Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What time of the year is Niagara Falls open ?

A: Niagara Falls is open 24 hours a day 365 days a year.

Q: Are the Falls turned off at night ?

A: No

Q: What will the weather be like when I visit Niagara Falls ?

Q: Is there a charge to see the Falls ?

A: The parks are free and open to the public 365 days a year. During the busier months of May through September there is a charge for parking your automobile, r/v etc. There are also fees for municipally operated "attractions" ie: cave of the winds, maid of the mist, journey behind the falls. 

Q: What is the best time of the year to visit Niagara Falls ?

A: The best weather occurs from mid May until mid September. Yet, Niagara Falls can be very spectacular during the Winter. Nowadays more and more people visit the Cataract City year round.

Q: How can I receive information about Niagara Falls by mail ?

A: Use the link "travel guides by mail" from our home page.

Q: Are there boat rides available year round ?

A:  Maid of the Mist and the Whirlpool Jet boat operate from early May until late October.

*during the months of November-April, Maid of the Mist, Jetboat, Cave of the Winds are closed. All other attractions and businesses are open year round. 

** During the winter months the NY Observation tower's elevators are closed but the observation deck is open.**  

Q: I'm a U.S. Citizen and would like to travel to Niagara Falls Ontario Canada, do I need to bring a passport ?

A:  U.S. citizens need to provide two forms of identification when entering Canada and returning to the U.S. The preferred documents are a drivers license, and birth certificate or passport. Children under eighteen years of age must provide a birth certificate.

Q: What is the best way to get to Niagara Falls ?

A: By air, you have to fly into either Toronto, Ontario or Buffalo, New York. 

Toronto's airport "Pearson International" is 78 miles (125 kilometers) from the Rainbow Bridge.

Buffalo's Airport "Buffalo/Niagara International" is 25 miles (41 kilometers) from the Rainbow Bridge.

To get to the Falls from the airport, you can either rent a car, take a shuttle bus, or arrive by taxi. More information is available from our "transportation link".

Trailways Bus Service and Amtrak/VIA train service is available directly to Niagara Falls. 

Q: How far is the train station from the Falls itself ?

A: In Niagara Falls Ontario, the train station (4223 Bridge Street, tel:1-800-361-1235) is 1.6 miles (2.5 kilometers) from the Rainbow Bridge. In Niagara Falls NY the train station (27 Lockport Road tel: 716-285-4224) is 2.8 miles (4.5 kilometers) from the Rainbow Bridge. ($5.00 cab fare)

Q: How far is the Bus terminal from the Falls.

A: In Niagara Falls NY, the terminal (343 4th St. tel: 716-282-1331) is .6 miles (1 kilometer) from the Rainbow Bridge. In Niagara Falls Ontario the terminal (4555 Erie St. tel: 905-357-2133) is 1.6 miles (2.5 kilometers) from the Rainbow bridge.

Q: Where can I obtain driving directions and a map of Niagara Falls ?

A: Visit our maps & info page.

Q: Do you arrange tours of the Falls?

A: You can reserve a tour by checking our "tours" page.

Q: Where can I exchange my currency ?

A: There are quite a few currency exchange locations in the area. The best way to pay for your visit is to place everything on credit cards, you'll get the best exchange rate from your bank.

Q: I'll be in New York City and would like to visit Niagara Falls. What are my options ?

A: New York City is 406 miles from Niagara Falls. By car it's a 6.5 hour drive.

By plane it's a 45 minute flight (airtime). But from terminal to terminal check-in and check out it will usually take three-four hours (with no delays!). 

The train ride is great, the ride is 8-9 hours long and costs  $58.00 each way. Usually four departures daily starting at 7:00 A.M until 4:00 P.M. Amtrak offers service from Penn Station in Manhattan. Visit Amtrak's website for more details.  

Greyhound offers bus service to Niagara Falls. This route takes  9-11 hours and the fare is roughly $55.00 one way or $105.00 round trip. Many departure times are available but the ride is exceptionally long.