I live in Toronto, so I am visiting Niagara Falls and the region often. But I travel there in different ways depending on what I want to see, as there is so much.
As a visitor getting to Niagara Falls from Toronto, you have four options, including taking a tour, driving (your car or a rental vehicle), the bus service, or taking the train. The best choice will depend on your budget, flexibility, and comfort with driving.
This guide will explain all four types of transportation that I have used and the benefits and disadvantages of each!
Toronto to Niagara Falls at a Glance
For all transportation methods for comparison, I started from Toronto Union Station (tours offers flexible pickup locations).
All included transportation: Journey Behind the Falls tour and the Niagara City Cruise (formerly Hornblower Cruise). On my tour, these were the popular options enjoyed by most people. It would be cheaper if you do not take the cruise, but this was a highlight, so don’t do it.
| Method | Time & Flexibility | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tour | 9 hours Stops Maple Leaf Village, Aero Car & Falls | $144 to $169 depending on season and tour operator | People with no car, want a guide, and want to Skip the Line in peak season |
| Train | GO Transit & VIA Rail. Takes 2:45 to 3:20 OW to train station. Using train and local bus is slower than other methods. | $115 round trip with GO including train & WEGO hop-on-hop-off bus. $121 for 2 days. Train pass only is $34.00 for 1 day. | People with no car or who do not wish to drive and want to explore more than the falls. Better for a 2-day visit than one day. |
| Driving | 1 hour, 30 minutes, about 127 km ow | $168 with est. gas, pass for parking, and above tours | People who like flexibility and to see more than just the falls |
| Megabus | About 2 hours to the Falls | $158 depending on time of day. Seat reservations; bags may cost more. | People who do not wish to drive and just want to see the Falls. |
Taking a Guided Niagara Falls Tour from Toronto
There are a number of tour companies offering this tour daily with pickup locations across Toronto and Mississauga.
The most inexpensive tour just includes transportation to the Falls. Most people on my tour took the tour including the cruise and Journey visits, which you can purchase in advance (I did) or from the tour guide during the tour.
Pros:
- No driving or parking concerns
- Variety and convenient pickup locations in Toronto and Mississauga
- Comfortable bus
- Guided, so you learn about the region
- See a bit of Toronto tour along the way
- Skip the Line at Journey Behind the Falls & City Cruise, which is important if visiting during the busy summer season
- Focus on the main attraction, Niagara Falls
Cons:
- Only two interesting stops, Niagara Falls and the Aero Car (photo stop)
- Included Maple Leaf Village, which is more of a tourist trap with little value, and I would have preferred a better stop (just my opinion, others seemed to enjoy it)
- I would have liked more time at the Falls, but the tour was already 9 hours
- Waiting for people who were late in Niagara for the return drive (to be fair, they were only about 10 minutes late)
- I took the one-day guided Niagara Falls Tour from Toronto, and this post talks about my personal experience.
Taking the Train from Toronto to Niagara Falls
Most people taking the train from Toronto to Niagara Falls use GO Transit as it has more frequent service. Apparently VIA Rail goes there as well, but I do not know anyone who has used it.
I like that I can just relax and enjoy the view. And when I get back to Union Station, I can connect with a GO Train to where I live. Others can connect with the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) subway and buses anywhere in the city.
Pros:
- You are not driving on the QEW
- Fairly frequent service throughout the day. Watch out for construction service schedule during some summer weekends
- You can take your bicycle should you wish to explore Niagara that way
- I use GO trains all the time and find them very comfortable; I am always able to find a seat
- I can grab a coffee from Tim Horton’s at Union Station before boarding
- Connects with the WEGO Hop-on-Hop-off bus service in the Niagara Region including Niagara-on-the-Lake
- One and two day GO Transit passes available
- I often overnight in Niagara-on-the-Lake, so I take the return trip from the nearby St. Catharines GO Station
- An inexpensive choice
Cons:
- The length of the train ride to Niagara Falls
- While the WEGO bus service covers a lot of stops, you need to follow its schedule and wait for the bus, and the time it takes to get to your stop with others along the way.
- Allow 15 to 30 minutes if going direct to the falls, plus wait time at station
Megabus
Megabus operates from the Union Station GO bus terminal, and driving time may take 1 hour 41 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes depending on traffic. The drive takes you to the Rapidview Bus Terminal, so you need to connect to the WEGO bus service or take a taxi.
Pros:
- Inexpensive option to the Rapidview Bus Terminal in Niagara
- You are not doing the driving on this busy route
- Frequent daily service
- Basic cost for transportation; may be additional charges for reserved seats and excess baggage
- Free Wi-Fi, power outlets at your seat, a restroom, and air conditioning/heating
- May be able to take your bicycle for an additional charge
Cons:
- Vulnerable to traffic as the QEW can be slow at times
- Fluctuating prices which increase throughout the day and on busy weekends
- Motorcoaches have less room to move than some of the other options
- The bus drops you off at the Niagara Falls Rapidview Transit Terminal. This is about a 3.5 km (45-minute walk) away from the actual falls, taking time from your trip. You will need to take a local WEGO bus, a rideshare (Uber/Lyft), or a taxi to get down to the Falls.
Driving from Toronto to Niagara Falls
This option offers the most flexibility to see all that the Niagara Region has to offer. I go early, arriving around 8:30 a.m. before the crowds and often leave after they have left. This option is also good if planning a 2-day getaway including Niagara-on-the-Lake.
You will have a drive along the Gardiner Expressway and QEW, which can get congested, especially on the return. When you arrive, take Highway 420 into the city, or if going to Niagara-on-the-Lake, take Highway 55.
The drive along the Niagara Parkway between Niagara-on-the-Lake and Niagara Falls is one of the most scenic in Canada.
If you do not have access to a car, a rental vehicle is always an option.
Pros:
- Flexibility as you can travel when you wish
- Ability to explore some of the other sights besides the Falls, including Niagara-on-the-Lake, wineries, or places the WEGO does not go to.
Cons:
- Driving from Toronto on sometimes busy highways
- Parking machines at the attractions can sometimes be confusing if you purchase one-time visits. Parking passes are available
Which Option Is Best for Your Trip?
First-time visitors: if you want a straightforward day without worrying about traffic, connecting buses, and wait times, a guided tour is the best option.
Travellers watching your budget: the train is the cheapest option but is a longer journey with wait times. So also consider the guided tour.
Families or friends sharing transportation costs: driving is probably best, but there were a lot of small groups on my guided tour.
Visitors wanting Niagara-on-the-Lake or an overnight stay: driving is the best choice to give you the flexibility to explore and carry your baggage. I usually stay in Niagara-on-the-Lake, and I have a list of possible choices including stays at wineries.
If you want to avoid driving: there are 3 options listed above.
What Can You Realistically See in One Day?
During a one-day visit, you can realistically see Niagara Falls plus maybe two other attractions, including the City Cruise, Journey Behind the Falls, Flight over Niagara, or Clifton Hill. You may also be able to try the jet line located just outside the cruise terminal if you still have time.
If taking one of the guided tours, they often include Skip the Line, which can save time during the busy summer season. During a September visit, it did not matter as the lineups were small.
If going on a two-day getaway, consider heading down the Niagara Parkway, passing the floral clock, Botanical Gardens, wineries, and other sights to Niagara-on-the-Lake. I usually take in a matinee at the Shaw Festival.
Practical Tips Before You Go
Check attraction operating dates and schedules, as not all operate in the winter season or may be on reduced hours. For example, the City Cruise does not operate in the winter. The GO train schedule varies on weekends and weekdays.
Book tickets in advance. For the guided bus tour, the weekday tour I was on was sold out. If driving, get the parking pass in advance to save time. If doing a weekend getaway and going to the Shaw Festival, popular shows sell out fast. Also, summer accommodation is at a premium.
Whether driving, taking a bus or tour, allow extra time for the traffic, particularly on the return journey.
Bring extra layers and protection from spray if taking the boat cruise, as the provided plastic raincoat is flimsy and you could get wet. I also got wet on Journey Behind the Falls, but it was a warm day, so I dried off quickly.
FAQs: Niagara Falls from Toronto
Can you visit Niagara Falls from Toronto without a car?
Yes, you can visit Niagara Falls without a car by taking a guided tour, a bus, or a train.
Is a guided tour worth it?
The guided tour is worth it if you want information about the area, visit the key attractions, and often Skip the Line to get in quickly.
Does the train arrive near the falls?
The train station is about 4 km (2.5 miles) from the Falls and can be reached using the WEGO hop-on-hop-off bus or taking a taxi/Uber/Lyft.
Is driving cheaper than taking a tour?
No, they are actually about the same cost when you consider gas and parking costs.
Can you include Niagara-on-the-Lake in the same day?
Some guided tours include both, and if you are driving, you can definitely include them both. If taking the train or bus service, you can, but then you would miss some of the attractions at the falls, so it is not a good use of time.
Final Thoughts: Which Option Would I Choose?
There is no best way to go to Niagara Falls from Toronto; it depends on whether you only want to see the Falls and immediate attractions or whether you want to see other outstanding places such as the floral clock, Botanical Gardens, wineries, Whirlpool Rapids, Niagara-on-the-Lake, or others.
If you have an option, the best time to visit is May/June or September/early October when there is pleasant weather, everything is open, and the crowds are smaller.
Despite the traffic, I normally drive for the flexibility, but I have taken the train and a guided tour. Whichever method you prefer, book in advance as this place sells out.
