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Ultimate Travel Guide to the US-side of Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls is world-famous for its awe-inspiring size and magnificent beauty. This spectacular natural wonder attracts all kinds of travelers, young and old, from honeymooners to young couples, groups of friends to families. There is a wide choice of hotels at Niagara Falls, including affordable ones for those on a budget. Newlyweds can splurge and stay in one of the many Niagara Falls luxury hotels. And as far as things to do at Niagara Falls, there are activities for the whole family to enjoy.

How to Get There

New York City, with its many tourist landmarks, attracts more than 65 million visitors each year. Many of these tourists are keen to view nature’s grand spectacle, Niagara Falls, in combination with their trip to New York City. However, the two places are not in the same area. In fact, the distance between NYC and Niagara Falls is about 400 miles, making transportation both challenging and time consuming. Nonetheless, there are some convenient and affordable ways to visit Niagara Falls from New York.

By Bus:

The bus ride from New York to Niagara Falls takes a good 9-10 hours. Bus companies such as Greyhound, Trailways NY, and City2City Bus provide direct services. The standard price is typically $50 one-way. This is convenient if you don’t want to drive, and of course, once you get there you don’t have to bother with parking, etc.

By Airplane:

The fastest, and sometimes surprisingly the cheapest way to reach Niagara Falls from New York is to fly. The flight itself lasts one hour, but keep in mind that it is a 45- to 60-minute drive to the falls from the airport. If you have only one full day to explore the falls and want to save time, this is the best option. The closest airport is Niagara Falls International Airport. Also, Buffalo, New York, is a major airport near Niagara Falls with connections across the US.

Niagara Falls Tours from New York:

Joining a Niagara Falls day tour or booking one of dozens of Niagara Falls vacation packages is a hassle-free way of seeing this majestic natural wonder. It is a lot easier than doing it yourself, especially if you have kids, you are on your honeymoon, or you’re looking for budget-friendly services. A 2-day  Niagara Falls Tour from New York costs a little more than $100 and the hotel is included in the offer. You can also choose a longer three to four days trip for a more relaxed visit and to see more than just the highlights. 

When you select a guided Niagara package tour, the price includes the services of a professional and knowledgeable tour guide from whom you can learn about the history of the falls. And when you book a tour, included for free is the chance to meet and make friends with people from around the world. Please note, that Niagara Falls is a city in Ontario, Canada, so before going to the Canadian side of the falls, some visitors may require a Canada visa. However, the falls can be enjoyed in all their glory from the American side as well.

Things to Do in Niagara Falls

Maid of the Mist

A ride on the iconic  Maid of the Mist boat is a must-do sightseeing activity on the Niagara River. Go with your partner, friends, or family for the unmissable experience of standing among the swirling mist as you get close to the falls on this river cruise. The ticket costs less than $20 for adults and children under 5 go free with an accompanying adult. The Maid of the Mist typically operates in the Niagara Falls state park USA from the first week of April to the first week of November. Note, that the Hornblower cruise runs on the Canadian side of the falls.

Cave of the Winds:

The  Cave of the Winds takes you closer than you can imagine to the thundering Niagara Falls. An elevator will whisk you 175 feet (53 meters) below the Niagara Gorge. After you put on the classic yellow poncho and special non-slip footwear, a tour guide will lead you behind safety railings to within 20 feet (6 meters) of the torrential Bridal Veil Falls. Admission tickets are $14 for adults, $11 for children ages 6-12 years, and free for children below age 6.

Whirlpool Jet:

Take your Niagara Falls holiday to the next level of fun with a ride on the Whirlpool Jet. You’ll enjoy an adrenaline-pumping high-speed ride upriver through the gorge. Note, the ride does not go through the falls themselves. The ticket for the Whirlpool Jet Niagara is $61 for adults and $51 for children ages 6-13.

Niagara Falls Night Illumination:

Every evening, the Niagara Falls are illuminated in the brilliant colors of the rainbow. Don’t miss the marvelous spectacle of the Niagara Falls by night. Sometimes, the lighting is done in special colors during events to support different organizations and charities. You can also take a  night cruise to enjoy the beauty of the falls from the water or admire the falls from the revolving restaurant of the Skylon tower as you sip on a glass of wine (ticket price for the observation deck is $14.50 for adults and $8.50 for kids ages 4-12, access from the Canadian side).

Shopping at Niagara Falls:

There are endless opportunities to shop at Niagara Falls in antique stores, specialty boutiques, and outlet malls where you can find unique gifts and amazing deals, sometimes even better than online prices. The Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls USA is the premier designer outlet shopping destination in the area.