Getting to Watertown at a glance
Watertown International Airport (ART) is the closest airport to the Thousand Islands. It lies at 22529 Airport Drive in Dexter, and American Airlines flies nonstop to Philadelphia twice a day. Other cities you may see mentioned for the airport are connecting destinations, not direct flights. Most visitors arrive by car, mainly on I-81, the highway that runs past Watertown and north to the Thousand Islands Bridge.
Without a car, you can take a Greyhound bus between Watertown and Syracuse, then use the local CitiBus inside the city. The river towns are spread out, so a car makes day trips much easier. If you plan to join a cruise from Alexandria Bay or Clayton, see our guide to Thousand Islands boat tours before you decide how to arrive.
Our pick: a cruise from Clayton
Clayton lies on Route 12, the road from Watertown to the river, so this 2-hour cruise is an easy first stop once you arrive by car.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Boat tours and day trips after you arrive
Cruises, castle trips and day tours around the Thousand Islands, with live prices and availability.
Ways to reach Watertown compared
Details as of 2026. Fares and travel times for bus routes change, so confirm them when you book.
| Option | Where it goes | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Plane | Watertown International Airport (ART) to Philadelphia | American Airlines, nonstop, twice daily. Other cities need a connection. |
| Greyhound bus | Watertown to Syracuse | Stop at 1003 Coffeen Street. In Syracuse: Bus Station, 1 Walsh Circle, Suite 30. |
| Car | I-81 to Watertown and the bridge | The Thousand Islands Bridge toll is $4 or CAD 5.50 for a standard car. |
| CitiBus | Inside Watertown | Five lines, $1.50 fare, no Sunday service. |
For most visitors, a rental car or your own car is the practical choice, because the river towns, castles and parks lie far apart. If you fly in from far away, connect through Philadelphia to reach Watertown by air, or land at a larger airport and finish the trip by road.
Watertown International Airport
The airport is at 22529 Airport Drive in Dexter. It has a renovated terminal, and the work on the main runway is complete. Parking is free. American Airlines operates two nonstop flights a day to Philadelphia. For anything beyond that, you connect through Philadelphia. Check current schedules before you book, because flight times change by season.
The river towns of Alexandria Bay, Clayton and Cape Vincent are not on a city bus line, so plan on a car if you want to reach them on your own schedule.
Buses: Greyhound and CitiBus
Greyhound, Watertown to Syracuse
Greyhound sells a route between Watertown and Syracuse. The Watertown stop is at 1003 Coffeen Street. The Syracuse Bus Station is at 1 Walsh Circle, Suite 30. The address on your ticket is the one that counts, so check it when you buy. Look up fares and journey time for your date.
CitiBus lines
The 2026 plan has five lines: A-1 State and East Main, A-2 Washington, B-1 Arsenal and Mall, C-1 Northside Loop and C-2 Coffeen and JCC. Lines serve Watertown itself, not the river towns.
CitiBus fares
The base fare is $1.50 and the reduced fare $0.75. Children under 12 pay $0.50, or $0.25 reduced. One child under 6 rides free with each adult. Transfers cost nothing extra.
CitiBus rules
Pay exact cash, because drivers do not change money and cards and checks are not accepted. There is no service on Sundays or on holidays such as Christmas and Thanksgiving. On Saturdays service starts at the Transfer Station at 9:40 am, and the last departure is at 5 pm.
By car: I-81, Route 12 and the bridge
Motor vehicles reach the Thousand Islands Bridge by I-81. Cyclists use a different approach, via Route 12, Seaway Avenue and Collins Landing Road, and County Routes 100 and 191. If you plan to go on to Canada, read our page on Kingston, Ontario for border documents and Fort Henry prices.
Bridge tolls since January 1, 2026: a standard car, pick-up or motorcycle with two axles pays $4 or CAD 5.50. A motorhome with two axles pays $7.50 or CAD 10.50. A car with a one-axle trailer pays $6.50 or CAD 9. E-ZPass, cash and common credit cards are accepted.
Pedestrians use the western walkways in daylight only. The walkways are expected to close for the season on October 30 at dusk and reopen in spring 2027. Bicycles must be walked on the walkways, and the maximum width including accessories is 25 inches (63.5 cm). Ask the bridge operator in advance if you need special transport. Confirm the exact closing day before you plan a walk.
Compare rental car prices at Watertown International Airport (ART) for your travel dates on Economybookings.com.
Getting to Watertown: frequently asked questions
Does Watertown have an airport?
Yes. Watertown International Airport (ART) is at 22529 Airport Drive in Dexter. American Airlines flies nonstop to Philadelphia twice a day, and parking is free.
Where does the Greyhound bus from Watertown go?
To Syracuse. The Watertown stop is at 1003 Coffeen Street and the Syracuse Bus Station is at 1 Walsh Circle, Suite 30. Check the address on your ticket.
How much is the city bus in Watertown?
CitiBus costs $1.50, or $0.75 reduced. Children under 12 pay $0.50, or $0.25 reduced, and one child under 6 per adult rides free. Bring exact cash. There is no Sunday service.
How much is the toll on the Thousand Islands Bridge?
A standard car, pick-up or motorcycle with two axles pays $4 or CAD 5.50. The rates apply since January 1, 2026.
Can I walk or bike over the Thousand Islands Bridge?
Yes, on the western walkways in daylight, while they are open. Walk your bike. The walkways are expected to close for the season on October 30 at dusk and reopen in spring 2027.
Is this the official website of the airport or the city?
No. This is an independent travel guide. It is not run by Watertown International Airport, the City of Watertown, a bus company or any tourism body.