Buffalo City Information

Buffalo City Facts

Population: 292,648

Elevation: 583 feet above sea level

Land Area: 40.6 miles

Location: Located at the northwestern corner of New York on the border between the United States and Canada.

Time Zone: Eastern Time Zone (when it's noon in Buffalo, it's 11:00am in Chicago and 9:00am in Los Angeles)

Local Seasons:
The busiest time of year is the summer when visitors come from around the world to see Niagara Falls, only a short drive from Buffalo. The city is also a hub of business activity throughout the year. With temperatures averaging near 70 F and highs near 80 F, the summer is the perfect time to experience all of the many outdoor activities available in and around the city. Spring and fall bring an abundance of colors to the area. With blossoms appearing in the spring and the tranquil changing of the colors in the fall, each day brings a new opportunity to see Nature at it's finest. Winters are cold and there is plenty of snow. You can expect snow to be falling or be on the ground anytime from early November until April. Temperatures drop significantly during this time and with wind speeds averaging in the teens, it's a great time to enjoy some of the many fine indoor activities, museums, shopping, or just read a good book beside a roaring fire.

How to Get There:
By Air:
Buffalo Niagara International Airport
4200 Genesee Street
Buffalo, NY 14225
716-630-6000 or 800-FLY-BNIA
The Buffalo Niagara International Airport is located just ten minutes east of downtown Buffalo.
Most major airlines and certain regional carriers serve the airport.
Car Rental:
Virtually all of the major car rental companies operate at or near the airport as well as throughout the city itself
By Car:
Buffalo is reachable from throughout the United States via the New York State Thruway (I-90) and from Canada via the Queen Elizabeth Highway (QEW).
By Train:
Amtrak
Downtown Buffalo Amtrak
75 Exchange Street at Washington Street
Buffalo, NY 14203
716-856-2075
Depew Amtrak Station
55 Dick Road
Depew, NY 14043
716-683-8440
By Bus:
Greyhound
181 Ellicott Street at N. Division
Buffalo, NY 14203
716- 855-7531 or 800-231-2222
New York Trailways, Inc.
181 Ellicott Street at N. Division
Buffalo, NY 14203
716-852-1750 or 800-295-5555
Taxis and Shuttles
Numerous taxis and shuttles are available at both the airport and throughout the city.

Crossing the Border
One of Buffalo's greatest assets is its proximity to Canada. Travel between the U.S. and Canada is quick and convenient via the Peace Bridge, the Rainbow Bridge, Queenston-Lewiston Bridge or Whirlpool Bridge. (Whirlpool Bridge into Canada is restricted to CanPass holders only.) A nominal fee is charged per automobile while individuals can choose to walk or ride a bicycle for a lesser charge. Before traveling, check with your auto insurance carrier to be certain you are properly covered for travel within a foreign country.
Before crossing any of the four international bridges, a few procedures must be followed by each individual. Upon crossing, you may be asked to show proof of citizenship. A birth certificate or passport are the only forms of identification accepted (a driver's license is not acceptable). The agent will then ask what your destination is and expected length of stay. Upon returning, you will be asked to describe any goods purchased during your visit. Both the U.S. and Canada have specific guidelines on the type and amount of goods that can be back into the country of origin.

Peace Bridge Authority
716- 884-6744

Niagara Falls Bridge Commission
Rainbow/Queenston-Lewiston/Whirlpool Bridges
716- 285-6322 or 800-715-6722
U.S. Customs at Peach Bridge
716- 881-5225

Canadian Customs at Peach Bridge
905-994-6330

Canadian Consulate General
716-858-9500

How to Get Around:
Getting around the city and suburbs is easy, using the Metro Bus and Rail system. The Metro Rail runs along Main Street from HSBC Arena to the South Campus of the University of Buffalo, with several stops in between. The train is free while traveling above ground. However, if your ride takes you past the Theater District down into the subway, there is a charge.
Bus stops are found on almost every street corner in the city of Buffalo. Bus schedules are available at all transportation centers, the Buffalo Convention Center, Buffalo Niagara Visitor Centers, and many local banks.

Metro Bus and Rail
181 Ellicott Street at N. Division
Buffalo, NY 14203
Public transportation for Buffalo Niagara including buses, trains, trolleys and vans.
716-855-7211

National Holidays
New Year's Day, January 1
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the third Monday in January
President' Day, the third Monday in February
Memorial Day, the last Monday in May
Independence Day, July 4
Labor Day, the first Monday in September
Thanksgiving Day, the fourth Thursday in November
Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, December 24 and 25
New Year's Eve, December 31