How to Get Around Niagara Falls NY with Public Transportation
Hop on a bus, Gus
The primary local bus service on the American side is run by the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA). Routes 40, 50, and 77 serve the Niagara Falls area, connecting the city to Buffalo and surrounding communities. The Metro Bus terminal is located at 343 4th Street, about half a mile from the Falls. If you’re coming from Buffalo without a car, NFTA is your main option for getting into Niagara Falls.
This is the gem of local transit for visitors, and the best part — it’s free. The shuttle runs seasonally (roughly late May through mid-October) and connects major attractions along the Niagara River corridor. It runs northbound to Old Fort Niagara and southbound to Niagara Falls State Park, with extended hours to 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. There’s also a separate route connecting Niagara Falls to Lockport, where you can explore the Erie Canal locks and the Erie Canal Discovery Center. If you’re visiting in the warmer months, this shuttle is a great way to skip the parking headache entirely.
Niagara County operates its own transit system called Connect Niagara, with color-coded routes (Blue, Gold, Green, Purple, and Red) serving the broader county. The system will also deviate up to three-quarters of a mile from a scheduled route to accommodate riders who can’t reach a stop — just call ahead by the end of business the day before at (716) 282-8544. This is particularly handy for residents rather than tourists, but worth knowing if you’re getting around the wider Niagara County area.
The Amtrak Niagara Falls Station is less than five miles from Niagara Falls State Park and downtown, served by the Empire Service and Maple Leaf trains, connecting the region to the East Coast and Canada. The Maple Leaf runs daily between New York Penn Station and Toronto, making Niagara Falls a very accessible stop for train travelers.
FlixBus, Greyhound & New York Trailways
Several intercity bus companies serve Niagara Falls, NY — FlixBus, Greyhound, and New York Trailways among them. These are solid budget options if you’re coming from New York City, Buffalo, or other regional hubs.
Rideshare & Taxis
Uber and Lyft both operate in Niagara Falls, NY, and are convenient for getting between the train or bus station and the Falls. Traditional taxi companies also serve the area, though you’ll typically find them near hotels and major attractions rather than hailing them on the street.
A Note on the Canadian Side
If you cross into Canada, the transit picture changes. WEGO is the hop-on, hop-off bus system that connects Niagara Parks attractions and hotels on the Ontario side, running year-round. It’s a great option if you’re spending time on the Canadian side, but it doesn’t cross the border.
Driving? Don’t forget to get all the information you need about parking.
