Things to do / Travel Guide
Western New York
While buses and trains do provide services between many larger cities and smaller towns, visitors would be advised to tour the region by car. Driving in and around the Finger Lakes, as well as between the larger cities of Rochester and Buffalo, is easy and enjoyable. Sweeping views of the lakes and idyllic countryside make the driving experience in western New York enjoyable.
For those who either do not have a car (or who would rather ditch it), Amtrak's train service is a comfortable and convenient way to sit back and view western New York's scenery, particularly if you are traveling between bigger cities or more popular tourist destinations. For more information on the region's trains check out Practical Info - Getting There.
Major car rental services can be found at the Greater Buffalo International Airport (BNIA), the Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC), the Niagara Falls International Airport (IAG), the Tompkins County Airport in Ithaca (ITH), and the Elmira - Corning Regional Airport (ELM).
A very convenient transportation network, called the Metro, uses buses, trains (above and underground), vans, and trolleys to transport passengers from within and between Buffalo, Lockport, and Niagara Falls, NY. Fares cost around $2.00 for shorter routes, while longer routes (Buffalo to Niagara Falls, NY) do not cost more than $9.00. Transfers for one-way, continuous travel are available. Day and weekend passes are also available at a slightly discounted rate.
Niagara Falls, Ontario
Niagara Transit System offers Falls Shuttles, which pass by all of the major hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts, and then reach a large number of the local attractions. Buy an all-day pass at most lodgings and then get on and off wherever and whenever you want. Visit an attraction, then get back on the shuttle, then off again to visit the next, and so on.
Toronto
For a hectic, urban city, driving in Toronto is remarkably easy and manageable. Nevertheless, like all major cities, rush hour traffic and parking can provide almost insurmountable challenges. City parking lots are available particularly near major hotels and shopping malls, but drivers beware: Toronto's hourly parking rates are generally not cheap!
Car rentals are available at the Toronto Pearson International Airport, Highways 401 and 402 entering Toronto from the east, and the Queen Elizabeth Way entering the city from the west.
Public transportation in Toronto is excellent. An adult fare on bus or subway costs less than $2.50. For less than $8 you can purchase an unlimited-rides day pass. Weekly passes are also obtainable. Though a decidedly more expensive way to get around, taxis are also readily available. Taxi fares in Toronto are strictly regulated to prevent overcharging, and will generally cost less than in the large U.S. cities such as New York City.
To take a ferry to one of the Toronto Islands, head for the Toronto Ferry Docks near Bay Street and Queens Quay, just near the Westin Harbour Castle Hotel. Separate ferries service Centre Island, Hanlan's Point Island, and Ward's Island, and they usually leave every 45 minutes to one hour (this varies, depending on the season) and take about 15 minutes to destination.
Driving Times and Distances
The drive from Buffalo, NY to Niagara Falls, Ontario is about 25 miles and takes a little under half an hour; from Buffalo, NY to Niagara Falls, NY the drive will take you about 25 minutes and is close to 20 miles. Driving from Niagara Falls, Ontario to Toronto will take you close to 1.5 hours and is approximately 80 miles. From Rochester, NY to Niagara Falls, NY takes 1.5 hours and is around 90 miles. From Syracuse, NY to Niagara Falls, NY takes a little less than three hours and is around 160 miles.
Toronto, Niagara Falls, Finger Lakes in Western New York and South Central Ontario
Getting-Around
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