Why This Popular Service At Niagara Falls Is Less Useful Than Tourists Realize

Niagara Falls is such a popular road-trip destination that many visitors don't even realize the town has its own international airport. The airport mostly services flights from Florida, but you can technically fly directly to this town of 50,000 in Upstate New York. Several rental car companies operate around the airport, including Enterprise, Hertz, and Alamo, and plenty of travelers, eager to see the falls, will often find themselves a vehicle as soon as possible.

Before you fill out that familiar rental agreement and hit the road, consider what kind of visit you're making. Cars are handy, especially if you're driving around western New York and plan to visit several locations. For example, nearby Buffalo is an underrated city full of unique and iconic architectural treasures, and the Seneca Wine Trail promises award-winning vineyards and views. Still, if you're just seeing Niagara Falls (the natural wonder and the surrounding towns), you may find that driving is more of a burden than a benefit.

For starters, a cab ride from the airport to the actual waterfall should take less than 20 minutes, and there are several shuttle and limousine options as well. Hotels are scattered throughout the city, and many of them have their own airport service. Meanwhile, the developed areas around Niagara Falls — on both the U.S. and Canadian sides — are remarkably walkable, and the parks that overlook the falls are free and open to the public. Here you'll find sidewalks, paths, and foot-friendly commercial strips. You can even walk or bicycle across the panoramic Rainbow Bridge, which spans the Niagara River and provides border access.

Here's the real problem: Niagara Falls is a world-famous tourist destination (especially in the warmer months), and the town is absolutely clogged with traffic. Many people want to drive into town and explore the waterfront on foot, only to find that parking rates are wildly inflated. Street parking is nearly impossible to find, garages will charge exorbitant rates per hour or per day, and even your hotel may charge you extra to park your car on the premises. Past visitors will recognize this miserly spirit; Niagara Falls is filled with tourist traps to avoid, and many business owners feel comfortable gouging first-timers.

Despite the U.S.-based airport, most people agree that the Canadian side of Niagara Falls is the better destination, which means crossing the border. Rental car companies generally allow customers to cross between the U.S. and Canada without any issues, but not everyone is comfortable with the idea of making this trip in a borrowed vehicle. If you're not driving your own car, you can actually cross the Rainbow Bridge — and immigration checkpoint — in a taxi.

In the likely event that you do end up on the Canadian side, a great way to get around town — and cut down on traffic congestion — is to use the WEGO tourist bus. This hop-on-hop-off system takes you to all the best landmarks, and a 24-hour pass costs only $11.50 for adults. The level streets and expansive green spaces are also excellent for bike-riding, and Bike Niagara rents both traditional and pedal-assist models.