So, you’ve just landed. Your ears are probably still popping from the descent into Buffalo Niagara International (BUF) or maybe Toronto Pearson (YYZ), and all you want to do is see that massive wall of water. Getting from the airport to Niagara Falls sounds like it should be a straight shot. It isn't. Not always, anyway. Depending on which side of the border you’re on and how much you’re willing to shell out for a Lyft, your experience is going to vary wildly.
I’ve seen people walk out of Pearson in Toronto thinking they can just "hop on a bus" and be at the Horseshoe Falls in forty minutes. Good luck with that. In reality, you're looking at a nearly two-hour trek depending on the nightmare that is the QEW highway traffic. If you’re flying into Buffalo, you’re much closer, but you still have to navigate the bridge crossings if your hotel is on the Canadian side.
Let's get into the weeds of how this actually works.
The Buffalo Connection: Buffalo Niagara International (BUF)
Flying into Buffalo is technically the most "direct" way to go. The airport is about 25 to 30 miles from the falls. If you grab an Uber or a Lyft, you’re looking at a $50 to $80 bill depending on the time of day. It’s fast. You’re there in 30 or 40 minutes.
But here is the kicker: the border.
If your hotel is in Niagara Falls, Ontario, and you take a US-based rideshare, they usually can't take you across the Rainbow Bridge. Most drivers aren't authorized for international commercial transport. They’ll drop you at the foot of the bridge on the American side. Then? You’re walking. You’ll have to haul your luggage across the pedestrian walkway of the Rainbow Bridge. It’s a great view, honestly. Probably the best view of the falls you’ll get for $1.00 (the pedestrian toll), but it’s a pain if you have three suitcases and a screaming toddler.
Alternatively, the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) runs the "Airport-Falls Express" (Route 210). It’s cheap. We’re talking a few bucks. But it’s a bus. It has stops. It takes time. If you’re on a budget, it’s a lifesaver. If you’re on a honeymoon, maybe skip it.
The Toronto Hustle: Pearson (YYZ) to the Falls
Toronto Pearson is a massive global hub, so the flights are often cheaper than flying into Buffalo. The downside? Distance. You are about 80 miles (125km) away.
Traffic in the Greater Toronto Area is some of the worst in North America. Seriously. The Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) can turn into a parking lot at 2:00 PM on a Tuesday for no apparent reason.
You have a few real options here:
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- Niagara Airbus: This is the old reliable. It’s a shuttle service. You book it in advance, they meet you at the terminal, and they drop you at your hotel door. It costs about $100 CAD per person round trip. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s the most brainless way to do it.
- The GO Train: This is my favorite "local" secret, but it’s seasonal and specific. During the summer and on weekends, Metrolinx runs a direct GO Train from Union Station to Niagara Falls. To get to Union from the airport, you take the UP Express. It’s clean, has Wi-Fi, and avoids the highway traffic entirely.
- Private Car Services: If you have the cash, hiring a private limo or town car is the way to go. Companies like Livery or various Toronto limo outfits charge a flat rate, usually around $200-$250 CAD. If you have four people, it actually ends up being cheaper than the shuttle.
The Hamilton Alternative: John C. Munro (YHM)
Hardly anyone talks about Hamilton. It’s a smaller airport, mostly served by low-cost carriers like WestJet or Play. It’s actually closer to Niagara Falls than Toronto is.
The problem? Public transit from YHM to the Falls is basically non-existent. You’re either renting a car or paying for a very expensive cab. However, if you find a dirt-cheap flight into Hamilton, the 45-minute drive is a breeze compared to the slog from Pearson.
Car Rentals: The Double-Edged Sword
Renting a car at the airport to get to Niagara Falls seems like a no-brainer. You want freedom, right?
Think about parking.
The hotels in Niagara Falls, especially the ones with a view like the Marriott Fallsview or the Hilton, charge astronomical parking fees. We’re talking $35 to $70 CAD per night. Plus, once you’re in the tourist district, you don't need a car. Everything is walkable or connected by the WeGo bus system.
Unless you plan on driving out to Niagara-on-the-Lake for some wine tasting (which you totally should do), a rental car might just be an expensive paperweight sitting in a garage.
Crossing the Border: Don't Forget Your Passport
This sounds obvious. It isn't.
I have seen people get all the way to the Peace Bridge or the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge only to realize their passport is in their checked bag or, worse, back home.
If you are flying into BUF and staying in Canada, or flying into YYZ and staying in the US, you are crossing an international border. The wait times can be twenty minutes or two hours. Check the "CBP Border Wait Times" app before you tell your shuttle driver which bridge to take. The Rainbow Bridge is usually the busiest because it’s right in the heart of the tourist zone. The Whirlpool Bridge is for NEXUS holders only—don't try it if you don't have the card.
What About Uber and Lyft?
In Buffalo, Uber is everywhere. In Toronto, it’s the same.
But crossing the border in a rideshare is a gray area. Some drivers will do it if they have the right paperwork, but most won't. They don't want to get stuck in a two-hour customs line only to have to drive back empty.
If you're using rideshare, your best bet is to take it to the border, walk across, and then call another one on the other side. On the Canadian side, Niagara Falls has a decent supply of Uber drivers, but they tend to surge price like crazy when a big group of tourists arrives at the bus station or the bridge.
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Common Misconceptions and Traps
People think there’s a free shuttle. There isn't.
Years ago, some casinos ran "gambler's buses" that were nearly free if you had a player's card. Most of those have vanished or become much more restricted since 2020. Don't count on a free ride.
Another trap is the "Taxi Flat Rate." In Toronto, taxis have a zoned map for flat rates. Niagara Falls is usually outside that zone, meaning you're on the meter. That meter will spin faster than your head when you're sitting in traffic on the 403. Always negotiate a flat rate before you put your bags in the trunk.
Making the Choice: My Recommendation
If you’re a solo traveler or a couple on a budget: Fly into Buffalo, take the NFTA bus to the city, and walk across the bridge. It’s an adventure.
If you’re a family with kids: Fly into Toronto, book a private car service or the Niagara Airbus. Do not try to navigate the trains and buses with strollers and car seats. It’s a nightmare.
If you’re looking for the "scenic" route: Fly into Toronto, take the UP Express to Union Station, and grab the GO Train. You’ll see the Ontario countryside and skip the highway rage.
Actionable Next Steps
- Check your arrival terminal: If you're at Pearson, Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 are far apart. The shuttles pick up at specific doors (usually door P at T1).
- Download the ArriveCAN app: Even though many restrictions have eased, having your info ready for Canadian customs never hurts.
- Pre-book your shuttle: If you're using Niagara Airbus, booking 48 hours in advance usually saves you a few bucks and guarantees a seat.
- Check the bridge wait times: Use the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission website (niagarafallsbridges.com) to see real-time camera feeds of the traffic. If the Rainbow Bridge is backed up, ask your driver to head to the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge.
- Exchange a little cash: While everywhere takes cards, having a few $5 or $10 bills in the local currency (USD or CAD) is helpful for tipping shuttle drivers or paying small bridge tolls.