Buffalo Airport to Niagara Falls - Taxi, Bus, Train and Tours

Niagara Falls is the reason many passengers land in Buffalo, and the airport hotels are a practical first or last night: 24 miles from the Falls, across the street from the terminal, with free shuttles and free parking. This guide covers the ways to make the trip and how to split your nights.

By car: 30 to 40 minutes

From the hotels on Genesee Street, take I-90 west, I-290 west and I-190 north to Niagara Falls, New York. Niagara Falls State Park has paid parking lots at Prospect Point and on Goat Island. For the Canadian side, continue over the Rainbow Bridge with your passport; see the border notes below. All the rental car desks are on the arrivals level of the terminal, a two-minute shuttle ride from the hotels, and every hotel in this guide parks cars free during your stay.

By taxi or rideshare

Buffalo Airport Taxi publishes flat rates from the terminal of around $85 to Niagara Falls, New York and $95 to the Fallsview hotel district in Ontario, per vehicle for up to four passengers. Rideshare apps price the trip dynamically and are often cheaper for one or two people off-peak. Pickups are on the arrivals level; the hotels can call a cab for the return.

By bus: cheapest, slowest

There is no direct public bus from the airport to the Falls. The NFTA 24 Genesee runs from the terminal to downtown Buffalo every 20 to 30 minutes for $2. From the Metropolitan Transportation Center downtown, the NFTA 40 Buffalo/Niagara Falls runs via Grand Island to the Portage Road Transit Center in Niagara Falls, New York, another $2 and about 45 minutes. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours door to door. The bus does not cross into Canada.

By train

Amtrak’s Empire Service and the Maple Leaf to Toronto call at Buffalo-Depew station, about 2 miles from the hotels, and at Niagara Falls, New York (the Maple Leaf continues to Niagara Falls, Ontario, and Toronto). Frequencies are low, so check the timetable. TownePlace Suites Buffalo Airport runs a free shuttle to the Depew station.

Tours

Half-day and full-day tours collect from Buffalo and Niagara Falls hotels and bundle the Maid of the Mist boat, Cave of the Winds and the state park viewpoints; the boat and the cave run roughly May to October and winter tours substitute indoor stops. The Tours & Activities link in the sidebar lists current Niagara Falls options.

Crossing to the Canadian side

Everyone needs a passport (or NEXUS card) at the Rainbow Bridge, and you will pass US customs again on the way back. Non-Canadian visitors should also check whether they need an eTA or visa for Canada before crossing. Wait times are shortest early in the day and longest on summer weekends and holiday weekends. Rideshare drivers generally will not cross; book a taxi or tour that does.

Where to sleep

A night on Genesee Street suits arrival evenings and departure mornings. Buffalo Airport Hotel is the closest to the terminal and quotes the Falls at 24 miles. Hilton Garden Inn Buffalo Airport and Courtyard by Marriott Buffalo Airport have restaurants for dinner after a long day at the park. Fairfield Inn & Suites Buffalo Airport and Comfort Inn & Suites Buffalo Airport include breakfast before the drive. TownePlace Suites Buffalo Airport has kitchens if you are staying several days, and Aloft Buffalo Airport has the latest bar for the night back.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Niagara Falls from Buffalo Airport?

About 24 to 25 miles (40 km). By car it takes 30 to 40 minutes via I-90, I-290 and I-190 to the American side; add the Rainbow Bridge crossing and border formalities for the Canadian side.

Is there a bus from Buffalo Airport to Niagara Falls?

Not a direct one. Take the NFTA 24 Genesee bus to downtown Buffalo, then the NFTA 40 to Niagara Falls, New York. Each ride is $2, and the trip takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. Taxis and tours are the direct options.

Should I stay at Buffalo Airport or in Niagara Falls?

Stay at the airport if you have an early flight, a late arrival, or a car to leave; stay at the Falls if you want to see them lit at night. Many visitors do both: one night on Genesee Street, one at the Falls.

Information last verified: September 13, 2026