How to get from Buffalo Airport to Downtown Buffalo

Amy Psycha

Creative Writer & Strategic Copywriter

November 18, 2022

As the second biggest city in the state after NYC, Buffalo has a lot to offer visitors. The city has many cultural landmarks worth visiting, such as the popular Canalside area, the Albright–Knox Art Gallery, the Buffalo Museum of Science, and the Darwin D. Martin House, a design by renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. With the oldest system of public parks in the entire US, Buffalo is a treat for visitors who like to explore green spaces. Some notable attractions include the Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens, the Delaware Park & Buffalo Zoo, and the Forest Lawn Cemetery, which is especially beautiful in the Fall.

There are two ways you can get from Buffalo Airport to downtown Buffalo; taxi or private transfer and bus. Taking a cab is the fastest and most convenient way to reach downtown, as the ride is only 20 minutes long and costs around $37 (€35.70). There is also the option of taking the Metro Bus Service 24, which takes roughly 50 minutes to get to downtown Buffalo, and a single ticket costs only $2 (€1.95).

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Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Taxi	€35.70	20min	24/7
Bus	€3.90	45min	04:40–23:48

How to get from Buffalo Airport to downtown Buffalo by taxi

A taxi or private transfer is the easiest and quickest option for getting from Buffalo airport to the Buffalo downtown area. The trip downtown usually only takes about 20 minutes under normal traffic conditions and, on average, costs around $37 (€35.70).

Taxi fare from Buffalo airport to downtown

The average cab ride from Buffalo airport to downtown Buffalo costs around $37 (€35.70) and takes about 20 minutes. However, as taxis in Buffalo are part of private companies, we recommend asking for a quote before getting in the cab. Some companies may offer fixed rate fees for specific journeys, while others calculate their fares based on the distance of the trip. You may also want to enquire about additional charges, such as airport surcharges. We suggest booking your private airport shuttle in advance to secure a competitive flat fee with no surprises.

Cost

€35.70

Trip Duration

20 Min.

*Prices vary unless booked in advance.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Buffalo Niagara airport.

Where do I get the taxi from?

When you arrive at Buffalo airport, head to the lower level where you’ll find the taxi ranks just outside the ground transportation area.

Convenience

A cab or private transfer is definitely the easiest and fastest way to get from Buffalo airport to downtown Buffalo. With a taxi, you can avoid long wait times and trying to figure out how to get to your hotel from the bus stop. Taxis and private transfers are readily available and will set off as soon as you’re ready, taking you directly to your destination and leaving you right outside your hotel. For a quick and comfortable transfer from the airport to downtown Buffalo, we recommend booking in advance with a trusted company.

Editor’s Note

If your flight arrives between 23:58 and 4:40, a cab or private transfer is the only option for getting to downtown Buffalo from the airport.

Useful Tips

Since cabs are privately operated in Buffalo, costs can vary significantly so make sure to ask each company about rates and surcharges before booking your trip.

In most areas of Buffalo, you can’t hail a cab on the street. Instead, you can call one of the private taxi companies and book a car.

In all US states, including Buffalo, you are expected to tip your taxi driver 15-10% of the total fare, assuming that the service was satisfactory.

How to get from Buffalo airport to downtown Buffalo by bus

The bus is a very budget-friendly option for getting from Buffalo airport to downtown Buffalo, costing only $2 (€1.95) per ticket. The NFTA-Metro Bus service 24 takes about 45 minutes to reach the city centre and can drop you off at Washington St & Broadway or at one of the stops on Genesee St. The service runs roughly every 30-50 minutes from around 04:45 am to 23:48 pm during weekdays, with less frequent schedules at the later hours of the night, as well as during weekends or holidays.

How much is the bus from Buffalo airport to downtown?

A single bus ticket from Buffalo airport to downtown Buffalo costs only $2 (€1.95), and there are several ways that you can purchase your tickets. If you have the exact fare in cash, you can buy a ticket on the bus or, alternatively, you can use your card to buy it online on the Token Transit app. You can buy a return or one-way ticket, but remember that the one-way ticket is only valid for an hour after you buy it.

Cost

€1.95

Trip Duration

45 Min.

There's a waiting time of 30-50 minutes for the bus.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The MetroBus service 24 runs from 04:40-23:48 during the week, with less frequent buses during weekends and holidays.

Where do I get the bus from?

At Buffalo airport, you can find the bus stop just outside the entrance of Arrivals.

Convenience

The bus from the airport to downtown Buffalo is a budget-friendly option, with a single ticket costing only $2 (€1.95). However, it is the slowest transportation option as it will take you around 45 minutes to get from Buffalo airport to downtown, in contrast to a cab that takes just 20 minutes. Wait times vary throughout the day from 30-50 minutes on average, and the service runs from 04:40-23:58 on weekdays. Depending on what time your flight gets in, the bus may or may not be convenient for you. Also, you may have to take another bus or a taxi to reach your hotel from the bus stop, so make sure to plan ahead by looking at how far the closest stop is to your hotel.

Timetables

MetroBus Route 24

GENESEE TO DOWNTOWN BUFFALO

Editor’s Note

You can buy your ticket on the bus if you have the exact change for the fare or you can buy it online using the transit app. If you choose to get a one-way ticket, remember that it is only valid for the first hour after purchase.

Useful Tips

If you are buying your ticket on the bus, make sure you have the exact cash ready so as to not cause a delay.

The MetroBus Route 24 has less frequent schedules on weekends and during holidays so make sure you check the official timetable before you travel.

In Buffalo, you board the bus from the front door and exit from the rear door.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the cost of a taxi from Buffalo airport to downtown Buffalo?

A taxi or private transfer is the fastest way to get from Buffalo airport to Buffalo downtown as it only takes about 20 minutes. The average fare is estimated at $37 (€35), but the cost can vary as the cabs in Buffalo are operated by private companies. For this reason, we recommend that you enquire about a company’s rates and surcharges before booking. You can also book your private airport shuttle in advance with Welcome and secure a guaranteed flat fee with no hidden costs.

What’s the best way to go from Buffalo airport to downtown?

You can get from Buffalo airport to downtown Buffalo by taxi or private transfer and by bus. A Buffalo airport private transfer is the fastest way to get to your destination, with the average ride being only 20 minutes for an estimated cost of $37 (€35.70). The METRO Bus Service 24 is slower, taking about 45 minutes to get to downtown Buffalo, but it is the most budget-friendly option, with a single ticket priced at just $2 (€1.95).

How far is Buffalo airport from downtown Buffalo?

Buffalo airport is only about 16 km from downtown Buffalo. You can get from Buffalo Airport to downtown in 20 minutes by taxi or private transfer, or in about 45 minutes by bus.

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How to get from Buffalo Airport to downtown Buffalo by taxi

Taxi fare from Buffalo airport to downtown

Cost

€35.70

Trip Duration

20 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available 24/7 at Buffalo Niagara airport.

Where do I get the taxi from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from Buffalo airport to downtown Buffalo by bus

How much is the bus from Buffalo airport to downtown?

Cost

€1.95

Trip Duration

45 Min.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

The MetroBus service 24 runs from 04:40-23:48 during the week, with less frequent buses during weekends and holidays.

Where do I get the bus from?

Convenience

Timetables

MetroBus Route 24

GENESEE TO DOWNTOWN BUFFALO

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Frequently asked questions

What’s the cost of a taxi from Buffalo airport to downtown Buffalo?

What’s the best way to go from Buffalo airport to downtown?

How far is Buffalo airport from downtown Buffalo?

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The best way to arrive in Buffalo

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