If you are in New York, planning a day trip to Niagara Falls to see this magnificent wonder of nature is a must. The beautiful falls make you feel like you are a part of a fairytale. It is indeed a site to behold. When planning a trip from New York to Niagara Falls, the first question is, “How far is Niagara Falls from New York?” followed by “How to go to Niagara Falls from New York?”
This article answers your concerns along with the best transportation options to go to Niagara Falls. So, keep reading to plan your trip effortlessly.
Where is Niagara Falls?
Niagara Falls is on the Niagara River in northeastern North America on the border between New York, USA, and Ontario, Canada. The falls are divided into two parts segregated by Goat Island. The American part of the falls is 190 feet high and 1,060 feet across the right bank. Similarly, the Canadian bank has a larger division 188 feet high and 2,200 feet in length.
How Far Is Niagara Falls From New York City
Niagara Falls is around 400 miles from New York, which is a completely safe city.
You can take day tours to the falls that typically includes visiting the Top of the Falls, Old Fort Niagara, Cave of the Winds, and Maid of the Mist. Tourists opt for plane, train, bus, or car rides to go to Niagara Falls.
Estimate Time of Travel and Cost for Different Modes of Travel
| Mode of Travel | Estimated Time | Cost |
| Plane | 1 hour 30 minutes | From $59 + transit |
| Car | 6 hours 30 minutes | $100 or more |
| Bus | 7 hours, 50 minutes | From $55 |
| Train | 8 hours, 50 minutes | From $70 |
Flying from New York City to Niagara Falls is the quickest way to reach this beautiful spot. Tourists usually fly from New York City to Buffalo, taking a 90-minute flight. On the other hand, adventure and nature lovers opt for a train journey; it takes way longer but offers gorgeous views.
Flying to Niagara Falls from New York City
The fastest way to go to Niagara Falls from New York City is to fly to any city nearby. You can opt for Buffalo, Toronto, Rochester, New York La Guardia, or Niagara Falls Airport and then take a bus or train to Niagara Falls.
Most people choose Buffalo Airport, the largest airport near the falls. To reach Niagara Falls, you can take the Buffalo Airport Shuttle for only $20 per person. Alternatively, talk to one of the taxis for a more economical ride for larger groups.
You can choose the following routes when opting to fly to Buffalo:
- Take the train to New York JFK
- Take the Subway to New York La Guardia
- Take the train to Newark
Cost: From $59 + transit
Options: United Airlines, American Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Delta, etc.
Choose when: You want to plan a quick day tour of the falls
Driving to Niagara Falls from New York City
If you are comfortable driving from New York City to Niagara Falls, the fuel will cost you around $100- $150. The journey is almost six hours and thirty minutes through I-80 W, I-81 N, or I-90 W.
Traveling by car allows you to stop at stunning locations like Seneca Lake, Watkins Glen State Park, and Letchworth Nature Park. Visitors driving to Niagara Falls can park their cars in the Niagara Falls State Park parking lots, which cost only $10 on weekdays and $15 on weekdays for the whole day. But remember to reach early as the spots fill up quickly on the weekend. Alternatively, park your vehicle in the parking lots around downtown Niagara Falls.
You can take your car or rent one from any service provider. Keep your foreign driver’s license with you when driving yourself.
Cost: $100 – $150
Options: Avis, RentalCars, Hertz, etc.
Choose when: You want to enjoy the trip at your own pace
Going to Niagara Falls from New York City by Bus
Opting for a bus tour to Niagara Falls from New York City might not be the most comfortable choice, but it is indeed the cheapest.
While the ticket usually costs $55 and above, booking it in advance can reduce the cost to $30 or less. It takes around 9 hours to reach Niagara Falls by bus. Thus, it is best to embark on your trip at night so you can spend the journey sleeping and enjoy your day without fatigue.
Cost: $55
Options: OurBus, Flixbus, Greyhound US
Choose when: Traveling on a budget
Taking a Train to Niagara Falls from New York City
Train rides take approximately nine hours to Niagara Falls from New York City. It is a long and expensive mode of transport, but convenient and scenic.
However, if you are visiting the US from a European country, you might not be delighted with the train journey in terms of quality. So, the train is often not the choice of transportation when visiting the falls.
Cost: From $70
Choices: Amtrak
Choose when: You want to enjoy the scenic views
Tour Companies
In case you do not want to take the trouble of planning your trip, many tour companies offer all-exclusive tour packages to Niagara Falls from New York. These trips typically range between 22 hours and three days.
The only downside of organized tours is that you cannot change the itinerary and must reach every spot at the decided time. Also, they cost more than planning a trip yourself.
Transport around Niagara Falls
Scenic Trolley
The hop-on/hop-off Niagara scenic trolley takes you to 15 sites across Niagara Falls to the Fort. It includes Niagara View Points, the Niagara USA Visitor Center, the Old Niagara Fort, the Aquarium of Niagara, and the Castellani Art Museum.
Adult tickets cost $3; children from 6 to 12 are $2, whereas children under 5 are free.
Taxi
Taxis are a popular mode of transport among tourists, with a base fare of $2.75 and $3 extra for every additional mile.
Local Bus
When you visit Niagara Falls, you can take a local bus to go around the area. However, the tickets are slightly expensive at $2.75, and a day pass costs $7.
Documents Required to Cross Niagara Falls
Some tourist attractions are on the American side of the falls, while others are on the Canadian side. But don’t worry; you can cross the border to enjoy everything during your trip.
Remember that keeping the required document is critical to visiting the other side, even if you walk over the Rainbow Bridge; it is one of the simplest ways to cross the border. Alternatively, choose the Lewiston-Queenston or Whirlpool Rapids Bridge.
US Citizens require one of the following documents to cross borders (16 years and over):
- United States Passport
- United States Passport Card
- Trusted Traveler Card (FAST, NEXUS, or SENTRI)
- Enhanced Driver’s License (available for Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington State only)
Canadian Citizens require one of the following documents to cross borders (16 years and over):
- Canadian Passport
- Trusted Traveler Card (FAST, NEXUS, or SENTRI)
- Enhanced Driver’s License (available for British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec only)
US and Canadian Citizens require one of the following documents to cross borders (under 16 years):
- One of the documents mentioned above
- A certified copy of the birth certified with the raised seal of the issuing office as a statement that mentions it is the certified copy
Canadian children under 16 only:
- Canadian children can cross the border with their Canadian Citizenship Certificate Card.
Best Time to Visit Niagara Falls
June to August is the best time to visit Niagara Falls due to the summer months, but eventually, it is also the most crowded. The falls feel incredibly refreshing in peak summer months, and you get the best of your money.
On the other hand, winter is freezing, and you might not be able to enjoy your time at the falls to the fullest. Some tourist attractions in the park also do not operate in winter months.
If you are looking for something between peak and dead seasons, you can get your tickets for spring or autumn. Spring and autumn temperatures at Niagara Falls are around 21°C, and the trees around the Niagara Gorge look stunning in autumn. But you would not be able to enjoy the boat tours in October. It might not be the best time to visit the falls for some people, but the accommodation costs less, and it’s not freezing either.
We’d say April and May are suitable to visit Niagara Falls before the summer crowd starts coming in. Moreover, the accommodation does not cost too much, and you get warm, pleasant weather.
Opening Hours
Niagara Falls is open to the public 24 hours a day throughout the year; yes, even on Sundays!
However, you must check the park attractions online, as they have specific schedules. While Niagara Falls would be open, you might only be able to visit a few tourist attractions if you check their schedule.
The Bottom Line
Niagara Falls is an amazing natural wonder that attracts people from all around the world. It is around 400 miles from New York. Choose from car drives, buses, trains, or flights to plan your trip conveniently. Buses are the most convenient; driving allows you to enjoy the journey at your pace, flights reach the falls in an hour and a half, while trains allow you to enjoy the scenic views. However, most people do not prefer train journeys due to long travel hours. So, choose what suits you the best and enjoy your trip to the fullest.
FAQs
What to do in Niagara Falls?
Niagara Falls is not only limited to the majestic waterfalls; there’s a lot more you can enjoy during your trip:
- Hike down the backside of Horseshoe Falls
- Experience the unforgettable boat ride at Niagara Falls
- Take an ultimate helicopter or zipline tour over the falls
- Dine in exquisite restaurants on the other side of the border
- Enjoy local wine and craft beer while you are at Niagara Falls
- Opt for camping near Niagara Falls
- Visit the Niagara Falls Botanical Gardens
- Book your tickets online and reserve a private taxi to enjoy your trip
What is the cheapest way to get from New York City to Niagara Falls?
Bus and car travel are the cheapest, while trains and plane tickets can be costly. At the same time, buses are a more affordable option between bus and car as the tickets start as low as $35 when booked in advance. However, the journey can be quite long and uncomfortable for people visiting from Europe. Choose from bus services like OurBus, Flixbus, Greyhound US, etc.
Where can I find souvenirs in Niagara Falls?
Niagara Falls has four gift shops in the State Park that have officially licensed souvenirs and merchandise. You can find everything from gifts to apparel, books, and glassware. They also have emergency items such as sunglasses, umbrellas, batteries, etc.
Cristina Silva has graduated from New York University and has written for the Associated Press, the Tampa Bay Times, Salon, and NPR. She has reported from Mexico, Honduras, Cuba, Germany, Italy, and Bahrain, as well as from across the United States.