Buffalo weekend travel guide: parking, transit & top attractions
- Downtown parking is $5/hr with a $20 daily cap
- Anchor Bar wings start at $8 per order
- Niagara Falls bus round‑trip is $30
- Mid‑range downtown hotels average $150 per night
How to navigate Buffalo public transportation?
First, decide how you’ll get into Buffalo. If you’re driving from the east, I‑90 drops you off at Exit 53, just three miles from downtown. And parking in the Central Terminal District costs $5 per hour, with a daily cap of $20—convenient but pricey during peak events. So book a spot on the city’s parking app to lock in a rate before you arrive. If you prefer public transit, the NFTA’s Metro Rail runs every 15 minutes from the airport to the Erie Canal Harbor. According to the NFTA, a single ride is $2.50, making the train a budget‑friendly alternative.
Frequently asked questions
Use the NFTA Metro bus system, which offers frequent routes downtown and to major attractions, and supplement with bike‑share programs for short trips.
Affordable options include the City Center Parking Garage (rates start at $5 per hour), the Erie Canal Harbor lot ($4 per hour), and street parking meters that are free after 6 PM on weekdays.
Route 1 (Elmwood‑University), Route 4 (North Buffalo), and the Express 71 (University‑Downtown) cover popular museums, parks, and the waterfront, running every 15‑20 minutes on weekends.
Yes—Canalside, the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park, and the Albright‑Knox Art Gallery all offer free entry, making them perfect for budget‑friendly sightseeing.
