What to do... Niagara Falls to NYP

[TraneMan]

This fall, my husband and I are going to Niagara Fall ON. We arrive on Lakeshore Limited to Depew Station, Uber to Rainbow Bridge, and walk across with our luggage. (we are set here, hope the hotel let us do early check in.)

After our stay there, we are going to NYP on a Thursday. I am super torn/stressed on what to do.

1-Get up really early, walk the bridge to US side and catch Uber to the NFL station. for the Empire Service, 6:31am departure arrive NYP in the afternoon. *Worried about timing, of the walk time, custom, Uber showing up on the US side.

2-Take the Maple Leaf from the Niagara Falls ON at 10:22am, arrive NYC around 10pm. Then I don't have to worry getting up as early, just take Uber from the Hotel right up to the station.

Or just cancel the Hotel in ON, and just stay on the US side? Also, would it be worth the extra money for business class?

 

[pennyk]

Last time I went to Niagara Falls (year before pandemic), I stayed on the US side on the Niagara River (with a view). I walked the Rainbow Bridge to ON and hung out for a while (watched the falls and enjoyed local beer) then walked back. The next day, I met up with friends on the OTOL fest coming from Toronto and we stayed in Schnectedy. By breaking the trip up in that manner, I had time in the morning to walk to the falls and did not worry about arriving in NYP too late.

I almost always think business class is worth the extra money.

 

[PVD]

On the Empire Trains, the BC is the split car with 2+1 seating and the cafe at the other end. Most people like those. Usually, no through foot traffic, less "family noise." Lake has no BC.

 

[zephyr17]

This fall, my husband and I are going to Niagara Fall ON. We arrive on Lakeshore Limited to Depew Station, Uber to Rainbow Bridge, and walk across with our luggage. (we are set here, hope the hotel let us do early check in.)

After our stay there, we are going to NYP on a Thursday. I am super torn/stressed on what to do.

1-Get up really early, walk the bridge to US side and catch Uber to the NFL station. for the Empire Service, 6:31am departure arrive NYP in the afternoon. *Worried about timing, of the walk time, custom, Uber showing up on the US side.

2-Take the Maple Leaf from the Niagara Falls ON at 10:22am, arrive NYC around 10pm. Then I don't have to worry getting up as early, just take Uber from the Hotel right up to the station.

Or just cancel the Hotel in ON, and just stay on the US side? Also, would it be worth the extra money for business class?

Well, there are only three trains, so you're stuck with either the two VERY early Empire Service trains (roughly 3:40 am and 6:30 am, IIRC) or the Maple Leaf in any case.

Personally, I'd go with the Maple Leaf, but I wouldn't get on in Niagara Falls, ON and have the privilege taking the train a very short way across the bridge and then sclepping everything off the train that you just schlepped on in order to clear Customs, followed hanging around the Niagara Falls, NY station for at least an hour before the train is opened for reboarding.

I'd have a nice breakfast, get over to the Rainbow Bridge, walk across and Uber over to Niagara Falls, NY station, aiming to arrive a bit before noon in plenty of time for the 12:17 pm departure.

As to staying on the Canada or New York side, the choice is basically between a tourist trap and a pit. The tourist trap (Canada) has better views, too. Stick with Canada.

I like the 2+1 Business Class on the Maple Leaf and always try to book it on my Toronto-New York travels.

 

[Bob Dylan]

I agree with Zephyr, the Maple Leaf in Biz Class from the New Amtrak Station on the New York side is your Best Bet!

 

[TinCan782]

A few years ago my wife and I did a Niagara Falls and NYC trip from Los Angeles.
From Chicago we took the Lakeshore Limited to Buffalo-Depew. We stayed there a couple of nights, rented a car and did our Niagara visiting from Cheektowaga. Actually, worked out fine for us.
The next leg was back on the LSL to NYP where we spent a few days visiting the city.
We then took a couple more trains back to LA.

 

[GAT]

This may not need to be said, but just in case you're not aware, be sure to check up on current Canada entry requirements.
https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid/travel-restrictions/covid-vaccinated-travellers-entering-canada

 

[JoshP]

As Buffalo, NY resident, I would suggest take Empire Service 280 because it's always empty until Rochester, NY. I would advise you get a business class seat so you are more comfortable and its quiet there and you get unlimited drinks there on your full journey and by the time you arrive NYP, you will have all day in NYC as well.

Just my 2 cents ...

 

[TraneMan]

As Buffalo, NY resident, I would suggest take Empire Service 280 because it's always empty until Rochester, NY. I would advise you get a business class seat so you are more comfortable and its quiet there and you get unlimited drinks there on your full journey and by the time you arrive NYP, you will have all day in NYC as well.

Just my 2 cents ...

Yikes, that would be way too early to leave at 3:42. LOL. We are now leaning towards the 284 now.

 

[JoshP]

Yikes, that would be way too early to leave at 3:42. LOL. We are now leaning towards the 284 now.

Understood, I always commute to Albany or NYP many times and always take 280, because I know the crews and always the same. Great people. I'm not sure about 284 but it's still a great trip. Enjoy and have fun.

 

[TraneMan]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. We are going to do the Empire Service 284.

 

[cfillekes]

Thanks for the feedback everyone. We are going to do the Empire Service 284.

Heading down the Hudson, from Albany to NYP, make sure to get on the right side of the train -- terrific views of the Hudson river, and the Catskills beyond.