Remember when getting from Alexandria Bay to Syracuse meant a stagecoach, a horse-drawn ferry, and a prayer? Yeah, us neither: we were not born in 1880. But old-timers will tell you that getting around the 1000 Islands used to be an adventure you did not always request.
Today, we have heated seats, flight tracking, GPS, and a driver who knows exactly where Cavallario’s Steak House is without consulting a haunted map.
The transportation has changed. The scenery has not.
From historic ferry crossings and rail lines to modern highways and the Thousand Islands airport shuttle, here is how people have traveled through the region: and how you can get around comfortably today.
The Good Old Days: When “Good” Meant Slow
Before bridges connected the region, the St. Lawrence River was the road.
Collins Landing to Wellesley Island: Rowing Was the Shuttle
The Collins Landing to Wellesley Island crossing relied on small boats and rowing power before modern bridge access changed the route.
There was:
- No air conditioning
- No charging port
- No snack bar
- No restroom
- No app showing the boat’s location
There was only a person with strong shoulders and a schedule that probably meant “when we get there.”
Today, the Thousand Islands Bridge lets drivers travel between the mainland and Wellesley Island without needing upper-body strength or a backup canoe.
Ferries That Have Officially Retired
The Morristown–Brockville ferry reportedly ended service in 1952. The Ogdensburg–Prescott ferry was also gone by around 1960, replaced by modern bridge connections and changing travel patterns.
They are gone, but not forgotten. Mostly because anyone who remembers riding them is now the family historian at Thanksgiving.
Ferries were once essential for residents, workers, travelers, and freight. Today, the region still has boat tours and water taxis, but you will not want to depend on an old cross-river ferry when your flight leaves Syracuse Hancock International Airport.
Stagecoaches from Watertown to Alexandria Bay
Traveling from Watertown to Alexandria Bay by stagecoach meant four horses, rough roads, no climate control, and a top speed best described as “hopefully before sundown.”
A modern Watertown to Syracuse Airport taxi is a little different. You can bring luggage, choose a pickup time, and avoid spending the trip wondering whether the horse knows the way.
The Thousand Islands Railway
The Thousand Islands Railway connected the main rail network with the waterfront and boat connections. Passenger service ended in 1962, although the railway itself continued in other forms for decades.
It was an important link in the old travel system:
- Take the train.
- Reach the riverfront.
- Board a boat.
- Hope your luggage made the same trip.
Today, travelers usually prefer a direct ride from a home, hotel, marina, or vacation rental.
The Modern Way: 1000 Island Taxi
Fortunately, you do not have to row across the St. Lawrence River or hitch a ride on a retired stagecoach to catch your flight.
1000 Island Taxi provides reliable, safe, and stress-free transportation throughout the region, including airport transfers, local rides, event transportation, and scenic trips.
The service includes a comfortable 7-passenger Honda Pilot, door-to-door pickup, luggage assistance, and local drivers familiar with the roads between the 1000 Islands and Syracuse Airport.
Distance-based local rides are priced transparently at $2.50 per mile, with $1 per minute for idle time. Certain airport routes are offered at quoted flat rates. Confirm your fare when booking.
Review Syracuse Airport shuttle service routes or see current rates.
Local Routes, Landmarks, and Airport Shuttle Prices
Watertown to Syracuse Airport : $120
Watertown is a practical North Country transportation hub. Pickup locations include hotels, homes, businesses, and medical facilities.
Popular nearby stops include:
- Hilton Garden Inn Watertown/Thousand Islands
- The Grille restaurant
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites
- Comfort Inn & Suites
- Ramada by Wyndham
- Salmon Run Mall
- Jefferson County Historical Society
- Thompson Park and the New York State Zoo
A Watertown to Syracuse Airport shuttle is a reliable choice for business travelers, families, military passengers, and anyone who would rather not pay for long-term airport parking.
Fort Drum to Syracuse Airport : $100
Military personnel, families, contractors, and visitors often need dependable transportation between Fort Drum, Watertown, and SYR.
A Fort Drum airport shuttle can help with:
- Deployments and leave travel
- PCS moves
- Military ceremonies
- Family visits
- Early morning flights
We also serve Evans Mills, Calcium, Black River, and surrounding communities.
Sackets Harbor to Syracuse : $130
Sackets Harbor combines Lake Ontario views with deep military history. The Sackets Harbor Battlefield State Historic Site is a major local attraction, while the waterfront includes marinas, shops, cafés, and restaurants.
Guests may also visit:
- Sackets Boathouse
- Barracks Inn at Madison Barracks
- Battlefield Eatery
- Sackets Harbor Marina
- Historic harbor streets and parks
Book a Sackets Harbor to Syracuse airport shuttle when you need a direct ride from a vacation rental, hotel, marina, or home.
Clayton to Syracuse Airport : $160
Clayton is home to long-established local attractions and businesses, including:
- Thousand Islands Inn, established in 1897
- Natali’s C-Way Restaurant & Bar, family-owned since 1946
- Clipper Inn, operated by the Simpson family for more than 50 years
- Antique Boat Museum
- Clayton Waterfront and RiverWalk
- Thousand Islands Harbor Hotel
- Clayton Opera House
Our Clayton taxi service also connects travelers with marinas, waterfront rentals, Coyote Moon Vineyards, Thousand Islands Winery, Bella’s Restaurant, and Wood Boat Brewery.
Alexandria Bay to Syracuse Airport : $160
Alexandria Bay remains one of the busiest gateways to the islands. It is where many visitors begin boat tours, castle visits, fishing trips, and waterfront vacations.
Local highlights include:
- Boldt Castle
- Singer Castle
- 1000 Islands Tower
- Uncle Sam Boat Tours
- Captain Thomson’s Resort
- Bonnie Castle Resort & Marina
- Cavallario’s Steak House, family-owned since 1962
- Thousand Islands Winery
An Alexandria Bay taxi is useful for airport pickup, hotel transfers, restaurant rides, and transportation to local marinas.
Wellesley Island to Syracuse Airport : $170
Wellesley Island offers a quieter island experience with excellent outdoor access.
Visitors can explore:
- Wellesley Island State Park
- Kring’s Point State Park
- Thousand Islands Bridge
- Minna Anthony Common Nature Center
- Eight miles of hiking trails
- Campgrounds, beaches, golf, and marinas
For Wellesley Island transportation, a scheduled airport ride is easier than arranging several short connections with luggage and outdoor gear.
Cape Vincent to Syracuse Airport : Approximately $160
Cape Vincent is known for the meeting point of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.
Local landmarks include:
- Tibbetts Point Lighthouse
- Cape Vincent Historical Museum
- Historic War of 1812 sites
- Waterfront views and sunset photography locations
A Cape Vincent taxi can provide transportation to Syracuse Airport, Clayton, Alexandria Bay, or other destinations across Jefferson County.
Chaumont to Syracuse Airport : Approximately $150
Chaumont offers a peaceful bay, marinas, and a relaxed rural setting.
Notable local businesses and destinations include:
- Guffin Bay Resort and Marina
- Sportsmans Hideaway RV Park
- Chaumont Bay
- Local fishing and boating access
For Chaumont NY transportation, reserve ahead during summer weekends, fishing events, and holiday periods.
Henderson and Hammond Service
A Henderson NY taxi can connect travelers with Henderson Harbor, The GillHouse, Westview Lodge and Marina, and local fishing destinations. Henderson Harbor is known for deep-water fishing and scenic Lake Ontario views.
A Hammond NY taxi serves visitors near Hammond Historical Museum, rural farms, seasonal properties, and the region’s notable collection of Scottish stone houses.
Adams Center to Syracuse Airport : $110
Adams Center provides convenient access to I-81 and is a practical pickup point for nearby rural communities.
Service can include:
- Adams
- Mannsville
- Lorraine
- Ellisburg
- Henderson
- Sackets Harbor
- Fort Drum connections
More Than a Ride
1000 Island Taxi is the transportation brand for reliable local rides and airport service.
Thousand Touch Tours focuses on scenic local tours and sightseeing experiences.
Thai Yoga Bodywork provides wellness services for guests and residents looking to relax after a long trip or busy travel day.
Together, these local services support a complete 1000 Islands experience: get there, see the sights, and make time to feel better.
What You Get Today
When you book a 1000 Islands taxi service, you receive:
- A clean, comfortable 7-passenger Honda Pilot
- Door-to-door service
- Flight-aware airport pickup coordination
- Luggage assistance
- Local route knowledge
- Cash, card, or online payment options
- Clear pricing before your trip
- Service across the Thousand Islands region
We do not provide booster seats for children under seven. Parents and guardians must provide their own appropriate child safety seats.
For everyone’s safety, we reserve the right to refuse service to passengers who appear unsafe or who compromise the safety of the driver, vehicle, or other passengers.
Do Not Get Stranded Like It Is 1880
Before you build a raft, hire four horses, or wait beside the river hoping the old ferry makes a surprise comeback, book a reliable ride.
Whether you need a taxi to Syracuse Airport, an SYR airport pickup, an Alexandria Bay taxi, a Clayton taxi service, or transportation from Cape Vincent, Chaumont, Henderson, Hammond, Sackets Harbor, Wellesley Island, Watertown, or Fort Drum, 1000 Island Taxi can help.
Call 315-615-9569 to reserve your ride. You can also contact 1000 Island Taxi online.
Reliable local transportation. No rowing required.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Syracuse Airport shuttle from the 1000 Islands cost?
Distance-based rides are priced at $2.50 per mile, plus applicable idle time. Several popular airport routes have quoted rates, including Watertown at $120, Fort Drum at $100, Sackets Harbor at $130, Clayton and Alexandria Bay at $160, and Wellesley Island at $170. Confirm your exact fare when booking.
Do you provide Syracuse Airport pickup?
Yes. We provide scheduled SYR airport pickup to hotels, homes, marinas, vacation rentals, military locations, and businesses throughout the 1000 Islands region.
What vehicle do you use?
Our primary vehicle is a comfortable 7-passenger Honda Pilot.
How do I book?
Call 315-615-9569 or use the online contact page.