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Arriving & Departing by Air

Arriving & Departing by Air

New York State, USA

Buffalo Niagara International Airport BUF

Airport Overview

BUF serves as the main airport for Buffalo and the surrounding Western New York region.

Features

  • A modern, mid-sized airport.
  • Handles both domestic and some international flights.
  • Free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal.

Airlines & Routes

Major airlines operate out of BUF, connecting Buffalo to various cities across the United States.

Main Carriers

  • American Airlines (Charlotte, Philadelphia, Chicago).
  • Delta, Southwest Airlines, United, JetBlue, Frontier.
  • International travelers typically connect through major U.S. Gateways.

Dining Options

A diverse selection of restaurants, cafes, and bars, both pre- and post-security.

Retail Stores

Shops selling newspapers, books, travel essentials, and local souvenirs.

Charging Stations

Power outlets and charging points available in various areas of the terminal.

Transfer Options From BUF

Public Transit & Taxis

  • NFTA Metro Bus (Route 24) direct to downtown ($2.50).
  • Taxis readily available ($35-$45 to downtown).
  • Rental cars at airport counters for flexibility.
  • Many hotels offer complimentary shuttle service.

Ride-Sharing & Shuttles

  • Uber and Lyft operate from BUF. Designated pick-up near baggage claim.
  • Hotel shuttles for transport to accommodation.
  • Car rental desks available for self-drive options.
  • Confirm driver info for ride-share safety.

Seasonal Flight Availability & Price Fluctuations

Peak Season Pricing

Flight prices stay higher during summer (June-August) and major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's).

Lower Prices

Prices typically reduce during shoulder seasons (spring and fall) and in winter (excluding holidays).

Booking Advice

Booking several weeks or months in advance, especially for peak travel, often yields better fares. Consider Dollar Flight Club for deals or Skyscanner for comparison.

Ground Travel Options

Border Crossing Peace Bridge

For travelers coming from or going to Canada, the Peace Bridge connects Buffalo to Fort Erie, Ontario.

Crossing Essentials

  • Valid passport for all travelers (U.S., Canadian, International).
  • U.S. Visa or ESTA for re-entry into U.S. (international visitors).
  • Check real-time border wait times online (U.S. CBP).

Train Services Amtrak

Amtrak passenger rail service connects Buffalo to other major cities.

Buffalo Train Stations & Routes

  • Buffalo-Exchange Street (BFX) located downtown.
  • Buffalo-Depew (BUF) a larger suburban hub.
  • Routes: Empire Service (to NYC), Maple Leaf (NYC to Toronto), Lake Shore Limited.

Long-Distance Buses

Intercity bus services deliver a budget-friendly way to travel to and from Buffalo.

Bus Companies & Terminals

  • Greyhound provides extensive connections across U.S. And Canada.
  • Trailways offers additional intercity routes within New York State.
  • Buffalo Metropolitan Transportation Center is the main bus terminal.

Self-Driving & Car Rentals

Driving in Buffalo offers flexibility for exploration beyond the city center.

Driving Details

  • Valid driver's license (International Driving Permit for non-English licenses).
  • Minimum age to rent a car is generally 21 (surcharge for 21-24).
  • Consider purchasing rental car insurance.

Road Conditions & Safety

  • Highways (I-90, I-190) are generally well-maintained.
  • Winter driving (Nov-Mar) presents challenges with snow/ice.
  • Snow tires or all-wheel-drive vehicles recommended for winter.
  • Moderate traffic congestion during peak commute hours (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM).
  • Drive slower, increase following distance in winter.
  • Ensure car rental agreement permits cross-border travel to Canada.

Waterway Travel

Ferry Services & Cruise Ports

Buffalo does not serve as a port for commercial passenger ferries or major cruise lines.

Lake Erie Usage

  • Mainly used for recreational boating.
  • Popular for fishing activities.
  • Mainly for cargo shipping.

River Transportation

The Buffalo River is mainly used for recreational boating and industrial purposes.

River Tours

  • Seasonal tour boats, like Buffalo River History Tours, give scenic excursions.
  • Focus on the city's industrial heritage and revitalization.
  • These tours do not serve as transportation to or from the city.

Immigration Procedures

No international passenger seaports, so no seaport immigration procedures apply to typical tourist travel.

Connections to Land Transport

For recreational boat tours, connections to land transportation are straightforward (e.g., Canalside).

Local Access

Use local public transit, ride-shares, or taxis to reach tour departure points.

Departure Details

Efficient Departure

Complete online check-in for your flight 24 hours before departure if possible. This saves time at the airport, especially if you do not have checked luggage.