Boston to Niagara Falls | Discover the Best Ways to Travel Niagara Falls!
If you’re in Boston and hoping to travel from Boston to Niagara Falls, you may be curious how best to make this trip happen. Niagara Falls is one of the most beautiful natural wonders, attracting millions of visitors annually.
From round-trip flights to an overnight bus, this is your complete guide for traveling from Boston to Niagara Falls with tips on where to stay and answers to most FAQs.
There are several ways to get from Boston to Niagara Falls. Each mode of transportation has advantages and disadvantages, making it important to consider the option that best suits your travel type, budget, and itinerary. Let’s break down the main travel options available below:
Driving
Distance and Time:
Driving from Boston to Niagara Falls covers approximately 466.3 miles of travel by car from Boston to Niagara Falls over a 7-8 hour stretch of road, traffic, and detours. The route usually goes along I-90 W, which takes you through charming towns and beautiful landscapes.
Young, cheerful women enjoying their trip
Scenic Stops along the Way:
Albany, NY: The capital of New York State, Albany provides historical sites and parks.
Syracuse, N.Y.: Syracuse is famous for its universities and its proximity to the Finger Lakes region, so it’s an ideal place to stop for a meal or a quick sightseeing tour.
Finger Lakes: If you have the time, it’s worth taking a detour through the Finger Lakes region. The scenic region is home to gorgeous lakes and wineries, making it a great place to explore.
Tips for a Memorable Drive:
Check Road Conditions: Before you set off, always check the weather and road conditions.
Plan your stops: Schedule a few planned stops, beat the strain of sitting long hours behind the wheel, and enjoy a few local tourist sites.
Pack Snacks: Make sure to bring along some snacks and drinks to make the trip more comfortable.
Flying
Quickest Way to Reach Niagara Falls:
For Boston to Niagara Falls travel, flying is the fastest option. The closest major airport is Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF), about 30 minutes away from Niagara Falls.
Passenger aircraft on the clouds
Air Travel Options:
Flight Duration: From Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) to Buffalo it usually takes around 1.5 hours.
Airlines: There are several airlines with nonstop service between these two cities: American Airlines and JetBlue.
How to get to Niagara Falls from the airport:
Upon arrival at Buffalo Airport, there are several transportation options to take you to Niagara Falls:
Car Rentals: Major rental companies, including Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis, operate at the airport.
Shuttles: Services like Super Shuttle provide shuttle-style transfers to your Niagara Falls accommodations.
Taxis and Rideshares: Rideshare options, such as UBER and LYFT, are also available.
Train and Bus Travel
Amtrak Services
Amtrak Services
Taking the Train:
If you prefer to take the scenic route from Boston to Niagara Falls, Amtrak offers an enjoyable way to skip the car. The train ride is longer but it is a relaxed travel experience.
Duration of Travel: The journey is approximately 12-14 hours long.
Route: The Amtrak Lake Shore Limited runs from Boston to Niagara Falls, stopping at several points in between.
Pros and Cons of Train Travel:
Pros: Scenic views; spacious seats; freedom to roam the train.
Cons: Takes longer than flying or driving.
You can find schedules and purchase tickets directly on the Amtrak website.
Bus Services
Taking the Bus:
Another budget-friendly way to go from Boston to Niagara Falls is to take a bus.
Providers: Greyhound and Megabus, two major bus companies, run routes between the two places.
Travel Duration: The bus takes about 10-12 hours.
Pros and Cons of Bus Travel:
Pros: Cheap fares and several departure times.
Cons: Not as comfortable, and travel time is much longer than either flying or driving.
Guided tour options: For convenience, think about joining a guided tour from Boston to Niagara Falls. Such packages typically include transport, lodgings, and tour-based experiences at the falls.
View of Niagara Falls, New York
Types of Tours:
Day Trips: Some companies provide one-day trips, including transportation and guided tours of the falls.
Multi-Day Tours: If you want a deeper experience, multi-day tours usually offer hotel accommodations and visits to surrounding attractions.
Highlight Inclusions:
Transportation: Most tours offer comfortable coaches with professional drivers.
Meals: Many packages include meals during the trip.
Attractions: Most tours make stops at major attractions, including the Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds.
The best time to visit Niagara Falls depends on your preferences. Here’s a breakdown of the seasons:
Spring (March to May): Mild temperatures and blooming flowers make this a beautiful season to visit. But expect some rain, due to the climate.
Summer (June to August): warm temperatures and lots of festivals make for the peak tourist season. This is the peak tourist season. Expect bigger crowds and steeper prices.
Fall (September to November): The fall colors are beautiful, and the weather remains mild. This is the best time to visit.
Winter (December to February): You are a winter sports fan with less tourist traffic, and visiting in the winter months can be magical. At night, the falls are beautifully illuminated, and activities like ice skating are encouraged.
Accommodation Recommendations
With planning your stay according to where you want to stay near Niagara Falls, you have multiple options for accommodation:
Hotels: Numerous hotels boast fantastic views of the falls. Some popular options to consider are:
Campsites: For a more rugged experience, you could camp at Niagara Falls State Park. For reservations, visit ReserveAmerica.
Unique Stays: For something new, check out Airbnb listings around. You can search for cabins or apartments, with many boasting great views.
Things to Do at Niagara Falls | What to See & Do
Maid of the Mist, Niagara Falls
The falls themselves are the main draw, but there’s plenty else to do:
Maid of the Mist: Get a close-up view of the falls on this iconic boat tour.
Cave of the Winds: Take an immersive walk on platforms feet away from the Bridal Veil Falls.
Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory: A stunning indoor garden teeming with butterflies.
Niagara Falls State Park: Visit the park’s trails, picnic areas, and scenic viewpoints.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
How far is Niagara Falls from Boston?
The distance from Boston to Niagara Falls is approximately 466.3 miles. It takes between 7-8 hours by car and 1.5 hours if you decide to fly.
What’s the Best Way to Travel from Boston to Niagara Falls?
Your preferred way to travel depends on your requirements:
Driving: Perfect for those who love road trips and beautiful vistas.
Flying: If you need the fastest method.
The Train/Bus: if you’re after a cheap and unhurried way to travel.
Guided Tour: If you want a tour that is hassle-free and has an itinerary planned.
What is the average cost of traveling from Boston to Niagara Falls, USA?
Costs vary widely by mode of travel and season:
Driving: Costs (around $50-$80 one way) for fuel and tolls.
Flying: Round-trip tickets range anywhere from $100 to $300.
Train: Amtrak tickets tend to be about $50 to $120 one way.
Bus: Very low fares, from $30 to $80 one way.
Tours: Guided tours can range from $150 to $400 a person, depending on what they include.
Conclusion
There are plenty of ways to get from Boston to Niagara Falls that you can choose from based on your preferences and budget. No matter how you choose to travel, whether by car, plane, train, or tour, the aesthetics of Niagara Falls is sure to be an unforgettable experience.
Research your trip thoroughly, and determine when is the best time for you to go, where to stay, and what sights to see on your visit. Regardless of how one travels to reach Niagara Falls, the experience of the trip is beautiful and exhilarating!
So, are you ready to start planning your trip from Boston to Niagara Falls? What is the best travel experience you have ever had, or do you have any travel questions? Share in the comments below! To read more stories in the Travel Well series, subscribe to the newsletter, and follow us on social media: we still want to hear your travel questions and tips.
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