Buffalo travel guide

Buffalo travel guide

National Airports

The Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) is the primary airport serving the Buffalo area. It is located about 10 miles northeast of downtown Buffalo and is the third-busiest airport in New York State, serving over 5 million passengers annually. There are also several smaller regional airports in the Buffalo area, including the Niagara Falls International Airport (IAG) and the Chautauqua County-Jamestown Airport (JHW), although these airports offer limited flight options compared to BUF.

Trains in Buffalo

The Buffalo-Depew Amtrak station is the primary train station in Buffalo and is located about 10 miles east of downtown Buffalo. The station serves Amtrak’s Empire Service, which runs between Niagara Falls and New York City, and the Maple Leaf, which runs between Toronto and New York City.

In addition to Amtrak, the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) operates the Buffalo Metro Rail, a light rail system that runs throughout downtown Buffalo and adjacent areas. The rail system has two lines – the Main Line and the NFTA Rail Expansion (NRE) Line – and serves popular destinations like Canalside, KeyBank Center, and Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus.

Buses in Buffalo

The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) operates a public bus system in Buffalo called the Metro Bus. The system has over 70 routes and serves the Buffalo-Niagara region, including the city of Buffalo and its surrounding suburbs.

The Metro Bus system has several types of buses, including local buses, express buses, and paratransit buses. The local buses stop frequently and serve neighborhoods and business districts, while the express buses have limited stops and run along major thoroughfares to provide faster service.

In addition to the Metro Bus, several private bus companies also operate in the Buffalo area, providing intercity and regional transportation to destinations throughout the United States and Canada.

How to get to Buffalo

There are several ways to get to Buffalo, including:

By air: The Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) is the primary airport serving the Buffalo area, with direct flights to several major cities in the United States and Canada.

By train: The Buffalo-Depew Amtrak station is the primary train station in Buffalo and serves Amtrak’s Empire Service and the Maple Leaf.

By bus: Several private bus companies operate in the Buffalo area, providing intercity and regional transportation to destinations throughout the United States and Canada.

By car: Buffalo is easily accessible by car, with several major highways running through the city, including I-90, I-190, and Route 33.

By boat: Buffalo is located on the eastern end of Lake Erie and is accessible by boat through the Buffalo River and the Erie Canal.

What is the best time to travel to Buffalo

The best time to travel to Buffalo depends on your interests and what you want to do while you’re there. Here’s a breakdown of the weather and events by season:

Spring (March – May): Spring is a great time to visit Buffalo if you’re interested in outdoor activities, as temperatures start to warm up and the city’s parks and gardens start to bloom. It’s also a good time to catch a Buffalo Sabres hockey game or attend one of the city’s many festivals, such as the Dyngus Day Parade.

Summer (June – August): Summer is peak tourist season in Buffalo, with warm temperatures and a full schedule of outdoor events and activities. The city’s waterfront comes alive with concerts, festivals, and outdoor dining, and it’s a great time to explore the city’s many museums and cultural attractions.

Fall (September – November): Fall is a beautiful time to visit Buffalo, with the leaves changing colors and cooler temperatures. It’s a great time to take a scenic drive along the Niagara River or attend one of the city’s many fall festivals, such as the Buffalo Wing Festival.

Winter (December – February): Winter in Buffalo can be cold and snowy, but it’s also a magical time to visit if you’re interested in winter sports or holiday events. The city’s outdoor ice rinks and ski resorts are popular with locals and tourists alike, and you won’t want to miss the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony in Niagara Square.

How to get around Buffalo

There are several ways to get around Buffalo, including:

By car: Buffalo is a car-friendly city with plenty of street parking and public parking garages throughout downtown. If you’re renting a car, be aware that traffic can be heavy during peak hours, especially on the highways.

By public transportation: The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) operates a public bus system called the Metro Bus, which serves the Buffalo-Niagara region, including the city of Buffalo and its surrounding suburbs. The NFTA also operates the Buffalo Metro Rail, a light rail system that runs throughout downtown Buffalo and adjacent areas.

By bike: Buffalo has a growing network of bike lanes and bike-friendly streets, making it easy to get around by bike. The city also has several bike rental options, including the Reddy Bike Share program.

By foot: Buffalo is a walkable city, especially downtown, where many of the city’s top attractions are located. You can also take a self-guided walking tour of the city’s historic neighborhoods, such as Allentown and Elmwood Village.

By ride-sharing services: Uber and Lyft both operate in Buffalo, making it easy to get a ride anywhere in the city.

Accommodations in Buffalo

Buffalo offers a range of accommodations to suit different budgets and preferences. Some of the popular options include:

Hotels: Buffalo has a variety of hotels ranging from budget-friendly options to luxury properties. Some of the top hotels in the city include the Hotel Henry Urban Resort, the Buffalo Marriott Harborcenter, and the Curtiss Hotel.

Bed and Breakfasts: For a more intimate and personalized experience, there are several bed and breakfasts located in historic homes throughout the city. Some of the popular options include the InnBuffalo off Elmwood, the Mansion on Delaware, and the Asa Ransom House.

Vacation rentals: Buffalo also has a growing number of vacation rentals available through platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO. These options range from apartments and condos to entire homes and can be a good option for larger groups or families.

Hostels: For budget-conscious travelers, there are several hostels located in the city, such as Hostel Buffalo-Niagara and the Foundry Suites Hostel.

Extended-stay hotels: If you’re planning to stay in Buffalo for an extended period of time, there are several extended-stay hotels available, including Homewood Suites by Hilton Buffalo-Amherst and Residence Inn Buffalo Amherst. These properties offer amenities such as fully equipped kitchens and laundry facilities.