How to Take the Train to Niagara Falls, NY

Getting to Niagara Falls by train is one of the most relaxing and scenic ways to travel — no traffic, no parking stress, and some genuinely beautiful views along the way. Here’s everything you need to know.

The Station

The Niagara Falls Amtrak Station (station code: NFL) is located at 825 Depot Avenue West, adjacent to the Whirlpool Rapids Bridge that spans the Niagara River and links the United States and Canada. Amtrak began serving this Niagara Falls Intermodal Transportation Center in December 2016. The new station replaced an older facility on the city’s outskirts and is served by Amtrak, local Metro buses, taxis, and shuttles.

The approximately $43 million, 46,000-square-foot building is visually divided into three components: a historic federal customs house containing a U.S. Customs and Border Protection unit and the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center; an orange brick structure housing the Amtrak waiting room and concession spaces; and a glass-enclosed hyphen connecting the two, which includes a two-story lobby and sweeping staircase. It’s a beautiful building worth arriving a little early to appreciate. The station is open Monday through Saturday, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, and is just a short drive or rideshare from Niagara Falls State Park.

The Train Routes

Two Amtrak routes stop directly in Niagara Falls, NY: the Empire Service and the Maple Leaf. Both travel from New York City and stop at other cities in New York State, including Albany, Syracuse, and Rochester.

Empire Service — Runs daily between New York Penn Station and Niagara Falls, NY. This is the most frequent option for travelers coming from New York City or anywhere along the Hudson Valley corridor. The trains feature free Wi-Fi, café service with snacks, beverages, and meals, and comfortable seats to enjoy the gorgeous views of the Hudson River Valley and Upstate New York.

Maple Leaf — A joint Amtrak and VIA Rail Canada service that runs daily between New York Penn Station and Toronto, Ontario. It stops in Niagara Falls, NY, making it a fantastic option if you’re combining a trip to both sides of the Falls or continuing on to Canada. Passengers crossing into Canada are processed directly at the station by U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Coming from New York City

Both the Empire Service and Maple Leaf depart from New York Penn Station in Midtown Manhattan and travel through the Hudson River Valley. The scenery is beautiful and you’ll spend about 9.5 hours on the train before arriving in Niagara Falls. That’s a long haul, but the ride is comfortable and the views through the Hudson Valley make it genuinely enjoyable. Plan to stay at least one night — trains return to New York City in the morning, so if you want more than a few hours to see the sights, plan to stay two nights.

There are roughly 3 trains per day between NYC and Niagara Falls. Ticket prices start around $72, with the average around $118. Booking well in advance is the best way to secure lower fares.

Coming from Buffalo

If you’re flying into Buffalo Niagara International Airport or arriving by bus, you can catch a short Amtrak hop from Buffalo to Niagara Falls. The Lake Shore Limited — which runs between Chicago and the East Coast — stops at the Buffalo-Depew Station, which is 35 to 55 minutes from Niagara Falls by car. Enterprise has a car rental office near that station and offers pickup service. FlixBus also offers affordable transportation between Buffalo and Niagara Falls, dropping you off next to Niagara Falls State Park.

Coming from Toronto

The Maple Leaf also runs from Toronto’s Union Station to Niagara Falls, NY, making it easy for Canadian visitors or anyone doing a cross-border trip to hop on the train. The journey takes roughly 2 hours from Toronto. Note that you’ll clear U.S. Customs at the Niagara Falls station.

Getting from the Station to the Falls

The Amtrak station is located north of downtown, less than five miles from Niagara Falls State Park. Your best options for getting there:

• Uber or Lyft — The quickest and easiest option. Expect a 5–10 minute ride to the park.
• Taxi — Available at the station upon arrival.
• NFTA-Metro Bus — Local bus service connects the intermodal station to downtown and surrounding areas.
• Walk — The station is about 1.5 miles from the Falls. Doable in good weather for those who don’t mind a 25–30 minute stroll.

Station Amenities

The Niagara Falls Amtrak station is well-equipped for travelers. You’ll find a comfortable waiting room, restrooms, free Wi-Fi, vending machines, a ticket counter, and parking for those who drove to the station. The station is fully ADA accessible with services available for passengers with disabilities. You can also bring small pets (carrier plus pet must weigh 20 lbs or less) on select routes.

Tips for Booking

• Book on Amtrak.com, the Amtrak app, or comparison sites like Wanderu to compare prices.
• Business class seats are larger and have more legroom, and you’ll be able to cancel your ticket before departure for a full refund — expect to pay about $100 more than a coach seat.
• Sign up for Amtrak Guest Rewards to earn points on every trip.
• For questions or assistance, call Amtrak directly at 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245).