The 5 Best Niagara Falls Day Trips from New York by Bus

If you are in New York and are thinking about planning a day trip, then I can recommend a trip to Niagara Falls. I myself have been to Niagara Falls several times from New York and was always impressed by this natural spectacle.

There are now five different guided day trips by bus that you can choose from. What they include, what you can expect and which of the day trips I can personally recommend, I tell you here.

By the way: I’ll show you even more wonderful destinations around the Big Apple in my post on the best day trips from New York and on the best all-season road trips in New York.

Table of Contents

Comparison of the Day Trips to the Niagara Falls from New York

Here you see everything at a glance 👇

My Recommendation

2-Day Niagara Falls and Shopping Trip from New York

2-Day Niagara Falls and Shopping Trip from New York

Not much time?

Niagara Falls Full-Day Bus Tour from New York

Niagara Falls Full-Day Bus Tour from New York

Niagara Falls One Day Tour from New York

Niagara Falls One Day Tour from New York

Niagara Falls & 1000 Islands 3-Day Tour from New York

Niagara Falls & 1000 Islands 3-Day Tour from New York

Niagara Falls, Washington & Philadelphia Tour from New York

Niagara Falls, Washington & Philadelphia Tour from New York

2 Days

1 Day

1 Day

3 Days

2 Days

From Port Authority Bus Terminal Building

From Times Square

From The Manhattan at Times Square Hotel or pick-up/drop off

From Port Authority Bus Terminal Building

From Times Square

Start at 6:30 a.m.

Start at 4:00 a.m.

Start 11:30 p.m. the day before 

Start at 6:30 a.m.

Start at 4:00 a.m.

Live Tour Guide

Live Tour Guide

Live Tour Guide

Live Tour Guide

Live Tour Guide

  • Watkins Glen State Park
  • Niagara Falls
  • Maid of the Mist (May to Oct.) or Scenic Tunnels
  • 1-night hotel accommodation
  • Sightseeing in Niagara Falls
  • Outlet Mall
  • Niagara Falls
  • Maid of the Mist
  • Observation Tower
  • Goat Island
  • Pick-up and drop off at selected hotels (optional)
  • Niagara Falls
  • Maid of the Mist (optional)
  • Goat Island
  • Watkins Glen State Park
  • Niagara Falls
  • Maid of the Mist
  • Goat Island
  • Toronto
  • 1000 Islands cruise (May to October)
  • Outlet Mall
  • Niagara Falls
  • Maid of the Mist
  • Sightseeing in Washington D.C. 
  • Sightseeing in Philadelphia

$340

$270

$200

$460

$380

Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
Steffen Kneist Loving New York
Niagara Falls from New York

My recommendation

One thing up front: all of the day trips are worth the price and you won’t go wrong with any of them. I personally think the 2 day trip is the best because you have enough time to enjoy the falls. By staying overnight on site you can also explore the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. This is worthwhile because you can walk to the Horseshoe Falls.

If you don’t have much time, you can also do the 1 day trip – this day is packed with highlights but you will be on the road for almost 20 hours. And if you have the possibility to plan even 3 extra days, definitely do the 3 day trip to Niagara Falls, Toronto and the Thousand Islands!

The Day Trips to Niagara Falls in Detail

  1. 01

    2-Days Bus Tour from New York to Niagara Falls

    Day Trip in Outside of New York City
    Our Highlight
    The Best Niagara Falls Day Trips from New York by Bus
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    The tour to Niagara Falls is super beautiful: you will not only see the famous falls themselves, but also Watkins Glen National Park!

  2. 02

    Niagara Falls Full-Day Bus Tour from New York

    Day Trip in Outside of New York City
    Niagara_Falls_Full_Day_Bus_Tour_from_New_York
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    During your visit to New York, don’t miss the allure of one of the most amazing natural wonders of the world – Niagara Falls! The day trip includes tickets to the Maid of the Mist boat cruise and the entry to the observation tower.

  3. 03

    3-Day Niagara Falls Day Trip from New York by Bus

    Day Trip in Outside of New York City
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    This tour starts in New York at the Grayline Visitors Center near Times Square and ends at the Canadian side of Niagara Falls. In addition, you will visit Lake Ontario, the Finger Lakes and one of Canada’s most beautiful cities: Toronto!

  4. 04

    1-Day Bus Tour from New York to Niagara Falls

    Day Trip in Outside of New York City
    Niagara_Fa_lle_Ausflug_von_New_York_05_1600x800
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    Experience one of the world’s most remarkable natural wonders on a full-day tour of Niagara Falls on the American side of the border. Ride the famous Maid of the Mist boat and get up close to attractions such as Horseshoe Falls and American Falls.

    Depart New York City and journey to Niagara Falls in New York State to experience the natural wonder from multiple perspectives. By leaving NYC late at night, you’ll arrive in the early morning to morning-mist rainbows and the falls’ magnificent roars. Alternatively, departing New York City in the morning will grant you the chance to see the falls change from day to night, and to witness the amazing light show while standing in awe of the fireworks overhead.   

    Hear the roar of the waterfalls and see magical rainbows to take your breath away in the early morning before the crowds arrive. Climb aboard the famous Maid of the Mist boat to get up close to the immense Horseshoe Falls. Visit attractions such as the uninhabited Goat Island and Luna Island on the Niagara River.  

    Get stunning views of the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls and gaze in awe at the rapids of the Niagara River as it tumbles towards the amazing cascades.

  5. 05

    From New York: Niagara Falls, Washington and Philadelphia (2 trips)

    Day Trip in Outside of New York City
    Niagara_Falls__Washington_Philadelphia_Tour_from_New_York_
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    This is a very special day trip because it consists of two separate trips. The tour takes place in two days: After you take the first tour, you take the second one two days later. The program includes not only the famous Niagara Falls, but also Washington D.C. and Philadelphia, both of which are really worth seeing!


FAQ

How far is Niagara Falls from New York City?

The shortest distance between Niagara Falls and New York City is 307,5 miles (as the crow flies). By car, the shortest distance is 397 miles (if you take Interstate 80 W).

How far is Niagara Falls from Times Square New York?

This is a little more accurate: from Times Square (from which most of the day trips from New York to Niagara Falls start) the impressive Niagara Falls are 399 miles away.

Is Niagara Falls in New York?

Yes. Niagara Falls is located in northwestern New York State. They form the border between the USA and Canada.

Can you see Niagara Falls from New York?

No. From the observation decks in New York, you can see just under 100 miles away on a clear day. However, this is not enough to reach Niagara Falls.

How long does it take to get to Niagara Falls?

By car or bus, the trip takes between 6 and 7 hours.

Where is Niagara Falls located in New York?

Niagara Falls is located in the northwestern part of New York State. On the other side of the Niagara River is Canada (state of Ontario).

Fun fact: the towns on both sides of the border are called Niagara Falls!

Profilbild Steffen Kneist
About the author

I'm a true New York fan! Not only have I visited the city over 25 times but also have I spent several months here at a time. On my blog I show you the best and most beautiful spots of the city, so that you have a really good time! You can also find lots of insider tips in our New York travel guide. Also check out my hotel finder for New York!

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