New York to Niagara Falls

jenny_f

Just wondered if anyone had made this trip - if so how and can anyone recommend cheap accommodation?

I've found a couple of (very cheap) tours but they've not got great reviews on trip advisor so thinking of paying more and doing it ourself on greyhound or amtrak

any advice appreciated

Sheel

We went on THIS TRIP a couple of months ago as we were spending 4 nights in NYC and just wanted to do a day trip to Niagara , so this was ideal , but obviously not the cheapest option.

jetboy

The easiest way to get there is by Plane. It is usually about £80 return (Continental) and there are several airlines on the route. The flight takes you to Buffalo. You can get a taxi to Niagra from there. Go to the Canadian side as there's not much on the American side. The hotels are pretty reasonable. Ours was booked through Expedia. Generally the more expensive ones include a 'Falls view'.
I looked at taking a coach but overall all it seemed like hassle and we didn't have that much time to waste. You'll have seen all you need to see over 2 days or 1 full day. In winter there is a lot of ice on the river and so the boat tours (eg Maid of the Mist) don't operate.

hammy_the_hammer

i'd have to disagree there's plenty to do on the american side . if i was going for a once in a lifetime trip to the falls i'd do both the canadian and american side.
http://www.niagarafallsstatepark.com/

Greta

I've been to Niagara twice. Things are cheaper on the US side, although a bit more run down. Lots of cheap hotels, but a bit past their sell by date too. (There's exceptions such as the Seneca, or Hampton Inn but these will cost more).

There's lots of hotel coupon books to be had, esp en route driving wise .. not sure where to get these flying? Again, cheaper to stay USA side.

There's also shorter queues too, esp. if you start early. Do the Maid in the Mist from the States, then once you're done, go over the bridge into Canada to do whatever else you want e.g. walk behind the falls (not as impressive as the boat ride). Plus there's lots of touristy attractions too. However, you'll need Canadian dollars ... my first trip there, didn't convert any money @ all.

If you're going to go via train, it takes about 9 hours. (I drove both times, from Massachusetts - wouldn't recommend, its boring). If you can afford a plane ticket, do this.

Enjoy!

1jc1

hi all thinking of going to the US . I want to to travel a bit by train ,thinking of maybe flights from britain to chicago then onto niagra falls followed by a couple of days in New york and then back home. is this doable, what do you think any ideas or routes much appreciated ,, jim

torbrex

I fly to NY on Sunday with a car waiting at the airport then I am heading to Niagara.
I dont mind driving over there, it can be a bit dull driving on the freeway but out of the cities there are very few hold ups and if you use the state highways instead there are some good drives through lovely countryside.
From Niagara I will head accross country towards the coast at Maine then down the coast to Boston and Cape Cod, from there I will loop back through New Hampshire, Conneticut, Vermont and NY state checking off another four states on my way round them all, 30 so far and 4 this trip so I am well on my way to the full set.

ajaxgeezer

I'd really advise doing the Amtrak train from NYC to Niagara at least one half of the journey. It's a grueller (about 11 hours) but the sights are wonderful. in 2000 it was a dollar for a coffee on the train too with unlimited refills That train journey is something everyone should do once.

hammy_the_hammer

ajaxgeezer wrote: »

I'd really advise doing the Amtrak train from NYC to Niagara at least one half of the journey. It's a grueller (about 11 hours) but the sights are wonderful. in 2000 it was a dollar for a coffee on the train too with unlimited refills That train journey is something everyone should do once.

nyc to buffalo is an hour on the plane and if the sky is cloudfree you'll get some amazing views.
i've never contemplated the 11 hours on the train as i'd rather take 11 hours to drive ( about 7 hours in one go) and stop off and see some sights on the way ...i'd particularly recommend letchworth state park

hammy_the_hammer

ps go eventually by route 17 and not the thruway

claude76

my wife and i did the new york niagra trip about 10 years ago we booked it through kuoni or travelwinds cant remember exactly anyway it cost an extra £200 but all your accomadation was included.it also included staying in buffalo ,washington,phillidelphia,and we stopped at a hamish village.the trip was well worth the money and the accomadtion was top class hotels in washington we stayed in the penthouse suites right at the top hotel as they thought my wife and i were on our honeymoon.we werent but never told them that.:j:beer: