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How to Get From Toronto to Niagara Falls: 7 Best Ways
If you’re looking for an epic day trip from Toronto, Niagara Falls is the place to go.
Niagara is best known for its incredible waterfalls. But there’s so much more to see and do in this world-famous destination.
The good news is, that it’s easy to get from Toronto to Niagara Falls. There are several transportation options available, depending on your budget and preferences.
Here are 7 of the best ways to get from Toronto to Niagara Falls:
- Take a Tour
- Drive
- Take a Coach Bus
- Shuttle from Pearson Airport
- Train
- Go Transit
- Fly
Find out more about how these options will affect your day trip to Niagara Falls from Toronto by reading on!
The Best Way:
► Small-Group Niagara Falls Tour from Toronto
The best way to get from Toronto to Niagara Falls is by a day tour.
This small-group tour is my favourite, with the ability to take a boat tour beneath the Falls and to stop in Niagara-on-the-Lake nearby.
Where is Niagara Falls?
Niagara Falls is located about a 90 minute drive from Toronto, in the Niagara region of Southern Ontario.
The falls are actually made up of 3 waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.
Horseshoe Falls is the largest and most famous of the 3, and is found on the Canadian side of the border.
American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls are located on the United States side in New York State.
Niagara Falls is a popular tourist destination for people all over the world, and welcomes millions of visitors each year.
What Is the Cheapest Way to Get From Toronto to Niagara Falls?
The cheapest way to get from Toronto to Niagara Falls is to drive.
If you’re driving from Toronto, you’ll need to take the QEW highway towards Niagara.
The drive takes about 90 minutes, depending on traffic. Travel time varies with weather as well.
Once you get to Niagara Falls, there are a few free parking options available, but they will require you to walk downtown for the attractions.
What Is the Fastest Way to Get From Toronto to Niagara Falls?
The fastest way to get from Toronto to Niagara Falls is to fly .
There are several airlines that offer direct flights from Toronto to Niagara Falls International Airport, which is located just minutes from the falls.
The flight takes about an hour.
If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can take a coach bus from Toronto to Niagara Falls; however, this will take longer.
Toronto to Niagara Falls Distance
The distance from Toronto to Niagara Falls is approximately 130 kilometers.
The drive from Toronto to Niagara Falls takes about 90 minutes, depending on traffic.
The flight from Toronto to Niagara Falls takes about an hour.
And the coach bus from Toronto takes about 2.5 hours.
1. Toronto to Niagara Falls Tour
If you’re looking for a hassle-free way to get from Toronto to Niagara Falls, taking a tour is a great option.
There are several companies that offer tours from Toronto to Niagara Falls, and they will take care of all the transportation and logistics for you.
This way you don’t have to go through the hassle of renting a car, finding places to eat, paying admission fees, parking, and deciding what time to go. And there’s no need to worry about your eyes drooping while driving on your return trip. The tour will handle it all!
I recommend this luxury small group tour from Toronto, which includes a cruise beneath the falls operated by Niagara City Cruise (formerly Hornblower Cruise).
The cruise is limited to 12 people so you aren’t crowded onto a bus and don’t get a personal experience. The Mercedes van that takes you to Niagara is large with comfortable seats, AC for the summer, and a knowledgeable driver who can easily navigate Toronto traffic.
It’s a 9-10 hour tour that allows you to see the falls from below in the cruise and to visit from Table Rock about 2 meters away from the edge of the falls. It offers the best views of the falls.
This offers plenty of time to explore the local architecture, play a hand at the casino, or to stop by the Niagara Falls Power Station to learn about the hydroelectric power of the water.
As a bonus, you’ll get time in Niagara-on-the-Lake, the “prettiest city in Canada”. While you won’t have time to visit a winery for a tasting, you will have time to check out the lovely shops.
The tour bus follows the same route that you’d drive yourself, which offers beautiful views of natural attractions on the Niagara Escarpment.
The drive takes about 90 minutes on either end, if you manage to avoid rush hour. But the bus is very comfortable to take a nap.
2. Toronto to Niagara Falls Drive
The most flexible way to get to Niagara Falls from Toronto is to drive yourself.
You can rent cars from the Toronto Pearson Airport, Billy Bishop Airport, or individual car rental spots in downtown Toronto.
This allows you to leave and return whenever you want; however, you will have to deal with parking and potentially driving while exhausted from a long day trip to this iconic destination.
To get to Niagara Falls, drive on the Gardiner Expressway or the QEW West in Toronto. You can follow signs for the Falls the entire drive.
Part way, the Gardener changes names to the Highway 427, but you just keep going.
If you want to go to the US side of the falls, you’ll need to drive a bit further.
At the Niagara River, you will take the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) and drive over the Rainbow Bridge into Niagara Falls, USA.
You’ll exit for the 420 Highway and follow signs for Niagara Falls and Falls Avenue.
After crossing the border, stay on the QEW for about 9 kilometers until you reach Niagara Falls. You will need your passport to cross the border.
The drive from Toronto to Niagara Falls takes about 90 minutes, depending on traffic.
Driving to Niagara Falls is stunning. You’ll be on the iconic Niagara Escarpment, with beautiful vantages from places like St. Catherine’s and Niagara-on-the-Lake. Many people stop at these locations for photo ops or to look at the natural beauty.
Parking
You will almost certainly need to pay for parking in Niagara Falls. It’s very hard to find free parking, especially if you’re arriving after 10am.
The most popular paid parking lots are:
- Clifton Hill
- Skylon Tower
- Casino Niagara
- Falls Parking Lot A (by Table Rock Centre)
- Rainbow Bridge Lot
- Queen Victoria Place (corner of Murray Street and Niagara Parkway)
If you stay overnight, check with your accommodation for parking options.
3. Toronto to Niagara Falls Bus
A bus is the cheapest way to get from Toronto to Niagara Falls, BUT it’s the least flexible and takes the longest time.
This is because buses have set schedules and regularly stop to pick up more individuals.
It’s also frustrating that most coach buses can’t park right beside the Falls so you’ll end up walking.
Bus routes follow the same driving routes, offering the most direct route to the falls.
MegaBus
MegaBus leaves from Toronto Union Station or 300 Borough Drive (Scarborough).
It lets off at the Niagara Falls Bus Terminal, about a 4km walk from the Horseshoe Falls. You can walk this or take an Uber.
It is a gorgeous stroll admittedly!
The trip takes about 2 hours and runs 5 times per day.
You can leave as early as 7:30 AM, and the final return is at 7:30PM, which can allow you about a 12 hour day trip to the Falls.
The price varies during the seasons, but on average it costs $20 each way (before tax). With the booking fee, a round trip will cost you $50 CAD per person.
Greyhound Bus
Greyhound is not currently offering any services from Toronto to Niagara Falls.
When they did offer services, they cost $18-30 one way, depending on the number of transfers. They could be direct or stop and take 2.5 hours to arrive.
Flixbus
Flixbus is a European-based coach service that has recently come to Canada. It’s becoming a popular alternative to Greyhound, with cheaper prices and newer buses.
The company offers direct buses from Toronto to Niagara Falls for around $30 CAD one way. The trip takes approximately 2 hours, but up to 3 hours if there’s traffic.
The buses pick up from Scarborough Town Centre or on the Toronto Harbour Front (between Harbour Street and Queen Quay on York St.).
The bus drops off at Fallsview Blvd at the bus station in Niagara.
4. Toronto to Niagara Falls Shuttle
Niagara Airbus
If you’re looking to get from Toronto airport to Niagara Falls, you can take the Niagara Airbus.
For $190 round trip, per person, this shuttle will take you directly to Niagara Falls from the airport.
I like Airbus because they provide tours as well as shuttle transfers, so you get more bang for your buck when you go with them. Plus, they can store your luggage unlike a bus or tour coach, so you don’t have to worry if you haven’t check into a hotel in Toronto yet.
5. Toronto to Niagara Falls Train
ViaRail
You can take the ViaRail train from either Toronto’s Union Station or Toronto Pearson International Airport to Niagara Falls.
The trip takes about 2 hours and a train ticket costs between $23 CAD one way, depending on the day of the week and time of day.
There are limited trains to and from Niagara, with the last train leaving Niagara at 5:45 PM.
Note: ViaRail currently has no available routes from Toronto to Niagara Falls. It’s unclear whether this is permanent or temporary.
Instead of ViaRail, opt for the Go Train or take a bus to get from Toronto to Niagara Falls.
6. Toronto to Niagara Falls Go Bus/Train
The Go Bus/Train is a quick and convenient way to get from Toronto to Niagara Falls. It’s a bit more convoluted as you’ll need to take a bus and a train to make this method work.
The Go Train leaves from either Union Station or Toronto Pearson International Airport and arrives in Niagara Falls about 1 hour and 15 minutes later.
The direct Go Train to Niagara Falls only runs during summer months (from May 24th weekend to Thanksgiving – Canadian Thanksgiving!).
In winter, the Go Train stops in Burlington. However, from there you can buy a bus ticket and take the Go Bus to Niagara Falls (Route #12).
Fares cost $25 per person one way. However, you can get a discount with a group or with children.
The Go Train is the best mode of public transportation near Toronto, so it’s very comfortable to take. It’s not like some grungy trains.
You’ll get free wi-fi on your bus ride and train ride.
7. Fly to Niagara Falls from Toronto
There is no Niagara Falls airport, but there are nearby airports to shorten your drive time.
The Hamilton Airport (John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (YMC)) is the closest option; however, this only removes about 30 minutes from your driving time.
The Buffalo NYC Airport is only 45 minutes from the Falls, but the time to go through customs will make this a longer journey than just driving from Toronto.
To fly, the best option is to charter a small biplane to land in the Niagara District airport which is for small, private planes only.
When Is the Best Time to Travel to Niagara Falls?
The best time to see Niagara Falls is during the summer months when the weather is warm and there are more hours of daylight.
During the day, you can take part in all the different activities that are available and at night you can enjoy the falls lit up.
The Falls are also spectacular in winter when they are frozen with water thundering beneath the ice. Come for New Year for a large celebration.
Avoid any long weekend experiences at the Falls as they’re likely to be very crowded.
What’s the Most Scenic Route to Niagara Falls?
The most scenic route to Niagara Falls is definitely the Niagara Parkway. This road follows the Niagara River from Niagara-on-the-Lake all the way to the Falls.
You’ll get stunning views of the river, the gorge, and the Falls themselves. If you have time, make sure to stop at some of the lookouts!
You can only do this if you drive yourself.
What to Do on a Toronto to Niagara Falls Day Trip
- Visit the Falls from a viewpoint
- Take a cruise to the bottom of the Falls (formerly the Maid of the Mist)
- Go wine tasting at one of the local vineyards
- Ride the rapids on the river
- Visit the top of Skylon Tower
- Gamble at Fallsview Casino
- Go on waterslides at Great Wolf Lodge
- Take a helicopter tour
- Ride the Whirlpool Aero Car
- Sample ice wine
- Stop by the floral clock
Wrap Up: Best Way to Travel From Toronto to Niagara Falls
No matter how you choose to get from Toronto to Niagara Falls, you’re in for an epic day trip.
The options I’ve listed range from the quick and convenient to the more scenic routes with plenty of things to do along the way.
Whichever path you choose, make sure to enjoy the majesty of the Falls!
Related Posts:
- 21 Best Road Trips in Ontario from Toronto: Unforgettable Places You Need to See
- The Best Toronto Food Tours: Reviews of the Top 10 for Travellers
- 15 Best Hotels in Toronto with Private Hot Tubs
- Best Time to Visit Toronto (from a Canadian)
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Canada Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy Canada travel insurance?
100% YES! — Canada has “free” healthcare but it’s only for citizens! Foreigners visiting need travel insurance in case anything happens on their visit. I recommend World Nomads – starting at just $5 a day!
💧Can you drink the water in Canada?
Yes — In all major cities in Canada, you can drink the tap water. There are very few, rural areas that you can’t. However, you should never drink river or lake water anywhere in the country! I recommend a Brita Water Bottle for long hikes and backcountry camping to stay safe and hydrated.
🚙💨 Is it safe to rent a car in Canada?
Yes — Renting a car is a necessity in most of Canada! If you want to go on road trips or adventures outside of the major cities, you’ll need to rent a car. (Read more)
📲 Will my phone work in Canada?
Maybe — Some American companies work in Canada, but many will not. If your phone doesn’t work in Canada, I recommend getting a Canadian SIM card so you can get around and stay in contact with loved ones. We don’t have a lot of free WIFI in Canada, so you’ll need your phone for maps.
🏩 What’s the best way to book my Canada accommodations?
My go-to for Canadian hotels is Booking.com. For hostels, I use Hostel World. If you want a home-y feeling, check out VRBO (which is cheaper and safer than Airbnb).
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✈️ What’s the best site to buy Canada flights?
For finding cheap Canadian flights, I recommend Skyscanner.
🎫 Do I need a visa for Canada?
Likely Not — US, UK, and EU passport holders don’t need Canadian visas. However, some other countries do (check here!). And if you plan to stay for more than 4 weeks (an average tourist visa length), you will need to look into visas to live in Canada.
