Ulster County: Aviation Gateway Between the Catskills and the Hudson Valley
Ulster County stretches across 1,161 square miles of mid-Hudson Valley landscape, anchored by its county seat of Kingston (population approximately 23,000) and bordered by the Catskill Mountains to the west and the Hudson River to the east. This geography defines Ulster County's aviation profile: no large commercial airport sits within its borders, yet residents and visitors enjoy reasonable access to multiple regional airports ranging from a quiet general aviation field in Port Ewen to full-service commercial terminals in Newburgh and Albany. Understanding which facility best serves your travel needs depends on your destination, travel style, and how far you are willing to drive.
Kingston-Ulster Airport (20N): The County's Own General Aviation Field
Kingston-Ulster Airport, bearing the FAA identifier 20N, is Ulster County's home airport — a public-use general aviation facility located in the hamlet of Port Ewen, just south of Kingston along the Hudson River. The airport sits at an elevation of 149 feet above mean sea level and operates a single asphalt runway (Runway 15/33) measuring approximately 3,800 feet in length. That runway length accommodates single-engine and light twin-engine piston aircraft comfortably, along with many turboprop aircraft, though it is not suited for large jets or regional airliners.
Kingston-Ulster serves the recreational flying community throughout the Hudson Valley, providing tie-down and hangar space for locally based aircraft. Flight training operations, aerial photography work supporting the region's tourism industry, and private charter arrivals from other general aviation airports all make regular use of 20N. The field's proximity to Kingston's waterfront district, the Rondout Creek historic area, and the Catskill Mountains makes it a convenient arrival point for pilots flying in to explore Woodstock, Saugerties, or the river towns without the overhead of navigating to a larger terminal. Fuel is available on the field, and the airport is staffed to support transient aircraft operations.
Stewart International Airport (SWF): The Closest Commercial Option
For Ulster County travelers seeking commercial airline service, New York Stewart International Airport in Newburgh — approximately 30 miles south of Kingston — is the most practical first choice. Stewart (IATA: SWF, ICAO: KSWF) is operated by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and handles scheduled passenger service from carriers including Allegiant Air and American Airlines, with routes connecting the Hudson Valley to Florida, the Midwest, and select northeastern cities. The airport's single terminal is modern, manageable in scale, and far less congested than the three major New York City airports located 60 to 90 miles further south.
Driving time from Kingston to Stewart International runs approximately 35 to 50 minutes via US Route 9W south through New Windsor, depending on traffic. Travelers from New Paltz, located about 15 miles south of Kingston, reach Stewart in roughly 25 to 30 minutes. The airport offers long-term and short-term surface parking at rates significantly lower than JFK or Newark, which makes it financially attractive for extended trips. Stewart also handles substantial cargo operations and serves as a U.S. Customs port of entry for international general aviation flights arriving from Canada or abroad.
Albany International Airport (ALB): Northern Commercial Hub
Albany International Airport lies approximately 60 miles north of Kingston, accessible via the New York State Thruway (I-87) northbound. Albany (IATA: ALB) is the largest commercial airport serving the Capital Region and offers a substantially broader selection of nonstop destinations than Stewart, including service to Chicago O'Hare, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson, Boston Logan, Philadelphia, Charlotte, and Washington Dulles, among others. Airlines operating at ALB include American, Delta, Southwest, United, and several regional carriers.
For Ulster County residents based in northern communities such as Woodstock, Saugerties, or Catskill-area towns near the Greene County border, Albany often proves more convenient than driving south to Stewart. The drive from Kingston to Albany International runs approximately 55 to 70 minutes under normal conditions. ALB's Terminal A was renovated and expanded in recent years, improving the passenger experience with updated security lanes, concessions, and gate areas. Albany handles over two million passengers annually and maintains full customs and border protection services for international arrivals.
Hudson Valley Regional Airport (POU): A Regional General Aviation Alternative
Hudson Valley Regional Airport, known by its FAA identifier POU and located in the town of Wappinger in Dutchess County, sits approximately 25 miles south of Kingston. POU is a public-use airport with two runways — the primary runway measures 5,001 feet — making it capable of handling mid-size business jets and turboprops that exceed Kingston-Ulster Airport's weight and length limitations. Hudson Valley Regional hosts fixed-base operator (FBO) services, charter flight operations, flight instruction, and corporate aviation activity serving the broader mid-Hudson Valley business community. For Ulster County businesses requiring private jet access without the complexity of Albany or Stewart, POU represents a practical intermediate option.
International Airports
An international airport is a vital component of any major metropolitan area. It connects domestic and international travelers, providing them with a means to connect to the rest of the world.
An international airport is a large airport that is equipped to handle both domestic and international flights. It also has a significant economic impact on the local community.
These major New York Airports generate thousands of jobs and contribute billions of dollars to the local economy through tourism and other related industries.
A large international airport also offers a variety of amenities for travelers. These can include shopping centers, dining options, lounges, and other services such as currency exchange and luggage storage.
Private Airports
Private airports, also known as general aviation airports, are airports that are not open to commercial airlines and are used primarily by private aircraft.
One of the main benefits of a private airport is the exclusivity and privacy it offers.
These airports are often used by high-profile individuals, such as celebrities and business executives, who value their privacy and want to avoid the crowds and security lines of commercial airports.
Private airports also offer more flexibility and convenience for aircraft owners. They can also be used for training pilots and hosting aviation events.
There are 0 Private Airport in Ulster County, New York.
Regional Airports
Regional airports are smaller airports that serve a rural geographic region, such as a smaller city or county with a population of less than 100,000.
Small airports mostly offer flights within the same country, but some may offer flights to nearby countries.
One of the main advantages of regional airports is their convenience. They also tend to have shorter security lines and fewer crowds, making the overall travel experience more enjoyable.
There are 0 Regional Airport in Ulster County, New York.
Municipal Airports
Municipal airports which are also called "public airports" are owned and run by local governments like cities and counties.
Most of the time, they are smaller airports that serve a certain area and have mostly domestic flights, but some may also have flights to nearby countries.
One of the main advantages of municipal airports is their accessibility. They are often located in or near major cities, making them a convenient option for travelers.
Municipal airports provide a vital link for businesses in the region, allowing them to easily connect to other parts of the country.
There are 0 Municipal Airport in Ulster County, New York.
Local Airports
There are 7 Local Airport in Ulster County, New York.
Kobelt Airport
Piolis Brookside Airport
Kingston Ulster Airport
Marlboro Airport
Joseph Y Resnick Airport
Stanton Airport - Ny35
Strip In The Woods Airport
Frequently Asked Questions — Ulster County Airport Services
Stewart International Airport (SWF) in Newburgh is the closest commercial airport to Ulster County, approximately 30 miles south of Kingston and reachable in 35 to 50 minutes via US Route 9W. Stewart offers scheduled airline service from Allegiant and American Airlines to destinations in Florida, the Midwest, and the Northeast at fares that frequently undercut the major New York City airports. For travelers needing a wider selection of nonstop routes — particularly to major hub cities like Atlanta, Chicago, or Washington — Albany International Airport (ALB), about 60 miles north via I-87, provides service from Delta, Southwest, United, and American with connections to hundreds of onward destinations. Travelers based in southern Ulster County near New Paltz will often find Stewart the faster drive; those in Saugerties, Woodstock, or near the Catskill foothills may find Albany comparably convenient.
Kingston-Ulster Airport (20N) in Port Ewen serves the general aviation community rather than scheduled commercial passenger flights. Its 3,800-foot runway and elevation of 149 feet MSL make it ideal for single-engine piston aircraft, light twins, and smaller turboprops. Typical uses include recreational flying for locally based pilots, flight training conducted by area flight schools, private charter arrivals for visitors coming to explore the Catskill Mountains, Woodstock, or Kingston's Rondout waterfront district, and aerial photography missions supporting the region's tourism and real estate industries. The airport also accommodates skydiving operations and occasional medical aviation activity. Pilots flying in to attend events in the Hudson Valley arts community or to visit New Paltz's climbing areas at the Shawangunk Ridge often prefer 20N for its convenient proximity to these destinations.
From downtown Kingston, the drive to Stewart International Airport (SWF) in Newburgh covers roughly 30 miles and takes approximately 35 to 50 minutes under normal conditions via US Route 9W south through the town of New Windsor. Traffic through the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge approach or congestion near Newburgh can extend this estimate, so travelers should allow 60 minutes during peak commute hours or on busy summer weekends when Hudson Valley tourism is at its peak. The drive to Albany International Airport (ALB) covers approximately 55 to 60 miles via I-87 northbound and typically takes 55 to 70 minutes. Albany's I-87 corridor runs freely most of the day outside of rush hour, making it a predictable drive. Travelers originating from Saugerties, just 15 miles north of Kingston, reach Albany in as little as 45 minutes and may find Albany the more efficient option despite the greater distance.
Ulster County businesses requiring charter flight access have several practical options. Hudson Valley Regional Airport (POU) in Wappinger, Dutchess County — approximately 25 miles south of Kingston — hosts full FBO services and accommodates mid-size business jets with its 5,001-foot primary runway, offering more capability than Kingston-Ulster Airport for larger charter aircraft. Stewart International Airport handles cargo operations as part of its Port Authority mandate and can accommodate freight forwarding and charter arrangements through the commercial terminal. Albany International also maintains freight handling infrastructure and is served by cargo carriers operating connecting freight networks. For time-sensitive cargo originating from Ulster County's agricultural sector — the county is a significant producer of apples, vegetables, and specialty crops in the Hudson Valley — cargo-capable airports at Albany and Stewart both offer access to nationwide freight networks with connections through major air cargo hubs.
Yes. Kingston-Ulster Airport (20N) is a public-use facility open to transient pilots and is a popular destination for general aviation flights into the Hudson Valley. The airport in Port Ewen is approximately 10 miles by road from Woodstock, one of the most visited arts and culture destinations in the northeast, and roughly 15 miles from New Paltz, home to the State University of New York at New Paltz and immediate access to the Shawangunk Ridge climbing areas at the Mohonk Preserve and Minnewaska State Park. Fuel (100LL avgas) is available at 20N, and transient tie-down space is typically available. Pilots visiting Saugerties — known for its historic lighthouse on the Hudson River and the Saugerties Blues Festival — will find 20N a convenient arrival point roughly 12 miles from that village. Rental car availability near the airport should be confirmed in advance, as on-field rental car services are limited and advance arrangements with local agencies in Kingston are advisable.