Buffalo Airport Parking

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Guide to Buffalo Niagara Airport

Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF), also known as BNIA, caters to just over four and a half million passengers each year. Falling inside the USA’s busiest 60 airports, it sees over 100 daily flights to more than 20 destinations, with non-stop flights to locations throughout the USA, the Dominican Republic and Mexico. Southwest Airlines handle over a third of all passenger traffic, with Delta Airlines and JetBlue close behind. Serving the popular tourist destination, the Niagara Falls, it also caters largely to Canadian travelers looking for economical fares.

Location of Buffalo Niagara Airport

Buffalo Airport is located in Cheektowaga, New York, about 11 miles (18 kilometers) east of downtown Buffalo and 26 miles (42 kilometers) from the famous Niagara Falls and the Canadian border. To travel to downtown Buffalo there are various options, by car the journey takes approximately 15 minutes on Route 33. You have the option to rent a vehicle or take a taxi, shuttle, or shared ride all available from outside the Arrivals Level of the terminal.

If you want to take a bus service you can choose between a faster, shuttle service or the normal routes. The shuttle service, number 204, runs non-stop between the airport and the center of Buffalo. Click here to see the schedule. For less direct services you have the option of route 24B, 47 and 68. The bus stops are located just before the Arrivals Level entrance, near Crosswalk 1b.

For those looking to travel further afield, you can catch the Greyhound Bus Lines, Greyhound Canada and the Megabus from BUF. Regular services operate to Toronto, Niagara Falls, New York City and Adirondacks. They can be caught from the Arrivals Level past the hotel shuttles.

History of Buffalo Niagara Airport

Built in 1926 Buffalo Niagara International Airport, or Buffalo Municipal Airport as it was then known, is one of the USA’s oldest public airports. It saw passenger travel commence in 1927 and demand increase through the following decades. The terminal building, as we now know it, was constructed in 1997 at a cost of $56 million and marked the end of a multiple terminal airport. The structure was designed to reflect the importance of aviation in the region and, seen from above, the 27,000 square feet of glass looks like a giant aircraft ready for take off.

BUF is due to undergo further renovation and expansion as part of the airport’s sustainable master plan, which will see a new walkway, more curbside space and a doubling of the capacity to handle baggage by 2019.

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Airport facilities

Buffalo Niagara International Airport offers a handful of retail outlets and food and drink options, mostly located on the upper level, in Departures. Although choice isn’t extensive you will have the chance to buy that last minute souvenir, have a bite to eat or treat yourself to a pre-flight drink.

If you have special requirements for your trip through Buffalo Airport it is advisable to contact customer services before your visit on +1 (716) 630-6000. If on arrival you need assistance visit the information desk on the lower level across from baggage claim or ask one of the airport Ambassadors who are there to answer any questions you may have.

Here is a non-exhaustive list of the facilities available at BNIA:

• Short-stay parking

• Long-stay parking

• Off-site parking

• Information desk

• Shopping

• Newsagents

• Duty free

• Coffee shops

• Food

• Breakfast

• Fast food

• Cafés

• Drinks

• Bars

• Barber shop

• Shoe shine

• Currency exchange

• Toilets

• Disabled access

• Nursing lounge

• Play area

• Trolleys

• Pet relief areas

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Buffalo Niagara Airport hotel and parking

If your flight leaves Buffalo Airport early in the morning or you are planning to arrive late at night, a good way to ensure you don’t feel overly tired is booking a hotel and parking package. This means you can start or finish your trip with a night in a hotel, park your car during your absence and have the hotel shuttle take you to and from the airport. Here are a few options available near BUF:

If you fancy a little bit of luxury to take away the stress of traveling, why not opt for Delavan’s Hotel and Spa where you can remove any pre or post travel anxiety in the award winning spa. At just over one and a half miles (2.7 kilometers) from Buffalo Airport you’ll be there in less than five minutes. Right next door you also have the option to stay in Salvatore's Garden Place, another luxury hotel run by the same family and if you are a fan of Italian cuisine hop on the free shuttle service to their restaurant.

A less pricey option is the Best Western The Inn at Buffalo Airport with a complimentary shuttle service taking you the less than two mile (2.8 kilometer) trip to BUF. Burn off some pre flight energy on their tennis court or relax and surf the internet using the free WiFi provided.

A budget option is the Clarion Hotel, where you can have a dip in the indoor pool and then a good night’s sleep before your flight. At just over ten minutes drive to the airport the shuttle service will have you there in no time.

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Top things to do in Buffalo Niagara Airport

Famous Buffalo wings

The famous Anchor Bar opened a branch in BUF, so you don’t even have to leave the airport to try the authentic Buffalo wings. The Anchor Bar has been donned as the home of the famous Buffalo wings, brought about one night when making a midnight snack, and you can even buy a bottle of their famous sauce to take with you. For those who don’t fancy wings, the bar serves a variety of other foods. Located in the Upper Level, airside, they are open from 8am until after the last scheduled departure.

Floor art

Take a walk to the main Gateway concourse to have a look at Oregon artist Robert Calvo’s 13,000 square foot mosaic. The Texan born artist used terrazzo tiles to tell the history of the area, both geographically and sociologically. Grab a brochure from one of the information pedestals and follow the eight ribbons that chart Niagara’s history.

Information and souvenirs

The official tourism promotion agency for Buffalo and Erie County has a branch in BUF airport. Call in at Visit Buffalo Niagara for information on everything Buffalo related and a whole host of fun local gifts. As proceeds from the sales go to reinvesting in the region you feel like you are putting something back into the community. Located near the Food Court, across from Gate 7 it’s open from 7am until 6pm (Saturdays until 5pm).

Keep your kids entertained

For those traveling with little ones try the children’s play area, Fisher-Price Play Gate, located on the upper level, near gate nine. With toys, books and activities they will be entertained for hours and you can board your flight knowing they have burnt off some energy before the start of the trip.

Early morning coffee

If you are planning on arriving at BUF airport early and will be needing a caffeine fix, call in at the Coffee Beanery, airside on the upper level inside the security checkpoint. Open from 4:30am until 8:00pm it offers speciality coffees, pastries, pre-flight snacks and now you can even pick up Vito's Gourmet Deli sandwiches and salads.

We share a dream

Spend a little time in the main ticketing area looking at the ‘We Share a Dream’ exhibition, made of 2,000 shirts donated by the people of Western New York. Artist Karina Kaikkonen wanted to emphasize the connection we all have during our commutes and travels and has done so connecting the shirts arm-by-arm to span the airport’s central terminal.

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Top things to do near Buffalo Niagara Airport

Niagara Falls

A trip to Buffalo wouldn’t be complete without visiting Niagara Falls. At only 25 miles (40 kilometers) from BUF airport you can drive there in just over half an hour. Put on your poncho and visit the famous Maid of Mist, stand under the Bridal Veil of Falls and climb up to Hurricane Deck. You can also go for a hike, ride on a jet boat or take a helicopter ride. Whether you are looking for adventure or a relaxing walk, Niagara Falls State Park has something for everyone in the 400 acre nature lovers paradise.

Albright-Knox Art Gallery

The world famous Albright-Knox Gallery houses one of the most renowned collections of sculptures and paintings from the Cubism, Surrealism and Constructivism movements. For art lovers the gallery is a must and at just nine miles (14.5 kilometers) from BUF airport there’s no excuse not to visit. Not only does it have an extensive modern collection but it also has pieces by Picasso, Renoir, Van Gogh, Monet and Matisse. When planning your visit bear in mind the gallery closes on Mondays.

Buffalo Zoo

The third oldest zoo in the USA, Buffalo Zoo sits at less than eight miles (12 kilometers) from Buffalo Airport. Visit the famous polar bears, cross the rope bridge over the alligators and stroll around the 23.5 acre grounds containing creatures from all corners of the world. The zoo is open all year round and has discounted entrance for children and groups.

Frank Lloyd Wright's architecture

If you are a fan of Frank Lloyd Wright's architecture, then Buffalo is the place for you. It boasts six buildings designed by the renowned architect, the most famous being the Martin House Complex built in the early 1900s. You can take a one or two hour tour of the property or treat yourself to a day long guided visit of all six of Wright’s buildings in Buffalo.

Forrest Lawn Cemetery

Just 15 minutes drive from BUF airport the Forrest Lawn Cemetery is a fantastic place to go for a walk or have a picnic. The stunning and immaculately kept grounds boast sculptures, lakes and creeks and you can even sign up for a guided tour of the 269 acre cemetery to ensure you don’t miss any of the highlights. The gates are open all year round, tours are available on Sundays and you can check out what other events are happening during your trip by clicking here.

Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park

For those interested in military history, Visit the Naval and Military Park on the shores of Lake Erie. Have a wonder around the three historic warships; a cruiser during the Cold War, a destroyer and a submarine used in World War II, or visit the museum to see the vast collection of military memorabilia. You can visit any day of the week from April to October and at weekends during November. The park is closed from December to March.

Delaware Park

Known as Buffalo’s Central Park, Delaware is just a 15 minute drive from Buffalo Airport. Designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the famous American landscape architect, it is a stunning 350 acre oasis in the city. You can stroll around the gardens and meadows, take a trip to the lake, let your little ones play in the playground or have a picnic on one of the picnic lawns.

Aerial views of the city

Built after World War I, Buffalo City Hall, the huge 32 storey art deco building is known as the ‘windows to Buffalo’. Take the lift to the 25th floor and then walk the next three to the observation deck to look over Lake Erie, Buffalo River and the city below you. You can have a look for free Monday to Saturday, or sign up for the hour long tour that usually starts at midday.

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Which terminal?

Buffalo Niagara International Airport has one passenger terminal in which departures is located on the upper level. The majority of gates serve national destinations, while gates one and two are for international flights. The terminal itself is easy to navigate and there are monitors throughout to help you locate your departure gate.

Here is a list of the airlines that operate from BUF airport:

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How to get to Buffalo Niagara Airport

Car

Buffalo Niagara International Airport is located in New York in the north east of the USA and you can navigate there using the ZIP code NY 14225. The airport can be reached on the Kensington Expressway (NY Route 33) which finishes at the airport. To get to the airport from downtown Buffalo take the New York State Thruway, Interstate I-90 to Route 33 and you will be at the airport in approximately 15 minutes. The airport is clearly signposted on Route 33.

Bus

From downtown Buffalo you can take the number 204 for a non-stop service or routes 24B, 47 and 68 for local services. Passengers with mobility issues the NFTA Metro Paratransti offers services to the airport, for more information click here. Greyhound and Megabus also provide services between New York, Torronto, Niagara Falls and BUF airport and the drop off point for buses and coaches can be found outside Arrivals, on the lower level.

Shared ride and private hires

Various shuttle services operate from hotels and downtown Buffalo to the airport, with the option to book an exclusive ride or a shared ride. Click here to for information on a shuttle service available within the Niagara region or from Toronto Airport to BUF.

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Useful tips

Arrive 90 minutes to two hours prior to your departure

Although Buffalo Niagara Airport tries to keep waiting times to less than 15 minutes they do advise getting to the airport between 90 minutes and two hours before your flight is scheduled to depart. This is especially necessary during vacation periods when the airport sees a large increase in passenger numbers.

Opt for an early flight

BUF airport can be subject to delays and cancellations due to weather conditions, especially in the winter months. If given the chance, opt for an early flight as these are less likely to be delayed. With so many hotels close to the airport offering shuttles you can always stay close to the airport the night before your flight so you don’t have such an early start on the day you travel.

Curb-side check-in

For a fast check-in go curb-side and drop your luggage off before you even enter Buffalo Airport. You can then go straight ahead and enjoy the pre-flight time you have to do some shopping or grab a bite to eat. Check with your airline before your trip to make sure they participate in the curb-side service.

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Buffalo Niagara Airport FAQs

Can you sleep at Buffalo Airport?

As the terminal is open 24 hours a day seven days a week it is possible to sleep in Buffalo Airport. Bear in mind that after the security checkpoints close you have to move to landside and travelers have commented that you need to choose your bench early to ensure you get one. It is also recommended that you take a blanket and some earplugs as it can get cold and there are constant overhead announcements. Although the airport has been described as clean, with numerous hotels available close to the airport offering free shuttle services this may be your best option if you want a decent night’s sleep.

Can you smoke in BUF airport?

Smoking is not permitted airside at Buffalo Airport but there are smoking areas landside on both the Arrivals and Departures levels. This means that for passengers taking connecting flights you have to go through to landside and then pass back through security again if you wish to smoke.

Does Buffalo Airport have TSA Precheck?

TSA Precheck is available at BUF for those who have applied for Precheck. This enables passengers to go through screening processes faster on participating airlines as they do not have to remove their shoes, belts or light outerwear jacket and can leave their laptops and liquid bags inside their bags when they go through the checkpoint. To apply for TSA Precheck or to find out more about it click here.

Does Buffalo Airport have free WiFi?

Buffalo Airport allows passengers 45 minute uninterrupted internet access on their free WiFi network. Once this period finishes you can watch an advertisement to gain access to a further 45 minutes and you can do this as many times as you like. To connect you have to set your wireless network to ‘BUF Free WiFi’ and launch you web browser.

Does BUF airport have NEXUS?

The NEXUS program is available at Buffalo Airport and allows for the pre-screening of travelers so they can then benefit from speedy border crossing. Run by both the US and Canadian border protection services, dedicated lanes are provided making boarder crossings much faster.

Does Buffalo Airport have a Cell Phone Lot?

For those waiting to collect passengers from BUF there is a free Cell Phone Lot around the corner from Holtz Road. The lot is the same as the Park ‘n Ride Lot and you simply have to follow the purple signs to get there. At only a mile (one and a half kilometers) from the terminal it is perfect for pick ups as your passenger can call as they are waiting for their luggage and you can drive to them just as they are leaving the terminal.

Where is Buffalo Niagara Airport?

Buffalo Airport is located in Cheektowaga which sits in the western part of the New York state which itself is in the northeastern part of the United States. BUF serves Buffalo, New York and Southern Ontario in Canada and sits 11 miles (18 kilometers) east of downtown Buffalo on the shores of Lake Erie on the Niagara Frontier in Western New York.

How far is BUF airport from Niagara Falls?

Buffalo Airport is located approximately 26 miles (42 kilometers) from the famous Niagara Falls and the Canadian border. You can get there by taxi or shuttle in around 40 minutes and both services work on demand and can be caught on the Arrivals level at Crosswalk 3. Public transport takes around an hour and a half and you have to head to downtown Buffalo on the 204 or 24 from the Arrival level Crosswalk 1b and then take the number 40 to Niagara Falls.

Is there a USO at BUF airport?

The WNY Freedom Lounge at Buffalo Airport is a private lounge for the US Military and their families. The lounge offers comfortable seating, internet access, snacks and reading material on a variety of topics. The lounge is located on the lower level near the United baggage claim and is open every day from 7am to 10pm. There is also the option for family of military personnel to request a gate pass at the ticket counter so you can wave off your loved ones.