How to get from New York to Niagara Falls
New York City to Niagara Falls is an easy escape: ride the direct Amtrak along the Hudson & Erie Canal, fly to Buffalo and shuttle, take an overnight bus, or drive the I-80/I-90 yourself. Pick by speed, budget, and how much luggage/sightseeing you want.
At A Glance (New York to Niagara Falls)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🚆 Amtrak Train (Penn Station → Niagara Falls, NY) | ~8–9.5h (direct) | Comfort, scenery, no driving |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~US$55–140 one-way (date/class) » compare tickets | ||
| ✈️ Flight (NYC → Buffalo BUF) + Shuttle/Bus | ~1h20 flight + ~40–60m road | Fastest total travel |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~US$80–220 + transfers » search flights | Trip.com fares | ||
| 🚌 Intercity Bus (Overnight & Daytime) | ~8–10.5h (direct) | Budget, frequent departures |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~US$35–90 one-way » browse bus options | ||
| 🚘 Self-Drive (I-80/I-81/I-90) | ~6.5–7.5h (no major stops) | Families, flexible stops, out-of-town sights |
| 🏷️ Cost: Rental ~US$45–120/day + tolls/fuel » compare rentals | ||
| 🚐 Private Transfer / Chauffeured Van | ~6.5–8h door-to-door | Groups, lots of luggage, direct hotel pickup |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~US$650–1200 per vehicle » get quotes | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest overall: Fly to Buffalo (BUF) then shuttle/ride to the Falls.
- Most comfortable & scenic: Amtrak city-center to city-center with Hudson/Mohawk views.
- Cheapest: Intercity bus—often the lowest fare if booked early.
- Door-to-door & flexible sightseeing: Self-drive or private transfer with stops (Finger Lakes, Letchworth).
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Buy early for weekends/holidays: Compare Amtrak/bus/flight options on Trip.com or Booking.com Flights.
- Luggage before/after departure: Store bags via Radical Storage NYC or Radical Storage Niagara Falls.
- Tours & activities: Consider bundles like Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds, or day trips on GetYourGuide or Klook.
- Ride-hailing: Uber/Lyft are common in NYC, Buffalo, and Niagara Falls for station/airport transfers. For fixed long-distance quotes, compare GetTransfer.
- Staying overnight? Browse hotels near the falls on Booking.com (Niagara Falls, USA).
🚆 Option #1 — Amtrak Train (Most Comfortable, Scenic)
City-center to city-center Power outlets & roomy seats Fixed schedule
- Overview: Direct Amtrak (Empire Service/Maple Leaf) from New York Penn Station to Niagara Falls, NY (Amtrak Station). Quick rideshare or local bus reaches Niagara Falls State Park.
- How to book (with price): Typically US$55–140 one-way depending on date/time. Compare and book on Trip.com Trains. Activities on arrival: GetYourGuide Niagara.
- Pros: Scenic rivers, no TSA lines. Cons: Longest time vs. flight; occasional delays.
Step-by-step: Amtrak Train
- Get to New York Penn Station (Moynihan Train Hall) by subway/taxi or rideshare.
- Buy/confirm your e-ticket and seat on Trip.com; arrive ~30 minutes early for boarding.
- Ride ~8–9.5 hours to Niagara Falls, NY (Amtrak Station).
- From the station, take rideshare/taxi ~10 minutes to Niagara Falls State Park or your hotel.
Getting to the main embarking points (Penn Station & Niagara Falls Amtrak)
- Penn Station NYC: Subway lines A/C/E/1/2/3, PATH, or rideshare drop at Moynihan Train Hall.
- Niagara Falls, NY: Amtrak Station has taxis/rideshare; local buses also serve downtown.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
✈️ Option #2 — Flight to Buffalo (Fastest Overall)
1h20 flight Many daily departures Short road transfer
- Overview: Fly from NYC (JFK/LGA/EWR) to Buffalo Niagara International (BUF), then shuttle, taxi, or rideshare ~40–60 minutes to the Falls.
- How to book (with price): From ~US$80–220 one-way. Compare on Booking.com Flights and Trip.com. On arrival, book activities on Klook or GetYourGuide.
- Pros: Fastest total journey; flexible times. Cons: Airport transfers on both ends; airline baggage fees.
Step-by-step: Flight to BUF
- Choose the NYC airport closest to you (JFK/LGA/EWR) and book via Booking.com Flights or Trip.com.
- Travel to your NYC airport by subway/AirTrain, bus, or rideshare.
- Land at BUF; meet a shuttle/private car (compare fixed quotes on GetTransfer) or take Uber/Lyft to the Falls area.
- Check in and walk to Niagara Falls State Park or start a prebooked tour.
Getting to the main embarking points (NYC Airports & BUF)
- NYC airports: Use AirTrain (JFK), Q70 SBS (LGA), or NJ Transit/AirTrain (EWR), plus subway/rail as needed.
- BUF arrivals: Curbside rideshare/taxis; several shuttles serve Niagara Falls hotels.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚌 Option #3 — Intercity Bus (Budget & Frequent)
Usually cheapest Many departures Highway traffic
- Overview: Direct and 1-stop buses run from Port Authority Bus Terminal (PABT) to Niagara Falls, NY. Seats recline; most services have Wi-Fi/power and rest stops.
- How to book (with price): From ~US$35–90 one-way, more on peak dates. Compare curated options on Trip.com Bus. Add Falls experiences via GetYourGuide.
- Pros: Low price; frequent; overnight runs save daytime. Cons: Less legroom than train; schedule variance with traffic.
Step-by-step: Intercity Bus
- Reach Port Authority Bus Terminal (PABT) by subway (A/C/E/N/Q/R/1/2/3/7) or rideshare.
- Buy/confirm your ticket on Trip.com or at the terminal; arrive 30 minutes early.
- Ride ~8–10.5 hours to Niagara Falls, NY (downtown stop or transportation center, depending on carrier).
- Walk or take a short rideshare to Niagara Falls State Park or your hotel.
Getting to the main embarking points (PABT & Niagara Falls stops)
- PABT NYC: Large, signed terminal; check your gate on boards.
- Niagara Falls, NY: Downtown stops near hotels; taxis/rideshare readily available.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚘 Option #4 — Self-Drive (Fast Door-to-Door, Most Flexible)
Flexibility Great for families Tolls & parking
- Overview: Drive ~400 miles from NYC via I-80/I-81/I-90 (or I-87/I-90). Add scenic detours (Finger Lakes, Letchworth State Park) on your schedule.
- How to book (with price): Rentals from ~US$45–120/day. Compare compact–SUVs and one-way returns on Booking.com Car Rental (NYC) or Trip.com Car Hire.
- Pros: Door-to-door; easy to reach viewpoints and out-of-town wineries. Cons: Tolls (E-ZPass helpful), parking fees near the Falls in peak season.
Step-by-step: Self-Drive
- Pick up your rental in NYC; verify toll transponder (E-ZPass) and insurance coverage.
- Set route to Niagara Falls State Park; plan fuel/meal stops every ~2 hours.
- Park in designated lots near the park or your hotel and explore on foot or the scenic trolley (in season).
Getting to the main embarking points (NYC rental depots & Falls parking)
- NYC pickup: Airport or Midtown counters (longer hours).
- Falls parking: Several paid lots on the U.S. side; arrive early on weekends.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚐 Option #5 — Private Transfer / Chauffeured Van (Door-to-Door)
No transfers Great for groups Higher cost
- Overview: A driver collects you at any NYC address and drops you at your Niagara Falls hotel or the park. Add sightseeing stops if you wish.
- How to book (with price): ~US$650–1200 per vehicle (size/time). Get instant quotes on GetTransfer. For local activities, browse GetYourGuide.
- Pros: True door-to-door, luggage help, timing your own stops. Cons: Cost vs. bus/train; still traffic-dependent.
Step-by-step: Private Transfer
- Enter pickup/drop addresses and preferred departure time on GetTransfer.
- Confirm inclusions (tolls, waiting time, extra stops) and vehicle size for your group & luggage.
- Meet your driver at your door; share live location for a smooth link-up and ride straight to the Falls.
Getting to the main embarking points (Door-to-door)
- Pickup: Any NYC hotel/residence; drivers often monitor for delays.
- Drop: U.S. side hotels or Niagara Falls State Park entrances.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (New York to Niagara Falls)
U.S. or Canada side—which should I visit?
Both are great: the U.S. side has Cave of the Winds & Maid of the Mist (U.S. boat), while Canada’s side has wide panoramas and Clifton Hill attractions. Crossing requires your passport and, if needed, a visa/ETA.
Can I see the Falls in a day from NYC?
It’s possible by flight or a very long train/bus day, but most travelers prefer an overnight for a relaxed pace.
Where should I stay?
Near the State Park on the U.S. side for easy walking; compare deals on Booking.com.
Do I need a car once there?
Not strictly—most sights are walkable on the U.S. side, with seasonal trolley service. A car helps for wineries and state parks nearby.
Any luggage tips?
If you’re sightseeing before check-in, use Radical Storage NYC or Niagara Falls storage to keep hands free.