The Best Way to Travel from Buffalo NY to Niagara on the Lake

Introduction

When planning a trip to the historic and picturesque town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, located in the Niagara Peninsula region of Ontario, Canada, it’s important to choose the most convenient and scenic route. Buffalo, New York, serves as a perfect gateway to this charming part of the world. Whether you're a local or a visitor, you'll need to decide on the best way to travel from Buffalo to Niagara. This article will explore three primary routes, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages.

Route 1: Crossing the Peace Bridge and Niagara Parkway

Starting Point: From Buffalo, New York, Starting Point: Drive north on the exit 14 of the New York State Thruway (I-90) to go to Foundry Street. Then, make a right turn onto South Park and follow it to the end. The next step involves crossing the Peace Bridge, which is both a cultural and a physical gateway to Ontario.

Path: Once across the Peace Bridge, continue north on Highway 420 (Niagara Parkway) to enter the town of Fort Erie, Ontario. The Niagara Parkway is renowned for its breathtaking views and numerous points of interest, including the Lewiston-Queenston bridge, the Rainbow Bridge, and other historical sites. The trip from Buffalo to Niagara-on-the-Lake via the Niagara Parkway is roughly 25-35 miles (40-55 kilometers) and takes around 30-40 minutes depending on traffic, making it a scenic and enjoyable route.

Advantages:

Less tolls compared to other routes, making it more affordable. Beautiful and diverse landscapes, including parks, gardens, and historic sites. No need to deal with stop lights and stop signs, leading to a smoother journey.

Disadvantages:

Toll fee at the Peace Bridge. Longer travel time compared to the route via Route 190.

Route 2: Crossing the Route 190 and Rainbow Bridge

Starting Point: From Buffalo, New York, take exit 14 and go north on Route 200. Take the Millersport Street exit and follow it to the end. Continue onto Niagara Street, and then take Route 190. This route involves crossing Grand Island to arrive in Niagara Falls, New York.

Path: The next step would be to cross the Lewiston-Queenston Bridge on Great Lakes Circle Pkwy North to enter Fort Erie, Ontario. From there, you can proceed to the Rainbow Bridge. Additionally, there will be a toll for crossing both bridges, which can add up to your travel costs.

Advantages:

Option to walk to the Rainbow Bridge and cross over into the Canadian side, which is free of tolls but requires physical effort. View of the impressive Niagara Falls, not just the Canadian side.

Disadvantages: More tolls, which may add up to your travel expenses. Added walking distance to the Canadian side if choosing to walk.

Route 3: Traveling Along Niagara Street to Niagara Falls

Starting Point: From Buffalo, take exit 14 and go north on Niagara Street. It then becomes River Road once you enter the Town of Tonawanda.

Path: This route directly takes you to Niagara Falls, New York, through Tonawanda without crossing the border. It offers a more direct route but a less scenic one. The Toll-free journey is approximately 18 miles (29 kilometers) and takes about 30 minutes to travel, depending on traffic.

Advantages:

Toll-free travel, saving you money. Direct and efficient route, reducing travel time and effort.

Disadvantages:

Less scenic than the other routes, with more stoplights and stop signs. No views of the Niagara Falls from the route itself.

Conclusion

Choosing the best route to travel from Buffalo to Niagara-on-the-Lake largely depends on your personal preferences, travel time constraints, and budget considerations. While the route via the Niagara Parkway (Route 1) offers a scenic and varied experience with fewer tolls, the route via Route 190 (Route 2) provides more options to explore both sides of the border, albeit with more costs involved. The toll-free route (Route 3) ensures a direct and efficient journey but at the cost of fewer scenic points along the way.

No matter which route you choose, each offers a unique journey to the charming and beautiful Niagara-on-the-Lake. Happy travels!