

Other nearby airport options

Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR)

A larger airport with more frequent flights and direct service from major cities.

• Distance: Roughly 95 miles
• Drive time: About 1 hour and 45 minutes

Rochester International Airport (ROC)

Offers plenty of domestic flights and is another good option for travelers flying into the region.

• Distance: About 90 miles
• Drive time: Approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes

Greater Binghamton Airport (BGM)

Smaller and with limited service, but potentially useful if you’re connecting through Philadelphia.

• Distance: Around 60 miles
• Drive time: About 1 hour 15 minutes

New York City airports (JFK, LGA, EWR)

These major airports offer a wide range of domestic and international flights and are often used by travelers coming from overseas or cross-country. However, they are 200–250 miles (320–400 km) from Watkins Glen International.

• Drive time: Roughly 4.5 to 5.5 hours, depending on traffic
• Best for: International visitors who plan to stay in NYC before heading to the race
• Transportation: You’ll need to rent a car or take a connecting domestic flight to a closer regional airport (like ELM or SYR)

Extra tip

Renting a car is strongly recommended, as public transport is limited in the area. Always allow extra travel time on race weekend, especially on Sunday, when traffic near the track can be heavy.