How to Get From Toronto to Niagara Falls: 4 Options

Are you looking for the best way to travel from Toronto to Niagara Falls? You’ve come to the right place.

No matter how many times you visit, you’ll continue to discover why Niagara Falls is worth seeing. Let’s explore the various options for travelling to Niagara Falls, Canada, from Toronto.

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How Far is Niagara Falls from Toronto?

Niagara Falls is a must-see attraction when visiting Toronto, and fortunately, it’s close by and easy to get to on a day trip or to spend a few daysf. 

Many people ask, “Is Toronto near Niagara Falls?” and the answer is yes!

Downtown Toronto to the Horseshoe Falls is just 130 km (80 miles) away. So, in just about two hours (traffic dependent), you can be at the Falls from downtown Toronto, making it an easy option for visitors to spend a day in Niagara Falls.

To get to Niagara Falls from Toronto, you have lots of transportation options: you can drive, take a tour, ride a bus, or hop on a train. Keep reading for all the details.

1. Drive from Toronto to Niagara Falls

The easiest way to get to Niagara Falls from Toronto is to drive. Driving provides the greatest flexibility, allowing you to leave and return when you want.

Having a car is also handy for side trips to places like Niagara-on-the-Lake’s old town, the large Niagara outlet shopping mall, and the many incredible Ontario wineries in the region.

The most challenging part of driving to Niagara is navigating the Toronto traffic and the cost of parking in Niagara Falls.

Driving Directions

To drive to Niagara Falls, take the Gardiner Expressway West until it turns into Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW). Continue on the QEW toward Niagara, exiting onto ON-420 to Niagara Veterans Memorial Highway East. Follow all the signs, and you’ll quickly find yourself in Niagara Falls.

Driving Tips: Toronto to Niagara Falls

• Travel outside of rush hour. Leave Toronto early in the morning to avoid heavy traffic.
• Arrive early to avoid some of the crowds at Niagara Falls, especially during the peak summer season.
• Consider a scenic drive along the Niagara Parkway, a hike, or a visit to Niagara-on-the-Lake.
• On your back to Toronto, consider visiting to the Welland Canal or a drive through some small Ontario towns like Grimsby or Vineland.

2. How to Get From Toronto to Niagara Falls by Group Tour

Visiting Niagara Falls is one of the most popular day tour options from Toronto. This is particularly convenient for tourists who don’t have their own transportation.

It’s an ideal option if you don’t want to drive and prefer someone else to handle all the logistics, including parking, driving, and admission fees.

Tour companies run hundreds of trips every year and are highly experienced in providing the best excursion experience possible. Your guide and bus driver will take care of all your needs while also giving you an informative tour of Toronto and Niagara.

✓ Short on Time? Here’s my number one day tour pick to Niagara Falls

Each tour might offer slightly different experiences, so read the descriptions carefully. For example, some tours offer skip-the-line boat tickets, photo stops, visits to wineries, or stops at historic Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Group Tour Tips

• Consider a tour with hotel pick-up if you are staying in downtown Toronto for added convenience.
• Research the activities you want to prioritize so you can get the most out of your time in Niagara Falls.
• Read each tour description carefully, especially if visiting Niagara Falls in winter, to ensure you get the specific experience you are looking for.

3. From Toronto to Niagara Falls by Train

There are two options for taking the train from downtown Toronto to Niagara Falls: the GO Train and the VIA Train.

Taking the GO Train to Niagara Falls

The GO Train is Toronto’s commuter train. I recently took the GO Train from Union Station in downtown Toronto, and it was incredibly convenient and comfortable. 

Taking the GO Train is the easiest and most economical way to get to the Falls on the weekend in the summer. It is also a great choice for those staying overnight.

With the train you can avoid the high overnight parking fees in Niagara, and enjoy a weekend getaway to Niagara Falls from Toronto.

Benefits of Taking the GoTrain:

• Accessible from any GO Train stop, not just Toronto’s downtown station, Union Station.
• Avoids the congested Toronto traffic.
• Inexpensive: $10 all-day pass on the weekend; otherwise, it’s about $21 one way.
• There are no additional or hidden costs, such as service fees or seat selection.
• Pay only when you board the train, making it a low-risk cost.
• Onboard washrooms, free WiFi, and plenty of room.
• You can bring your bike on the train.
• Option to bundle the GO Train with WEGO, a local transit system.

The challenge is that the GO Train schedule is limited to three trains per day in each direction on the weekend. The first train leaves Toronto at 9:00 a.m., and the last train leaves Niagara Falls at 9:00 p.m. on the weekends.

The schedule is even more limited on weekdays.

The GO Train arrives at the Niagara Falls GO Station, about 4 km from the Falls. However, WEGO buses and taxis are readily available to take visitors to the Falls. And, to be honest, when I arrived on the GO Train, we were all shuttled onto the WEGO buses. No one checked tickets before boarding—they just filled the buses.

To learn more about taking the GO Train to Niagara Falls, visit the official site for more details.

Taking the VIA Rail Train to Niagara Falls

There is also a VIA Train from Union Station to Niagara Falls that runs daily. The train departs Toronto at 8:20 a.m. The train departs Niagara Falls at 5:45 p.m. each night. The cost starts at $26 one way for a non-refundable ticket (Times and cost subject to change).

The train arrives and departs from the VIA Rail Train station, about 3 km from the Falls. You’ll need to take a local bus, taxi, or ride share to get to the Falls.

Check the VIA Website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

4. From Toronto to Niagara Falls by Bus

There are also bus companies that provide transportation from Toronto to Niagara Falls. Buses offer flexible timetables with frequent departure times, usually hourly.

The drop-off and pick-up in Niagara is conveniently located at the Table Rock Welcome Centre, right in the heart of the Falls.

Taking FlixBus to Niagara Falls

FlixBus offers many departure options from several locations, including Toronto Union Station, Scarborough, Mississauga, and Toronto Pearson International Airport. FlixBus is the best option if you’re coming from the Toronto airport.

The first bus departs from Toronto is at 6:30 a.m., and the last bus departs Niagara Falls at 10:00 p.m. Schedules, of course, are always subject to change, so it is best to confirm times and prices online.

FlixBus Considerations:

• Prices start at $14.99 CAN one way, plus a $3.99 service fee per booking.
• Additional costs apply for seat reservations.
• Onboard amenities include a toilet, Wi-Fi, and power outlets.
• Cancellations and changes can be made up to 15 minutes prior to departure.
• Cancellations result in a voucher credit.
• No bikes are allowed, and luggage restrictions apply.

When booking, pay attention to the length of time of the ride. Choose the bus with the shortest duration, as some buses make additional stops, which can add extra time to your trip.

Taking the MegaBus to Niagara Falls

MegaBus departs from the Union Station Bus Terminal in downtown Toronto. The first bus departs from Toronto at 6:30 a.m., and the last bus departs Niagara Falls at 9:15 p.m. Again, confirm times and pricing online.

MegaBus Considerations:

• Prices start at $9.99 one way, plus a $3.99 service fee per booking.
• Additional costs apply for seat reservations.
• Onboard amenities include restrooms, individual power outlets, three-point seatbelts, and reclining seats.
• Reservations can only be traded in for another trip up to 3 hours before your scheduled departure. A trade-in fee will be applied. 
• No bikes are allowed, and luggage restrictions apply.

PRO TIP: When booking, be sure to choose the Niagara Falls, ON, Table Rock Transit Station for your arrival and departure. This will take you directly to the Welcome Centre, making your trip even more convenient.

How to Go to Niagara Falls from Toronto Airport

If you’re arriving at Toronto Pearson International Airport and looking to head straight to Niagara Falls, there are a couple of convenient options: driving or taking the FlixBus.

Driving from Toronto Airport to Niagara Falls

Toronto Airport is one of the most convenient places to rent a car, making it easy to leave the airport and head directly to Niagara Falls. 

I recommend using Economy Bookings to find the best car rental deal from available companies like Budget, Hertz, Thrifty, Enterprise, and more. 

This option provides the greatest flexibility, allowing you to travel at your own pace and make stops along the way.

Taking the FlixBus from the Toronto Airport to Niagara Falls

FlixBus also offers bus service from Toronto Pearson International Airport to Niagara Falls. FlixBus departs Pearson several times throughout the day.

Challenges with FlixBus:

• Coordinating your flight arrival time with the bus departure times can be tricky.
• It may be easier to take the UP Express into downtown Toronto and then transfer to a bus or train to Niagara Falls.

Both options are possible, but if you prefer flexibility and ease, renting a car might be the best choice. If you are okay with coordinating schedules, FlixBus can be an economical option.

Getting Around Niagara Falls

The main Fallsview Tourist area in Niagara Falls is relatively compact, making it easy to walk to most attractions and to see the Falls if you’re there for the day.

For those looking to explore further, the WEGO Bus is a great option.

WEGO Bus

The WEGO Bus is a hop-on, hop-off service designed specifically to help visitors get to all the main tourist attractions in Niagara Falls.

It’s a convenient and easy option, especially if you don’t want to drive. You can purchase a 24-hour or 48-hour pass, depending on your needs.

Key Features of WEGO Bus:

• Several WEGO bus lines cover all major hotels, GO Train and VIA Train stations, Clifton Hill, casino, and major attractions.
• Includes a shuttle to Niagara-on-the-Lake for an additional cost.
• All lines stop at the Table Rock Welcome Centre.

While the WEGO Bus is an excellent choice for those staying in Niagara Falls, it may not be needed if you’re only visiting for a day.

If you plan to stay in Niagara Falls for more than one day, the WEGO Bus is an excellent option and makes getting around convenient and easy.

Combine a WEGO pass with the GO Train to make for an affordable way to visit Niagara Falls from Toronto.

Conclusion: Plan Your Visit to Niagara Falls Now

It is easy to travel from Toronto, Canada, to see Niagara Falls and the Niagara Region. With so many excellent things to do in Niagara Falls, it is certainly worth adding a trip to the Falls to your Toronto Itinerary.

While you are there, you might also consider adding a visit to some of the excellent Niagara-on-the-Lake wineries or taking a Niagara Falls boat cruise to see the Falls up close.

Whether you prefer driving, taking a guided tour, hopping on a train, or riding a bus, there are plenty of convenient options to suit your needs and schedule.

While driving offers the most flexibility, guided tours are perfect for those who prefer someone else to handle all the logistics. Trains provide a comfortable and economical way to travel, while buses offer flexibility with frequent departure times.

Once you arrive, getting around Niagara Falls is easy, especially with the WEGO Bus, which conveniently connects all the main attractions.

No matter how you choose to travel, visiting Niagara Falls from Toronto is a straightforward and truly memorable experience.

Before You Go: Best of Ontario and Toronto

Now that you have planned your perfect trip to Niagara Falls, Canada, here are some additional articles that may be of interest to you.

Every spring flowers start to bloom and there are several stunning tulip farms in the Niagara Region that are worth visiting if you are in the area.

If you are visiting Toronto you may also be wondering if it is worth visiting the CN Tower and the Royal Ontario Museum. You may also appreciate my review of Toronto’s Sightseeing Bus.