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.

So that means panecott did take the cab to the Canadian side. Going to the American side would take less time and be less expensive but I too still don't think it's worth doing in one day. Anyway,the OP has decided against Niagara Falls but is now considering putting Miami in the mix!