Facility Overview

The 607 to go Shuttle Farmer’s Market parking and passenger pickup facility is situated at 535 3rd Street in Ithaca, New York, nestled right along the Cayuga Inlet in the historic Steamboat Landing waterfront district. This dedicated open-air surface area serves as an essential arrival hub for marketgoers, waterfront visitors, and regional shuttle riders. Because it is an open-air ground-level surface lot, there are zero vertical height clearance limits, allowing full-size pickup trucks, sport utility vehicles, conversion vans, high-roof transit vans, and commercial shuttle buses to access the area without overhead clearance concerns.

The facility features wide maneuvering lanes, convenient curbside passenger loading zones, and clear approach views toward the neighboring pavilion. Its open perimeter and unobstructed bays ensure seamless turning radiuses even for larger extended passenger shuttles and service vehicles operating throughout Tompkins County.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Located immediately adjacent to the iconic Ithaca Farmers Market at Steamboat Landing (545 3rd Street), this parking and shuttle location provides instant walking access to one of the Finger Lakes region’s most renowned cultural and culinary attractions. Market visitors can step straight from their vehicles onto the open timber-framed pavilion to browse dozens of local produce, baked goods, artisan crafts, and global street-food stalls. Additional nearby destinations include:

• Cayuga Waterfront Trail: Passing directly past the parking grounds, this paved multi-use recreation trail connects pedestrians and cyclists seamlessly to Cass Park and Stewart Park along the shoreline.
• Discover Cayuga Lake Boat Tours: Located just a 2-minute walk away at the Steamboat Landing docks, offering seasonal educational and sunset lake cruises.
• Sciencenter: A popular family science museum located roughly 0.4 miles away (an easy 8-minute walk or 2-minute drive south along 1st Street).
• Downtown Ithaca Commons & State Theatre: Located approximately 1.2 miles south, reachable within a 5-minute drive or a short ride on public and private shuttle links.
• Cornell University and Ithaca College: Both higher-education campuses sit within a 10- to 12-minute drive, making this location a staple destination for weekend student shuttles.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Arriving at 535 3rd Street is straightforward from every direction. The facility sits at the northern terminus of 3rd Street, directly north of Cascadilla Street and Route 13 (N Meadow Street / Fulton Street), Ithaca’s primary north-south regional thoroughfare. Route 13 links drivers directly with Route 89 (West Shore Drive along Cayuga Lake), Route 96, and Route 79.

For transit users, Tompkins Consolidated Area Transit (TCAT) operates bus routes along 3rd Street, with regular stops servicing nearby commercial corridors. In addition, student and chartered weekend shuttles—including university weekend connector loops—frequently utilize this turnaround point for passenger boarding and disembarking. When exiting after peak weekend market hours, traffic flows smoothly south along 3rd Street toward multiple signalized intersections at Route 13.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• Spacious, open-air surface parking bays with unobstructed vertical clearance
• Dedicated curbside shuttle turnaround and passenger drop-off/pickup zones
• Designated ADA accessible parking stalls situated nearest to the boardwalk path
• Direct, zero-step connections to the Cayuga Waterfront Trail and boardwalk
• Seasonal public restrooms and covered seating located adjacent at the market pavilion
• Well-illuminated access lanes for early-morning arrivals and sunset departures
• Complimentary parking access for daily waterfront visitors and market shoppers
• Convenient access to nearby Ithaca Bikeshare hubs and bicycle racks

Ideal For

• Farmers Market Shoppers: Perfect for community residents and weekend travelers stocking up on Finger Lakes produce and freshly prepared meals.
• Shuttle Passengers: Convenient gathering and drop-off point for campus shuttles, charter vans, and regional rideshare services.
• Outdoor Enthusiasts: Ideal base for runners, dog walkers, and cyclists accessing the scenic Cayuga Waterfront Trail.
• Cruise & Charter Passengers: Effortless parking for guests embarking on eco-cruises and lake excursions with Discover Cayuga Lake.
• Waterfront Event Attendees: Convenient parking for guests attending seasonal festivals, outdoor gatherings, and private pavilion rentals.

Visitor & Driver Tips

During the primary Ithaca Farmers Market season (running Saturdays and Sundays from spring through autumn), the on-site parking bays fill quickly between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM. To secure the closest parking space, plan to arrive before 9:30 AM or after 1:30 PM. If the immediate lot at 535 3rd Street is at capacity, drivers can take advantage of overflow parking located slightly south along 3rd Street, including the county parking areas. For those coordinating shuttle pickups or rideshares, set your GPS pin explicitly to 535 3rd Street to guide drivers directly to the open turnaround loop at the water's edge.