gleemonex

i'll have a long layover at the buffalo-depew amtrak station on my trip from toronto to chicago in may. i was wondering if there's any easy way (public transportation, etc) to get from the station to niagara falls? i've got a good 8 hours to kill and would love to see the falls and maybe some of buffalo too.
any suggestions?

BuffaloGirl

The Depew Amtrak station is outside of the city and, therefore, your best bet is to rent a car (probably the least expensive alternative) or to take a cab. Public transportation is not very good here. I don't have time now, but tonight I'll do a little research for you and see what I come up with!

garyt22

BuffaloGirl is right... take a taxi from the rail station to the airport(a few dollars cab fare) you can pick from any of the rental agencies...from there the falls is about a 35 minute drive... if you are into the nature angle, you might stop on the US side and visit Cave of the Winds, Goat island and stand beside the rapids...if it's the view, then cross over to Canada where you can take in the full vista...you might also hop on the Maid of the Mist for an unforgettable boat ride right into the mist of the falls. There are also Casinos on both sides of the border, as well as the tacky touristy Clifton Hill in Canada... Save Buffalo for your next trip, as well as the Canadian Wine region and Niagara-on-the-Lake.

gleemonex

thanks for the replies.

unfortunately, i cannot drive, so that's not an option here :/

BAK

Why don't you travel from Toronto to Niagara Falls for the day, and then figure out how to get to Buffalo from Niagara Falls, and then get on the train?

That would save several border crssings, and keep you always going in the right direction.

BAK

gleemonex

unfortunately, the ticket is already paid for. i just checked with amtrak, if i wanted to get off in niagara falls (on), i'd have to change the tickets, complicating things even further and adding another $30.

BuffaloGirl

Gleemonex, first of all I would choose one destination - Niagara Falls or Buffalo. You won't have enough time to see and enjoy both. You have to consider travel time and meals. Then decide how you want to go about your trip and what type of transportation you want (I know the rental car is out of the question). In other words, if Buffalo is your choice I would take a taxi to downtown and then either walk around (very safe)and enjoy the architecture and restaurants or book yourself on a tour. Check out the Buffalo-Niagara Convention and Visitors Bureau at www.buffalocvb.com for information about the different tours available. If you decide on visiting the city, I'll be happy to help you with sites and neighborhoods worth visiting.

Your other alternative is to take a taxi to the Falls. The American side is very walkable and all the sites garyt22 mentioned are right there. You can walk over the bridge to the Canadian side. Another possibility is to find a shuttle or tour company that will pick you up at the train station and take you around Niagara Falls. A few are listed in the CVB website I gave you. Just go to the visitors section and then to transportation. Also, you can e-mail the CVB and ask them what suggestions they may have for a quick day trip to either destination.

I love Buffalo and hate to discourage anyone because it has a lot to offer, but if you've never seen Niagara Falls and don't know when you'll get back this way, then I would suggest that as your first choice. Either way, you'll have a great time. The weather in May should be great.

Let me know if you need further help!!!