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Chicago, IL, USA to Niagara Falls from $35: 10 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Chicago, United States
to
Niagara Falls, Canada

How to Get from Chicago to Niagara Falls: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$35 by trainBest price
720.6 kmDistance
4h 30m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Chicago to Niagara Falls with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
4h  30m
Estimated price
$108-700
Recommended
Company
Amtrak
Train
Average Duration
12h  24m
Estimated price
$35-260
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 720.6 km
Duration: 4h 30m

See more options

Company
Greyhound
Bus
Average Duration
13h  22m
Estimated price
$56-158
Company
various
Bus
Bus
Average Duration
16h  37m
Estimated price
$65-208
Company
various
Plane
Bus
Average Duration
6h  16m
Estimated price
$74-465
Company
various
Plane
Bus
Average Duration
5h  45m
Estimated price
$84-805
Company
N/A
Drive
Average Duration
8h  54m
Estimated price
$95-140
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
4h  58m
Estimated price
$98-600
Company
various
Plane
Train
Average Duration
7h  47m
Estimated price
$158-588
Company
various
Plane
Train
Average Duration
8h  9m
Estimated price
$166-500
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Chicago to Niagara Falls

Embarking on a journey from the bustling streets of Chicago to the breathtaking vistas of Niagara Falls showcases a dramatic shift from urban energy to natural wonder.

Best Neighbourhoods in Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls offers diverse neighborhoods, each with its own charm and attractions.

Downtown Niagara Falls
• Close to major attractions like Clifton Hill.
• Vibrant nightlife and dining options aplenty.
Niagara-on-the-Lake
• Quaint town known for wineries and theaters.
• Scenic views and historic architecture enhance the experience.
Lundy's Lane
• Home to numerous restaurants and shopping areas.
• Walking distance to the falls and attractions.

Best Times To Visit Niagara Falls's Attractions

Understanding the best times to explore Niagara Falls will enhance your experience and help you avoid crowds.

The Falls
Early mornings offer a serene view and fewer crowds.
Clifton Hill
Visit on weekdays to enjoy attractions without long waits.
Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens
Spring blooms in late April to early May are stunning and less busy.

Niagara Falls Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Niagara Falls experiences a humid continental climate, with hot summers and cold winters, making each season distinct. Planning your visit during spring or fall can provide comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds, while winter offers a magical snowy landscape but can limit some outdoor activities.

Dining Recommendation in Niagara Falls

Try the local delicacy, peameal bacon sandwiches, at a charming café like the Niagara Falls Breakfast House; this dish stands in stark contrast to Chicago's deep-dish pizza scene. The cozy atmosphere, combined with fresh ingredients sourced from nearby farms, offers a taste of regional flavor that enhances your culinary experience.

Chicago - Niagara Falls operators

Explore transport companies operating between Chicago and Niagara Falls, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Plane Show flights
Website
southwest.com

Plane from Chicago Midway to Buffalo

Average Duration
1h 23m
Estimated price
$150-1100
Website
united.com

Plane from Chicago O'Hare to Buffalo

Average Duration
1h 40m
Estimated price
$130-800

Plane from Chicago O'Hare to Rochester

Average Duration
1h 51m
Estimated price
$110-470
Website
aircanada.com

Plane from Chicago O'Hare to Buffalo

Average Duration
1h 40m
Estimated price
$130-800

Plane from Chicago O'Hare to Rochester

Average Duration
1h 51m
Estimated price
$110-470
Website
aa.com

Plane from Chicago O'Hare to Buffalo

Average Duration
1h 44m
Estimated price
$150-1000

Plane from Chicago O'Hare to Rochester

Average Duration
1h 54m
Estimated price
$110-450
Website
delta.com

Plane from Chicago O'Hare to Buffalo

Average Duration
3h 32m
Estimated price
$130-480

Plane from Chicago O'Hare to Rochester

Average Duration
4h 2m
Estimated price
$110-400
Website
flyporter.com

Plane from Chicago Midway to Billy Bishop Toronto City

Average Duration
1h 42m
Estimated price
$140-600
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
amtrak.com

Train from Chicago Union Station to Buffalo Depew Station

Average Duration
10h 23m
Estimated price
$22-180

Train from Buffalo Depew Station to Niagara Falls Amtrak Station

Average Duration
1h 1m
Estimated price
$1-65
Contact phone
+1 888-842-7245
Website
viarail.ca

Train from Toronto Union Station to Niagara Falls

Average Duration
2h
Estimated price
$19-85

Train from Buffalo to Niagara Falls Station

Average Duration
1h 23m
Estimated price
$13-80
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100
Website
greyhound.com

Bus from Chicago Bus Station to Cleveland Bus Station

Average Duration
7h 40m
Estimated price
$40-95

Bus from Cleveland Bus Station to Buffalo

Average Duration
3h 50m
Estimated price
$21-65
Contact phone
+1 888-378-3823
Website
baronsbus.com

Bus from Chicago to Cleveland

Average Duration
7h 30m
Estimated price
$35-85
Contact phone
+1-844-800-6828
Website
ourbus.com

Bus from Rochester to Niagara Falls

Average Duration
1h 45m
Estimated price
$7-50
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
flixbus.com

Bus from Toronto to Niagara Falls Canada

Average Duration
1h 55m
Estimated price
$9-45

Chicago to Niagara Falls: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Chicago and Niagara Falls offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on an epic road trip from Chicago to Niagara Falls, covering a scenic driving distance of 851.3 km, with enchanting stops along the way. 💰 With prices ranging from $95 to $140 for the journey by car, enjoy the flexibility of exploring charming towns and picturesque landscapes en route to the majestic Niagara Falls. 🌊 Arrive at the breathtaking natural wonder that is Niagara Falls after approximately 8 hours and 54 minutes of driving, ready to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of the cascading waterfalls.
Average price
$95 - $140
🚆 Traveling from Chicago to Niagara Falls by train requires a transfer at Buffalo Depew Station. The journey, operated by Amtrak, takes approximately 12 hours and 24 minutes. 🌉 The train route from Chicago to Niagara Falls covers a distance of 902.8 km. Passengers will first board the Lake Shore Limited train towards New York for about 10 hours and 23 minutes, followed by a transfer to the Maple Leaf train towards Toronto for 1 hour and 23 minutes. 💸 Prices for the train journey between Chicago and Niagara Falls can range from $35 to $260. Despite the transfer, travelers can enjoy the scenic ride and convenient transportation provided by Amtrak.
Departure Point
Chicago Union Station
Arrival Point
Niagara Falls Amtrak Station
🛫 Flying from Chicago to Niagara Falls is a convenient and quick option with a direct flight from Chicago Midway Airport to Buffalo Airport that takes just 1 hour and 20 minutes. ✈️ The total flight time from Chicago to Niagara Falls is approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes, offering travelers a comfortable and efficient way to experience the beauty of Niagara Falls from the air. Flight prices can vary between $108 to $700 for this route.
Departure Point
Chicago Midway Airport
Arrival Point
Buffalo Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Consider booking your flight with Southwest Airlines for the best flexibility, as they often offer direct flights from Chicago Midway to Buffalo, which take about 1 hour and 20 minutes.
• Upon arrival at Buffalo Airport, head to the airport's Ground Transportation Center to easily catch a taxi; expect the fare to Niagara Falls to be around $40-$50 for the approximately 30-minute drive.
• Be mindful of customs and immigration when crossing the border to Canada; ensure you have your valid passport ready and check the wait times at the border for a smoother experience.
🚌 The journey from Chicago to Niagara Falls by bus involves transfers and takes approximately 13 hours and 22 minutes. Greyhound USA and Barons Bus are the primary operators for this route. 💵 Prices for the bus between Niagara Falls and Chicago vary from $56 to $158, making it a budget-friendly option for those looking to experience the breathtaking beauty of Niagara Falls from the comfort of a bus seat.
Departure Point
Chicago Bus Station
Arrival Point
Buffalo, NY station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Chicago to Niagara Falls.

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The distance between Chicago and Niagara Falls is approximately 719.4 km by direct route, but the road distance is 852.0 km. Travel times can vary depending on the mode of transportation chosen. For example, it takes approximately 4.5 hours to reach Niagara Falls from Chicago by plane, 8.5 hours by car, 12.5 hours by train, and 13.5 hours by bus. Flying to Rochester then taking a bus is the quickest option, with a travel time of 6 hours and 16 minutes.
For the most cost-effective option, taking the train from Chicago to Niagara Falls would be best, with prices ranging from $35 to $260 and a travel time of 12 hours and 24 minutes. However, if time efficiency is a priority, flying would be the fastest option, taking only 4 hours and 30 minutes with costs between $100 to $700.
The prices for traveling by train from Chicago to Niagara Falls range from $35 to $260, depending on the type of ticket and class chosen. For bus transportation between the two cities, prices can vary between $56 and $158.
You can drive from Chicago to Niagara Falls, a distance of approximately 851.3 km, which typically takes around 8 hours and 54 minutes. The cost of driving ranges from $95 to $140, depending on factors like fuel prices and toll fees.
To travel from Chicago to Niagara Falls without a car, you can take the train, which takes approximately 12 hours and 24 minutes, costing between $35 to $260. Another option is to fly, which takes around 4 hours and 30 minutes, with ticket prices ranging from $100 to $700. Alternatively, there is the option to take a bus, which can take around 13 hours and 22 minutes, with costs averaging between $55 to $160.
There is no direct train or bus link between Chicago and Niagara Falls. For train travel, passengers would need to take a route that includes transfers through Buffalo Depew Station, which takes approximately 12 hours and 24 minutes. Similarly, the bus journey necessitates transfers in Cleveland, OH and Buffalo, NY, extending the travel time to around 13 hours and 22 minutes.
The quickest flight between Chicago and Niagara Falls typically takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes, flying from Chicago Midway Airport to Buffalo Airport. The cost of a flight between the two cities can vary, with prices typically ranging from $108 to $700, depending on factors such as the airline, time of booking, and availability of seats.
There are numerous accommodation options near Niagara Falls, with over 592 hotels to choose from. Prices for hotels in the area typically start at $50 per night, offering a range of options to suit different budgets.