How To Travel To Niagara Falls From New York City

Yours To Explore Niagara Falls State Park

Open 365 days a year, Niagara Falls State Park has awe-inspiring scenery! It also features thrilling attractions, interactive exhibits, miles of hiking trails, and delectable dining options in a family-friendly environment. It’s an adventure-packed experience! No passport is needed to experience an unforgettable and breathtaking Niagara Falls vacation.

Border Crossing Rules For Niagara Falls New York

Roughly 30 million visitors cross into Niagara Falls, Ontario, each year.

• How to Travel to Canada with a Minor

A trip to see the massive and powerful Niagara Falls is not complete without seeing it from both sides the New York side and the Ontario, Canada side. The Canadian side of the falls is only a bridge away from New York, but there are strict border crossing requirements to enter Canada, as well as for returning to the United States. Having all of your proper identification and paperwork ready will make your trip from the New York side to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls a breeze.

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Umpteen Other Experiences Beyond The Falls

If you’re interested in history, a visit to the Old Fort Niagara with its underground gunpowder rooms, army barracks, and ancient cannons will have you spend hours here in rapt attention. If you’re looking to get up close to the might falls, you can choose from an array of experiences – the Cave of the Winds, the Maid of the Mist, the Whirlpool Jet Boat, the Hydro Power Plant Ruins and many more. Adventure lovers will also enjoy hiking around the Niagara State Park on it many marked trails.

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Where Should I Eat

On the Canadian side, try to get a reservation at the Skylon Towers Revolving Dining Room, which sits 775 feet above the Falls. Its great for families, or a romantic dinner for two, and the views of the falls and fireworks and light show are incredible. Also, admission to the Ride-to-the-Top and Indoor/Outdoor Observation Decks are free if youre dining there thats a savings of about $20.

If youre on the US side, plan to eat at the Red Coach Inn and order the Beef on Weck .

• How to Travel to New York From D.C.

The trip from the wonders of Niagara Falls to the soaring skyscrapers of New York City takes travelers from west to east across the Empire State. Direct travel options between the cities, other than by auto or Amtrak, are limited, but more are available in nearby Buffalo. From Buffalo, travelers can also choose from intercity bus routes or direct flights.

Popular International Routes By Train From New Yorks

Amtrak operates several international routes that originate from New York City, with some reaching as far north as the Maple Leaf to Toronto in Ontario or the Adirondack to Montreal in Quebec. The Maple Leaf line from New York City to Toronto will take about 13h. The Adirondack line from New York City to Montreal takes about 10h. Another popular route departing from New York City is the Empire Service, which operates through Upstate New York to Niagara Falls in Canada. The trip takes about 7h.

New York Brooklyn Bridge. Source: Shutterstock

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Will I Get Wet

If youre worried about getting wet, stay on top of the Falls. Guests are provided with ponchos before experiencing the Cave of the Winds or its Canadian counterpart Journey Behind the Falls, and before boarding the Maid of the Mist and Hornblower boat rides, but youre going to get wet despite the ponchos. So just let go and enjoy the experience, or stay on top of the Falls.

INSIDER TIPWhen youre looking down at the Maid of the Mist and Hornblower boat rides from atop the Falls, note that the people from the US side are wearing blue ponchos, and those that came from the Canadian side are wearing red ponchos.

Amtrak Train From New York To Niagara Falls

Travel Time: Around nine-and-a-half hours because of stops

Description: Several Amtrak trains offer direct service between New Yorks Penn Station and Niagara Falls within a day. All Maple Leaf trains go directly from New York to the falls only certain Empire Service trains go on to Niagara Falls. Maple Leaf trains also travel on to Toronto for those that want to see Canada. Check Amtraks website for schedules and reservations. The train allows you to see the beautiful scenery of the Hudson River Valley and upstate New York without the hassle of driving. Food and drink are available on the trains. One advantage to taking the train is that the Amtrak Station is located in the heart of Niagara Falls so you will not have to rent a car.

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Q: Is Niagara Falls Open

A: Yes. All the park areas and attractions in Niagara Falls New York USA are currently open.

In Niagara Falls Canada, Queen Victoria Park is open for viewing the Falls and all attractions that are operated by Niagara Parks Canada are open for the 2021 tourism season. A detailed list of the hours of operation is posted below.

All hotels, restaurants and attractions are now open in Niagara Falls USA & Niagara Falls Canada.

Certain seasonal attractions are now operating with reduced Fall hours.

There are certain attractions on both sides of Niagara Falls that may still require a mask . Please bring one with you!

Covid-19 Restrictions:

NIAGARA FALLS ONTARIO CANADA. The province of Ontario is now in Step 3 of a 3 step process for reopening. As of September 29th 2021 Step 3 safety measures will continue until further notice. Indoor dining in Ontario is now permitted.

NIAGARA FALLS NEW YORK USA. Everything is open!

The nightly Illumination of the Falls is from 8:00pm until 2:00am every evening during October.

All Fireworks displays over the Falls have been cancelled until further notice.

Fantastic Trip To Niagara Falls

When you want to get from New York to Niagara Falls, this is a 400-mile trip, and you need to be prepared for the journey. The good thing about Niagara from New York is that there are several ways you can get there. Below are some of the ways to run away from the noise in the city to a serene environment.

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Parking At Niagara Falls State Park

The park is equipped with four lots and several city lots just footsteps from the Park.

• Parking Lot 1 | Prospect Point: This lot is the closest to the Visitor Center and the Maid of the Mist.
• Parking Lot 2 | Goat Island: This lot is is located near the entrance of the Cave of the Winds tour and Top of the Falls Restaurant.
• Parking Lot 3 | Three Sisters Island: This lot is located on the east end of Goat Island near Three Sisters Islands.
• Parking Lot 4 | Niagara Gorge: This lot is just off the northbound Niagara Scenic Parkway, convinient for those visiting the Aquarium of Niagara or the Schoellkopf Site.This is also the in-park stop for the Discover Niagara Shuttle which will bring you from within the park to the attractions outside the park.

Heres a handy Parking Lot Map of the Niagara Falls State Park

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See A Natural Wonder Of The World

Your day begins with an early morning departure from Times Square in Manhattan. You travel by comfortable motorcoach with your bilingual tour guide, enjoying the scenic landscape of upstate New York on your journey north.

Upon arrival at your destination, you begin experiencing the adventure, beauty, and natural wonder of the Niagara Falls on board of the historic Maid of the Mist boat cruise or, when the Maid of the Mist is not running, from other observation points such as Cave of the Winds Gorge Walk or others available based on the weather conditions.

During your visit, you learn about the interesting history of these mighty waters and enjoy spectacular views of the falls from different vantage points. You have the opportunity for lunch on your own, souvenir shopping, and exploring the beautiful Niagara Falls State Park. After an unforgettable experience and wonderful memories, relax on board your comfortable motorcoach for the return to Times Square in Manhattan, arriving back between 11 p.m. midnight.

Dont forget to take photos, as not only do our guides like having their picture taken, but you will also want to capture each incredible moment of your tour in order to share your personal experience with friends via social media or with family back home. We personally recommend wearing comfortable clothing and walking shoes while on tour.

Highlights:

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How To Get Around Niagara Falls

The best way to explore the Niagara Falls area is your feet

Yes, the best way to get around is on foot or by bike, when it is not snowing.

Crossing the border between Canada and the United States, it is also possible to do it on foot by the Rainbow Bridge is only about 20 minutes on foot.

Another option to get around the falls is with WEGO, a tourist bus, which works with the hop-on-hop-off system.

What we did was park the car and then move around, walking everywhere.

Best Way To Visit Niagra Falls From Nyc

I am planning to visit NYC during thanksgiving this year

Please suggest what is the best way to visit Niagra falls from

How long will you be in New York City? If it’s less than a week, my suggestion woudl be to not go to Niagara Falls. It’s not a day trip.

If you do go, I would fly toBuffalo from NYC, and either rent a car in Buffalo or get a bus to the Niagara Falls area in Canada. I would get a hotel room overnight, and spend your first day and second morning seeing the sights. Then I would drive back to the airport the next day and fly back to New York.

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How Do I Get To Niagara Falls And Once There Do I Need A Car

Niagara Falls USA is drivable from Cleveland , Pittsburgh , Detroit , Philadelphia , and New York City , but its only a 30-minute drive from Buffalo Niagara International Airport or a 15-minute drive from Niagara Falls International Airport . Major carriers to BUF include American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, Southwest, and United Allegiant Air and Spirit fly to IAG.

Once youre in Niagara Falls USA, there are a few different shuttle options like Discover Niagara Shuttle to get you around town. But, if you plan to stay in town and time is of the essence, you can walk everywhere. If you plan to get outside of the town, possibly to visit Old Fort Niagara or one of the surrounding towns, a car is a must.

If youre visiting the Canadian side of the Falls, or just prefer a larger airport, your other flying option is Toronto Pearson International Airport , which is about 90 minutes from Niagara Falls. Almost every airline flies in and out of this airport, depending on where youre coming from. Once youre in Niagara Falls Canada, there are a ton of attractions within walking distance along the Niagara Parkway and Fallsview Boulevard. Just like on the U.S. side, if you plan to see sights outside of the town, youll need a car.

Taking A Bus From New York To Niagara Falls

Travel Time: Nine to 10 hours depending on traffic, the route taken and the number of stops.

Description: Taking the bus allows you to see the scenery between New York and the fall without the cost of the train or the hassle of driving yourself. Most of the buses leave from the Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan. Several bus companies, including Greyhound, Trailways NY, and City2City Bus provide direct service. One advantage of taking the bus is that you can choose to get off at Niagara Falls, Ontario, on the Canadian side of the border if you wish. Bus travel is also fairly cheap the standard cost of fare is $54 one way.

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Property Tax Due Dates

Payable at City Hall in Room 109. Please make check payable to the City Controller

• First installment due in month of January
• Second installment due in month of May

County TaxPayable at City Hall in Room 109. Please make check payable to Niagara County Treasurer.

County tax is payable at City Hall as follows:

School TaxPayable at City Hall in room 109. Please make check payable to School District Treasurer.

• First installment due in month of August
• Second installment due in month of November

Water BillsPayable at Billing and Collection, City Hall in Room 109. Please make check payable to Niagara Falls Water Authority.

Bills are issued in the first week of the following months:

• DISTRICT 1: January April July October
• DISTRICT 2: February May August November
• DISTRICT 3: March June September December

Bills are due 20 days after issuance.

What’s The Best Way To Experience The Falls

Hands down, the best views of the Falls are from the Canadian side, as youll have unobstructed views of American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls. However, if you want to get up close to all three falls, Niagara Falls State Park on the American side is your best bet. Within the park, you can look over Horseshoe Falls from Goat Islands Terrapin Point, get up close and personal with the Bridal Veil Falls from the Cave of the Windsyou will get drenched despite your free poncho and sandalsthe Hurricane Deck. You can take a ride on the Maid of the Mist, where youll also get soaked , but have the awe-inspiring experience of being enveloped in the spray from the American and Horseshoe Falls. You can walk out on the Prospect Point Observation Tower platform to view the Falls, and you can take an elevator down to the base of the Niagara Gorge to see the remains of the former Schoellkopf Power Plant and get another unique view of the Falls. You can also take the 40-minute Falls Fireworks cruise aboard the Hornblower its an amazing way to experience the Falls and their illuminated beauty at night.

Besides great views, the Canadian side has some great attractions too. Theres Journey Behind the Falls , the 4D Niagaras Fury theater experience , the 20-minute Voyage to the Falls boat tour on the Hornblower, and the Zipline to the Falls, where participants actually take a zipline down into the gorge along the cliffs.

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Flying From New York To Niagara

The closest city to Niagara Falls is Buffalo, NY and is located 23 miles away. The flight takes under an hour, but including check-in and boarding, it should take 3-4 hours each way. Buffalo Airport Shuttle provides a private transfer service for just over $20 per person . You can also arrange taxis from the airport, which can cost as little as $10 per head if you are traveling in a large group.It still remains the fastest way to get to Niagara Falls from New York City.

New York To Niagara Falls Day Trip Faqs

Are there 1 day tours to the Niagara Falls from NYC and back?

Yes, there are multiple day tours to Niagara Falls from New York City. You will travel to the falls in a comfortable coach, spend some quality time at the Niagara Falls and then head back to NYC in the evening.

Are there doorstep-pickup tours to the Niagara Falls?

While there arent any doorstep-pickup tours, you can board the buses at various conveniently located points across the city, including Times Square and the city center.

How far is Niagara Falls from NYC?

The journey from New York City to Niagara Falls is 400 miles long. If you’re driving from NYC, then the drive will take 6.5-7 hours.

Can I use public transport to travel to Niagara Falls?

Unless you have your own car, traveling from New York to Niagara by public transport is quite the hassle. The public transport within Niagara is practically non-existent hence getting from one place to the other via local taxis can cost you a lot. We recommended taking an organized tour from New York to Niagara for the optimal experience.

Are there trips to Niagara Falls for more than a day?

Headout offers exciting tours to Niagara Falls that stay overnight at the falls. You also get to visit other top attractions in the region like the Corning Glass Museum or cruise on the Niagara Jetboat!

Is the Maid of the Mist cruise included in day tour packages from NYC?

How much time will I spend at the Niagara Falls?

What is the Niagara Falls Discover Pass?

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Which Train Companies Travel From New York To Niagara Falls

Amtrak is known for being the primary company that services trains from New York to Niagara Falls. Ever since it was founded in the early 1970s, it has been one of the largest travel providers in the United States and Canada. Offering both medium and long-distance journeys, Amtrak provides trips between some of the largest and most popular cities in the two countries. For this trip, you will not need to transfer trains, and can instead enjoy a direct journey. You will usually stop in a few other cities before reaching Niagara Falls, but you can remain on the train during these.