Niagara Falls Day Trip from New York

Are you planning a trip to New York, but dream of visiting one of the most enchanting places in the United States (and Canada)? In this article, we will provide you with everything you need to know about the excursion to Niagara Falls from New York.

From practical tips on how to do it independently to the best organized tour options, we’ve got you covered so you can make the most of your travel experience!

Why Visit Niagara Falls?

As travelers, we all have that list of must-see places we hope to visit in our lifetimes. Some are deeply personal obsessions, while others are universally recognized. Among those that consistently feature on every traveler's bucket list are New York and the Niagara Falls. These two destinations are as different as day and night, yet both carry a mystique—often amplified by Hollywood films—that beckons every wanderer.

If you’re excited at the thought of experiencing both places, why not combine them in one unforgettable trip? Below, we’ll detail how to embark on an excursion to Niagara Falls from New York, covering your options and providing useful tips along the way.

Planning Your Trip to Niagara Falls

To fit an excursion to Niagara Falls from New York into your itinerary, it’s essential to have a few days at your disposal in the Big Apple. Ideally, you should plan on at least a week, but the best experience will involve a trip of 10 days or more.

For those lucky enough to have this time, you’ll find that New York offers a variety of excursions. However, the one to Niagara Falls is undoubtedly the most unique, providing a perfect complement to your trip. After days spent amidst concrete skyscrapers and yellow taxis, a getaway to witness one of nature’s most stunning spectacles is sure to be refreshing.

While the falls are not exactly nearby, you have the option to either organize a self-guided excursion (be prepared for a bit of a marathon) or book an organized tour to take the stress out of planning.

Excursion to Niagara Falls from New York on Your Own

Situated on the border between the United States and Canada, Niagara Falls is approximately 650 km from New York. It may seem daunting to make this trip in a single day, but there’s a solution: taking overnight buses, allowing you to save on hotel costs while experiencing the falls. Just be warned, it will be a long journey! The company Greyhound offers direct connections from New York for around $50, with a travel time of about 11 hours.

If you opt for self-guided travel, our recommendation is to spend at least one night in Niagara Falls (preferably on the Canadian side). You could take the Maple Leaf Train (train number 63) at 7:15 AM from Penn Station, arriving at Niagara Falls (ON) at 4:33 PM. This way, you can explore the falls at the end of the day and enjoy the whole next day before returning on a night bus to New York.

Alternatively, you might consider renting a car for a road trip from New York. However, we find that making this drive in a single day, or even two consecutive days, can be quite taxing.

Don’t forget that if you cross into Canada from the United States by land, you do not need an eTA for Canada; just pass through passport control at the stations and you’re good to go! More info.

It’s always wise to have travel insurance. Consider getting the IATI travel insurance with a 5% discount here. No matter where you go, it’s a good idea to avoid potential hassles.

Organized Tour to Niagara Falls from New York

While we often advocate for a DIY approach to excursions, it’s important to note that if you have limited time, a self-guided trip might be overwhelming. Thus, we recommend opting for an organized tour to Niagara Falls from New York, even if it costs a bit more.

There are various tour options available, including 1-day excursions (which typically leave around 4 AM to maximize your time) and multi-day trips that explore other fascinating sites in the region. The tours focused on Niagara Falls generally include transportation, a cruise to get up close to the falls, a tour of the park, and a guide who speaks Spanish.

Here are some options to consider:

• Day trip to Niagara Falls (by bus)
• 2-day tour to Niagara Falls
• 3-day trip covering Toronto, Niagara Falls, and the Thousand Islands

Regardless of which option you choose, we’re confident that you won’t regret your decision. Visiting the Niagara Falls from New York is an unforgettable experience. For us, it was our first taste of Canada, and it holds a special place in our memories.

For those looking for additional resources and tips for your trip, here’s a quick table to help you save on your journey:

New York travel guide with essential information you need