Buffalo Niagara International Airport

Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) serves Buffalo, New York's second-largest city, and the greater Western New York region. Located 16 km east of downtown, it's the gateway to Niagara Falls and a popular alternative for Canadian travelers avoiding Toronto airport prices.

The airport has a single terminal with East and West concourses. A mid-sized, straightforward facility.

Key airlines: Southwest (largest), Delta, American, United, JetBlue, Frontier, Spirit, and various domestic carriers.

BUF serves Western New York and Southern Ontario:

• To Buffalo downtown: 16 km, 20-25 minutes
• To Niagara Falls, NY: 35 km, 30-40 minutes
• To Niagara Falls, Canada: 40 km, 35-45 minutes
• To Toronto: 160 km, 1.5-2 hours (plus border)

Uber and Lyft operate at BUF.

• To downtown Buffalo: $25-35
• To Niagara Falls, NY: $45-60
• To Niagara Falls, Canada: $55-75

Taxis available from ground transportation:

• Metered rates

NFTA Metro Bus

NFTA buses offer limited airport service:

• Route 24: Airport → downtown Buffalo
• Journey time: 35-45 minutes
• Cost: $2.00
• Frequency: Every 30-60 minutes

Public transit is limited. Rental cars are recommended for Niagara Falls visits.

Type	Daily Rate	Notes
Short-Term	$24/day	Terminal adjacent
Long-Term Garage	$14/day	Free shuttle
Economy Lot	$9/day	Shuttle service

BUF has decent dining:

Terminal:

• Anchor Bar: Famous for inventing Buffalo wings
• Tim Hortons: Canadian coffee chain (very popular locally)
• Dunkin', Starbucks
• Various quick-service

Must try: Buffalo wings at Anchor Bar—they were invented here.

Network: BUF Free WiFi

• Cost: Free
• Speed: Good
• No registration required

SIM cards from terminal stores or carrier stores in Buffalo.

ATMs throughout the terminal.

• Niagara Falls souvenirs
• News and convenience stores
• Basic retail

Delaware North Lounge

• Access: Priority Pass, or ~$40 walk-in
• Amenities: Food, drinks, WiFi

Hotels near the airport or in downtown Buffalo. Niagara Falls hotels are 30-40 minutes away.

Buffalo is a revitalized Rust Belt city with incredible architecture, the world-famous falls, and yes, those wings:

Niagara Falls (the main attraction):

• Niagara Falls, NY: 35 min—American side, Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds
• Niagara Falls, Canada: 45 min—better views, more developed (bring passport!)
• Maid of the Mist: Iconic boat ride to the base of the falls
• Cave of the Winds: Walk on decks at Bridal Veil Falls
• Niagara Falls State Park: America's oldest state park

Buffalo highlights (with travel time from airport):

• Anchor Bar: 25 min—birthplace of Buffalo wings (1964)
• Frank Lloyd Wright's Martin House: 20 min—architectural masterpiece
• Albright-Knox Art Gallery: 25 min—excellent modern art collection
• Canalside: 25 min—revitalized waterfront, summer events
• Elmwood Village: 25 min—charming neighborhood, shops, cafés

Architecture:

• Buffalo City Hall: Art Deco landmark, free observation deck
• Richardson Olmsted Complex: Richardson Romanesque masterpiece
• Guaranty Building: Louis Sullivan-designed skyscraper
• Buffalo has remarkable preserved architecture from its prosperous era

Food & drink:

• Buffalo wings: The city takes them seriously—try multiple spots
• Beef on weck: Roast beef on kummelweck roll with horseradish
• Sponge candy: Chocolate-covered honeycomb toffee
• Loganberry: Local soft drink, unique flavor
• Anchor Bar vs. Duff's: The eternal wing debate—try both

Local tips:

• Canadian day-trippers: Many Canadians fly from BUF to save money vs. Toronto
• Border crossing: Bring passport for Canadian side of falls (worth it)
• Best falls view: The Canadian side has better vantage points
• Winter: Can be brutal—heavy lake-effect snow
• Bills Mafia: Buffalo Bills fans are legendarily passionate (and wild)
• Rust Belt revival: Buffalo is experiencing significant renewal
• Chicken wing etiquette: Drums vs. flats is a serious discussion
• The falls are impressive year-round, including frozen in winter
• "The City of Good Neighbors"—locals are genuinely friendly