How Much Does it Cost to Go to Niagara Falls?

Niagara Falls is one of the most famous natural wonders in North America. It draws millions of visitors each year to marvel at the American Falls, the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, and the rushing Niagara River. The best part? Entry to see the waterfalls themselves is completely free 365 days a year.

Still, planning your trip means thinking beyond just the view. From cheap flights into Buffalo or Toronto to the cost of hotels, meals, and attractions, your budget can vary widely. Whether you’re hopping on a classic boat ride like the Maid of the Mist, trying adventurous activities such as ziplining or helicopter tours, or exploring nearby state parks and golf courses, knowing the ticket prices and daily costs will help you make the most of your visit.

In this guide, we break down the real costs of a Niagara Falls trip — transportation, activities for kids, food, and accommodation — so you can enjoy your journey without surprises.

Cost of Getting There!

The cost of reaching Niagara Falls depends on where you’re traveling from and how you get there — by plane, train, bus, or car. Luckily, it’s easy to find cheap flights into Buffalo (USA) or Toronto (Canada), both just about 30 minutes from the Falls by car or shuttle.

From Toronto to Niagara Falls, Canada

Toronto is only 72 km (45 miles) from the Falls, making it one of the most convenient starting points:

Train:

Fares start around $19 USD per person. Travel time is about 2 hours 45 minutes.

Bus:

Tickets start at $28 USD. The ride takes about 1 hour 45 minutes.

Car:

Driving offers flexibility and comfort. Costs range from $80–$250 USD depending on the vehicle type and number of passengers.

From New York City to Niagara Falls, USA

The distance between New York State and Niagara Falls State Park is about 410 km (308 miles). Here’s what you can expect to pay:

Train:

From NYC, expect fares starting at $68 USD with a journey time of roughly 9 hours.

Bus:

The budget option at $30–$50 USD, taking 8–10 hours.

Car:

Driving costs between $40–$90 USD, plus tolls and fuel.

Flight:

A direct trip to Buffalo Niagara International Airport takes under an hour tour in the air. Fares usually range $115–$250 USD, and from there it’s a quick drive to the Falls.

Note: Always compare travel sites and search results for updated fares before booking — prices can change with season and demand.

Is there an Entrance Fee for Niagara Falls?

Entry to both sides of Niagara Falls (Canada side and USA side) is totally FREE 365 days a year!

Is Entering the Other Side of Niagara Falls Free?

If you want to explore both sides, you’ll need to cross the Rainbow Bridge, which connects New York State to Canada. Crossing fees are minimal:

Pedestrians:

$1 USD or CAD (from the U.S. into Canada).

Vehicles:

Around $4 USD ($5.50 CAD).

Returning to the U.S:

Free.

So while the waterfalls themselves don’t have a ticket price, the real costs come from attractions, activities, and tours like boat rides and helicopter tours, which we’ll cover next.

How Much Will a One-Day Trip to Niagara Falls Cost?

A one-day visit to Niagara Falls can be surprisingly affordable. Entry to the waterfalls is free, but most attractions and activities come with a ticket price. On average, you’ll spend $50–$100 USD per person for a mix of classic experiences, food, and transportation.

Canadian Side Highlights

Journey Behind the Falls:

About $29 CAD per adult.

Niagara Parks Power Station:

$20–25 CAD, with evening light shows available.

Niagara SkyWheel:

$17 CAD per adult.

Ziplining:

Starts at $69–79 CAD for an adrenaline rush over the Niagara River.

Hornblower Boat Tours:

One of the most popular ways to get a close-up view of Niagara Falls.

U.S. Side Highlights

Niagara Falls State Park:

Free entry with trails, picnic spots, and activities for kids.

Maid of the Mist Boat Ride:

$30 USD per adult, $19 per child (ages 6–12).

Observation Tower:

Just $1.25 USD for sweeping views of the American Falls and Canadian Horseshoe Falls.

Helicopter Tours:

Premium option starting at $140+ USD, offering once-in-a-lifetime views.

Accommodation Costs

Where you stay in Niagara Falls can have the biggest impact on your trip budget. Options range from budget motels to luxury Fallsview hotels with sweeping views of Niagara Falls. Prices also shift depending on the season — summer is peak, while winter offers the best deals.

Hostels:

Beds start around $30–$50 USD per night, ideal for solo travelers and backpackers, though availability is limited.

Hotels:

Expect to pay around $110–$150 USD per night for a 3-star hotel. Many are family-friendly and offer easy access to major attractions like Niagara Falls State Park and Clifton Hill’s activities for kids.

Fallsview Hotels:

Hotels with rooms overlooking the Canadian Horseshoe Falls often cost $250–$300+ USD per night in peak season. These properties may also offer packages with dining, spa services, or premium activities like golf courses and wine tours along the Great Lakes.

Parking Costs

If you’re driving to Niagara Falls, parking can add a noticeable expense to your trip. Prices vary depending on which side of the border you’re on and how close you want to be to the main attractions.

Canadian Side

- Niagara Parks lots and hotel garages near the Falls usually charge $20–$30 CAD per day.

- Premium locations, such as Fallsview hotel garages, can climb above $40 CAD in peak season.

- Budget-friendly option: the Rapidsview lot (~$15 CAD/day), which includes a shuttle to Table Rock Centre with direct views of Niagara Falls.

U.S. Side

- Niagara Falls State Park offers several lots at $10–$15 USD per day.

- Seneca Niagara Casino charges around $10–$25 USD, though parking may be free for guests or members.

- Some street and residential parking areas are free, but expect a longer walk to the American Falls and other state park attractions.

If you’re staying overnight, confirm your hotel’s parking policy in advance — some bundle parking with your stay, while others charge a premium.

Food Costs

Meals are a major part of your daily budget in Niagara Falls, and prices can range from quick bites to fine dining with stunning views of Niagara Falls. On average, expect to spend $50–$70 USD per person, per day, though budget options can bring that lower and luxury dining can easily push it higher.

Parking Costs

If you’re driving to Niagara Falls, parking can add a noticeable expense to your trip. Prices vary depending on which side of the border you’re on and how close you want to be to the main attractions.

Canadian Side

- Niagara Parks lots and hotel garages near the Falls usually charge $20–$30 CAD per day.

- Premium locations, such as Fallsview hotel garages, can climb above $40 CAD in peak season.

- Budget-friendly option: the Rapidsview lot (~$15 CAD/day), which includes a shuttle to Table Rock Centre with direct views of Niagara Falls.

U.S. Side

- Niagara Falls State Park offers several lots at $10–$15 USD per day.

- Seneca Niagara Casino charges around $10–$25 USD, though parking may be free for guests or members.

- Some street and residential parking areas are free, but expect a longer walk to the American Falls and other state park attractions.

If you’re staying overnight, confirm your hotel’s parking policy in advance — some bundle parking with your stay, while others charge a premium.

Food Costs

Meals are a major part of your daily budget in Niagara Falls, and prices can range from quick bites to fine dining with stunning views of Niagara Falls. On average, expect to spend $50–$70 USD per person, per day, though budget options can bring that lower and luxury dining can easily push it higher.

Breakfast:

$8–$18 for coffee and a pastry, or a casual sit-down. Some hotels include free breakfast, which helps cut costs.

Lunch:

$12–$25 for fast-casual dining — think pizza, burgers, or family-friendly spots near activities for kids on Clifton Hill.

Dinner:

$20–$40 for sit-down restaurants with hearty North American classics. Popular choices include steakhouses, grills, and riverfront patios overlooking the Niagara River.

$8–$18 for coffee and a pastry, or a casual sit-down. Some hotels include free breakfast, which helps cut costs.

Lunch:

$12–$25 for fast-casual dining — think pizza, burgers, or family-friendly spots near activities for kids on Clifton Hill.

Dinner:

$20–$40 for sit-down restaurants with hearty North American classics. Popular choices include steakhouses, grills, and riverfront patios overlooking the Niagara River.

Seasonality & Peak Pricing

Timing plays a big role in how much you’ll spend at Niagara Falls:

Summer (Peak Season – June to August):

- The busiest and most expensive time to visit.

- Mid-range hotels average $150–$200+ USD per night, while Fallsview luxury hotels overlooking the Canadian Horseshoe Falls can climb above $250–$300 USD.

- All major attractions and boat tours like the Maid of the Mist are running, but expect long lines.

Shoulder Seasons (Spring & Fall – April to May, late September to October):

- A sweet spot with moderate rates, smaller crowds, and mild weather.

- Hotels average closer to $100–$150 USD per night.

- Most activities remain open, though boat rides shut down by late October.

- Great for budget-conscious travelers and families looking for easier access to activities for kids in Niagara Falls State Park.

Winter (Low Season – November to March):

- Hotel rates drop significantly, often under $100 USD per night.

- Many boat rides and outdoor tours pause, but you’ll find unique winter views of the frozen Niagara River and icy cascades of the American Falls.

- Seasonal highlights include the Winter Festival of Lights and indoor attractions like casinos, arcades, and even nearby golf courses with year-round simulators.

If you’re budget-conscious, visit in spring or fall. For the full line-up of cruises and tours, summer is best — but you’ll pay premium prices.

The Bottom Line

If you’re vacationing on budget, a thorough planning of costs to be incurred during your Niagara Falls visit is a sine qua non. So, better to start your planning with the question, ‘how much does it cost to go to Niagara Falls?’. This will set you free from money-consciousness & money-guilt resulting from possible overspending, and let you enjoy your Niagara Falls tour to the fullest.

Whether you’re crossing over from New York State or visiting from across the Great Lakes region, Niagara Falls offers a range of options to match every budget and travel style. Check out these Niagara Falls, USA Tours and Niagara Falls, Canada Tours and book your one-day or multi-day, intra-city or inter-city tours, and combo-tours now – and that too at a special price.