new york city round trip
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new york city round trip *
service details to New York City
Availability: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
Departure Time and Pick-Up Locations:
Pick-Up #1: 6:00 a.m.
Defreestville, CDTA Park & Ride
Bloomingrove Drive and Route 4, East Greenbush, NY 12144
Pick-Up #2: 6:30 a.m.
Albany, Crossgates Mall CDTA Station
1 Crossgates Mall Road, Albany, NY 12203
Pick-Up #3: 7:15 a.m. Catskill
Catskill Commuter Lot, Exit 21 of NYS Thruway (Off thruway access road near Visitors Center on Route 23B)
NOTE: The Catskill location does NOT permit multi-day parking. The Flutter Express will not be responsible for any fees incurred.
Destination: New York City
Estimated Arrival Time: 9:45 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. depending on drop-off location and traffic
primary Manhattan healthcare stops
Our primary Manhattan stops are located on the Upper East Side and include:
healthcare facilities throughout Manhattan
Traveling somewhere else in Manhattan for healthcare? The Flutter Express can take you there.
In addition to our primary stops, The Flutter Express provides transportation to healthcare destinations throughout Manhattan, including NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, The Mount Sinai Hospital, New York Proton Center, NYU Langone, and other hospitals, specialty centers, physician offices, outpatient facilities, and healthcare destinations.
We also provide transportation for riders staying at or traveling to locations such as Ronald McDonald House New York and the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge in connection with their healthcare travel.
Please indicate your healthcare destination when booking your ticket so our team can coordinate the day's route. If you do not see our healthcare destination when booking your ticket, please contact us to coordinate your trip.
Whenever safely and legally possible, we will drop riders directly at their healthcare facility or as close to the entrance as NYC traffic, street restrictions, construction, and other conditions allow.
scheduling your appointment
For the smoothest travel experience, we recommend scheduling healthcare appointments between 10:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Because The Flutter Express serves healthcare facilities throughout Manhattan, arrival times will vary based on traffic and the number and location of scheduled drop-offs that day. Please allow adequate time between your anticipated arrival in Manhattan and your appointment.
return service
The Flutter Express returns to the Capital Region as soon as all riders are ready to depart Manhattan. If everyone has completed their appointments and is ready earlier in the day, the return trip may depart before 6:00 p.m.
Our cutoff time for return departure is 6:00 p.m. Riders should schedule appointments and plan their day accordingly so they are ready for pick-up no later than the designated time provided by The Flutter Express.
Return pick-ups are coordinated based on riders' locations and the day's route. Your return pick-up location will generally be the same as, or near, your morning drop-off location unless otherwise coordinated with our team.
Please note that return departure times vary from trip to trip and depend on when all riders are ready.
same-day round-trip tickets
Ticket pricing is for same-day round-trip transportation.
If you travel to New York City on one day and return to the Capital Region on a different day, a separate ticket must be purchased for each day of travel.
our vehicles
To remain sustainable, affordable, and responsive to passenger bookings, The Flutter Express operates a range of vehicles, including 7–8 passenger vans, 12–15 passenger Sprinter vans, and 24–56 passenger buses.
Our service operates even when only one rider is traveling. Vehicle size may vary from trip to trip based on the number of passengers booked.
comfort stops & travel conditions
The Flutter Express makes at least one service-area stop on each leg of the trip for passenger comfort.
Travel and arrival times are estimates and may be affected by traffic, weather, construction, road closures, street restrictions, and other conditions outside of The Flutter Express's control.
special discounts, travel reimbursement options & free ride opportunities on The Flutter Express
Tickets for riders traveling for their healthcare appointments may purchase “Healthcare Seeker” tickets for a flat rate of $79.00, and companions/caregivers may purchase tickets for a flat rate of $85.00. These tickets are readily available on our website and are made possible through the support of Flutter Club, inc., thanks to generous corporate sponsors and community donations.
Due to generous partnerships with organizations like Flutter Club, inc., Wicklund Warriors, To Life!, C.R. Wood Cancer Center, and the NYOH Community Cancer Care Foundation, many passengers on The Flutter Express may qualify for discounted or fully covered transportation. To learn more, visit our resources & collaborators page.
free ride programs
Through our growing network of nonprofit collaborators and community sponsors, including Flutter Club, Inc., Wicklund Warriors, C.R. Wood Cancer Center, and NYOH Community Cancer Care Foundation, many riders needing a second medical opinion or with critical illnesses, developmental disabilities, or reproductive health and fertility-related needs may qualify for free transportation, including rides for their caregivers, companions, or immediate family members.
travel reimbursement options
Some passengers may be eligible for travel reimbursement through grants, nonprofit programs, or insurance coverage, particularly for non-emergency medical transportation. We recommend checking with your insurance provider, case manager, or grant issuer to see if The Flutter Express is covered under your benefits.
Visit our Resources & Collaborators Page to learn more about our current partners and how to access these savings and support programs.
inner-city travel resources for NYC healthcare seekers
If you are traveling on The Flutter Express to access locations that provide specialized medical care, we are honored to support you on this journey.
While our main destinations in Manhattan are conveniently located near several leading medical institutions—including Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK), NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, and the Hospital for Special Surgery—we understand that some passengers may require transportation to other facilities throughout the city.
To assist you in reaching your final destination:
Memorial Sloan Kettering (MSK) Shuttles: MSK offers complimentary shuttle services connecting its patients to various locations, including the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge, David H. Koch Center and other MSK facilities. These shuttles are accessible at our drop-off point & 67th Street.
Access-A-Ride Paratransit Service: For individuals who are unable to use the public bus or subway systems, the MTA offers Access-A-Ride, a paratransit service providing door-to-door transportation throughout New York City. Eligibility is determined through an application process, and services are available 24/7. For more information on how to apply or manage trips, please visit the MTA's Access-A-Ride page.
Uber, Lyft & Taxis: Rideshare services and traditional yellow cabs are widely available throughout Manhattan and can offer a convenient way to travel between The Flutter Express drop-off point and your medical destination, particularly if it’s located outside the Upper East Side.
Public Transportation (MTA): New York City's Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) operates an extensive network of subways and buses that provide reliable access across all boroughs, including routes to Mount Sinai and Columbia campuses.
Transportation Assistance: Our collaborators, including the American Cancer Society and the NYOH Community Cancer Foundation, may offer financial support to help cover inner-city travel costs for eligible patients. We encourage you to connect with these organizations directly or speak with your healthcare provider to explore available assistance.
The inner-city transportation resources listed above are provided for informational purposes only. The Flutter Express is not affiliated with these services and is not responsible for their availability, operations, or service quality. We encourage all riders to independently verify transportation options and make arrangements that best suit their needs.
Amenities
Leather/Cloth Seating
Adjustable Seats
Overhead Passenger Air Vents
Overhead Passenger Lighting
Window Shades
1-6 HD Video Monitors
Trunk Storage
Amenities will vary depending on the vehicle.
standard services
16oz Bottled Water (two per round trip)
Snack each way (two per round trip)
Download an example of our Snack Menu
one single use hand sanitizer gel
two ginger-lemon chews
one hydration packet
one pair of disposable ear plugs
one disposable eye mask
one disposable face mask
one emesis bag
one individually wrapped disposable towelette
one travel package of facial tissues
Kid’s Flutter Kit (for kids 14yrs and younger)
one single use hand sanitizer gel
Stuffed animal – A cuddly companion for the ride
two organic lollipops
one snack sized organic gummies or fruit snacks
one kids hydration packet
one disposable face mask
one emesis bag
one coloring book with crayons
one individually wrapped disposable towelette
one travel package of facial tissues
parking
Park your car for free at the Defreestville CDTA Park & Ride, Crossgates Mall, or the Catskill Commuter Lot at Exit 21 on the NYS Thruway, and jump on The Flutter Express for your direct ride to New York City or Boston!
accommodations
View all available discounts for accommodations in Albany, NY or Boston, MA here: Resources & Collaborators
who can ride?
The Flutter Express was created with compassion and purpose to help those who need access to locations with world-renowned healthcare institutions outside of the Capital Region. Our service is designed to offer comfort, dignity, and ease to passengers.
a community of compassionate travelers.
Healthcare Seekers, individuals who are on a health journey that may be looking for treatment, second opinions, or specialized care at leading healthcare institutions.
Companions or Family Members providing support to healthcare seekers during healthcare journeys.
Community Members who want to visit someone in care or offer their support during challenging times.
The Flutter Express is more than just a way to get from point A to point B—it’s Transportation with Purpose. Whether you're heading to a doctor's appointment or visiting a loved one in care, The Flutter Express provides reliable, convenient, and stress-free transportation, empowering our customers to prioritize their health.
Watch this video of the fundraiser trip Fit4Mom Queensbury-Saratoga Springs did with The Flutter Express to benefit Flutter Club, inc. On this day, we added a stop at Bryant Park in NYC to get this group of purpose-driven moms to Broadway.
FAQs
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The Flutter Express was created with compassion and purpose to help those who need access to locations with world-renowned healthcare institutions outside of the Capital Region. Our service is designed to offer comfort, dignity, and ease to passengers.
Healthcare seekers and their family members, companions, and supportive community members are our primary riders.
Who rides The Flutter Express?
A community of compassionate travelers:
Healthcare Seekers, individuals who are on a health journey that may be looking for treatment, second opinions, or specialized care at leading healthcare institutions.
Companions or Family Members providing support to healthcare seekers during healthcare journeys.
Community Members who want to visit someone in care or offer their support during challenging times.
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Simply visit our Get New York Tickets or Get Boston Tickets page and select your preferred travel date to book your ride.
Select Your Travel Date – Browse the available dates listed below and click on your preferred date.
After Clicking Your Date, You'll See a Pop-up – There, you can review ticket options.
Complete Your Purchase – Follow the prompts to create an account or log-in to your existing account, enter passenger information, promo codes, and payment details.
Receive Your Confirmation – After booking, you’ll get a confirmation email with your ticket and travel details.
Get Ready for Your Journey – Arrive at the designated departure location on time with your electronic or printed ticket, and enjoy a smooth ride with The Flutter Express!
Need assistance? Contact us at 518-217-5121 or travel@theflutterexpress.com for support.
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You can park at any of our departure pick-up locations in East Greenbush, Albany, or Catskill, NY for our NYC Service, and East Greenbush and Albany, NY for our Boston Service. Parking at all departure pick-up locations is at your own risk.
NOTE: The Catskill location does NOT permit multi-day parking. The Flutter Express will not be responsible for any fees incurred.
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Yes. If you need a place to stay the night before or after your roundtrip to New York City, the following hotels near our Albany, NY pick-up location—PetSmart Crossgates Commons (161 Washington Avenue Extension, Albany, NY 12205)—are offering 10% off for Flutter Express passengers.
Click the links below to book your stay and receive the discount:
Tru Albany Crossgates Mall
Book your special rate for The Flutter Express
Company Name: The Flutter Express
Residence Inn Albany Washington Ave
Book your special rate for The Flutter Express
Company Name: The Flutter Express
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The Flutter Express is not responsible for traffic delays. Due to traffic conditions and other factors in New York City and Boston, we may need to adjust drop-off or pick-up locations within the city. However drop-off and pick-up will always be as close as possible to our original destination. We are committed to ensuring the best service possible and appreciate your understanding and flexibility.
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The Flutter Express only offers round-trip tickets.
If you only need transportation to NYC or Boston, you may purchase a round-trip ticket and note “one-way departure” in the Special Notes section. You are welcome to arrange your own return.
If you would like The Flutter Express to provide your return trip from NYC or Boston, you must purchase a round-trip ticket for both your departure and return dates. Each ticket is valid only for the date of purchase. We cannot provide a return trip unless we were also the carrier for your initial journey.
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No, The Flutter Express is not a medical bus or ambulatory transportation vehicle. We provide comfortable, reliable transportation to your destination on passenger buses and vans. The Flutter Express is comparable to a traditional bus or van used for commuting or entertainment purposes.
Please note:
The Flutter Express is not an ambulance, ambulette, or medical transport vehicle.
It does not include onboard medical personnel, treatment services, or medical equipment.
Riders must be medically stable and able to travel independently or with a caregiver or companion.
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Passengers are eligible for a full refund if they cancel more than two (2) days (48 hours) prior to departure, regardless of the reason. Please note, the ticket processing fee will be deducted from the refund amount. Cancellations made within two (2) days of departure are not eligible for a refund.
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On the day of your departure, please have your electronic or printed ticket available in order to board the bus.
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The Flutter Express does not require a minimum number of passengers and operates even if only one person needs transportation to NYC or Boston.
We adjust our vehicle size based on the number of passengers. If a 32- or 56-passenger bus is not needed, passengers will travel in a 7-8 passenger van, 12-passenger sprinter van, or smaller bus, which operates as our standard service and includes:
Round-trip transportation
Bottled water each way
Snacks
Flutter Kits
If unforeseen circumstances prevent us from providing transportation, all riders will be notified and receive a full refundto their original payment method.
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Yes, You can leave items in the vehicle during the roundtrip service. However The Flutter Express is not responsible for items lost, stolen, or damaged while on one of our roundtrip services. While the bus does remain locked, we highly recommend not leaving any valuables onboard.