Laguardia to Niagara Falls (US side)
 

Hi. My mom and her husband will be dropping someone off at LGA and then heading to Niagara Falls. Which route would you recommend? I-87/17 or I-80/I-380? They may only go as far as Binghamton that day and would prefer the route with the least congestion/traffic. I know that may be asking a lot, but...

Also, if they come across a road with tolls, how does it work in NY with a rental car? Do you pay cash, do you drive on through and get a bill later, etc.

Thanks for any help/advice you can provide.

Where will the car be rented? I avoid driving in the NYC area by taking a train.
There are several Empire Service trains that stop in Buffalo.
They could also use the Amtrak Maple Leaf getting off in Niagara Falls NY or Niagara Falls ON if they have passports.

They should look up comparisons for toll tags in NY rentals. Florida has this on an easy page - the various agencies charge different rates for using an EZpass or whatever the regional variety is called.

As for the train, why bother? It takes about a half hour or so to bolt the city and you don't have to hit Manhattan. Tomfuller is a train enthusiast and apologist for Amtrak (which generally sucks outside the Boston to DC corridor).

If you don't like the train, fly from LGA to BUF and take a taxi. I asked about where you were renting since you might want to return the car where you rented instead of doing a one way to Niagara Falls NY.

Rental will (has been) made at LGA. There is a different leg of this trip prior to the Niagara Falls portion.

Yes, but will they be returning to where they got the car? Or will it still be a one way?

And they need to be sure to tell the rental company they are going to Canada (no point in going to NF IMHO is they don't go to the Canadian side) so they have the proper insurance/documents. Otherwise I believe it is technically car theft.

Viewing the falls from the American side only is perfectly fine.

New York State loves charging for tolls. There are cash lanes and EZ-Pass lanes, so no problem with a rental car. They can just pay as they go.

I have nothing to offer regarding the route....sorry!

Map the route through Scranton and on to Binghamton... It will be trafficky near the airport and ease as you get farther away from NYC... Rt90 is the Thruway with Tolls, but you can avoid paying by driving on non-toll roads... You get a ticket when you enter the 90 and pay when you exit... It's about $20 to $25 each way to ride the entire length...

We stop in Johnson City near Binghamton...

Thanks gary - that's what i needed to know.

My mom's hubby has decided at the last minute that he needs a new passport "just in case" they go to Canada! They leave Tuesday!!! AUGH! I was able to get him an appt with the regional passport agency on Mon. a.m. so hopefully all will work out. I told him that he HAD TO GO TO CANADA if we get his passport - I wanna see the stamp!!!

I'll be sure and pass along the info on advising the car rental they may go to Canada. Yes, they will be returning the car back to LGA. Thanks nytraveler

BG - I couldn't remember which side was the better viewing side; I'll pass that info along.

Thank you all for your input.

No passport stamp for border crossing to Canada ...

I love the Falls from the American side, but if they're going all that distance, they should also see it from the Canadian side.

I think it would be foolish not to.

Ugh Gary, you didn't need to tell me that!!! I've jumped thru hoops AND have to get up extra early tomorrow.

I'm hoping they go into to Canada -- just because. As you say, they've gone all that way, and have the time, they might as well.

Thanks for everyone's input.

Personally, I would go across the George Washington Bridge (upper level) and go up the Palisades Parkway until it connects with I-287 (there's a direct exit on the right to the Palisades as you cross the bridge going west). At that point, I'd take that to I-87 and then get on NY 17 all the way to Binghamton. That is not the fastest route, but it's not going to be as congested as I-80, which is both packed with trucks and has a lot of construction. From Binghamton, they can go on I-81 and I-90 the rest of the way.

It might be a bit faster to get on NY 17 earlier and go through Paramus, but I just like the Palisades Pkwy. There are some great scenic stops on the way up the west side of the Hudson.

There will be fewer tolls, and they can all be paid in cash if they do not have an EZ-Pass but they'll need to make sure they are in a cash lane at ever toll gate.

There are motels in the Binghampton area I have friends who often stay at the La Quinta enroute to western New York from the NYC area. Basic but fine for an overnight.

Route 17 is ok. just be aware that it will be a bit darker after sunset, than driving on a city highway. If you check with map sites they should tell you which areas have construction en route.