Getting to and from the West Point Area:

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Airports - the West Point area has a number of airports, and cadets from North Texas typically fly in to the big 3:  LaGuardia, Newark, and JFK.  Check these sites for specific information about transportation options, parking, nearby hotels, airport maps, luggage storage, and more.  All distances are from the airport to the main gate at 1 Thayer Road, West Point, NY.   We recommend using this address so your GPS doesn't take you to another West Point gate that may have restricted hours or be closed to non-military personnel. 

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• New York Stewart International Airport (SWF) 16 miles

• Westchester County Airport (HPN) 36 miles

• LaGuardia Airport (LGA)  53 miles 

• Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) 63 miles

• John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) 62 miles

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Buses - during certain times of the year (Thanksgiving, Winter Break, Spring Break, etc.), West Point may contract with a bus company to sell bus tickets to get cadets to and from the major airports.  This will be announced directly to the cadets via email.  Cost is typically $31 one way.  For R-Day, have your cadet candidate check their candidate portal for information on what hotels to stay in and when the bus will run.  Typically cadet candidates who are unaccompanied by family members stay at an airport hotel and take a West Point bus to R-Day.    

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Cars and Car Services - Each of the airports listed above support several rental car companies (Hertz, Avis, Budget, Alamo, Enterprise, etc.).  Be aware that car rental companies may not rent to those under 25. If you are driving, remember that New York has lots of tolls (get the toll tag option on the car!), and traffic can easily turn a 1 hour trip into 2 hours.  New York drivers are aggressive and you can expect to see a lot of police speed traps along the roads.  

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An option for your cadet can be to have a car service pick them up.  Costs range from $85-$400+ one-way.

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• LaGuardia Car Service   Despite it's name, this car service provider operates from all major airports.  Scheduling is easy to do online and the prices include tips.  Cadets have had good luck ordering a car for themselves or going in a group and splitting the cost.

• Access Transportation - serving all the major airports.    

• Academy Taxi of West Point - located in Highland Falls, they have been taking care of cadets for more than 20 years.  They are authorized to enter West Point to pick up cadets near the barracks area.

• Uber and Lyft work well when traveling from an airport to West Point, although traveling from West Point to an airport is not as good as there are limited drivers in the West Point area. At peak times these services can easily sell out as many cadets wait until the last minute to schedule transportation.

• Some other options (thanks to the USMA 2024 Parents Chat Page)

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Trains - This is an inexpensive option for cadets and can make a quick trip to the city on a weekend pass fun, especially when traveling with other cadets.  However, taking the train requires planning and more time.  If they have never taken a train before, it is recommended that they find a New York cadet in their company to show them the ropes.  Texas cadets are often naive about things like taking their wallet out in a crowded subway hall, forgetting to bring cash and a credit card, and how to read a train schedule.  Some tips on getting to/from West Point:

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• See if the free West Point Ferry is running.  This service is open at specific times when authorized by West Point, and it closes in the winter when the river gets icy.  This will take cadets to/from the Garrison Train Station, located across the river from West Point.  If the ferry isn't running, they will have to rely on a Firstie with a car, a taxi/uber or their cadet sponsor family to hitch a ride. 

• The Hudson Line Train runs from Garrison Station to Grand Central Station several times a day and the ride is about an hour and 20 minutes long.  

• From Grand Central Station, cadets typically take another train or a train & a short bus to LaGuardia, Newark and JFK airport.  The website RometoRio can show you exactly how to get there, the schedule and the costs.