There’s no better way to beat the city blues than with a day trip out of town! But when it comes to organizing a group outing that everyone can enjoy, figuring out the transportation can be tricky—especially if your group is bigger than your average sedan or minivan.
That’s where Partybus.com comes in. We specialize in customizable bus rental plans, which means you’ll always have an itinerary, amenity list, and pick-up/drop-off schedule that’s perfect for your group. So whether you’re exploring a scenic park upstate with a group of students, shuttling out to Long Island for a vineyard tour with your wedding party, or catching a Broadway show in New York City with your family, a private charter bus rental is the best way to ensure everyone arrives on time, all together, and free from stress. Give our team a call at 866-265-5479 when you’re ready to chat about your next New York charter bus rental!
Where to go in New York
When you’re ready to hit the road, your first step is to figure out where you want to go! New York state has a lot to offer travelers, so if you’re overwhelmed by options, we recommend checking out the official I LOVE NY website for regional guides and articles to help narrow down your choices. Or, if you prefer, Partybus.com can help you there too. We’ve put together a list of day trip locations that are ideal for groups traveling by private charter bus or minibus rental:
Bear Mountain State Park
Distance from NYC: 1 hour 15 minutes or ~50 miles
Address: 3006 Seven Lakes Dr, Bear Mountain, NY 10911
Located right on the west bank of the Hudson River, Bear Mountain State Park is the perfect day trip destination for NYC groups that need a breath of fresh air. From gentle hikes through the Appalachian foothills, to lakeside picnics with scenic views, to ice skating in the wintertime, and a merry-go-round, there’s an activity here for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and ability levels. The park also has a Trailside Museums and Zoo—ideal for a school group outing that blends nature and education.
Lake Placid
Distance from NYC: 5 hours or ~300 miles
Address: 2634 Main St, Lake Placid, NY 12946
Calling all snowboarders! Home to the 1932 and 1980 Winter Olympics, this small town is a favorite for cold-weather sports—from ice hockey to bobsleighing and speed skating. You can even tour the Olympic Center to learn more about the history of the events held here, or visit the Olympic Museum’s exhibits of athletes’ gear and uniforms throughout the decades.
Not visiting during the winter? No problem. Lake Placid is still surrounded by beautiful mountainscapes and lakes, so hiking, swimming, and boating are still great options here. Plus, your private charter bus rental offers the perfect opportunity to turn a day trip into an overnight getaway. Just remember that if you’re spending the night, you’ll need to provide accommodations (like a hotel room) for your driver. And if you need help learning what fits on your bus, check out our charter bus packing guide!
Niagara Falls
Distance from NYC: 6 hours and 40 minutes or ~400 miles
Address: 305 Buffalo Ave, Niagara Falls, NY 14303
Looking for the perfect way to celebrate with your bachelor or bachelorette party? Or a trip for your nature-loving senior community? Visiting one of the world’s most incredible natural wonders with a group is bound to be a memorable experience! Although the US side of the falls is smaller than its Canadian counterpart, it’s still an impressive sight to see and offers many fun activities. Catch a boat tour beneath the Horseshoe Falls (though be warned: you will get soaked!), learn about the history and geology of the falls at the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center, hike the trails of Whirlpool State Park, and take a walk along the illuminated Rainbow Bridge at sunset.
Charter bus travel tip: The best time of year to visit Niagara Falls is during autumn when the weather is still mild but the crowds are thin. If you visit in the summer, you may have to park your bus in a lot further away and walk several blocks to the falls. There’s no parking on Goat Island during any time of year, but buses can pick up and drop off right in front of the Welcome Center.
Cooperstown, NY
Distance from NYC: 3.5 hours or ~180 miles
Address: 12 Main St, Cooperstown, NY 13326
Baseball lovers will find themselves in heaven while in Cooperstown, aka the Birthplace of Baseball. The tiny town of only 2,000 residents welcomes thousands of visitors every year, who come to explore the history of the sport at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, the Farmer’s Museum, and the Fenimore Art Museum. There’s plenty to do here if you have a full day to kill, but if your group wants to stretch their legs, take a walk along Lake Otsego or the scenic trails in Glimmerglass State Park.
Finger Lakes Region
Distance from NYC: 4 hours or ~250 miles
The Finger Lakes region is home to 11 lakes—as the name suggests—and more than 100 wineries that create an experience many people compare to the Napa Valley in California. Book a bus rental for a multi-day tour through the region or settle for a day of wine tastings at the wineries near Seneca Lake, the area’s largest lake.
Your charter bus driver can act as your DD for the day, and your group can take advantage of your coach’s storage space to stock up on their favorite bottles of Chardonnay, Riesling, and Pinot Noir. The roads through this region are easy for motorcoaches to navigate, and you’ll have no shortage of gorgeous scenery. Just let your Partybus.com representative know where you’d like to be dropped off, and they’ll handle the rest.
The Catskills
Distance from NYC: 2 hours or ~100 miles
Escape from the city and hop on your charter bus to the beautiful Catskill Mountains. If you’re visiting during the fall, you’re sure to see New England’s iconic, gorgeous autumn foliage. If you’re visiting in the winter, you’ll find ski slopes and resorts aplenty to keep your winter sports fanatics happy.
Many people come to the Catskills for a weekend wedding celebration or corporate retreat and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. There are dozens of small towns throughout the region, with locally owned restaurants, boutiques, breweries, and more to explore. You can also plan a field trip to the area’s museums, like the Thomas Cole National Historic Site or the Catskill Fly Fishing Center and Museum.
Fire Island
Distance from NYC: 2 hours by bus and ferry
No cars are allowed on Fire Island, so you’ll need to take a ferry to reach this gorgeous barrier island. (Charter buses aren’t allowed on the ferry, but we can arrange transportation to the ferry landing). With 32 miles of beaches, this is the perfect location to kick back, relax, and soak up the sun with your closest friends.
Montauk Point Lighthouse
Distance from NYC: 3 hours or ~120 miles
Address: 2000 Montauk Hwy, Montauk, NY 11954
Located on the far eastern point of Long Island, Montauk has something for everyone. From historical destinations to scenic beaches and nature preserves, there’s plenty to do for all types of groups. For history enthusiasts, tour the Montauk Point Lighthouse Museum. Built in 1796, the lighthouse is the oldest one in New York state and is surrounded by a museum showcasing its vital role in local maritime history.
Your group can also take advantage of Montauk Point State Park’s hiking and biking trails, or even visit the Shadmoor State Park cliffs. If you’re traveling with kids, spend an afternoon at Ditch Plains Beach for swimming and surfing. There’s also the opportunity to reserve fishing tours and charter a boat for an exciting day at sea!
Take a Ride With Partybus.com!
With Partybus.com as your transportation provider, your group trip throughout New York will be easier than ever. Give our team a call at 877-563-2133 and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have and provide you with a free quote!