Driving

Driving from Buffalo to Niagara Falls is a relatively quick and easy journey if you take the most direct route. The distance is roughly 85 miles and can take about two hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

There is no public transportation available between the two cities, so driving is the only option for those looking to make the trip from Buffalo to Niagara Falls.

Distance and Time

Buffalo to Niagara Falls by car is approximately 17 miles and the drive takes 25-35 minutes depending on traffic. It is a relatively easy journey without any significant turns or curves. The roadway, known as I-190, passes over the Niagara River and plunges directly into the heart of Niagara Falls.

Other transportation options from Buffalo to Niagara Falls include:

  • Bicycle: Traveling by bicycle will take approximately 2 hours (32 miles).
  • Bus: Public buses run regularly from Buffalo to Niagara Falls with routes passing through Cheektowaga, Tonawanda and North Tonawanda.
  • Taxi/Limo: The cost for a taxi or limousine from Buffalo to Niagara Falls is usually around $90 USD (one way).

Cost

Transportation from Buffalo to Niagara Falls can cost anywhere from nothing to hundreds of dollars depending on the mode of transportation and route taken.

Driving is the most cost-effective form of transportation, with round trip estimates ranging from $12.50 to $30 depending on tolls and gas prices. Driving typically takes around an hour and a half, though this can vary depending on traffic or weather conditions. The most direct route is via the I-90E and I-290E, but alternative routes (such as via the Lake Ontario State Parkway) are often faster during peak hours due to lighter traffic.

Ridesharing services (Uber, Lyft) can also be used for transportation between Buffalo and Niagara Falls, with fares typically ranging from around $54-64 for a one-way trip. Bus fares range from roughly $5 – $30 depending on the route taken, fare discounts offered by individual companies, time of day and type of bus service chosen (express vs local). For those looking for something more luxurious or unique, helicopter rides are available with prices starting at around $125 per person one way.

Directions

The distance from Buffalo to Niagara Falls is approximately 17 miles. The best route for getting between these two cities is by taking the Scajaquada Expressway/NY-198. This highway is the most direct route with exits for both cities and many points of interest along the way.

Driving from Buffalo to Niagara Falls will take approximately 24 minutes depending on traffic and weather conditions. There are also numerous public transportation options from Buffalo to Niagara Falls including buses, trains, shuttles and taxi services.

If you would rather take a scenic route, then you may want to consider driving east toward Lake Ontario on NY-18 before heading south on the I-190 towards Niagara Falls via Grand Island Bridge. Depending on the time of day, this route may add an additional 45 minutes or more to your trip but it could be worth it if you have time to explore some attractions along the way such as Beaver Island State Park or old Fort Niagara State Park. Additionally, there are a few ferry companies that offer boat rides across Lake Ontario providing passengers with a memorable view of both Buffalo and Niagara Falls that can’t be beat!

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Bus

Taking a bus from Buffalo to Niagara Falls is a great way to travel the 90 mile distance between the two locations. It is a convenient, affordable way to travel, and there are numerous bus companies that offer daily routes between the two cities. The bus ride takes around two and a half hours, depending on traffic and other factors.

You can find out more information about bus schedules and prices, as well as the different routes available, here.

Distance and Time

The total distance from Buffalo, New York to Niagara Falls, New York is approximately 56 miles (90 kilometers). The approximate driving time is 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Depending on where in Buffalo you are starting from, there are multiple options for getting to Niagara Falls. If you have access to a vehicle, driving would be the quickest option and would take approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes; however, this route is not particularly scenic due to the highways that you will mostly be using during the journey. If you have more time or prefer a more scenic route, taking a bus could be a great option.

Greyhound buses offer transportation between Buffalo and Niagara Falls several times during the day but there are slightly fewer options available in comparison with other modes of transportation. The estimated travel time for this option is 2 hours and 10 minutes and tickets can be purchased at any Greyhound station or online ahead of time (starting at $38).

  • One advantage of taking a bus is that you can relax on your way to Niagara Falls;
  • the disadvantage is that it takes much longer than any other mode of transportation due to frequent stops along its route.

Cost

The cost associated with traveling from Buffalo to Niagara Falls can vary, depending on the type of transportation you choose. Generally, the most cost-effective option is traveling by bus. Many bus companies offer various routes and fares to meet your needs; however, considering factors such as route time, reliability and amenities will help you decide which option is best for your trip.

The most affordable bus journey from Buffalo to Niagara Falls is typically offered via Greyhound, with prices ranging from $17 to $22 depending on where in Niagara Falls you are traveling. The travel time for the direct route is approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes; however, connecting trips through travelling hubs such as Toronto may increase journey time. In addition to one-way fares there are also express/semi express options that offer direct services but with a slightly greater fee associated with them.

Another bus company offering affordable transport options between Buffalo and Niagara Falls is Coach Canada/Megabus, who include extra amenities such as Wi-Fi availability and the ability to book tickets online at a discounted rate if booked in advance. Prices range from $36-$45 one way for this company, but keep in mind that multiple transfers stop may be necessary along the way if travelling through their hub in Toronto Pearson Airport. The travel time for this company’s routes can reach 3 hours plus depending on transit stops along the way.

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Directions

Visitors have several transportation options available when traveling between Buffalo and Niagara Falls. One of the most convenient and affordable methods is a public bus, which can take travelers directly to their destination. Here are the suggested public transport routes and schedules:

  1. Greyhound Bus Lines: This bus line has routes between Buffalo and Niagara Falls that run seven times daily, with an additional Saturday-only trip. The fare is $14 (one way) for adults and the total trip time is about 80 minutes once you board the bus at either location.
  2. NFTA Metro Bus: The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) offers a daily schedule of buses from Buffalo to Niagara Falls, with stops at Five Points Terminal in downtown Buffalo and in Niagara Falls at Rainbow Centre Mall near the Seneca Niagara Casino on Main Street. The trip costs $3 one way with a discounted fare for seniors over 65 years old or riders showing proper student identification for college/university classes only. There is one hour travel time each way on all NFTA bus trips throughout the day until 9:30 PM typically Monday through Saturday, depending on service holidays when certain Metro buses are not running or have limited services available.
  3. Burlington Transit System: Travelers have access to hourly intercity buses operated by Burlington Transit System running from Buffalo’s Main & Ferry Streets terminal to downtown Niagara Falls via Route 05 every day of the week (holidays excluded). The estimated journey time is 80 minutes and one adult ticket costs $18 one way.

Train

Taking the train from Buffalo to Niagara Falls is an efficient and cost effective way to travel the roughly 30 miles between the two cities. Amtrak’s Empire Service runs two trains daily with stops at Depew Station and Exchange Street Station in Buffalo before arriving at Niagara Falls. The trip takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, with tickets starting at $14 USD.

Distance and Time

The straight line distance from Buffalo to Niagara Falls is approximately 29 kilometers (18 miles). Depending on traffic, road conditions and desired mode of transport, this route can vary in time and distance. Driving by car is the most commonly used option, but options such as intercity bus or a train may be available depending on the route you take.

If traveling by car, the journey usually takes around 45 minutes. When taking a train or intercity bus, allow for an extra 15-20 minutes for transfer times and walking to your destination. Alternatively, flying has been made easy with flights from Buffalo International Airport to Niagara Falls International Airport taking around 20 minutes with a connecting shuttle service available upon arrival in Niagara Falls.

Cost

Taking a train from Buffalo to Niagara Falls can be an efficient and cost-effective option. Depending on where you are getting on the train and if you will be buying it ahead of time, the ticket cost can vary.

The Amtrak station in Buffalo stops at Niagara Falls as well, with adult one-way trip prices starting at $12.25 for a Coach seat and as much as $20 for Business Class seating. Additionally, certain discounts may be available with a student card or other ID depending on the ticket time purchased.

Directions

The trip to Niagara Falls from Buffalo, New York is approximately 48 miles one way. It usually takes about an hour to arrive at Niagara Falls. There are several public transportation options available for travelers wishing to take the trip.

Train: Amtrak’s Maple Leaf runs daily between Niagara Falls and Toronto, Canada with a stop in Buffalo. The train travels through Grand Island, South Tonawanda, Lockport and other communities before arriving at the Niagara Falls station. Depending on the time of year and day of week, it takes around two hours from Buffalo to get to Niagara Falls by this method.

Bus: Two bus companies serve this route – Greyhound and Adirondack Trailways – with buses arriving or departing both stations at roughly the same times. The Greyhound fare is a bit less than Trailways’ Express service fare, but there may be more schedules available with either carrier so it is wise to check before you purchase your tickets online or over the phone. A ride on either bus will take roughly two hours depending on traffic conditions along Lake Ontario Parkway/Route 104 into Lewiston, NY where you can get off the bus and explore until time for departure towards your destination near Niagara Falls on either side of the border between America and Canada -in downtown Niagara or Clifton Hills NIAGARA FALLS region!

Plane

When it comes to traveling from Buffalo to Niagara Falls, taking a plane can be one of the fastest and most convenient options. Located about 73 miles apart, flying from Buffalo to Niagara Falls is a relatively short trip taking anywhere between 25 to 40 minutes, depending on the airline.

Buffalo’s closest airport, Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF), offers both domestic and international flights, making the Niagara Falls trip from Buffalo a quick and easy one.

How far from Buffalo to Niagara Falls?

Buffalo to Niagara Falls is a distance of approximately 20 miles (32 kilometers) and a journey time of 20–30 minutes by car. The direct route generally made by cars heading between the two cities follows New York State I-190 South. An alternate route via US-62 also passes through Grand Island while also providing an opportunity to make stopovers at attractions along the way.

Public transportation options include Amtrak, Greyhound and Megabus. This route is serviced by Amtrak’s Empire Service, Maple Leaf, Adirondack and Keystone trains, as well as Greyhound’s regional service which are express buses that take around 1 hour and 30 minutes to cover this distance. Megabus also offers services from Buffalo to Niagara Falls with one-way fares starting from $1 USD (plus booking fees).

For travelers taking a plane from Buffalo to Niagara Falls International Airport, there are no direct flights available; however, several airlines fly from Buffalo International Airport (BUF) to various mid-level airports in the region such as Syracuse Hancock International Airport (3 hours away) or Toronto Pearson International Airport (1 hour away). Travelers can then arrange for ground transport such as rental cars or shuttle vans/buses into Niagara Falls.

Cost

The cost of traveling from Buffalo to Niagara Falls can vary depending on the type of transportation you use. Driving is the most affordable option, with an estimated cost of around $22 in fuel for a round-trip journey. Taxis/rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft are also available, with an approximate cost of $90 for a round-trip journey. The public bus service, operated by NFTA Metro, offers fares starting from $1.75 and takes between 1 or 2 hours from one end to the other and is likely to be the cheapest option if your total number of travelers is three or more.

The Greyhound bus line also provides service between these two cities, with an average fare of around $25 per person roundtrip. Finally, flying via JetBlue or Delta Airlines may be beneficial if you are in a hurry; however, it comes at a greater expense starting at $120 per one-way ticket depending on discounts offered at the time.

Directions

Traveling from Buffalo to Niagara Falls is possible by several different transportation options, including plane, train, car and bus. Each offers different advantages depending on the traveler’s specific needs.

Those wishing to make the journey quickly may opt for a plane ride from Buffalo to Niagara Falls International Airport. The airport offers several airlines with regular flights to the area including Allegiant Air, Delta Airlines and US Airways. Flying from Buffalo will total about a one hour flight time and 20 minutes of ground transfer time once you reach the airport in Niagara Falls.

Once on the ground in Niagara Falls it is easily accessible by taxi or shuttle services available at the airport terminal. There are also bus and train services which can be used during the journey. Bus service provided by Greyhound is available with multiple stops along the way; this option runs hourly but may take two to two-and-a-half hours due to stops during transit. Amtrak also makes travels through each city with their Empire Service Line providing two daily trips each day; however, this usually takes around three hours due to its popularity with travelers who stop at intermediate points close by both cities before continuing on their frequently further destinations beyond Niagara Falls.

A convenient way of arriving in style may be car rental at each individual city which allow travelers more convenience, flexibility and freedom during their trips from one destination to another. Regardless of your preferred choice, every traveler should have no difficulty finding an enjoyable means of taking them between these two cities conveniently and enjoyably.

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Boat

Taking a boat from Buffalo to Niagara Falls is one of the most scenic and thrilling ways to make the journey. The journey takes just under two hours, and you’ll be able to appreciate the splendor of the natural wonders around you as you go.

With boat travel, you’ll also have the option of either renting a private boat or taking a public ferry. The latter option is often the most affordable for those who are looking for an economical way to cross the lake.

Distance and Time

The distance from Buffalo to Niagara Falls by boat is approximately 25 miles and takes just over an hour. There are several types of ferry services available which operate from the Erie Basin Marina in Buffalo, New York to the Maid of the Mist Boat Dock in Niagara Falls, Ontario.

Passengers can choose from motorized boats and sailboats which depart on a regular schedule with ample seating for all passengers. However, visitors should plan to arrive early as most trips depart filled to capacity. Prices range depending on what type of boat you choose; typically there are discounts available for seniors and children.

Weather permitting, there are other recreational vessels such as floating restaurants or party boats that pass along the Niagara River offering more leisurely access between the two cities without having to worry about parking or road congestion. Depending on what type of vessel you select your travel time will vary according to your final destination. Regardless of your choice, a scenic journey awaits those looking for a truly spectacular ride through some of North America’s most dramatic landscapes.

Cost

The cost of transportation from Buffalo to Niagara Falls depends on the type of boat service you choose. The Niagara Falls Boat Tours, operated by Hornblower Niagara Cruises, offer a variety of tours from Buffalo that vary based on length and features. For those interested in just exploring the falls, the standard boat tour is a one-hour excursion that takes passengers around the falls for $32 per person. Those seeking a more comprehensive experience can opt for one of the extended boat tours complete with Indian and Canadian cultural perspectives as well as a meal served onboard which lasts two hours and costs between $65 and $90 per person.

In addition to the boat tours offered by Hornblower Cruises, there are also several other operators providing boat services along this popular route including:

  • Niagara Jet Boats – offering high-speed adrenaline rides along the base of the Horseshoe Falls or whitewater rapids trips departing from Youngstown, New York
  • Niagara River Sightseeing Tour – cruising downriver to Fort Erie Canada with full narration on board
  • Discovery Harbour Boat Tour – a unique beachfront tour of picturesque Canadian sites including Fort Erie
  • Energetic Jet Boat Adventure Tours – allowing you to explore both Canadian and American shorelines at exhilarating speeds

Cost varies based on tour operator and length of service so be sure to shop around to find the best deal for your travel needs.

Directions

To get from Buffalo to Niagara Falls, you have several transportation options. Depending on your preference and budget, these include driving, riding in a shuttle, taking a public bus, or taking the boat. Here is what you need to know about traveling by boat from Buffalo to Niagara Falls:

Traveling by boat offers an affordably priced, breathtakingly beautiful alternative to the traditional road trip. There are two Buffalo area operators which offer sightseeing cruises regularly throughout the season. Most will depart from either Niagara Falls or Lackey’s Landing in Grand Island and head directly across the river and up close to both of the waterfalls along the American and Canadian sides of Niagara Falls before heading back to port.

These excursions typically last between 20-45 minutes depending on weather conditions and some may require ticket reservations. The boats used during these tours are designed for comfort with plenty of amenities such as:

  • Spacious decks with sheltered areas for those who prefer shade or rain protection
  • Large viewing windows
  • Bars offering soft drinks and snacks
  • Comfortable seating
  • Climate control systems
  • Restrooms on board
  • Audio systems providing tour narration that includes history about each place visited
  • A concession stand offering souvenirs as keepsakes from your trip

Before making your final decision on which travel option is best for you, be sure that this type of transportation will fit both your timeframe and budget needs as well as provide all needed amenities including waterfront views that can not be seen anywhere else on your journey.