How To Get To Niagara Falls

From New York City to Niagara Falls: 4 Best Ways to Get There

We may earn a commission from affiliate links ()

Straddling the border between the United States and Canada, the powerful Niagara Falls is a must-see for anyone visiting New York City. Located 400 miles from the Big Apple, Niagara Falls can be reached in several ways: You can choose to go with an organized tour or travel on your own by way of a car, bus, train, or plane.

Niagara Falls, cascading 167 feet into the Niagara Gorge, consists of three waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls (also known as Canadian Falls), Bridal Veil Falls, and American Falls, all of which are located in Western New York. The latter two and part of the Horseshoe Falls are part of the Niagara Falls State Park, the oldest state park in the state. Although the view from Canada is considered to be better, you can experience the splendor of 3,160 tons of water gushing over the crest every second on both sides of the border from various vantage points.

You may want to give yourself more than a day to enjoy the falls and the surrounding region in a leisurely manner, and don't forget to bring your passport or an enhanced driver's license to walk or drive across the border on the Rainbow Bridge.

Here are four of the best ways to get from New York City to Niagara Falls to help you plan an unforgettable trip.

Note: Some businesses may be temporarily closed due to recent global health and safety issues.

1. From New York City to Niagara Falls on an Organized Tour

Tour boat under a rainbow at Horseshoe Falls, Niagara Falls

Go on an overnight Niagara Falls and Tannersville Tour to explore the falls from both the American and Canadian sides. This organized, guided tour allows you to get up close to the falls and explore the state park. Start your day at 7am and embark on a bus or van journey from Midtown Manhattan at the Gray Line New York tour company and travel through Upstate New York, Delaware Water Gap, and the Watkins Glen State Park in the Finger Lakes region on your way to Niagara Falls.

The tour involves a Niagara Falls State Park Tour, along with a chance to see the illuminated falls from the Canadian side and an overnight stay at the Ramada by Wyndham with continental breakfast the next morning. The second day involves a Maid of the Mist boat cruise (May through October) into the basin of the Horseshoe Falls to experience its powerful spray and thundering waters.

On your way back, stop in Pennsylvania at one of the largest outlet malls, the Crossings Premium Outlet Mall, for bargain shopping. You may still go on the tour, even if you don't have proper documentation to cross the border, but be prepared to stay at the hotel during the Canadian excursion; you may still enjoy the cruise as it departs from the American side.

2. From New York City to Niagara Falls by Plane

Aerial view of Horseshoe Falls, Niagara Falls

Bypass the hassle of driving by hopping on a quick plane ride from New York to Buffalo to reach Niagara Falls. JetBlue, United, and Delta offer non-stop flights from NYC area airports that last less than an hour. The Buffalo International Airport is a half-hour drive from the falls. Visitors may also fly directly to Toronto and drive an hour to the Canadian side of the falls. Overall time of reaching Niagara Falls by plane is anywhere from three to four hours each way, making flying the fastest way to reach the falls.

Visitors can also take a planned one-day tour by air , which includes round-trip airfare between NYC airports and Buffalo, a half-day guided tour of the attraction from both sides, a boat cruise, and a buffet lunch at the Top of the Falls restaurant. The Maid of the Mist cruise operates only during the warmer months; when visiting during winter, participants are taken to the Journey Behind the Falls observation decks and portals located behind the falls. The entire tour takes approximately 14 hours and hotel transfers to and from the airport are available from properties located between 23rd and 74th streets.

3. From New York City to Niagara Falls by Train

Two major Amtrak lines connect the Niagara region to cities on the East Coast of the U.S. and Canada. Those traveling from New York City can get on the Empire Service to the Niagara Falls International Train Station and Intermodal Transportation Center from Penn Station in Manhattan. The Empire Service train operates daily and has Business Class and Reserved Coach Class. The scenic ride takes about nine hours, with stops along the way in Albany, Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo.

Alternatively, visitors can take the Maple Leaf train that connects New York City with Toronto, with stops at Albany, Syracuse, and Niagara Falls. The total journey is 12.5 hours. Both trains come with WiFi and Cafe cars.

Once there, the Niagara Falls State Park is less than a 10-minute drive. Niagara Falls State Park is open year-round and offers interactive exhibits, hiking trails, and dining at the Top of the Falls restaurant. The state park's Discovery Pass allows visitors to enjoy the falls on the Maid of the Mist boat cruise.

You can also take the hop-on/hop-off shuttle called "Falls to the Fort" right at the train station. The 14-mile route stops at highlights such as the Niagara USA Visitor Center, Niagara View Points, Old Niagara Fort, Aquarium of Niagara, and Castellani Art Museum, among others.

4. From New York City to Niagara Falls by Car

Traveling by car allows you the freedom to stop and explore New York State's attractions on your way to its most treasured natural wonder. The drive from New York City to Niagara Falls, involving 400 miles, takes anywhere from seven to eight hours depending on traffic; add more time to cross the border if you are visiting the Canadian side. Drivers can take the I-80 West or go via I-81 N and connect to I-90 West. It's best to leave early in the morning to beat rush hour traffic.

On your drive to Niagara Falls, optional activities include hiking in Harriman State Park (the second largest park in the state), visiting the largest arcade in the state at Robot City Games, and having a stopover in Canandaigua, a charming town ideal for couples.