Buffalo Airport to Downtown Buffalo - Bus, Taxi, Bills and Sabres

Downtown Buffalo is about 10 miles west of the airport along Genesee Street, and the airport hotels make a cheaper base than downtown for a Bills or Sabres weekend, a Canalside evening or a business trip with an early flight. Here is how to get in and out.

NFTA Metro bus: $2

The 24 Genesee stops outside the arrivals level and runs along Genesee Street to downtown Buffalo, ending near Canalside and KeyBank Center. Buses run every 20 to 30 minutes through the day and the ride takes 30 to 40 minutes. On weekdays two faster variants run at the same $2 fare: the 24L limited-stop service from 07:00 to 10:00 and 14:00 to 22:00, and the 24X Airport/Downtown Express via the Route 33 expressway, with four inbound trips in the morning and four outbound in the evening. The rush-hour 78 Cheektowaga Express also uses Route 33.

Every hotel on Genesee Street is within a short walk of a 24 stop; the 24L calls at 4219 Genesee Street, outside Aloft Buffalo Airport. Downtown, the Metro Rail runs along Main Street and is free between the above-ground stations.

Taxi and rideshare: 20 minutes

Route 33 (the Kensington Expressway) links the airport to downtown in about 20 minutes off-peak. Taxis and rideshare pick up in marked zones outside arrivals; hotels will call a cab. Expect roughly $25 to $35 by rideshare, more at surge times.

Driving and parking

Free parking at the hotels is one of the reasons to stay by the airport rather than downtown, where event-night parking near KeyBank Center is scarce and expensive. Drive in on Route 33, or take the NFTA bus and leave the car at the hotel.

Bills games at Highmark Stadium

The Bills moved into the new Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park for the 2026 season. It is 15 to 18 miles south of the airport strip via I-90 and US 219, 20 to 25 minutes on an ordinary day and far longer around kick-off and after the final whistle. NFTA runs a game-day express from downtown for $5 each way; from the airport hotels, drive, share a ride or take the 24 downtown and connect. Buffalo Airport Hotel is the official hotel of the Bills Backers and its Wingnutz restaurant fills on game days; book early for home weekends.

Sabres, concerts and Canalside

KeyBank Center, home of the Sabres, and Sahlen Field for the Bisons are downtown at the end of the 24 bus route, next to the Canalside waterfront. The AKG Art Museum and Shea’s Theatre are about 8 miles from the hotels. Walden Galleria, the region’s largest mall, is 3 miles from the strip; Comfort Inn & Suites Buffalo Airport and Aloft run free shuttles there.

Amtrak

Buffalo-Depew station, about 2 miles from the hotels, is the stop for Empire Service trains to New York City and the Maple Leaf to Toronto. TownePlace Suites Buffalo Airport provides a free shuttle to it. Buffalo Exchange Street station downtown is the other stop.

Hotels for a city trip with an early flight

Hilton Garden Inn Buffalo Airport and Courtyard by Marriott Buffalo Airport have restaurants and bars for the night back from downtown. Fairfield Inn & Suites Buffalo Airport includes breakfast and has a hot tub. Compare all seven in Hotels near Buffalo Niagara Airport.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get from Buffalo Airport to downtown by bus?

Take the NFTA Metro 24 Genesee from outside arrivals. It runs every 20 to 30 minutes all day for $2 and reaches downtown in 30 to 40 minutes. On weekdays the limited-stop 24L (07:00 to 10:00 and 14:00 to 22:00) and the 24X express via Route 33 are faster at no extra charge.

How far is Highmark Stadium from Buffalo Airport?

The Bills' Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, opened for the 2026 season, is 15 to 18 miles south of the airport hotels: 20 to 25 minutes on a normal day and often an hour or more after a game. NFTA runs a $5 game-day express from downtown Buffalo.

How much is a taxi from Buffalo Airport to downtown?

Rideshare fares to downtown are commonly in the $25 to $35 range and taxis similar or a little more; the drive is about 20 minutes on Route 33. Pickups are on the arrivals level.

Information last verified: September 13, 2026