Syracuse Transportation

The Erie Canal ran though Syracuse until it was filled in the early 20th century and became Erie Blvd. Be sure to visit the The Erie Canal Museum in the1850 Weighlock Building. It was in this building that the barges were weighed as they passed through Syracuse on the canal.
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The tip title comes from the version of "The Erie Canal Song" that I learned as a child. There are several versions, but in them all the mule's name is "Sal" :))) The following is an expurgated version.
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I've got an old mule and her name is Sal
Fifteen miles on the Erie Canal
She's a good old worker and a good old pal
Fifteen miles on the Erie Canal

We've hauled some barges in our day
Filled with lumber, coal, and hay
And every inch of the way we know
From Albany to Buffalo

Low bridge, everybody down
Low bridge for we're coming to a town
And you'll always know your neighbor
And you'll always know your pal
If you've ever navigated on
The Erie Canal

We'd better get along on our way, old gal
Fifteen miles on the Erie Canal
'Cause you bet your life I'd never part with Sal
Fifteen miles on the Erie Canal

Git up there mule, here comes a lock
We'll make Rome 'bout six o'clock
One more trip and back we'll go
Right back home to Buffalo

Low bridge, everybody down
Low bridge for we're coming to a town
And you'll always know your neighbor
And you'll always know your pal
If you've ever navigated on
The Erie Canal

Syracuse does have a small, and by that I mean 4 station, transit system. The train runs from the Carosel Mall to Colvin St. via downtown and Syracuse University, two intermediate stations. The rail line is being extended to the Amtrak/Bus station (Regional Transporation Center).

The train runs several times a day, all week except for Mondays. The official website is http://209.51.194.98/ontrack1.htm.

My husband and I were in Syracuse for a week for medical reasons. We did not rent a car and the hotel shuttle only took us so far. Rod's Taxi came recommended by the hotel. Rod was great and he gave us discounted prices to wherever we wanted to go. His service is reliable and was always on time or earlier than the specified time. The conversation was good and the service even better. If you need a taxi/cab call Rod at 315-863-1990.

The first time I visited Syracuse, I actually flew into Rochester and drove in, but last time I flew directly into Syracuse's Hancock International Airport. The airport code is SYR and it's located just ten minutes or so from downtown. I noticed that it's pretty small, but a very nice and super clean airport. There are cabs and other ground transportation just outside the front doors. Check out the website for more details.

The now defunct New York Central Railroad was the city's lifeline after the canal was filled in. This picture is before the train tracks were elevated. Now there are only a couple of trains a day:( And they stop in East Syracuse.

Armory Square Station is behind the Jefferson Street Armory next to the Hawthorne Suites Hotel.

It is a 10 minute ride from Armory Square to Syracuse University Station. Fare is $1.50 one way. The train also stops at the Syracuse Mall. You pay when you board the train... it only operates Wednesday through Sunday.

Syracuse has a Tractor-Trailers driving school nearby. If you happen to be driving in certain parts of the region, you may run across slow moving Tractor-Trailers. Chances are they are drivers-in-training.

The new Transportation Center is great. Train Service in Syracuse is ideal because it is located on the Empire corridor that goes from Buffalo to Albany to NYC. And when you get off the train in Syracuse, you can take a Centro bus right from the Train Station because they are located in the same building!