Flying, as in airplane travel, is what I am talking about here.
I am often asked about flying into Niagara Falls because there is no commercial airport here. Well that is true, but it is just a quick bus/car/taxi ride from the three main airports that are near Niagara Falls. So in a way, we have more landing power at Niagara Falls than most natural destination sites.
Some info:
Buffalo International Airport (BIA)
BIA is actually in Cheektowaga, NY. about 30 miles (48 km) from Niagara Falls (Canada) and takes about 30 minutes travel time. However, there is the Canada/USA border to cross and that could take minutes or an hour or more.
During the summer between tourists in cars and commercial traffic, border wait times go up, so be prepared. This isn’t your usual quick drive down the road. It can be, but again, be prepared.
Getting to and from the airport means taking a bus (Canada Coach/MegaBus), a Taxi (BIA Airport Cabs), a hired car (limo) or Niagara Airbus shuttle service. If you do take Niagara Airbus, be sure and tell them I told you about it and yes, you can also go to the Toronto airport or downtown Toronto with Niagara Airbus. There’s no financial reward to me, but it helps that people learn that this site is a growing and important resource. Thanks.
It is possible to go by city bus to downtown Buffalo, and then on to a Greyhound to Niagara Falls. Not the most comfortable or easiest way.
BIA is an easy airport to get around in, but don’t look for restaurants or stores. Pretty much only designed to move you on and off airplanes.
Hamilton International Airport (HIA)
HIA is not well known to tourists, but a large airport (runways) and simple smaller terminal. About halfway between Toronto and Niagara, HIA is used by International charter services and some Canadian carriers. HIA is 50 miles (80 km) from Niagara Falls.
There are limo and taxi services, and the Niagara Airbus shuttle service. You must be pre-booked which you can do by phone or online. Niagara Airbus will take you to Niagara or Toronto, and back.
Toronto International Airport (TIA)
TIA is Canada’s largest airport, and second only to JFK in New York for number of International passengers moving to and from North America. TIA is 12th in North America for aircraft movement. So going through Toronto’s Pearson International Airport is a little time consuming.
The airport is about 80 miles (125 km) from Niagara Falls and the roads between comprise the 401 highway (certainly Canada’s busiest and largest. Here is a picture I found on another site that gives you an idea of the size of the 401. From the 401 it’s down the 403 highway and then on to the infamous Queen Elizabeth Way or QEW. During mid-day or overnight it’s usually relatively smooth traveling. But if you are traversing the QEW mornings or afternoons, you’d better be prepared for a slower than a 1 1/2 hour trip.
From the Toronto Airport to Niagara you can take a cab or you can take Niagara Airbus (gee, I feel like I’m “promoting” them). Again, pre-book. So welcome to Niagara Falls, no matter how you get here.
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