How to Get to Niagara Falls from Toronto
How to get to Niagara Falls from Toronto
So many people ask the question of how to get to Niagara Falls from Toronto.
Niagara Falls is such an awesome place to visit that people from around the world come to visit it everyday! It’s known for its iconic natural wonder of the world among many other amazing attractions!
Millions of people come to visit Niagara Falls from all around the world. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a nature lover, a tourist, a party lover, or foodie, you’re sure to find many options in Niagara Falls! There’s something for everyone!
There are several options for you to get to Niagara Falls from Toronto, so depending on if you’re going in a group, by car of public transportation, let’s take a look at how you can get to Niagara Falls from Toronto.
Good to Know First!
Click the links to check them out!
Book your Tours
Don't miss out on that great experience because it's sold out! Book in advance and know you will have this experience!
eSim Card
Stay in contact, get directions, & check out the best local places with your phone minus the expensive international charges!
Rent your Car
Get your rental car booked in advance so you can adventure around your destination.
Luggage Storage
Arrived early or staying later? Store your luggage safely so that you can enjoy freely!
Book your hotel
Get the location, class & style of hotel that you want! Book in advance & have peace of mind!
Rent Bikes etc.
Rent your motorcycle, scooter, quads,& bicycles here in advance so you can travel freely!
How far is it from Niagara Falls to Toronto?
Maybe you’re wondering how long it takes to get to Niagara Falls from Toronto.
The distance from Toronto to Niagara Falls is 128kms.
Depending on the time of day and your method of getting there it can take 1 hour and a half to 3 hours to get to Niagara Falls.
In this travel blog, I am talking about Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.
Although, there is a Niagara Falls in New York, USA, I am focusing on the Canadian Niagara Falls.
Different ways to get to Niagara Falls from Toronto
It’s very common for people to travel between Toronto and Niagara Falls. This route is popular because there is an international airport in Toronto, and Niagara Falls is an international tourist attraction.
The route around Toronto can have a lot of traffic during rush hour. I would recommend avoiding that time if you can.
Luckily, there are several options including driving, the bus and train to go between Toronto and Niagara Falls.
Let’s explore some of the ways to go between these 2 famous towns in Canada with world-famous landmarks.
Bus service from Toronto to Niagara Falls
If you choose to take the bus to get to Niagara Falls you’re in luck.
There are a few different bus options to get to Niagara Falls from Toronto.
Flixbus is also a good option. This is a direct bus route from Toronto to Niagara Falls. Some of the buses routes have a stop in St. Catharines then continue to Niagara Falls. This route takes 2 hours.
An advantage with Flixbus, there is free wifi and power outlets on the buses. All of the buses are also wheel chair accessible.
On Flixbus you can travel with 1 stored bag and carry on bag for free.
Greyhound is now a part of Flixbus, so if you check the Greyhound website for buses you will be taken to Flixbus schedules.
Mega bus also has buses to Niagara Falls from Toronto. This bus route takes 2 hours to get to Niagara Falls.
They have double decker buses with power outlets at each seat. The buses are also wheelchair accessible.
Go Transit also has buses that go to Niagara Falls. You will need to take a bus or train to Burlington then transfer to a bus to go to Niagara Falls.
On these buses, you can bring the luggage that you can carry with you. There is free wifi on most buses and trains. Sometimes there are not power outlets though. The trains have restrooms, whereas the buses do not.
All the buses leave from Union Station at 81 Bay Street in downtown Toronto.
When you arrive in Niagara Falls there are 2 options.
You can get off at the Niagara Falls Go Station at 4555 Erie Avenue, but I recommend getting off at Stanley Avenue at Highway 420.
You can walk to the downtown core from the Stanley Avenue stop in 15 minutes. This stop is before the Go station.
There is also a tourism office at the Stanley road stop, so you can go in and get some information about things to do. You can also get some coupons for some of the attractions there.
Here is a map to show you different areas and hotels around Niagara Falls.
Train from Toronto to Niagara Falls
If you don’t want to take the bus and you can take the train to Niagara Falls from Toronto.
The advantage of taking the train is that it doesn’t matter if it’s rush hour or when you travel, you won’t be stuck in a traffic jam!
The Go Train by Go Transit is a common way to get to Niagara Falls.
With some routes, you may have to make 1 transfer depending on the time of day that you are travelling.
The train leaves from the Toronto Union Station at 55 Front Street West in downtown Toronto. This route takes 2 hours and 40 minutes. It makes several stops, but they are very brief. Important note, you will get off the train at the Burlington Go Station for many routes to get on a different train that does to Niagara Falls.
Don’t worry they make announcements to help you out.
Actually there are weekday group passes that can offer you a good deal to travel together.
The cost to get to Niagara Falls from Toronto is only $30 as of October 2023, for 2 people to travel to and from Niagara Falls. You can check out more here: Go Train Group Weekday Pass. There is also a weekend pass option too.
There is a city bus in Niagara Falls called WeGo. You can package taking the train and the city bus together. You can check out the weekend options and WeGo package deals here.
There are also overnight package, meaning travel the next day to return to Toronto.
The Go trains have washrooms and wifi on board.
Some spots on the trains have outlets, however many don’t on some of the trains. They have older and new Go Trains running.
Another option to take the train to Niagara Falls is Via Rail.
The difference is with Via Rail you can pick economy or business class tickets. On some trains there is also an economy plus option. This train ride takes 2 hours.
More that than, there is free wifi and food and drink available.
If you get business class you can sip on a glass of wine with a ‘catered-type’ meal. If you choose economy, you can choose from sandwiches and lunch box meals.
The Niagara Falls Train station is located at 4267 Bridge Street in Niagara Falls.
Driving directions to get to Niagara Falls from Toronto
If you’re driving I really recommend not travelling during rush hour. The amount of time that it takes really depends on traffic.
Driving in rush hour could add an extra hour or hour and a half to your travel time!
I would say on average this route takes 2 hours or possibly 3 if there is more traffic.
You can take the QEW (Queen Elizabeth Way) highway towards Niagara from Toronto.
When you’re in Oakville, you have to merge onto the Highway 403 going westbound.
Next in Burlington, the city after Oakville, stay near the left to merge onto the QEW Niagara.
Follow this highway until you’re past St. Catharines. You will pass 3 highway exits called ‘Ontario street’ exit on this highway!
After you have passed all 3 Ontario streets, keep going.
Then you will need to stay left to enter the highway 420 towards ‘The Falls/Niagara Falls/USA’ as shown in the picture above.
Soon after entering that highway you will exit at Stanley Avenue which takes you to towards the core of Niagara Falls.
There are some streets that I really recommend visiting. They have different attractions, shops, hotels, restaurants and activities.
- of course – Clifton Hill
- Stanley Avenue
- Niagara River Parkway (where you can have a great view of the falls)
- Fallsview Blvd
- Victoria Street
- Murray Street
- Ferry Street
- Lundy’s Lane
Clifton Hill is called the iconic ‘Street of fun!’ Even the little side avenues beside Clifton Hill are super fun!
I have a guide to some attraction on Clifton hill for you to check out: Niagara Falls- Clifton Hill Attractions.
If you’re driving in winter to Niagara Falls, I highly recommend checking out the Winter Festival of Lights in Niagara Falls. It is all along and around Niagara River Road. It’s also great to walk along this area as well.
Is it possible to take a day trip from Toronto to Niagara Falls?
Yes! Definitely! You can take many different Day trips to Niagara Falls from Toronto.
It’s definitely doable, to get up drive to Niagara Falls, enjoy the day, dine, have fun, and drive back that night if you wish.
Check out Viator for more day trip options in Niagara Falls.
Getting around Niagara Falls - Wego bus
The bus company, and the signs that you will see on the bus, are WE GO.
This is what the WeGo buses look like. They have different routes that go through different areas of Niagara Falls.
You can often find signs with the map of that bus route on the bus stop pole.
If you are not going to buy a transportation package with Go Transit, you can buy a 24-hour or 48-hour package. Here is a list of places to buy the WE GO bus passes.
If you want to check out the bus routes, you can find that information here.
How to get to Niagara Falls from Pearson International Airport
There is a Go Bus that goes from the Airport to different stops like Hamilton, then you would have to transfer to a bus or train that goes to Niagara Falls.
Also, you could take the UP Express to the Union Go Station, which is the main station in Toronto, then transfer to a train or bus to Niagara Falls.
You can get your UP Express tickets here to go from The CN Tower to the Skylon Tower in Niagara Falls.
Travel from the CN Tower to the Skylon Tower. Take your day to new heights! literally. 😉
Day tour to Niagara Falls from Toronto
Don’t feel like driving, and you want someone to guide you? Check out some of your options to go to Niagara Falls and back from Toronto using this widget from Viator.
You can even book your day trip to Niagara Falls right here!
When is the best time to travel to Niagara Falls?
I would say that any time of year is a great time to travel to Niagara Falls.
Here’s why!
- Spring – tulip are blooming, plants and trees are green and the weather is getting warmer
- Summer- beautifully hot weather, lots of flowers and summer festivals around the area. There are sometimes free outdoor concerts in downtown Niagara Falls in the summer. There is always a Canada Day festival in downtown Niagara Falls on July 1st.
- Winter- A chance to maybe see part of the Niagar Falls frozen and snow-covered! I’ve seen it and it’s amazing! There is the Winter Festival of Lights in Niagara Falls running ever winter. There is also a yearly Ice Wine Festival in January. There is usually always a free New Years party downtown Niagara Falls, Dress warm it’s an outdoor event!
- Autumn- you get to enjoy all the fall colours of the leaves as you get your view of the Niagara Falls. The weather is still nice. You can also attend the Grape and Wine Festival which happens yearly in September.
With the variety of indoor and outdoors activities and events Niagara Falls is great any time of year!
One note, some of the water attractions have seasonal hours, so please check if you’re not booking a tour to make sure that it’s open and running when you want to go.
Niagara Falls is also known as a honeymoon destination, so it’s a great place for a wedding, honeymoon, or other celebration. If you’re looking to bring some romance to your trip to Niagara Falls, check out Romantic Niagara Falls Activities.
Tips for visiting Niagara Falls
Once you’ve figured out how to get to Niagara Falls, there are a few tips to keep in mind to make sure you have the best time ever in Niagara Falls!
I recommend bringing a hat and/or rain jacket or poncho. The Falls spray mist all over the viewing areas, so you should expect to get a little bit wet.
Of course, check the weather and dress or pack for it, Canada can get quite cold in the winter, and quite hot in the summer.
Make sure you’re wearing comfortable footwear, as many things in Niagara Falls are walking distance apart. You can definitely get all of your steps in!
To get the full effects of places like Clifton Hill it’s really worth walking.
Don’t forget your camera! Get your selfie with the Niagara Falls in the background or Clifton Hill.
Maybe you’ll ride the SkyWheel and snap some shots of your view from above the city!
Pick up some of the tourist magazines or brochures, they often offer coupons to different attractions.
What is there to do in Niagara Falls?
I feel like there is sooo much to do in Niagara Falls!
Between the casinos, malls, shopping, arcades, restaurants, performances, live music, festivals, clubs, and more!
That doesn’t even mention the 16 Epic Things To Do in Niagara Falls like ziplining, Go Karting, Journeying behind the Falls, and much more!
Tours in & around Niagara Falls
Are you looking to book some tours for you trip to Niagara Falls? You can check out your options, and even book, right here with Viator.
Where to Stay
There are many hotels to choose from in Niagara Falls!
I recommend checking out Booking.com to see some of the variety of the hotels.
There is such a variety of hotels and motels in Niagara Falls! I recommend checking reviews as some hotels are older.
There are also so many beautiful, romantic, fun, simple, elegant, and interesting hotels too!
A trip to Niagara Falls from Toronto is an awesome way to see some of Canada’s greatest natural wonders and tourist attractions.
Whether you choose to drive, take a bus, or join a tour, the day is sure to not disappoint!
So when do you leave for your trip to Niagara Falls? Use this guide to plan your trip to Niagara Falls from Toronto today!
If you have any other questions feel free to write them in the comments.
I hope that you will have a great time on your trip to Niagara Falls!
Besides being a travel blogger, I am also a travel writer, Amazon author and an English teacher. Check out my services here!
