TRAVELING BY MASS TRANSPORT

Watkins Glen International is one of the most iconic tracks on the NASCAR calendar, but it is located in a rural area of upstate New York, making it difficult to reach by public transport. While there is no direct train or regular bus service to the circuit itself, there are a few ways to get there without a personal vehicle if you plan carefully.

Long-distance bus to the region

There is no direct public transport to Watkins Glen, but you can travel by intercity bus to nearby cities such as Ithaca, Elmira, or Corning.

• From New York City, use services like OurBus, Greyhound, or FlixBus.
• Travel time ranges from 5 to 8 hours, depending on the route and connections.
• Distances to Watkins Glen: Ithaca (40 miles), Corning (25 miles), Elmira (20 miles).

Local transport to Watkins Glen

Once you arrive in the region, you will need to arrange local transport to the circuit.

• Schuyler County Transit runs limited bus services to Watkins Glen
• From Ithaca, there is no direct public bus to Watkins Glen. You may need to use a taxi, rideshare, or rent a car.
• Local public transport is very limited, especially on weekends and evenings.

Additional options

Taxis and rideshare apps (Uber, Lyft) may be available in towns near the circuit, but availability can be limited. Rental cars are available in Ithaca, Corning, and Elmira if you prefer more flexibility. Carpooling with other racegoers is another option–motorsport forums or social media groups may help you connect.

Getting to Watkins Glen International by public transport is possible, but it requires planning and coordination. If you want to avoid transfers and uncertainty, booking a race-weekend shuttle from a major city is the easiest and most reliable option.