New York, United States · Travel guide
Niagara Falls travel guide
Getting there and when to go, with every figure checked and dated.
Getting to Niagara Falls, New York
Most travelers from the US reach Niagara Falls, New York by flying into Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF), which is 21 miles and 30 minutes by car from the falls. BUF offers year-round service from major US carriers and nonstop flights from cities like New York, Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas–Fort Worth, Miami, Philadelphia, and Washington. For those coming from Florida or Myrtle Beach, Niagara Falls International Airport (IAG) is closer at 5 miles away, but service is very limited.
Driving is practical from nearby cities such as Buffalo (20 miles, 30 minutes) or Cleveland (200 miles, 3 hours 15 minutes), but becomes a major commitment from farther cities like Los Angeles or Phoenix. Amtrak’s Maple Leaf train connects New York City to Niagara Falls NY station, which is about 2 miles from the park entrance. Travelers from Buffalo can also use NFTA public bus route 40, which takes about 50 minutes to reach Niagara Falls.
Nearest airports
| Code | Airport | By road | Drive | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BUF | Buffalo Niagara International AirportBuffalo, NY | 21 mi | 30 min | Main arrival airport for the American side; year-round service from major US carriers. |
| IAG | Niagara Falls International AirportNiagara Falls, NY | 5 mi | 12 min | Very limited service; only Allegiant to Florida and Myrtle Beach as of September 2026. |
| YYZ | Toronto Pearson International AirportToronto, Ontario | 80 mi | 1 h 40 min | Useful mainly for Canadian side; passport required to cross. |
From major US cities
| From | Drive | Fly | Train | Bus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York | 410 mi · 6 h 30 min | Nonstop into BUF · 1 h 25 min | 9 h 30 min | — |
| Los Angeles | 2,520 mi · 36 h | With stops into BUF · 6 h 30 min | — | — |
| Chicago | 530 mi · 8 h | Nonstop into BUF · 1 h 45 min | — | — |
| Dallas–Fort Worth | 1,390 mi · 20 h 30 min | Nonstop into BUF · 3 h | — | — |
| Houston | 1,490 mi · 22 h | With stops into BUF · 5 h 30 min | — | — |
| Atlanta | 910 mi · 13 h 30 min | Nonstop into BUF · 2 h | — | — |
| Washington | 400 mi · 6 h 45 min | Nonstop into BUF · 1 h 30 min | — | — |
| Philadelphia | 410 mi · 6 h 30 min | Nonstop into BUF · 1 h 20 min | — | — |
| Miami | 1,430 mi · 21 h | Nonstop into BUF · 3 h | — | — |
| Phoenix | 2,190 mi · 31 h | With stops into BUF · 6 h | — | — |
| Buffalo | 20 mi · 30 min | — | — | 50 min |
| Toronto | 80 mi · 1 h 40 min | — | 2 h | 2 h |
| Cleveland | 200 mi · 3 h 15 min | — | — | — |
Distances and driving times are by road. Flight, train, bus and airport details checked September 2026. Schedules change, so confirm before you book.
When to visit Niagara Falls, New York
From late April to early November, boat tours run daily, with the Maid of the Mist operating as soon as ice conditions allow. The busiest period is mid-June to Labor Day, when crowds are at their peak, hotel prices are highest, and fireworks are scheduled several nights a week. July brings the warmest weather, with average highs of 81°F and lows of 63°F, making it popular for families and those seeking a lively atmosphere.
September and October offer a quieter experience. Boats still operate, fall colors appear, and hotel prices drop as crowds thin out. Average October temperatures are cooler, with highs of 60°F and lows of 44°F, appealing to visitors who prefer milder weather and less congestion.
From November to March, winter settles in with average January highs of 32°F and lows of 19°F. Boat tours and the Cave of the Winds are closed, but the falls are illuminated at night and hotel rates are at their lowest. This season suits travelers interested in seeing the falls partially frozen and enjoying the quietest time of year.
Through the year
| When | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Late April to early November | Boat season; Maid of the Mist operates daily from 9 am; opening date depends on ice. |
| Mid-June to Labor Day (early September) | Peak season; busiest weeks; fireworks several nights a week; highest hotel prices. |
| September to October | Shoulder season; boats still running; fall colors; thinner crowds; lower hotel prices. |
| November to March | Winter; falls partially freeze; boats and Cave of the Winds closed; falls illuminated at night; cheapest hotel season. |
Seasonal details checked September 2026. Dates can shift from year to year.
Average temperatures (°F)
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 32 | — | — | 55 | — | — | 81 | — | — | 60 | — | — |
| Low | 19 | — | — | 37 | — | — | 63 | — | — | 44 | — | — |
Source: NOAA 1991-2020 normals.
Tours and activities in Niagara Falls, New York
Every tour on sale here, measured: what a fair price looks like, what is included and what disappoints.