Buffalo to Niagara Falls: Best Ways to Travel & Must-See

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By lang

June 9, 2025

Buffalo to Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls, one of North America's most breathtaking natural wonders, is easily accessible for visitors staying in Buffalo, New York, with a short and scenic journey. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know—from detailed transportation options to travel tips.

How Far Is Niagara Falls from Buffalo?

The distance between downtown Buffalo and Niagara Falls is ~20 miles, depending on your specific starting point. The drive typically takes 25-30 minutes via the I-190 N highway. If you're heading to the Canadian side (Niagara Falls, Ontario), the distance increases slightly, with travel times around 40 minutes, and don’t forget to add border wait time!

Best Niagara Falls Hotels

Cheap Flights to Niagara Falls

Buffalo to Niagara Falls by Car: Driving Routes & Parking 

Detailed Driving Routes Comparison

Niagara Falls has 2 sides, split by the national divide: the American Side falls within the state of New York, the U.S., and the Canadian side falls within Ontario, Canada.

Scenario

Recommended Route

Pros

Cons

Airport - Niagara ON (Late Evening)

I-190 N - Queenston-Lewiston Bridge

Scenic, less crowded, avoids Rainbow Bridge traffic

Slightly longer route

Airport - Niagara ON (General)

I-190 N - Peace Bridge

24/7, faster to downtown Niagara ON

Busier during peak hours

Niagara ON - Upstate NY (Friday PM)

QEW - Peace Bridge

Fastest eastbound route, minimal detours

Potential Friday afternoon delays

Niagara NY - Buffalo (Direct)

I-190 S via Grand Island

Most direct US-side route

Potential traffic congestion during peak hours

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Toll Information

  • Grand Island Bridge (I-190): $1 (cashless)
  • International Bridges: $5-7 USD/CAD
  • NEXUS at Whirlpool: Free (with account)

Parking Options

When visiting Niagara Falls, New York:

Category

Details

Vehicle Types

Accommodates all vehicles (RVs, buses, cars, motorcycles)

Pricing

• Lots: $5-$30 (seasonal)

• Street: $3-$5 per hour

Access Routes

From I-190/I-290: Take Niagara Falls Blvd (Route 62)

Proximity

All lots within walking distance to Niagara Falls State Park

Navigation

Clear signage at all locations

When visiting Niagara Falls, Ontario, paid parking is available inside Niagara Parks including Dufferin Islands, Kingsbridge Park, Rainbow Bridge, and White Water Walk, with hourly rates ranging from $8 to $12.

Border Crossing Tips 

Buffalo to Niagara Falls by Car: Driving Routes & Parking 

When crossing the border between Niagara Falls, all persons entering the United States by land must show proof of citizenship, while US citizens traveling to Canada need a valid passport. Crossing fees is needed, for example, The Rainbow Bridge charges $6.00 USD or $8.50 CAD for vehicles traveling to Canada (returning to the US is free), and $1.00 USD or $1.25 CAD for pedestrians crossing to the US . Simply to say, the vehicle fees are only collected when traveling to Canada, while pedestrian fees apply only when entering the US. These regulations and fees may vary at different border crossings, for further entry requirements, check with Canadian Border Services web app or other official government resources.

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Buffalo to Niagara Falls Public Transit: Bus & Train

NFTA Metro Bus (Route 40)

Route

Downtown Buffalo - Downtown Niagara Falls - Grand Island - Portage Road Transit Center

Frequency

Departs every 60 mins

Greyhound

Fares

Starting at $10.98

Frequency 

7 times daily

Travel Time

25 minutes (quickest)

Amenities

Free Wi-Fi, extra legroom

Pro tips: If you're looking for a cheap ticket to Niagara Falls, remember to book early. Otherwise, traveling on weekdays or during non-peak hours, when budget-friendly fares available!

Amtrak Train

Empire Service and Maple Leaf connect New York City to Niagara Falls:

Routes

New York City - Albany - Syracuse - Rochester - Niagara Falls

Duration

~9 hours from NYC

Station

<10 minute drive to Niagara Falls (Lyft/Uber available)

Frequency

Daily

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Buffalo to Niagara Falls: Taxi & Rideshares

Option

Price (USD)

Duration

Distance

Booking Method

Availability

Notes

Uber

~$41

36 min

22 km

Uber app

24/7

Cheaper, dynamic pricing

Taxi

~$90

35 min

22 km

Street hail/stand

24/7

Fixed rate, no surge pricing

Niagara Falls Online Ticket

Hotels near Niagara Falls

Buffalo to Niagara Falls: Tours & Must-See Stops

Must-See Attractions Along the Way

Old Fort Niagara

Old Fort Niagara

Opening Hours

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Daily)

Recommended Visit Time

2-3 hours

Address

102 Morrow Plaza, Youngstown, NY 14174, USA

Old Fort Niagara Online Ticket

Whirlpool State Park

Whirlpool State Park

Opening Hours

6:00 AM - 7:00 PM (Daily)

Recommended Visit Time

1-2 hours

Address

Niagara Scenic Pkwy, Niagara Falls, NY 14303, USA

Whirlpool State Park Online Ticket

Aquarium of Niagara

Aquarium of Niagara

Opening Hours

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Daily)

Recommended Visit Time

1-3 hours

Address

701 Whirlpool St, Niagara Falls, NY 14301, USA

Aquarium of Niagara Online Ticket

Best Time to Visit Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls showcases unique highlights throughout the year:

Season

Months

Pros

Cons

Recommended For

Summer

June-August

- Warm temperatures 

- Extended daylight hours

- Peak crowds

- Highest prices 

- Occasional heat waves

Families, first-time visitors, boat tours

Fall

September-October

- Fewer tourists

- Pleasant temperatures 

- Maid of the Mist closes mid-October

- Fewer tour options

- Unpredictable rain

Photographers, couples, budget travelers

Winter

November-March

- Frozen falls spectacle

- Holiday light displays

- Subfreezing temps 

- Limited attraction operations

- Icy walkways

Adventure seekers, Canadians, short trips

Spring

April-May

- Powerful water flow 

- Blooming flowers

- Frequent rain showers

- Chilly evenings 

Nature lovers, hikers, local visitors

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