Finger Lakes Premium Outlets

The Basics

Situated in west-central New York, off the New York State Thruway, Waterloo Premium Outlets is under a one-hour drive from Rochester and Syracuse. It’s one of the key attractions in the Finger Lakes Wine Country area, which is known for its State Parks and wine trails. The center is a big hit with bargain hunters, and is sometimes included as a stop on full-day and multi-day bus tours of Upstate New York and Niagara Falls.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The center is wheelchair-accessible.

• There is a baby changing station, family restrooms, and amusement rides for small children.

• The outlet center has an on-site food court.

• If you run out of phone battery, there’s a mobile device charging station in the food court.

• The Waterloo Premium Outlet website sometimes offers coupons for additional discounts.

How to Get There

The center is located in the Finger Lakes Wine Country area, off the New York State Thruway I-90 on Route 318, between Exits 41 and 42. It makes an easy day trip from Buffalo, Rochester, or Syracuse; travelers also sometimes make the trip from Niagara Falls or Toronto in Canada. Outside of driving, the easiest transportation options are rideshares and taxis.

When to Get There

The center is typically open throughout the week from morning until evening, with shorter hours on Sundays. Individual store hours may vary from the center hours, so it’s worth checking opening schedules in advance. As it’s an outdoor mall, it’s best to visit at times that avoid New York’s extreme summer heat and winter cold—spring or fall are ideal.

Things to Do in Finger Lakes

The Finger Lakes region comprises 11 narrow lakes in west-central New York. Besides being home of Waterloo Premium Outlets, the area is heaven on earth for nature lovers, with picturesque hiking trails through state parks such as Taughannock Falls, Letchworth State Park, and Watkins Glen State Park. Wine lovers should schedule tours and tastings at some of the region’s wine trails, such as those as Cayuga and Seneca lakes.

Ways to explore

Situated in west-central New York, off the New York State Thruway, Finger Lakes Premium Outlets is less than a 1-hour drive from both Rochester and Syracuse. It’s one of the key attractions in the Finger Lakes Wine Country area, which is known for its fabulous state parks and wine trails. With 100 stores, the outdoor center is sometimes included as a stop on full-day and multi-day bus tours of Upstate New York and Niagara Falls. It’s also easy to visit independently, either as part of a trip to the area’s other attractions, or as a destination in its own right.

Accessibility

The stores are wheelchair-accessible, with accessible parking. Complimentary wheelchair rental is available.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Reusable shopping bags, water bottle

What to wear

Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, as it’s an outdoor shopping center

Not allowed

Smoking, disruptive public behavior

Amenities

100 stores, food court, restrooms

Address

Finger Lakes Premium Outlets is built for anyone on a New York road trip. The easiest way to get there is on four wheels.

Driving

From Rochester/Syracuse, take I-90 to Exit 41 (from Syracuse) or Exit 42 (from Rochester), then follow Route 318 to the outlets. Ample free parking is available on-site.

Public transportation

Finger Lakes Premium Outlets isn’t directly accessible by regular public transportation. If you aren’t able to drive yourself, the easiest options are rideshares, taxis, or private tour services in the Finger Lakes region that do shopping excursions to the outlets.

Best times to visit

Stop by in the morning, shortly after the 10am opening time, to avoid the crowds.

Best days to visit

The outlets can get busy on the weekends, so aim to visit on a weekday if you can.

Best months to visit

Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) offer a pleasant escape from New York’s summer heat and winter chill (remember: this is an outdoor mall).

Special events

Expect solid Black Friday and Thanksgiving weekend sales, with extended hours and special promotions.