Bus to Buffalo Airport: Routes, Fares & Times 2026

Taking the bus to Buffalo Airport means riding NFTA Metro Route 24 Genesee from downtown Buffalo to Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) for just $2 one-way. The Route 24 bus runs along Genesee Street and stops directly at the terminal entrance at 4200 Genesee St, Cheektowaga. A faster express option — the NFTA 24X Airport/Downtown Express — runs on limited weekday trips via NY Route 33. Both routes are operated by the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA). If you're driving instead, off-site hotel parking near BUF starts at $7.67/day — sometimes cheaper than a round-trip bus fare for longer trips.

• Main route: NFTA Metro Route 24 Genesee runs downtown Buffalo ↔ BUF airport for $2 one-way (verified October 2026).
• Express option: The 24X Airport/Downtown Express uses NY Route 33 for faster weekday service and also serves the Holtz Drive Park & Ride.
• Airport bus stop: Both routes stop at the terminal entrance on Genesee Street — no transfer needed.
• Intercity buses: Greyhound serves Buffalo with connections to Toronto and New York City, but does not stop inside BUF terminal — a transfer is required.
• Night & weekend gaps: Service frequency drops significantly after evening hours and on weekends — check the NFTA schedule before an early-morning flight.
• Parking alternative: Off-site hotel parking via Triply starts at $7.67/day — worth comparing for trips longer than one day.

Back to Buffalo Airport Pickup and Drop Off: 2026 Guide | Complete BUF Airport Parking Guide

What Bus Routes Go to Buffalo Niagara International Airport?

Two NFTA Metro bus routes serve Buffalo Niagara International Airport directly. Route 24 Genesee is the primary local route, running the full length of Genesee Street between downtown Buffalo and the airport terminal. The 24X Airport/Downtown Express offers a faster limited-stop option on weekday mornings and evenings via NY Route 33, and it also stops at the Holtz Drive Park & Ride near the airport. Both routes are managed by the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) and drop passengers at the terminal entrance on Genesee Street.

No other local NFTA route goes directly to BUF. If you're coming from Amherst, Tonawanda, or the northern suburbs, you'll need to transfer downtown or take a rideshare. For travelers from Cheektowaga or the Genesee Street corridor, Route 24 is the most direct option — the airport is the eastern terminus of the route.

How Much Does the Bus to Buffalo Airport Cost?

The NFTA Metro fare is $2 one-way on both Route 24 and the 24X express, per NFTA's published fare schedule (verified October 2026). A round trip costs $4 total. NFTA also offers reduced fares for seniors, people with disabilities, and Medicare cardholders — check the NFTA website for current eligibility details. The $2 flat fare is one of the most affordable ground transportation options to any U.S. airport.

For context, a rideshare from downtown Buffalo to BUF typically runs $20–$35 each way depending on demand. A taxi runs similar rates. Compare that to the $2 bus fare, and the bus saves most solo travelers $18–$33 per trip. That said, if you're traveling with luggage and a group, or catching an early-morning flight before bus service starts, the math shifts. See the cost comparison section below for the full breakdown.

Quick stat: At $2 one-way, the NFTA Route 24 bus to Buffalo Niagara International Airport costs up to 94% less than a typical rideshare from downtown Buffalo — per current NFTA published fares and estimated rideshare rates.

If you're driving to BUF and want to lock in cheap parking instead, compare BUF off-site parking rates starting at $7.67/day on Triply — off-airport hotel lots are often cheaper than leaving a car long-term and cheaper than rideshare on multi-day trips.

How Long Does the Bus Take to Get to Buffalo Airport?

Route 24 runs the full length of Genesee Street, making multiple stops along the way. From downtown Buffalo to BUF terminal, travel time on Route 24 is typically 30–45 minutes, depending on traffic and time of day. The 24X express uses the faster NY Route 33 (Kensington Expressway), cutting travel time significantly on weekday peak trips — the drive itself is roughly 10–15 minutes from downtown outside rush hour, though total trip time including stops varies.

Always build in extra time for connections and check the current NFTA Route 24 schedule before your trip. NFTA provides real-time bus tracking through its app and website — use it to see exactly when the next bus departs your stop. For very early-morning flights before 5 AM, bus service may not be running at all.

How Do You Catch the Bus to BUF Airport Step by Step?

First-time riders on the bus to Buffalo Airport can follow these steps to make the trip smooth:

1. Check the schedule first. Visit metro.nfta.com/schedules/route/24 or use the NFTA app to find the next Route 24 or 24X departure from your stop.
2. Find your nearest Route 24 stop. Stops run along Genesee Street from downtown Buffalo. Common boarding points include the downtown Buffalo Transit Center and stops along the Genesee Street corridor through Cheektowaga.
3. Have your fare ready. The fare is $2 exact change or a valid NFTA pass. Buses don't make change, so bring exact coins or use an NFTA value card.
4. Board and stow your bags. Large rolling suitcases can be stored in the aisle or overhead. Buses are not equipped with dedicated luggage bays like intercity coaches. Travel light or be prepared to manage your bags at your feet.
5. Ride to the airport terminus. BUF is the eastern end of Route 24. You cannot miss your stop — just ride to the end of the line.
6. Exit at the terminal entrance. The bus stops directly in front of the BUF main terminal at 4200 Genesee Street. Walk straight in — no shuttle or connection needed.
7. Allow time for security. Once inside, follow TSA security screening guidelines and budget at least 60–90 minutes before your flight if you don't have TSA PreCheck.

Is Taking the Bus to Buffalo Airport Cheaper Than Parking?

For a day trip or overnight flight, the bus to Buffalo Airport is almost always cheaper than parking. At $2 each way ($4 round trip), the bus beats even the cheapest on-airport lot. The Economy Lot (blue) costs $12/day as of the September 15, 2026 rate increase — that's a $8 gap on a one-day trip. But the comparison shifts fast on longer trips.

The bus wins on cost for any trip length — but it only works if bus hours match your flight schedule. If you're driving to the airport and need multi-day parking, off-site hotel lots on Triply start at $7.67/day at the Buffalo Airport Hotel, which is far cheaper than on-airport rates. For a full breakdown of all BUF parking options and how they compare, see Buffalo Airport Parking Rates 2026: Every Lot Priced.

Rates in the table above reflect published on-airport rates effective September 15, 2026 (per NFTA/BUF official parking), off-site Triply rates, and estimated rideshare fares. Sales tax of 8.75% applies to on-airport parking totals.

Can You Take a Bus to Buffalo Airport from Toronto or Niagara Falls?

There is no direct intercity bus from Toronto or Niagara Falls that stops inside BUF terminal. Greyhound operates intercity coach service connecting Buffalo with Toronto and New York City, but its Buffalo stop is at a downtown Buffalo station — not at the airport terminal. From the downtown Greyhound station, you would need to transfer to NFTA Route 24 or take a rideshare to reach BUF.

Canadian travelers driving from Niagara Falls ON, St. Catharines, Fort Erie, or Hamilton most commonly cross at the Peace Bridge or the Niagara Falls bridges and drive directly to the airport. BUF is about 11 miles east of downtown Buffalo and roughly 10–15 minutes from the Peace Bridge via I-190 and I-290. Most Canadian travelers park on-site or use an off-site hotel lot near the airport rather than relying on local bus connections. For the full picture on crossing the border and parking, see our Buffalo Airport Parking for Canadians: 2026 Guide.

If you do arrive in downtown Buffalo by intercity coach, the Route 24 bus ($2) is the cheapest final leg to BUF. Just confirm departure times align with your flight — don't cut it close.

What Are the Bus Stop Locations at Buffalo Airport?

The NFTA Route 24 and 24X buses stop at the main terminal entrance on Genesee Street (4200 Genesee St). This is the front door of the terminal — the stop is curbside, directly in front of the check-in hall. You do not need a shuttle, a transfer, or a long walk after stepping off the bus.

The 24X Airport/Downtown Express also serves the Holtz Drive Park & Ride, which sits just off the airport campus near the hotel row on Holtz Drive. This stop is useful if you're combining a hotel stay with bus travel, or if you've parked at the Cell Phone Lot area. The BUF official ground transportation page lists current stop details and links to NFTA schedules.

For arriving passengers, the bus pickup is in the same curbside area outside the main terminal. Look for NFTA bus signage near the ground transportation curb. Hotels along Genesee Street, Buell Avenue, Transit Road (NY 78), and Walden Avenue are all served by Route 24 stops, making the bus useful beyond just the airport itself.

Does the Bus Run to Buffalo Airport at Night or on Weekends?

This is the most important practical question for bus riders — and the answer requires planning. Route 24 operates daily, including weekends and most holidays, but frequency drops sharply during evening and overnight hours. The 24X express runs on weekdays only with limited trips — it is not a reliable option for weekend travelers or evening flights.

Based on NFTA's published schedules, late-night and very early-morning service on Route 24 is minimal. If your flight departs before roughly 5–6 AM, the bus may not be running in time for you to make it to the airport. Similarly, if you land after 10–11 PM, bus service back to downtown may have ended for the night. Always verify current times at metro.nfta.com before your trip.

For early departures, late arrivals, and winter travel days when weather affects schedules, having a backup plan matters. Off-site parking lots with 24/7 on-demand shuttles — like the Buffalo Airport Hotel and Sleep Inn & Suites Buffalo Airport — eliminate the schedule dependency entirely. If you're worried about a February pre-dawn departure, our Buffalo Airport Winter Parking: 2026 Survival Guide covers exactly how to plan for those conditions.

Bus vs. Parking at BUF: Which Makes More Sense for Your Trip?

The bus to Buffalo Airport is the right call for solo travelers, light packers, and downtown residents flying during daytime hours. At $4 round trip, nothing else comes close on price. But the bus has real limits: schedule gaps overnight, no luggage bays, and zero flexibility if your flight is delayed and you land at midnight.

Driving and parking makes more sense when you have early flights, heavy luggage, family in tow, or you live far from a Route 24 stop. Off-site hotel parking on Triply starts at just $7.67/day at the Buffalo Airport Hotel — that's 36% cheaper than the on-airport Economy Lot ($12/day, as of September 2026). On a 7-day trip, off-site parking saves you $30+ versus the Economy Lot and gives you 24/7 shuttle access with no schedule to worry about.

The best option depends on your trip. Use the bus if it works. Book parking when it doesn't. Either way, plan ahead — BUF is a busy regional airport serving travelers from western New York, southern Ontario, and beyond.

Compare BUF off-site parking rates from $7.67/day on Triply — book in minutes and skip the rideshare cost.