6 Best Niagara Falls Tours from New York

If you’ve never witnessed this marvel of nature, an organized bus excursion from NYC to Niagara Falls facilitates the experience by planning your transportation and itinerary for you. This allows you to observe all the highlights and learn more about this breathtaking place.

While among the best single-day journeys from NYC, I propose staying overnight if possible. For those unwilling to travel by road from NYC to Niagara Falls, multi-day excursions are offered. Many visit nearby attractions, allowing optimal use of time.

In this guide, I’ll share the 6 best excursions to Niagara Falls from New York, from day trips to multi-day trip packages. I also recommend reading our visitor’s companion to Niagara Falls so you know what to prepare for during your outing.

Best tours to Niagara Falls from NYC

There are various touring opportunities available, so you can locate the ideal way to reach Niagara Falls from New York. It all depends on the amount of time you have at your disposal and what you hope to see during your trip. In this guide, I’ll share the top excursions to Niagara Falls from New York City, covering 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5-day tours.

• Day trip to Niagara Falls from NYC via bus

A restatement of the line is:

• Day excursion to Niagara Falls from New York City including air travel
• 2-day excursion to Niagara Falls from New York taking in sites on both the American and Canadian sides “
• 3-day Niagara Falls tour from NYC (+ Toronto & Thousand Islands)
• 4-day tour of Niagara Falls originating from New York City(+ visits to Philadelphia & Washington D.C.)
• 5-day Niagara Falls tour from NYC (+ Toronto, Thousand Islands, Philadelphia & Washington D.C.)

1. Day tour to Niagara Falls from New York by bus

If you only have a short time in New York, you can maximize your visit with a 1-day excursion to Niagara Falls from the city. I recommend taking this trip, which leaves Times Square early and brings you to the US-Canada border.

During the ride there, you’ll learn about the geological history of the falls and some little-known facts and stunts that took place here. Once you arrive at Niagara Falls State Park, you’ll have time to explore the various viewpoints and capture incredible images.

You’ll explore Goat Island and the renowned Terrapin Point outlook for breathtaking views of the Horseshoe Falls, and if you’re taking the tour between May and October, you may opt to ride the Maid of the Mist to get up close to the falls.

Overall, this transportation option travelling from NYC to Niagara Falls is a cost-effective alternative to trips spanning multiple days. You’ll have the chance to admire the majestic American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls along with being in awe of the immense Horseshoe Falls. Plus, your means of travel is determined in advance, and you’ll be able to return to NYC later that same day.

• Duration: 19-20 hours
• Price: $240
• Highlights: Round-trip transportation; sights on the U.S. side of Niagara Falls; optional boat tour

2. Day tour to Niagara Falls from New York by air

Those interested in a day trip to Niagara Falls from New York could consider air travel. This aerial day tour provides a quick and convenient method to get to the falls, making it ideal for those with little time to travel.

Travelers can take the tour departing from JFK or LaGuardia Airport terminals, saving hassle by using an airport shuttle service in New York City from their accommodation to get there. They will take the approximately 1.5-hour flight from New York City to Niagara Falls, touching down in Buffalo or Rochester. There, meeting guides who will transport them to the Niagara Falls State Park.

You’ll have 4-5 hours to explore Niagara Falls from the U.S. aspect. From May to October, the tour includes a boat cruise on the iconic natural attraction. If you take the tour between November and April, the boat ride is substituted with a visit to the observation area from which you can see the American Falls, Rainbow Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Goat Island, and Three Sisters Islands.

At midday, savor a delicious lunch at a Niagara Falls eatery, then enjoy your free time and continue exploring Niagara Falls. You can even cross the border and go see Niagara Falls from the Canadian side alone (just make sure you check first if you need a visa).

As afternoon arrived, board the plane back to NYC. While air travel is one of the most convenient ways to travel, remember that it’s more costly than a bus tour from NYC to Niagara Falls.

• Duration: 15 hours
• Price: $699
• Highlights: Round-trip flight; Canadian side of Niagara Falls; Boat tour on the falls (May – October) or access to the observation area (November – April)

3. The ultimate 2-day trip to Niagara Falls from NYC

I highly advise allocating more than a single day at Niagara Falls, so if time permits, look into a multi-day excursion like this 2-day tour. You’ll travel in a comfortable coach from NYC to Niagara Falls, but before reaching the falls, you’ll stop at Watkins Glen State Park, a picturesque location in the Finger Lakes region.

Upon arrival at Niagara Falls, you will tour the American side of the falls. Gaze at the surging waters of the American and Bridal Veil Falls and check out the iconic vantage points near Goat Island and Three Sisters Island. As night falls, you will see the ambient lighting in the park bathe the falls in various hues.

This 2-day tour offering to Niagara Falls from New York features one night in a quaint hotel and complimentary breakfast the following morning. After dining, visitors will gain an up-close perspective of the falls through either a ride on the Maid of the Mist (May-October) or by traversing the Cave of the Winds (November-April).

After exploring the area for a few hours, you’ll get back on the bus and head back to Manhattan. But first, you’ll make a brief stop at the Woodbury Common Premium Outlets, one of the top outlets near NYC, where you can go shopping or grab a bite to eat.

This is the ideal 2-day itinerary from NYC to Niagara Falls that maximizes your time and allows you to appreciate the falls’ best views.

• Duration: 2 days
• Price: $385
• Highlights: Round-trip bus travel; Watkins Glen State Park; Canadian aspect of Niagara Falls; an overnight stay at a hotel; the Maid of the Mist boat ride (May – October) or Cave of the Winds tour (November – April); outlet shopping

4. The best 3-day Niagara Falls tour from New York

Niagara Falls is one of the most notable places to visit in New York State, as outlined in this article about top attractions in New York State, so if you can dedicate three days to it, I highly recommend doing so. A 3-day guided tour of Niagara Falls from New York will provide sufficient time to discover everything on both the American and Canadian sides, plus some nearby points of interest.

I am fond of this three-day trip, which leaves from Manhattan and makes stops at Watkins Glen State Park, where you’ll take a brief waterfall hike. Then, you’ll continue your journey past Seneca Lake and the Finger Lakes region up to Niagara Falls.

Spend part of the afternoon exploring the American side of the notable Niagara Falls State Park, such as Goat Island and Luna Island. Enjoy a cruise on the Maid of the Mist and experience the mighty power of the falls up close. When night falls, see the waterfalls illuminated in colorful lighting before obtaining some rest at the hotel.

The next day, you’ll visit the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, with stops at viewpoints of the Horseshoe Falls and Niagara on the Lake, a small village on the Niagara River. Afterward, you’ll travel to the nearby city of Toronto, home to the CN Tower. At the end of the day, you’ll go to your hotel along the St. Lawrence River, where you can see the Thousand Islands.

On the last day of this trip, you’ll take a scenic boat ride along the river and travel through part of the Thousand Islands region. Some of the highlights here include Boldt Castle and Heart Island. Then, you’ll board the bus back to Manhattan, stopping at Woodbury Common Premium Outlet in New Jersey for shopping and evening meals.

This is one of the top Niagara Falls tours from New York if you want the itinerary, lodging, and transportation taken care of for you.

• Duration: 3 days
• Price: $460
• Highlights: Return bus transportation; Watkins Glen State Park; Areas of Niagara Falls in the US and Canada; lodging for 2 nights; boat touring on Maid of the Mist; sightseeing around Toronto; Thousand Islands cruise (May through October); outlets for shopping

5. 4-Day trip from New York to Niagara Falls

If you possess the available time and choose having another party organize your itinerary, take into account this 4-day package. It initiates with bus transportation from NYC to Niagara Falls. Along the route, you’ll pass by some of the most beautiful scenery in the Finger Lakes region, like Watkins Glen State Park and Seneca Lake. As you enter the Niagara Falls area, you’ll see the American side of the falls, as well as Goat Island and Luna Island. After dusk, see the colorful illumination of Niagara Falls at night.

The following morning, have breakfast at your hotel before exploring Horseshoe Falls from the Canadian side. Then, experience an exciting boat voyage on the Maid of the Mist during the warmer months, or take part in the Journey Behind the Falls experience in the winter. Around midday, you’ll board the bus to New Jersey, where you can shop for bargains at the outlet stores before heading to the hotel.

The next stage of this Niagara Falls journey from NYC takes you to the City of Brotherly Love, Philadelphia. You will conduct a guided exploration of the historic district and Independence Mall, then stroll along the Ben Franklin Parkway to see iconic locations such as the Rocky Steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Afterwards, you will make a brief trip to Lancaster County, home to the largest Amish community in the nation. From there, you will travel to Washington, D.C., where you will spend the night.

On the final day of this guided transportation to see Niagara Falls from New York City, you’ll explore Washington D.C.’s main attractions. See the presidential memorials, war monuments, the gorgeous Tidal Basin, and Arlington National Cemetery. Then, continue your tour by passing Capitol Hill and the White House and visiting the National Air and Space Museum. In the evening, you’ll take the bus back to NYC.

• Duration: 4 days
• Price: $765
• Highlights: Round-trip bus voyage; Watkins Glen State Park; U.S. and Canadian sides of Niagara Falls; hotel accommodation for 3 nights; Maid of the Mist boat tour (May – October) or Journey Behind the Falls (November – April); outlet shopping; sightseeing in Philadelphia and Amish Country (with Amish buggy ride) and in Washington D.C.

6. The best 5-day tour to Niagara Falls from New York

Lastly, this 5-day itinerary provides a superb choice for those seeking to combine a trip from New York to Niagara Falls with stops at multiple additional spots.

This experience begins with an early bus ride from Manhattan to the scenic Finger Lakes region, stopping at Watkins Glen State Park. Then, head to the US side of Niagara Falls to see the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Goat Island, and Luna Island. You’ll also take a ride on the Maid of the Mist and see the colorful lights at the falls after dark.

The next solar day, you’ll visit Canada’s prominent Horseshoe Falls, the nearby village of Niagara on the Lake, and the exciting city of Toronto. On the third period of time, you’ll get to know the Thousand Islands with a morning cruise along the St. Lawrence River. Then, board the bus and go to New Jersey, where you’ll have time for some outlet purchasing.

On day four, your group will travel to the historic area of Independence Mall and sights along the Ben Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia. Following this, the voyage continues to Lancaster County to undergo the way of living of the Amish. The day concludes with transportation to Washington, D.C. by bus, where an overnight stay is planned.

The concluding day is dedicated to visiting Washington, D.C., with stops planned at the Tidal Basin, Arlington National Cemetery, Capitol Hill, and the National Air & Space Museum. Finishing your time there with visits to the Lincoln, Korea, and Vietnam Memorials before returning to NYC.

This 5-day excursion from New York to Niagara Falls is great if you’re limited on time and wish to see as much of Niagara Falls and the surrounding places as possible. However, if you have more availability, think about taking a day trip from NYC to Philadelphia or to Washington, D.C. You may even combine both for one of the top road excursions from NYC.

• Duration: 5 days
• Price: $790
• Highlights: Round-trip bus transportation; touring attractions like Watkins Glen State Park; exploring the Canadian and American portions of Niagara Falls; lodging provided for four nights at a hotel; cruise on the Maid of the Mist; sightseeing in Toronto including a Thousand Islands cruise from May through October; outlet shopping; sightseeing trips to Philadelphia, Amish Country and Washington D.C.

Price comparison for Niagara Falls tours from NYC

Take a look at the chart below to assist you in identifying the best Niagara Falls tour departing from New York. In this way, you can contrast each alternative’s costs, time periods, and highlights.

Longer tours will be noticeably more expensive as they visit multiple destinations besides Niagara Falls. Savings can be made on a one or two-day tour if only wanting to see the falls.

Is a Niagara Falls tour from NYC worth it?

If you have constrained time in New York and don’t want to organize the visit independently, then a Niagara Falls trip from NYC is worthwhile. A guided excursion allows you to relax and appreciate all the attractions since transportation, tickets, and accommodation are arranged for you.

Additionally, if reserving one of the multi-day excursions to Niagara Falls from New York, you can visit multiple areas in a brief timeframe.

FAQs – Niagara Falls tours from New York

To conclude, here are some regularly asked questions about Niagara Falls tours from NYC: