The Niagara Falls travel guide

The Niagara Falls travel guide

National Airports

The Niagara Falls area is served by two main airports:

Niagara Falls International Airport (IAG): Located in Niagara Falls, New York, this airport serves the Niagara Falls and Buffalo region. Airlines that operate at Niagara Falls International Airport include Allegiant Air, Spirit Airlines, and Frontier Airlines.

Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF): Located in Buffalo, New York, this airport is about a 30-minute drive from Niagara Falls. Airlines that operate at Buffalo Niagara International Airport include American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines.

Both airports offer a range of domestic and international flights, as well as car rental and ground transportation services. When planning your trip to the Niagara Falls area, consider which airport is more convenient and offers the best options for your travel needs.

Trains in The Niagara Falls

The Niagara Falls area is served by Amtrak, which provides train service to various cities in the United States and Canada. The Niagara Falls Amtrak station is located in Niagara Falls, New York, and is served by the following routes:

Empire Service: Provides daily service between Niagara Falls and New York City, with stops in cities such as Albany and Syracuse.

Maple Leaf: Provides daily service between Toronto, Canada, and New York City, with stops in Niagara Falls, Buffalo, Rochester, and Syracuse.

Amtrak Thruway bus service: Provides connections from the Niagara Falls Amtrak station to cities such as Buffalo, Rochester, and Toronto.

The Niagara Falls Amtrak station is located about 3 miles from the Niagara Falls State Park, and there are several transportation options available for travelers to get to their destinations, including taxis, rental cars, and local buses.

Buses in The Niagara Falls

The Niagara Falls area is served by several bus companies that provide transportation to and from various cities in the United States and Canada. Here are some of the bus companies that operate in the Niagara Falls area:

Greyhound: Provides daily service to and from Niagara Falls, New York, with connections to major cities throughout the United States and Canada.

Megabus: Provides daily service between Niagara Falls, New York, and Toronto, with connections to other cities throughout the United States and Canada.

Coach Canada: Provides daily service between Niagara Falls, Ontario, and Toronto, with connections to other cities throughout Ontario and Quebec.

Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA): Provides local bus service in Niagara Falls, New York, and the surrounding area, including connections to the Niagara Falls International Airport and Buffalo Niagara International Airport.

Niagara Falls Transit: Provides local bus service in Niagara Falls, Ontario, and the surrounding area, including connections to the Niagara Falls VIA Rail station and other local attractions.

There are also several tour companies that provide sightseeing tours of the Niagara Falls area, including bus tours that take visitors to various attractions and landmarks in the region.

How to get to The Niagara Falls

The Niagara Falls can be accessed by various modes of transportation, including:

Car: The Niagara Falls is located about 20 minutes from Buffalo, New York, and about 1.5 hours from Toronto, Canada. Visitors can reach the falls by car via several major highways, including the QEW and the 401 in Canada, and the I-90 and the 190 in the United States.

Air: The Niagara Falls area is served by two main airports, the Niagara Falls International Airport (IAG) in Niagara Falls, New York, and the Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) in Buffalo, New York. Visitors can fly into either airport and then rent a car or take a shuttle or taxi to reach the falls.

Train: Amtrak provides train service to the Niagara Falls area, with daily routes to and from major cities such as New York City and Toronto. The Niagara Falls Amtrak station is located in Niagara Falls, New York, and is about a 10-minute drive from the falls.

Bus: Several bus companies provide transportation to and from the Niagara Falls area, including Greyhound, Megabus, and Coach Canada. Local bus service is also available in Niagara Falls, New York, and Niagara Falls, Ontario.

Tour: Many tour companies offer day trips and multi-day tours to the Niagara Falls from various cities, including Toronto, New York City, and Washington, D.C. These tours typically include transportation, guided tours, and admission to various attractions in the area.

What is the best time to travel to The Niagara Falls

The best time to travel to the Niagara Falls depends on your preferences and what you want to experience. Here are some things to consider when planning your trip:

Weather: The summer months (June to August) are the most popular time to visit the Niagara Falls because of the warmer weather, longer days, and generally drier conditions. However, this is also the busiest time of the year, with larger crowds and higher prices.

Crowds: If you prefer to avoid crowds, consider visiting the Niagara Falls during the shoulder seasons (May and September) or the winter months (December to February). During these times, you can still enjoy the falls and many of the local attractions, but with fewer people and lower prices.

Activities: Some activities, such as the Maid of the Mist boat tour and many of the outdoor attractions, are only open during the summer months. If you want to experience these activities, plan your trip accordingly.

Festivals and events: The Niagara Falls area hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, including the Niagara Falls Winter Festival of Lights (November to January) and the Niagara Wine Festival (September). Check the local events calendar to see if there are any events that you would like to attend.

Ultimately, the best time to visit the Niagara Falls is when it fits your schedule and interests. No matter when you go, you will be able to experience the natural wonder of the falls and many of the local attractions that make the area a popular tourist destination.

How to get around The Niagara Falls

There are several ways to get around the Niagara Falls area:

Car: Renting a car is a convenient way to explore the Niagara Falls area, especially if you want to visit some of the attractions outside of the immediate falls area. Major car rental companies are available at the Niagara Falls International Airport and the Buffalo Niagara International Airport.

Public transportation: Both Niagara Falls, USA and Niagara Falls, Canada have local public transportation systems. In Niagara Falls, USA, the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) provides bus service throughout the Niagara Falls area. In Niagara Falls, Canada, Niagara Falls Transit provides bus service throughout the city, including to popular tourist destinations.

Taxis and ride-sharing services: Taxis and ride-sharing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are available in the Niagara Falls area. This is a good option if you don’t want to rent a car but need a reliable and flexible mode of transportation.

Walking and biking: The Niagara Falls State Park and the Niagara Parkway offer scenic walking and biking paths that allow visitors to enjoy the beauty of the falls and the surrounding area at a leisurely pace.

Tours: There are several tour companies that offer guided tours of the Niagara Falls area, including bus tours, walking tours, and bike tours. These tours can be a convenient and informative way to explore the area, especially if you’re short on time or don’t want to worry about transportation logistics.

Accommodations in The Niagara Falls

There are many accommodation options available in the Niagara Falls area, ranging from budget-friendly motels to luxurious hotels. Here are some of the most popular options:

Hotels: There are many hotels in the Niagara Falls area that offer stunning views of the falls and easy access to popular attractions. Some of the most well-known hotels include the Marriott Niagara Falls Fallsview Hotel & Spa, the Sheraton on the Falls, and the Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hotel & Suites.

Bed and breakfasts: If you’re looking for a more intimate and personal accommodation option, consider staying at a bed and breakfast. There are several bed and breakfasts in the Niagara Falls area, many of which are housed in historic homes and offer unique amenities and services.

Vacation rentals: Vacation rentals, such as apartments, condos, and houses, are a popular option for families and groups traveling together. These rentals offer more space and privacy than traditional hotel rooms, and many are located in residential neighborhoods within easy driving distance of the falls.

Campgrounds: If you’re looking for a more rustic and outdoorsy experience, there are several campgrounds in the Niagara Falls area. Many of these campgrounds offer RV sites as well as tent camping, and some even offer cabins and other types of lodging.

Hostels: For budget-conscious travelers, hostels are a great option. There are several hostels in the Niagara Falls area that offer shared dorm rooms and private rooms at affordable prices.

No matter what type of accommodation you choose, be sure to book early, especially if you’re traveling during the peak summer months.