Megabus is the original and is still probably market leader. It operates in a region bounded by Portland, Me., in the north, Charlotte and Memphis in the South, and Kansas City and Minneapolis to the west. Most routes radiate out up to 400 miles from Chicago, Pittsburgh, New York, and Washington. Typically, Megabus runs a minimum of two round trips daily -- one daytime, one overnight -- with more frequent buses on many routes. Fares are capacity-controlled, starting out very low -- as low as $5 each way -- and increasing as the trip fills. Seating is guaranteed. A Canadian affiliate operates similar services linking the main cities in the corridor from Montreal to Niagara Falls, with cross-border service to Buffalo and Buffalo airport -- popular with air travelers who want to avoid Canada's heavy fees on international air trips.The latest entrant is Greyhound: Its "express" sub-system appears to be pretty much a clone of Megabus; it operates in the same general areas in the same general pattern or operations. Greyhound offers various discounts, including up to 50 percent for advance purchase and half-price family companion tickets.

megabus.com

greyhound.com

I think bus is cheapest, assuming you don;t have your own car. But - do realize that it is a very long trip each way - and if you go up one day and back the next you won;t have much time there at all. Also - all of the best activities are on the Canadian side - so you must have your passport and should book a hotel there. (Lodgings on the US side are slim and sub par - it's not an area you want to stay in.)

Not sure what you mean by somewhere nearer - the Falls is only in one place - and you either go or you don;t.

To go from New York City to Niagara Falls is a full day of travel EACH WAY. So you either spend two days of travel and one day of seeing the sights, or spend two days of travel and do nothing more than say, "Gee, that's a nice falls" and immediately get ready to return.

I've been to Niagara Falls four times, and have enjoyed every visit. But, if one is starting in New York City, I can think of a dozen places I'd recommend over Niagara Falls that do not require a full day of travel to get to. The falls are a great place, but not THAT great.

This is the same advice I'd give if someone asked, "I'm in Los Angeles and want to visit the Golden Gate Bridge" or "I'm in Rome and want to visit the Eiffel Tower." Some people would just tell how to get to the Golden Gate Bridge from Los Angeles; I prefer a different approach.

The Megabus from NYC goes to Niagara Falls Canada so it is important for you to have a passport for border crossing... it is BY FAR the cheapest at about $65 each way or less...

if you don't have a passport, the bus stops at Buffalo Airport and the Buffalo city bus terminal, about 30 miles from niagara falls, and you would have to take additional busses to the falls...

It takes about 9 to 10 hours (more like 12 hours on the train, I believe) to reach Niagara Falls from NYC. Keep that in mind.

Big question--WHY.

Also - when are you planning to go. The Falls are definitely seasonal. they are inthe snow belt and many of the activites are shut in colder weather. You can chek the Maid of the Mist web site - I believe they run only from late April though Oct.

And agree is you trip is limited this is not the best use of 2 or 3 days. We saw it only because we were driving to Toronto for a week.

Why? Because every European, Australian, and British traveler wants to see Niagara Falls. I don't really get it, but maybe it's because I'm a jaded American. To me, it's like going to London and insisting that no trip would be complete without seeing Loch Lomond, and having only 24 hours to make the trip.

While I think Niagara Falls is pretty impressive, it's not really a convenient "side trip" when visiting NYC. If this is a long vacation where you want to visit different areas of the US, then I would say go for it. However, if you have a limited amount of time and just want to "see" Niagara Falls, I don't think it's worth it. A lot of people seem to think that it is closer to NYC than it really is. If you have some time on your hands, I would suggest you rent a car and drive up there. Especially if you are coming in autumn, it can be pretty scenic (depending on the route you take). The train is also a nice leisurely way to go. Although, you will then have to find some transport to get you from the Niagara Falls train station to the Falls. A taxi would probably be easy enough. I am assuming you will want to stay over at the Falls? It's really too far for a day trip. If that is the case, most of the nicer lodging is on the Canadian side. There are a couple of decent hotels on the American side - there is a Sheraton very close by (walking distance to Falls) and there is the Seneca Niagara Casino/Hotel, although that will be expensive.

Not sure about tours. There are scores of them that go to the Falls but I am not familiar with which ones operate out of NYC.

Most people who badmouth the Falls (see above editor comment) have not bothered to explore the natural power and beauty of the experience.... they base their comments on being an eight year old and climbing out of the family station wagon to gawk for five minutes and then spending a twenty minute ride on the Maid of the Mist...

You can blame the lack of organized tours which would spend the day on the origins, natural geology, amazing trails, upper and lower rapids, jetboating into the vicinity of the whirlpool, climbing down to the base of the falls, and ten other natural features...

Instead it has become a carnival where tourists are pointed to the arcades and casinos after the quick look and then climb back into the family wagon and head home... like Doug's experience

I would seriously doubt that Doug is qualified to comment on the Falls and as an editor, he has a higher bar to reach when making such offhand slams...

gary, what I believe Doug is saying is that a lot of people come on here trying to cram it into a trip that it logically does not fit in. I have cringed at the # of proposed itineraries that included it as a day trip. If someone wants to see it and has a few days, I would highly recommending. Taking a day or 2 out of a trip to NYC to cram it in makes no sense to me and other people on here.

If you read the original post, there's no mention of a side trip or one day itinerary... the poster may be on a 6 month journey across America and as many "European, Australian and British travelers" may be seeking inexpensive travel options across America...

They may be trying to reach a sick relative, or buy a new puppy... whatever... they asked about cheap transportation...

for an Editor to make such comments is inappropriate... he's here to police bad behavior and provide helpful information...

I thought his remark was appropriate if that is how he feels. He couched it in "jaded" etc. So I guess we need more information on the sick puppy or new relative for the OP to go. It IS 'way out of the way of anything except a trip to NF.

kentgirl, you really should tell us how much time you have.

IMO, the falls is well worth seeing, and I would plan to spend at least 2 full days there so you can take advantage of the many fun activities, and have a look at both the Canadian and American sides. The latter usually is given short shrift, but it's quite nice and you can get very close to the falls and the rapids. Also, the Cave of the Winds, my favorite Niagara attraction, is on the American side.

So, bottom lime, if you're planning to take the bus, allow yourself 4 days b/c two full days will be devoted to traveling.

P.S. Altho' you should see both the Canadian and American falls, it's best to stay on the Canadian side, where most of the "action" is.

I've been to the falls twice. I really don't understand the Fodor's Editors comments at all. The falls on both sides are beautiful, tacky, touristy and powerful. There is a lot for everyone, and although I have no plans to revisit it as a priority on my travel plans, I would still love to revisit it someday. It is a force, and there is beauty in the area.

I'm sorry KentGirl for not addressing your particular dilemna, but think that if it is something you would like to see then you should.

And to anyone who is only going to the American side - definitely walk over to Goat Island, which gives you some good views of the river and Falls.

Hi Guys
Thanks every one for your feed back.But yes i am one of these people trying to cram every thing in .And i have decide to see Niagara Falls next time i come to usa .When its warmer.And Paul would love you to recommand other places.I have a list but be great to hear where other people thing i should vist..
What a great site

Cheers Jan ...

Just to clarify, I actually do believe that the Falls isn't worth the trouble if one needs to spend a lot of money to get there and has very little time. It's a grand natural attraction and especially scenic, but it's just not the Grand Canyon or Yosemite.

But it's not a suitable day- or even overnight trip, and I know from Kentgirl's other threads that she's trying to cram in virtually the entirety of New England into her trip. Her other threads mention Boston, Washington, and other places that are "quite close" to New York City.

I'll stand by my comments and even my analogy. It's not a slam on the falls themselves (or even how tacky and touristy they have become) but a commentary on trip-planning and certainly reflects my own philosophy about travel. I prefer to pick a few quality experiences wherever I go rather than trying to cram everything on a laundry list into a one-week vacation; I firmly believe that's how one has a memorable trip anywhere. Further, few tourists have a real grasp on how big New York State is, and I simply would not take 3 days of a 7-day visit to New York City (particularly a first visit) to travel to Niagara Falls.

<<Further, few tourists have a real grasp on how big New York State is, and I simply would not take 3 days of a 7-day visit to New York City (particularly a first visit) to travel to Niagara Falls.>>

I completely agree with that. Regarding how tacky and touristy the falls has become - that is more the Canadian side. The NY side has managed to avoid that to a large extent. Ironic because most people seem to prefer the Canadian side.

I think the Canadian side is preferred b/c there are many more hotels and restaurants there, and most of the attractions, except Cave of the Winds. If they start erecting more and more hotels on the NY side the same thing will probably happen eventually.

It's too bad that it has become tacky, but the tacky places can be avoided. The street that goes right along the falls on the Canadian side is still nice.

Maid of the Mist is also accessible from the US side.

Hi I wont go this time.But i still think it will be a great place to visit.But in the summer.Thanks for all your advice .

What no one has said is the best way to get there from NYC is to FLY to Buffalo, NY. Jetblue.com and other airlines have nonstop flights that take about 1 1/2 hrs. and if you do that, it can be done as a daytrip. It's less hectic if you stay overnight, but still possible in a day and yes, there are cos. that offer a daytrip from Manhattan that includes flying. But you pay quite a premium for them to organize it all for you when you can do it on your own fairly easily. There are even tours from the airport I think. But because you asked for cheapest way, everyone concentrated on that. Once again, kayak.com will show you prices. As with your Florida question, airfares are generally cheaper if you book at least 2 weeks in advance. I've seen fares as low as $50 each way.

Don't forget that the Buffalo airport is about a 45-60 minute ride from Niagara Falls. Last time I was there, about 3-4 years ago, the cab fare was $75 each way.

I don't think it's practical to do it in one day.

panecott... the Falls is 30 minutes away and maybe $40... sorry you got "taken for a ride"...

maybe panecott took the cab to the Canadian side of the Falls. That could take 45-60 minutes.

It wasn't just me. I was with someone and we shared a cab with a young couple on their honeymoon. We were all told the same thing about the fare - separately - before deciding to share the ride. The fare was the same on the way back.
In fact we checked with the hotel and they said the same thing. $75. It was Canadian $$, but still would not translate to as low as $40 US.

Anyway, I still don't think it's worth doing in one day.