Getting to Niagara Falls from Toronto

[kpc]

What is rhe best way to get from downtown Toronto to Niagara Falls (not including rental car) and back? Googling suggests local train vs Greyhound bus vs interstate train (not freq)? Don't want to drive as don't need car at destination and parking at NFs seems quite expensive. I gather whatevet option I choose I still need to catch a local bus / cab to main tourist area when I get to NF. TiA.

Also suggestions what to do...will have 2 full days there and intend to walk across rainbow bridge on one of the days to see the NF from US side

 

[Dnicoll]

Still worthwhile considering renting a car, as the attractions are quite spread out, and (from memory) the parking is not too expensive. The Maid of the Mist ferry is good fun (stand right at the front if you want to get really wet!) and goes from both the US and the Canadian sides. If you rent a car then you could consider staying at Niagara-on-the-Lake rather than Niagara Falls. It is a quaint town (still touristy but nicer than Niagara Falls area) a short drive north, and has lots of guesthouses and restaurants, as well as a Bernard Shaw playhouse where you could see a play one night. Fort George National Historic Site near Niagara-on-the-Lake is also worth a visit.

 

[amaroo]

We did a day trip in the middle of the 2013 Toronto Ice storm and polar vortex event. I was planning on driving (rental) however, the weather events ruled that out... ended up stumping for a hire car service - cost C$425 for round trip.

 

[RooFlyer]

I'd support what Dnicoll said - there are attractions around NF worth going to - especially Niagra-on-the-Lake, so you may want to reconsider not hiring a car. Ditto staying at N-o-t-L rather than at NF.

However if you are dead set against driving, then the ViaRail service is OK - see here . Plenty of services and the NF station is 4km from the Falls.

 

[clazman]

+1 for driving, simply drive... quite a bit to do in the area.. including wineries

 

[Virgin Bart]

+1 for driving, simply drive... quite a bit to do in the area.. including wineries

I did it earlier this year. Took the interstate train - it's the only one that goes direct from Niagara Falls, ON to Toronto Union. Easy, not too long, one service per day. Book long in advance. Otherwise, there are heaps of services with one change (I forget where).

 

[JohnK]

I was there in 2009 with dad. My memory fails me but think we took the local train there and back. Comfortable journey and very picturesque. A short(ish) walk from Niagara Falls train station to the falls. Should have taken the taxi instead.

Shame but I have lost most photos from that trip. We have some photos printed but have lost/misplaced the 2 SD cards and computer hard drive is long dead with no backup.

 

[mudlark]

Also recommend NOTL. And driving is easy .................unless the weather results in ice on the roads......and then it's "interesting".