How to get from Toronto to Niagara Falls

How to get from Toronto to Niagara Falls in 2024

Weighing your options on how to get from Toronto to Niagara Falls in 2024?

You’re in the right place. Niagara Falls is the largest waterfall in Ontario, and considered to be a one of the wonders of the world. What feels amazing about seeing Niagara Falls in person is the volume of water that plunges over the cliff with incredible force. It’s loud and pretty misty if you’re nearby.

Part of what makes Niagara Falls such a popular tourist attraction is how easy it is to get to from Toronto. You have a few options – a coach bus, public transportation, or driving (Uber or driving yourself.)

They are all pretty easy, and the best option for you depends on your budget, and how long you want to stay in Niagara Falls.

Niagara Falls in winter

Living just north of Toronto, I’ve gone to Niagara Falls from Toronto more times than I can count. I’ve used both driving, and several of the public transportation options. I have family and friends overseas that I’ve brought to Niagara Falls countless times, as its one of the most famous attractions near Toronto.

So I’m here to break down your options for getting to Niagara Falls from Toronto; which ways are the easiest, cheapest, less hassle and help you determine the best option for you.

So, let’s jump in – how to get from Toronto to Niagara Falls.

The Best Way to Get to Niagara Falls from Toronto

The easiest, most fun way to get to Niagara Falls from Toronto is either by taking the Flixbus shuttle service or by taking a private tour via coach bus. There are many day tours from Toronto to Niagara Falls.

Besides the Flixbus shuttle, there also other public transit options between Toronto and Niagara Falls that work out to be cheaper than driving or tours. The average price for for a single public transit ticket (bus, train or shuttle) is around $25 for a one-way trip.

However, all of the transit options are a bit more restrictive as they don’t leave very frequently throughout the day, from either locations.

Niagara Falls

The other challenge with taking public transit from Toronto to Niagara Falls is that most of them on’t bring you right to the touristy areas (where you want to be.) Instead you’re dropped off at the Niagara Falls Bus Station, which is either a 50 minute walk or a shuttle ride to the Table Rock Welcome Centre.

(This is not the case for the Flixbus Shuttle however -it brings you right to the Table Rock Welcome Centre. This is why I would recommend it out of the other public transit options.)

So for this reason, I would either recommend taking a day trip that brings you to Niagara Falls in a private coach, gives you some free time while you’re there, and includes some other perks as well – or, taking the Flixbus shuttle.

The day tours usually cost around $100 per person, which is double what you’d pay for public transit. However, given the extra perks that many of them include (skip the line admission to attractions, hotel pick up) I think its worth it the extra money.

Toronto to Niagara Falls by Car

Best for: Overnight or day trips

It takes approximately 90 minutes to drive from Toronto to Niagara Falls. You drive along the QEW (Queen Elizabeth Way) passing through several small cities and cute small towns along the way.

If you’re staying overnight in Niagara Falls, then many of the hotels offer free parking. However, if its just a one day trip, then there are a number of paid parking lots in Niagara Falls. They all differ in price, but you should expect to pay around $20 for a few hours.

Niagara Falls Clifton Hill parking
Clifton Hill parking lot (700 spaces)

When we drive to Niagara Falls, we usually park near the Table Top restaurant, which is near the edge of the falls. From there, you’re close to Journey Behind the Falls and the Power Station, and Clifton Hills is about a 15-20 minute walk away.

Don’t own a car? You could rent one in the Toronto area.

Pro Tip: I personally wouldn’t recommend taking a taxi or Uber to Niagara Falls from Toronto. It will cost more than double what you’ll pay for the train or bus. ($240 one way, and $480 round trip in 2024.) If you have a bigger budget, I would definitely opt for taking a coach bus as it includes more perks in addition to roundtrip transportation for the extra money.

Day Trips from Toronto to Niagara Falls

Best for: Single day trip

Taking a private coach from Toronto to Niagara Falls is the most hassle-free way of getting there. There are several day tours from Toronto to Niagara Falls that run year-round.

These tours leave Toronto in the morning, and are usually between 8 and 10 hours long. (4 hours of which is spent on driving, and another 6-7 hours to spend at Niagara Falls which is definitely enough time.)

I like this tour because it includes all of the above; including going on the Hornblower cruise (in the summer) or going up the Skylon Tower (in winter) and a stop in the charming town, Niagara on the Lake on the way.

Check Prices and Availability for 1-Day Tour to Niagara Falls from Toronto

Niagara Falls

3 Public Transit Options from Toronto to Niagara Falls

Here are all your options for getting from Toronto to Niagara Falls via public transit, and what you need to know about each

1. Taking the train

Best for: Day trip or overnight trip

The train to Niagara Falls from Toronto is with Via Rail. It leaves from Union Station right downtown and takes 2 hours exactly to reach Niagara Falls.

The departure and arrival time is the same every day – 8:20 am from Toronto, and 10:20 am arrival in Niagara Falls.

The train will bring you to the Niagara Falls train station. From there, you’ll need to take either the WEGA shuttle, a local bus or a taxi to the Table Rock Welcome Centre which is near Horseshoe Falls. (You can also walk, but it would take over 50 minutes.)

The train staton at Union Station in Toronto, right beside the CN Tower

Train tickets to Niagara Falls from Toronto start at $25 per person (there are two more expensive options that cost $35 and $45.)

The biggest difference with the different prices is that the cheapest ticket is non-refundable, whereas the other two tickets are partially and fully refundable.

When my friend from Alberta visited Niagara Falls with his 3-year old, they took the train from Toronto to Niagara Falls. He said it was an easy enough ride, and they enjoyed watching the scenery go by. They also took the WEGA shuttle to get to Table Rock. (Read more about the Wega Shuttle below under ‘Getting Around Niagara Falls.’)

2. Taking the GO Bus

Best for: Overnight trip

The Go Bus runs 7 days a week, however you can only get ‘direct’ trips between Toronto and Niagara Falls the summer months.

You can still take the GO Bus to Niagara Falls from Toronto during the rest of the year, but you need to take the train to Burlington first, and connect on a different GO Bus which will take you the rest of the way.

The Go Bus parked at the at Union Station in Toronto

I enjoy riding the Go Bus, the seats are comfy and I like sitting up top where you have a nice view from the windows.

 If you take the GO Bus from Toronto to Niagara Falls, it will drop you off at the Niagara Falls Bus Terminal, across the street from the Niagara Falls Train Station. This is a 50-minute walk from the Horseshoe Falls area, where you want to be.

Pro Tip: The train and the Go Bus both bring you to the Niagara Falls Bus Station, which is over 5km (3 miles) from the Table Rock Welcome Centre near the Horseshoe Falls viewing area. From there, you can either taxi, take the WEGO shuttle, a local bus or walk. However, if you want a shorter walk, you can choose to instead get off at Highway 420/Stanley. From there, its only 3.8 km (2.3 miles) to the Table Rock Welcome Centre.

3. Take the Flixbus shuttle

The shuttle service offered between Toronto and Niagara Falls is called Flixbus. It can leave from either Union Station or from Scarborough. It takes around 2 hours, more or less to reach Niagara Falls and the tickets are cheap – usually between $13-$15 per person.

The Flixbus shuttles have space for luggage, and there are also bathrooms and power outlets on board.

 The best thing about Flexibus is that it brings you right to Table Rock bus station by the Table Rock Welcome Centre, so more convenient than the GO Bus and the Via Rail.

I think its a no brainer; if you want to take public transit to Niagara Falls in winter, fall or spring, then I would go with Flixbus. You can book your tickets here

Niagara Falls
A view of Horseshoe Falls from the Table Rock Welcome Centre

During the summer, the Go Bus is direct so its an easy option as well. Except it brings you to the bus station, not the Table Rock Welcome Centre where you want to be (pictured above.)

So, in terms of public transit – I would choose the Flixbus shuttle.

What is the Best Way to Get to Niagara Falls from Toronto?

Day trips are a good way to get an all-in-one day trip to Niagara Falls that includes transportations, a guide on the coach, skip the line admission to attractions, and more. If you want to stay overnight though, then a day trip may not be the best for you.

If you’re on a budget or you want to stay overnight, then taking public transit is the best option. Of all the public transit options, I think that the shuttle (Flexibus) is the best one. This is because it brings you right to the Table Rock bus station, which is right where you want to be for tourism in Niagara Falls.

The other options (GO bus and Via Rail) bring you to the Niagara Falls Bus Station which is a 50-minute walk away and not very convenient for tourists.

skylon tower niagara falls in winter

Where to Stay in Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls seems to have more chain hotels than anyone can name. To help you out, I’m going to narrow it down to the best few, based on personal experiences of myself and friends visit there often

Niagara Falls

Getting around Niagara Falls

If you take public transit to Niagara Falls from Toronto, then you’ll still need a way of getting around Niagara Falls.

The WEGO is a hop on hop off bus in Niagara Falls that connects to all of the major hotels and attractions. You buy a pass for 24 or 48 hours and get unlimited use.

The WEGO shuttle can bring you from the Niagara Falls Bus Station to the Table Rock Restaurant, and it leaves every 30 minutes throughout he day between the two locations.

Good to Know: The WEGO passes can only be bought in-person at Niagara Falls attractions or the Table Rock welcome centre. However, you can also buy a 2-day pass here for $49 with a bunch of Niagara Falls attractions included. I think this is a very good deal, so I’d recommend it if you’re interested in seeing the falls up close and learning about their history.

What to Bring to Niagara Falls

  • A poncho (you may also be provided with one for free if you do Journey Behind the Falls or the Hornblower Cruise)
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen and hat (especially in summer, as you’ll be outside a lot)

Getting from Toronto to Niagara Falls: FAQ

Here are the most commonly asked questions about options on how to get from Toronto to Niagara Falls

What is the best way to get to Niagara Falls from Toronto?

The best way to get to Niagara Falls from Toronto depends on two things: your budget, and whether or not you plan to stay overnight. If you want to stay overnight, then you should take the train or bus. If you want a day tour, then a shuttle is the best.

How much does it cost to take a train from Toronto to Niagara Falls?

A train ticket to Niagara Falls from Toronto costs around $25 per person.

What is the easiest way to get to Niagara Falls?

If you want to do a single day trip, then I recommend a day tour. There are many coaches and shuttles that bring you down to Niagara Falls from Toronto, include lots of free time, and entrance to some attractions. If you want to stay overnight though, then you should take pubic transportation.

How much is a shuttle from Toronto to Niagara Falls?

Shuttle tickets from Toronto to Niagara Falls cost between $13-$15 per person, depending on which route you’re taking. The shuttle is the cheapest and in my opinion, the easiest means of public transit between Niagara Falls and Toronto.

How much is an Uber ride from Toronto to Niagara Falls?

An Uber or taxi to Niagara Falls to Toronto will cost over $200 one-way. You’ll still need to get back as well. This is very expensive compared to the shuttle and coach options, which is what I would recommend instead.

Niagara Falls with a baby

Conclusion: Toronto to Niagara Falls

By now you know the options laid out you about how to get from Toronto to Niagara Falls. I hope that this has been a big help. Whether you’re heading to Niagara Falls with young kids, or as a group of adults, there are many options for getting there.

I usually drive when I go to Niagara Falls, but I live just north of Toronto, and it would be a lot of extra trouble to travel downtown to take public transit. But, I have recommended the public transit options to friends and family visiting from out of province or country, and they’ve usually been happy.

Regardless of how you decide to get to Niagara Falls from Toronto, I can tell you that all of the ways have been used for many years. The one you choose will depend on your budget, and your plans while you’re in Niagara Falls. I hope you have an amazing time experiencing the power of the falls.