How to get from Toronto to Niagara Falls

Toronto to Niagara Falls is one of Canada’s easiest day trips. Your main options are the direct GO Train (seasonal/dates vary), the frequent GO Bus, a self-drive via the QEW, guided day tours, or a private transfer. Here’s how to choose, book, and connect—step-by-steps and map links included.

At A Glance (Toronto to Niagara Falls)

Mode	Duration	Best For
🚆 GO Train (Toronto Union → Niagara Falls)	~2h (direct dates vary; some trips use a transfer)	Easy, comfy, traffic-free
🏷️ Cost: ~CAD 18–30 one-way (adult); GO weekend passes often available. » official GO Niagara
🚌 GO Bus (Toronto → Niagara Falls)	~1h45–2.5h (service-dependent)	Year-round frequency, late returns
🏷️ Cost: ~CAD 18–30 one-way. » official GO schedules
🚈 VIA Rail (Intercity Train)	~2h–2h15 (limited departures)	Quieter ride, reserved seats
🏷️ Cost: ~CAD 25–60+ one-way (advance vs. flexible). » official VIA Rail
🚘 Self-Drive (QEW)	~1.5–2h (traffic-dependent)	Door-to-door, wineries & detours
🏷️ Cost: Rental ~CAD 60–120/day + fuel/parking. » compare rentals
🧑‍✈️ Guided Day Tour (Hotel pickup)	~9–10h round trip	Hassle-free, attractions included
🏷️ Cost: ~CAD 90–180 pp depending on inclusions. » compare tours | Klook picks
🚐 Private Transfer / Chauffeured Van	~1.5–2h (door-to-door)	Families, groups, luggage
🏷️ Cost: ~CAD 250–450 per vehicle (size/time). » get quotes

Which Option or Route Should You Choose?

• Fastest/Most convenient without a car: GO Train when direct trains run; otherwise GO Bus is reliable year-round.
• Cheapest: GO Bus (especially off-peak and with PRESTO/Promos).
• Scenic + winery stops: Self-drive via the QEW and Niagara Parkway.
• No planning at all: Guided day tours with pickup and timed attraction entries.
• Door-to-door with kids/gear: Private transfer.

How to Book and Practical Tips

• Weekends/holidays: GO often runs direct trains Toronto–Niagara; on other dates you may transfer (train↔bus). Check the official page before you go.
• Falls local transit: WEGO buses connect GO/VIA stations with the Falls area and hotels (passes often bundled with attractions).
• Luggage: If you need a few hours bag-free in the city, stash at Radical Storage Toronto.
• Staying overnight? Compare hotels on Booking.com (Niagara Falls)—Fallsview vs. Clifton Hill have different vibes.
• Rideshare/taxis: Uber/Lyft are common; for fixed intercity pricing, check GetTransfer.

🚆 Option #1 — GO Train (Toronto Union → Niagara Falls)

Traffic-free City-center to Falls Check dates

• Overview: Comfortable green double-decker trains run from Toronto Union Station to Niagara Falls GO. On some days/times you’ll transfer to a GO Bus at Burlington or St. Catharines.
• How to book (with price): No reservation needed; tap on/off with a PRESTO card or buy a ticket at Union. Typical adult ~CAD 18–30 one-way; weekend day passes may be available. See GO Transit Niagara page.
• Pros: Spacious, washrooms on board, power outlets on newer sets. Cons: Frequency varies outside weekends/peak seasons.

Step-by-step: GO Train

1. Reach Union Station by TTC (Line 1), UP Express from Pearson, or rideshare.
2. Buy ticket/tap PRESTO; check the departure board for “Niagara Falls” or for the train-to-bus transfer combo.
3. Board the GO Train; if your trip includes a transfer, staff announce where to change to the GO Bus.
4. Arrive at Niagara Falls GO; connect to WEGO/local taxis or walk (~30–40 minutes to the Horseshoe Falls).

Getting to the main embarking points (Union Station & Niagara Falls GO)

• Union Station: Central, signed concourses; plenty of food/ATMs.
• Niagara Falls GO: WEGO stop outside; taxis usually available.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚌 Option #2 — GO Bus (Year-Round Frequency)

Budget-friendly Frequent Traffic-dependent

• Overview: Direct or connection-based GO Buses run from Toronto (Union Bus Terminal) to Niagara Falls, often via Hamilton/St. Catharines.
• How to book (with price): Same fares as GO Train ~CAD 18–30; buy at the Union Bus Terminal or tap PRESTO. Check routes/times on the GO Transit Niagara page.
• Pros: Reliable year-round; late-night returns. Cons: Subject to QEW traffic.

Step-by-step: GO Bus

1. Make your way to the Union Station Bus Terminal (CIBC Square), a short walk east of Union Station.
2. Buy a ticket or tap PRESTO; confirm your bus bay on the screens (look for Niagara Falls/St. Catharines).
3. Board with luggage stored below; rest stops vary by departure.
4. Arrive at Niagara Falls Bus Terminal or Niagara Falls GO; switch to WEGO or taxi for the final leg to the Falls/hotel.

Getting to the main embarking points (Union Bus Terminal & Niagara Falls)

• Union Bus Terminal: Indoor bays, shops, and staffed ticket counters.
• Niagara arrivals: WEGO/taxis right outside; some buses continue to tourist area stops.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚈 Option #3 — VIA Rail (Intercity Train, Limited Departures)

Reserved seat Comfort Limited times

• Overview: VIA Rail operates select Toronto–Niagara Falls trains. Service is limited but comfortable with reserved seating and onboard amenities.
• How to book (with price): Book ahead on the official VIA Rail route page. Typical adult ~CAD 25–60+ depending on fare class and advance purchase.
• Pros: Assigned seats; quieter ride. Cons: Fewer daily runs; mind your return timing.

Step-by-step: VIA Rail

1. Head to Toronto Union Station early; get a snack in the concourse.
2. Check your car/seat on the board; VIA staff scan tickets at the gate.
3. Ride ~2h to Niagara Falls (VIA); walk, taxi, or WEGO to the Falls/hotel.
4. For same-day return, verify the last train time before exploring.

Getting to the main embarking points (Union Station & VIA Niagara)

• Union Station: Follow VIA signage to the Great Hall/gates.
• Niagara VIA: Adjacent to GO facilities; WEGO stops nearby.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚘 Option #4 — Self-Drive (QEW to the Falls)

Maximum flexibility Easy route Parking costs

• Overview: Drive the QEW from Toronto via Hamilton/St. Catharines, then follow signs to Niagara Parkway and the Falls area. Perfect for winery or Niagara-on-the-Lake detours.
• How to book (with price): Rentals from ~CAD 60–120/day plus fuel/parking. Compare agencies and pickup locations on Booking.com Car Rental (Toronto) or Trip.com Car Hire.
• Pros: Door-to-door; easy to add Niagara-on-the-Lake. Cons: Parking near the Falls is paid; QEW traffic at rush hours.

Step-by-step: Self-Drive

1. Pick up your car in Toronto (downtown or Pearson). Check hours for returns on weekends/holidays.
2. Take Gardiner Expressway → QEW toward Hamilton/St. Catharines; continue to Niagara Falls.
3. Follow signs to Niagara Parkway / Falls Parking or your hotel’s garage.
4. Use WEGO/footpaths to circulate once parked; consider leaving the car at the hotel.

Getting to the main embarking points (Car rentals & parking)

• Toronto rentals: Airport and downtown counters—compare pickup fees and hours.
• Falls parking: Large paid lots along the Niagara Parkway, Clifton Hill garages, and hotel parking.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🧑‍✈️ Option #5 — Guided Day Tour (Hotel Pickup, Attractions Included)

No planning Timed entries Less flexibility

• Overview: Full-day tours include transport from Toronto, photo stops, and popular attraction tickets (e.g., boat cruise in season, Skylon Tower, winery tasting).
• How to book (with price): From ~CAD 90–180 per person depending on inclusions/season. Compare reviews and itineraries on GetYourGuide or Klook.
• Pros: Door-to-door and line-skip in many cases. Cons: Fixed schedule; limited free time.

Step-by-step: Guided Tour

1. Choose a tour with the attractions you want (boat cruise availability is seasonal).
2. Set your pickup point/time (many collect from downtown hotels or Union Station).
3. Bring ID, water/snacks, and weather layers (mist at the Falls).
4. Return to your pickup point in Toronto by early evening.

Getting to the main embarking points (Downtown pickups)

• Common pickups: Major downtown hotels and Union Station area; confirm exact spot in your voucher.
• Niagara drop-offs: Table Rock Centre, Clifton Hill, and scenic viewpoints vary by tour.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

🚐 Option #6 — Private Transfer / Chauffeured Van (Door-to-Door)

Most comfortable Great with kids/gear Higher cost

• Overview: A driver meets you at your Toronto address (or Pearson) and takes you directly to your Niagara hotel or attraction, with optional winery stops.
• How to book (with price): ~CAD 250–450 per vehicle depending on size/time. Get instant quotes on GetTransfer. For short local hops, Uber/Lyft work well.
• Pros: Zero transfers; personalized schedule. Cons: Costlier than GO or tours.

Step-by-step: Private Transfer

1. Request quotes with pickup/drop addresses and desired stops (e.g., Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries).
2. Confirm waiting time, child seats, and luggage capacity.
3. Meet your driver at the set time/location; share live location if needed.
4. Arrive directly at your Niagara hotel or attraction entrance.

Getting to the main embarking points (Door-to-door)

• Toronto pickup: Hotels, homes, or Pearson Airport (YYZ).
• Niagara drop: Fallsview hotels, Clifton Hill, or Table Rock/boat cruise entrances.
• Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap

FAQ (Toronto to Niagara Falls)

Is it better to take the train or bus?
Train is smoother and scenic; when direct trains aren’t running, the GO Bus is usually faster door-to-door and runs more frequently.

How do I get from the station to the actual Falls?
Use WEGO buses, taxis, or walk ~30–40 minutes from the station to Table Rock Centre.

What’s the best time to go?
Morning departures beat traffic and crowds; summer has more services and boat cruises, while winter views are quieter but colder.

Can I combine wineries with a Falls visit?
Yes—self-drive or arrange a private transfer/tour that includes Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries.

Are there luggage storage options?
Use hotel bell desks or third-party options like Radical Storage Toronto if you’re transiting through the city first.