Ithaca, New York is a small city in Upstate New York, and is the home of Cornell University and Ithaca College. Besides being known for the two colleges here, the area is also well known for its many waterfalls, gorges, and wineries.
Below you will find basic information about getting to Ithaca as well as a short list of area hotels. For a more extensive list of accommodations and area attractions, please go to the Visit Ithaca website.
Getting Here
For GPS purposes, the Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source can be found at:
161 Synchrotron Drive
Ithaca, NY 14853
GPS Coordinates:
N 42° 26.654'
W 076° 28.228'
Airport
- Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport is the closest airport to Cornell University. It's about a 15 minute drive between the airport and CHESS. Rental cars are available on site at the airport.
- Syracuse Hancock International Airport is a 1hr 15 min drive from CHESS. It is larger than the Ithaca airport and may offer more, and less expensive, options.
Hotels
There are many hotels in the Ithaca area. Below are a few hotels with discounted rates for CHESS Users.
Best Western University Inn
Located just minutes from Wilson Lab and Cornell Campus, Best Western University Inn offers:
- Free shuttle to and from Cornell campus and the Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport
- Walking distance to Wilson Lab
- Microwaves and refrigerators in rooms
- Exercise room
- Deluxe continental breakfast with hot and cold items
- Complimentary wireless internet access in all rooms
Best Western University Inn is located in East Hill Plaza, Ithaca NY. Click here to make a reservation, or call (607) 272-6100 and ask for the CHESS negotiated rate.
Quality Inn
Located 5 miles from Cornell Campus, Quality Inn offers:
- Fitness Center
- Guest rooms with refrigerators
- Deluxe continental breakfast with hot and cold items
- Complimentary wireless internet access in all rooms
Quality Inn is located at 356 Elmira Rd (Rt 13), Ithaca NY. To make a reservation, call (607) 272-0100 and ask for the CHESS negotiated rate.
Country Inn & Suites
Located 4 miles from Cornell Campus, Country Inn offers:
- Complimentary hot breakfast
- Free high-speed internet access
- Business center open 24-hours/day
- Complimentary shuttle
- Fitness center, open 24-hours/day
- Indoor pool and whirlpool tub
- Pet-friendly rooms
Country Inn is located at 1100 Danby Rd, Ithaca NY. To make a reservation, call (607) 256-1100 and ask for the CHESS negotiated rate.
The TCAT Bus
TCAT’s service area covers a semi‑rural, albeit, cosmopolitan and culturally diverse population of 102,000 in Tompkins County. TCAT’s 26 urban, campus, and rural bus routes provide service to both county and out-of-county riders heading to Cornell University, Ithaca College, Tompkins Cortland Community College, as well as to many retail, entertainment, commercial, residential and professional centers. TCAT operates 21 hours a day, seven days a week and 360 days a year, only shutting down service five days a year to allow all of TCAT’s employees to observe major holidays: New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
- For more info: https://tcatbus.com/
- Buy a pass online: https://store.tcatbus.com/
- Where to buy a pass: https://tcatbus.com/ride/where-to-buy/
- The closest place to buy a pass on campus is at the Cornell Store at 135 Ho Plaza.