10 Best Gas Stations in Albany, NY
10 Best Gas Stations in Albany, NY | Capital Region Guide
By: AZ New York Staff
Fueling Up in New York’s State Capital
As the capital of New York State, Albany is a major center for government, business, and education. More importantly for drivers, it’s one of the most critical highway junctions in the Northeast, where the New York State Thruway (I-90 East-West) intersects with the Adirondack Northway (I-87 North) and I-87 South (connecting to NYC).
This constant flow of travelers, commuters, and truckers means Albany and its surrounding suburbs (like Colonie and Guilderland) are well-served by gas stations, including the beloved regional chain Stewart’s Shops and major value clubs. Prices here are significantly lower than in the downstate metro area.
| Guide Title | Focus Area | Approx. Distance (from Albany) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 Best Gas Stations in Albany, NY (This Guide) | Albany Area | 0 miles |
| 10 Best Gas Stations in Schenectady, NY | Schenectady Area | ~20 miles |
| 10 Best Gas Stations in Troy, NY | Troy Area | ~8 miles |
| 10 Best Gas Stations in Syracuse, NY | Syracuse Area | ~140 miles |
| 10 Best Gas Stations in Yonkers, NY | Yonkers / Westchester | ~130 miles |
| 10 Best Gas Stations in Westchester County, NY | Westchester County | ~125 miles |
| 10 Best Gas Stations in The Bronx, NY | The Bronx | ~140 miles |
| 10 Best Gas Stations in New York City | NYC Boroughs | ~150 miles |
| 10 Best Gas Stations in Rochester, NY | Rochester Area | ~225 miles |
| 10 Best Gas Stations in Buffalo, NY | Buffalo Area | ~285 miles |
Useful Tips for Drivers in Albany
- **Stewart’s is Your Best Friend:** The local chain Stewart’s Shops is ubiquitous in the Capital Region. They are consistently clean, offer free air, have great coffee and food, and are known for their award-winning, self-branded ice cream. Their gas prices are always competitive.
- **Highway Hubs (Exits 23 & 24):** The two main Thruway exits for Albany are prime fueling spots. Exit 23 (I-87/I-787) in the south end has large truck stops (Pilot) perfect for diesel and 24/7 needs. Exit 24 (I-90/I-87 Northway) in Colonie leads directly to the Wolf Road/Central Ave area, which is packed with stations, shopping, and airport access.
- **Wolf Road / Airport Area:** Wolf Road in Colonie (near Exit 24) is the main retail strip, with numerous branded stations (Mobil, Shell, Sunoco) serving the Colonie Center mall and Albany International Airport (ALB).
- **Value Clubs (Costco/BJ’s):** Costco (in Guilderland) and BJ’s (in Colonie) offer the absolute lowest prices for members and are easily accessible from the main highways.
- **Price Advantage:** Gas in Albany is significantly cheaper than in NYC, Westchester, or on the Thruway service plazas themselves. It’s the ideal place to fill up when traveling the Thruway.
Curiosity: Stewart’s Shops – More Than Just Gas
For anyone traveling in Upstate New York, Stewart’s Shops is a cultural landmark. It’s one of the few gas stations where people stop *intentionally* for things other than gas. Their make-your-own sundaes, fresh milk (from their own dairy), and wide variety of coffee and prepared foods make them a beloved, full-service stop.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the best local gas station chain in Albany?
- Stewart’s Shops is the dominant and most popular local chain in the Capital Region. They are known for high-quality, competitively priced gas, free air pumps, excellent coffee, and their famous award-winning ice cream, making them a one-stop shop for travelers and locals alike.
- How do gas prices in Albany compare to NYC?
- Gas prices in Albany are significantly cheaper than in New York City (especially Manhattan, Bronx, and Queens). Lower state sales tax components and much lower real estate costs contribute to major savings for drivers coming from downstate.
- Where are gas stations concentrated near the I-90/I-87 interchange?
- The interchange (NYS Thruway Exit 24) is a major hub. You’ll find a high concentration of stations just off the exit on Central Avenue (Route 5) and Wolf Road in Colonie, catering to Thruway traffic, the nearby airport (ALB), and the Colonie Center shopping area.
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- Can I find diesel fuel near the NYS Thruway (I-90/I-87) in Albany?
- Yes, diesel fuel is very common at large stations and travel plazas near the Thruway exits, particularly Exit 23 (I-87/I-787) and Exit 24 (I-90/I-87 Northway). Stations like Pilot Travel Center and many major brands (Mobil, Sunoco, Shell) in these areas cater to commercial truck traffic.
Ranking: 10 Best Gas Stations in Albany, NY
This AZ New York list identifies 10 top gas stations in the Albany area. We’ve prioritized value (Costco/BJ’s), local favorites (Stewart’s), 24/7 access, and strategic locations near major highways (I-90/I-87) and Albany International Airport (ALB).
1. Costco Gas Station (Guilderland)
Address: 141 Washington Ave Ext, Albany, NY 12205 (Located in Guilderland)
Telefone: (518) 690-3240
Site: costco.com
Services: Top Tier Regular (87), Top Tier Premium (93).
Justification: As always, Costco offers the lowest gas prices in the region for members. This location is conveniently near Crossgates Mall and the I-87/I-90 interchange (Exit 24 area). Expect lines.
2. Stewart’s Shops (Albany / Airport/I-87)
Address: 406 Albany Shaker Rd, Albany, NY 12211
Telefone: (518) 459-9431
Site: stewartsshops.com
Services: Stewart’s Gasoline (Top Tier), Premium Non-Ethanol, Diesel, Free Air, Ice Cream, Coffee, Food, 24/7 (Verify hours).
Justification: A perfect example of the beloved local chain. This 24/7 (verify hours) shop is strategically located on Albany Shaker Road, serving Albany Airport (ALB) traffic and commuters from I-87 (The Northway).
3. BJ’s Gas Station (Colonie / Central Ave)
Address: 1440 Central Ave, Albany, NY 12205
Telefone: (518) 438-1400 (ext. for gas)
Site: bjs.com
Services: Top Tier Regular (87), Top Tier Premium (93), Diesel.
Justification: The other major value club option for members. Located on busy Central Avenue, easily accessible from I-87 (The Northway) and I-90 (Thruway Exit 24). Offers diesel.
4. Pilot Travel Center (Albany / I-87 Exit 23)
Address: 240 Church St, Albany, NY 12202
Telefone: (518) 462-1234
Site: pilotflyingj.com
Services: Gasoline, Diesel Lanes, DEF, Truck Stop Amenities, Convenience Store, 24/7.
Justification: The primary truck stop for the Port of Albany and Thruway I-87 Exit 23 / I-787 interchange. The best option for diesel fuel, large RVs, and 24/7 travel amenities.
5. Mobil (Wolf Road / Colonie)
Address: 88 Wolf Rd, Albany, NY 12205
Telefone: (518) 869-5354
Site: exxon.com
Services: Synergy™ Gasoline, Convenience Store, 24/7.
Justification: Located on the prime retail strip of Wolf Road, this 24/7 Mobil is ideal for shoppers at Colonie Center, travelers from I-87 (The Northway), and those heading to/from Albany Airport (ALB).
6. Sunoco (Albany / Southern Blvd – I-87 Exit 23)
Address: 339 Southern Blvd, Albany, NY 12209
Telefone: (518) 487-4425
Site: sunoco.com
Services: Top Tier Gasoline, Diesel, Convenience Store, 24/7.
Justification: Another excellent option right off I-87 Thruway Exit 23. This 24/7 Sunoco provides a major brand alternative to the Pilot truck stop and offers diesel.
7. Shell (Albany / Central Ave)
Address: 1348 Central Ave, Albany, NY 12205 (Sunoco also listed, Shell is nearby – Using Sunoco as confirmed)
Address (Sunoco): 1348 Central Ave, Albany, NY 12205
Telefone: (518) 482-2080
Site: sunoco.com
Services: Top Tier Gasoline, Convenience Store, 24/7.
Justification: Located on the main artery of Central Avenue, this 24/7 Sunoco is representative of the many reliable stations serving Thruway I-90/I-87 Exit 24 traffic and the University at Albany area.
8. Mobil (Albany / Western Ave – UAlbany)
Address: 1181 Western Ave, Albany, NY 12203
Telefone: (518) 454-0950
Site: exxon.com
Services: Synergy™ Gasoline, Diesel, Convenience Store (Subway), Car Wash.
Justification: Prime location serving the University at Albany (UAlbany) campus and the Stuyvesant Plaza area. Offers diesel, a car wash, and a Subway.
9. Sunoco (Guilderland / NYS Thruway Service Plaza)
Address: NYS Thruway (I-90) Westbound, Milepost 160, Guilderland, NY 12084
Telefone: (Varies – Plaza Operator)
Site: thruway.ny.gov
Services: Top Tier Gasoline, Diesel, Convenience Store, Restrooms, 24/7.
Justification: The *on-highway* service plaza for I-90 Westbound travelers after Albany (between Exits 24 & 25). Extremely convenient as no exit is required, but prices will be significantly higher than off-Thruway stations.
10. Sunoco (Downtown / I-787 Area)
Address: 795 Broadway, Albany, NY 12207
Telefone: (516) 621-7111
Site: sunoco.com
Services: Top Tier Gasoline, Convenience Store, 24/7.
Justification: One of the few stations serving the downtown Albany area, convenient for visitors to the Empire State Plaza, NYS Capitol, and MVP Arena, with access to I-787.
What’s your favorite Stewart’s ice cream flavor to grab when you get gas? Share your Capital Region tips in the comments!
Check out other gas station guides:
- 10 Best Gas Stations in Syracuse, NY
- 10 Best Gas Stations in Rochester, NY
- 10 Best Gas Stations in Buffalo, NY
- 10 Best Gas Stations in Yonkers, NY
- 10 Best Gas Stations in New York City
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