Airports
The nearest airport is Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) in Buffalo, New York, approximately 45 minutes from Niagara Falls, Canada (including the border crossing).
Another major option is Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) in Mississauga, Ontario, approximately 1½–2 hours from Niagara Falls, Canada (no border crossing).
Additional airports with more limited flight service include:
- Niagara Falls International Airport (IAG) – approximately 30 minutes from Niagara Falls, Canada (including the border crossing).
- John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (YHM) – approximately 1¼ hours from Niagara Falls, Canada (no border crossing).
Taxi & Private Transportation
Uber and Lyft do NOT cross the border into Canada.
Private Jewish Taxi Service
Amir provides transportation from:
- Buffalo Airport (BUF), Toronto Pearson Airport (YYZ)
- New York / Tri-State area
- Toronto
- Montreal
- And more
Buffalo Airport Taxi
Cross-border taxi service from Buffalo and Niagara Falls, NY to Canada.
Bus Travel
There are bus services across the U.S. and Canada with stops on both sides of Niagara Falls.
USA – Niagara Falls Bus Station
120 Old Main Street, Niagara Falls, NY 14303
Approximately 30 minutes to Niagara Falls, Canada (including border crossing).
Canada – Niagara Falls Transit Terminal
4555 Erie Avenue, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 7G9
10 minutes to the tourist district and the Jewish Welcome Centre.
Train Travel
There are train services from across the United States and Canada with stops on both sides of the Niagara border.
U.S. Side – Niagara Falls, NY
(NFL) Amtrak Station
825 Depot Ave W, Niagara Falls, NY 14305, US
Canadian Side – Niagara Falls, ON
(NFS) GO / VIA Rail / Amtrak Station
Walking Across the Border
You can cross the border on foot via the Rainbow Bridge, which offers direct views of Niagara Falls.
USA → Canada: Free
Canada → USA: $1.00 USD per person (quarters) or $1.25 CAD per person (credit card)
All pedestrians must carry the required travel documents and pass through border inspection.
Border Wait Times for Cars & Buses
Border wait times fluctuate depending on factors like the day of the week, time of day, holidays, sporting events, and more.
Current Wait Times Canada → USA Current Wait Times USA → CanadaBorder Crossings
Rainbow Bridge
Closest to Niagara Falls attractions and the Jewish Welcome Center. Open to passenger vehicles and pedestrians.
Lewiston–Queenston Bridge
Direct highway connection between Highway 405/QEW and I-190/I-90. Best for travelers heading to or from Toronto. No pedestrian access.
Peace Bridge
Connects Fort Erie and Buffalo. Ideal for Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) and western New York. Open to passenger vehicles and pedestrians.
Whirlpool Rapids Bridge
Reserved exclusively for NEXUS members. No pedestrian access.
Travel Requirements
A valid passport is the recommended travel document for Canadian and U.S. citizens.
Children under 16 years of age may cross the U.S.–Canada border by land or sea using an original or certified copy of their birth certificate instead of a passport. All travellers, regardless of age, require a valid passport when traveling by air.
Citizens of other countries may be required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a visitor visa, depending on their nationality and method of travel. A summary of the requirements is listed below.
No Visa / No eTA Required
- U.S. citizens
- U.S. lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders)
- Canadian citizens and permanent residents
eTA (Required when crossing by Air ONLY)
- Israel
- United Kingdom
- EU countries
- Australia
- And other visa-exempt countries
Visitor Visa or eTA (Required for air AND land travel)
- Mexico
- Brazil
- Argentina
- And other visa-required countries
eTA & Visitor Visa Processing
A Canadian Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is usually approved within minutes, although some applications may require additional review and can take several days.
Canadian visitor visa processing times vary by country and application volume and may take anywhere from a few weeks to several months.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information on entry requirements, processing times, and to determine whether you need an eTA or a visitor visa, please visit the Government of Canada’s website.
Car Rentals
There are multiple rental companies in Niagara Falls.
The easiest place to rent a car is Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF), where major rental companies include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, and Thrifty.Do I Need a Car?
No. Niagara Falls, most major attractions, and the Jewish Welcome Centre are all located within the same area and are within walking distance of one another. Parking is available but can be expensive, and for most visitors, a car is not necessary.