Niagara falls to/from Washington DC

[Mal]

I've got about a week in the U.S coming up. While I'm there, two of the things I'll probably end up wanting to do is to visit Washington D.C and Niagara falls.

On this trip I'd prefer to not drive over there. I presume Amtrak (with a change in New York) would be one of the best ways between the U.S side of Niagara and Washington DC. I'm sure there are flight options as well - something I'll look into.

As I arrive in LAX originally, probably will fly over to BUF. Not really wanting to fly into Toronto.

Plan to spend one night (and part of a day) on the U.S side, before heading over the border and seeing the Canadian side.

Any suggestions or advice?

 

[anat0l]

You can read a little bit about my adventures in Niagara / BUF airport in my TR in progress:

*A, *A Flights... Across two oceans and the USA... - FlyerTalk Forums

It's chock full of pics and you probably want to start reading at post #29 or #30.

Some quick information that I could find or put together:

Transport to/from BUF Airport

• Note that unless you are travelling between May - October, the Airport - Niagara Falls express bus line 210 doesn't run. You'll need two buses - one to Buffalo, the other from Buffalo to Niagara Falls. And then similar on the way back.
• The bus is the cheapest option by far. You don't really want to be taking a taxi (hard enough to get at times; damn well impossible to make them cross the border) unless you're pressed.
• Plan your timing for buses etc. and try to book your flights around it. This is a small town, buses may be infrequent or late. Also allow yourself some time/allowance for your travels (e.g. how much time it takes to get to/from the airport should be factored into your sightseeing time or lack thereof etc.)
• US and UA regional subsidiaries both run direct flights from BUF to WAS. Of course, taking the train could be a good experience, but I have no experience in this regard.

Transport in general

• NFTA website for your bussing needs in the Buffalo-Niagara region: NFTA - Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority
• You can walk anywhere once you're in and around Niagara Falls (US or Canadian side). Bring some good walking shoes, preferably as waterproof / water-resistant as possible (if you're going in and around the falls, you will get wet). Do note on the Canadian side of the city there will be quite a few hills.
• I think there is a free tram or bus (or a relatively cheap one) if you need to get around Niagara Falls, but you can usually walk around and save yourself chancing the schedule.
• Crossing the border in a tour bus - or any transport for that matter - is going to cost you a lot. This is why it's best to probably get transported to the border (if you don't want to walk, depending on where you are), walk across the bridge, and ditto once you get to the other side.

In Niagara Falls

• The main bridge which links Niagara Falls' US and Canadian sides is called Rainbow Bridge. You will pass through the relevant customs as you go through each side of the bridge.
• You need 50c (IIRC) as you leave Canada to head back to the US, if walking.
• US currency is acceptable in most cases to be used in Canadian Niagara Falls, but will usually be accepted at parity (which is slightly worse than using Canadian Dollars alone). Note that frequently your change will still be in CAD.
• Taxi ride from the Canadian border control to the main hotel precinct (e.g. Hilton Fallsview) is about $10 without tips.
• The Canadian horseshoe falls is generally bigger and better than the US falls.
• The best attraction at Niagara Falls is (reportedly) the Maid of the Mist boat ride, however it is seasonal. The stalwart next best is Journey Behind the Falls. I believe both are Canadian side attractions. In fact, check attractions for seasonality before you go.
• Since this is prime tourist country, expect most things to be more expensive than normal (viz. food, accommodation, etc.). In particular, remember that accommodation prices are quoted exclusive of tax. Rates are not completely exorbitant (unlike in Australia), but they aren't as dead cheap as some other places in LOTFAP.
• Once again - if you're getting close to the falls you will get wet. Plan to head out, get wet top to bottom (or at least top) and head back a little soaked to your hotel room and dehumidify out a bit.

I used a combination of Google and Wikitravel to get some ideas on Niagara Falls. You can also pick up some info at the arrivals information desk at BUF airport. There are also websites like this:

Niagara Falls Hotels and Attractions by Niagara Falls Live !

Just be careful since some information (subtly) may be out of date. In addition, there may not be everything you need to know on one website (e.g. transport options).

I also think Flyertalk may have a few threads on Niagara Falls (under the Travel section).

 

[Mal]

Thanks Anat0l - very thorough information there

 

[MissBurrill]

My quick advice while I'm getting ready for work is to pay the little bit extra on Amtrak to travel in Business Class and Jet BLue offer a great service out of Buffalo which took me to DC via NY.

 

[Mal]

Here's what I'll probably end up doing.

Day -1
- Planning on arriving in Bufalo about midnight (This is after a LOT of flying, and I'll also be jetlagged a little so won't be in the best state of mind!). Hotel does have shuttle from BUF that runs 24/7. (Holiday Inn Bufalo downtown 620 DELAWARE AVENUE)
Day 1
- In the morning, check-out, leave bag, wander a little around Bufalo. Collect Bag.
- Get myself over the border into Canada to arrive about 1pm or 2pm or so.
- Check-in, drop bag. Planning on staying at Crowne Plaza FallsView.
- In the Afternoon, "Maid of the Mist" cruise, perhaps also "Walk behind the falls" (Should be achievable during low season in 4 hours or so).
- Evening, head up Skylon Tower for a look.
Day 2.
- Check-out, leave bag.
- "Walk behind the falls" if not achievable the day before.
** Note this is Easter Sunday ... so things might be a little more comples**
- Do other touristy stuff, collect bag, end up on the other side of the border.
- Perhaps some time on Niagara (US) side, but with small rollaboard - might not be a good idea.
- Get myself to BUF, go through the formalities, 5:30 flight to DCA (US Airways).

Still various things to work out (esp. Transportation - bus timetables are scary!), but I think this is achievable. Anything else I should add?

 

[MissBurrill]

Here's what I'll probably end up doing.

Day -1
- Planning on arriving in Bufalo about midnight (This is after a LOT of flying, and I'll also be jetlagged a little so won't be in the best state of mind!). Hotel does have shuttle from BUF that runs 24/7. (Holiday Inn Bufalo downtown 620 DELAWARE AVENUE)
Day 1
- In the morning, check-out, leave bag, wander a little around Bufalo. Collect Bag.
- Get myself over the border into Canada to arrive about 1pm or 2pm or so.
- Check-in, drop bag. Planning on staying at Crowne Plaza FallsView.
- In the Afternoon, "Maid of the Mist" cruise, perhaps also "Walk behind the falls" (Should be achievable during low season in 4 hours or so).
- Evening, head up Skylon Tower for a look.
Day 2.
- Check-out, leave bag.
- "Walk behind the falls" if not achievable the day before.
** Note this is Easter Sunday ... so things might be a little more comples**
- Do other touristy stuff, collect bag, end up on the other side of the border.
- Perhaps some time on Niagara (US) side, but with small rollaboard - might not be a good idea.
- Get myself to BUF, go through the formalities, 5:30 flight to DCA (US Airways).

Still various things to work out (esp. Transportation - bus timetables are scary!), but I think this is achievable. Anything else I should add?

I liked the Holiday Inn Dowtown in Buffalo. I definitely liked their bar and restaurant. The shuttle bus to the airport was great. But with a midnight arrival you won't be checking out the bar.

I caught a Greyhound bus from Niagara Falls to Buffalo for about $10 Canadian. There was wireless interweb and electric chairs (powerpoints). The bus was late into Niagara Falls so later than usual to the border which meant we had to wait for a few other buses and were late to Buffalo.

 

[Mal]

I caught a Greyhound bus from Niagara Falls to Buffalo for about $10 Canadian. There was wireless interweb and electric chairs (powerpoints). The bus was late into Niagara Falls so later than usual to the border which meant we had to wait for a few other buses and were late to Buffalo.

Another good option. Thanks!

 

[drmikki]

We used an Amtrak North-East pass when visiting Buffalo/Boston/NY/DC in early 2006, but I can't seem to find that deal on the Amtrak website - looks like it no longer exists.

If not keen on seeing the countryside, it may be quicker and easier to fly to DC. Either way I'm sure you'll have fun!