Niagara Falls Day Trip from New York City

Book a hassle-free trip to the mighty falls, with round-trip travel and Maid of the Mist boat tour

Travel Flexibly 4.6 / 5 See All 6 Reviews · 24.00h · New York, United States

Don’t want to miss out on seeing incredible Niagara Falls while you’re in NYC? This small group tour makes it easy, with comfortable return bus travel and an expert guide to help you see the best of North America’s iconic falls. Visit islands and observatories on this full-day adventure, and get up close and personal on the famous Maid of the Mist boat tour! With overnight travel and both morning and evening departures, fitting Niagara into your New York vacation just got a lot simpler!

  • Comfortable return transport from NYC
  • Unbeatable views of Niagara Falls
  • The rapids up close
  • Maid of the Mist boat tour (May-October)
  • Luna Island, Goat Island and The Observation Tower
  • The Niagara light show
  • Fireworks over the falls
  • Visit Canada!

Sitting on the border between the United States and Canada, the mighty Niagara Falls are right up there on many travelers' bucket-lists, and for good reason! The epic scene created by three major waterfalls cascading together is truly something to behold. This small group tour makes adding Niagara to your New York itinerary easy—just find a day that suits you and let your driver and expert guide take care of the rest.

Depending on the day you choose, this tour either travels overnight to arrive for sunrise, or in the morning to catch the evening firework show (with overnight travel back to NYC). Either way, you'll have a up to 5 hours exploring the falls, visiting islands and observatories, and enjoying a thrilling boat ride known as the Maid of the Mist. If you have the right visa then you can even pay a quick visit to Canada!

With air-conditioned transport, a professional driver, and an engaging local guide, you'll be sure to get the Niagara experience your vacation deserves.

Niagara Falls from New York Tour Description

Your 20-hour day trip from NYC includes:

  • Comfortable air-conditioned transportation from New York City (return)

  • Depart in the evening or morning to experience Niagara Falls two different ways

  • An engaging bilingual Niagara guide

  • Epic Maid of the Mist boat ride (May-October only)

  • Visits to Goat Island, Luna Island, and all the observatories surrounding the falls

  • Access to the Canadian side of the falls (visa or proper documentation may be needed)

  • See the Niagara Fireworks show (morning departure only)

This tour only includes the Maid of the Mist boat ride from May through October. Due to weather, this tour does not run from January through March.

Evening Departure

Getting to Niagara Falls is about a 7 hour drive from New York City. With this 11 pm departure, you'll arrive in time for a sunrise unlike any other before beginning your in-depth tour of the falls. With the sun rising from the east, it shines through the falls and creates an incredible spectacle through the rainbows and mist.

You'll travel overnight on a comfortable tour bus where you'll be able get some shut-eye before your day of adventure at Niagara Falls, and you'll be back in New York by late evening.

Morning Departure

If you prefer to leave bright and early rather than late in the evening, you can choose a 7 am departure from New York. You won't see the sunrise at Niagara, but instead you'll witness the incredible light show and fireworks display that envelop the skies and falls each evening.

On this morning version of the Niagara experience, you'll travel overnight on the way back, arriving in New York early in the morning.

Whichever tour option you choose, it's sure to be one of the highlights of your NYC vacation!

Views, Vistas, and the Maid of the Mist

A trip to Niagara Falls mean experiencing some of the world's most magical views. At the confluence of the Niagara River, the three stunning falls are come together in one magical location. The Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls create a rush of mist and roaring sound that'll leave you awestruck.

With around 5 hours to explore the falls with your friendly local guide, you will experience these famous falls in many ways. Take in the amazing views from Goat Island, Luna Island, and a number of observatories surrounding the falls. If you'd like, you can even cross into Canada for a quick visit as long as you have the proper visa. If you're visiting May-October, you'll enjoy the exhilarating Maid of the Mist boat ride where you'll see the massive Horseshoe Falls head-on and close-up

Throughout the day, your super-knowledgeable guide will show you all the best viewpoints and explain the natural phenomenon that creates this incredible spectacle.

Light Show and Fireworks Display

Each night in the summer, Niagara Falls transforms from natural wonder to an unmissable and spectacular light display. Illuminated by changing colors from across the rainbow and with a fantastic firework display playing out around the cascading water, it's a unique and enchanting way to experience this North American wonder!

After your full day of exploring Niagara Falls, sit back, take a nap and enjoy the quiet drive back through the forests of New York State until you reach the Big Apple, where the tour comes to its conclusion.

What you get with this tour
Comfortable air-conditioned transportation from New York City (return)
Depart in the evening or morning to experience Niagara Falls two different ways
An engaging bilingual Niagara guide
Epic Maid of the Mist boat ride (May-October only)
Visits to Goat Island, Luna Island, and all the observatories surrounding the falls
Access to the Canadian side of the falls (visa or proper documentation may be needed)
See the Niagara Fireworks show (morning departure only)
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See what people are saying

6 total reviews

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4.7/5 (based on 6 reviews)
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3 stars
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1 stars
Incredible and easy
17 July 2023
J
Reviewed by
Judy Flores

This is just what we wanted to do and everything was wonderful. I'm so happy we decided to do this from New York. It took a whole day but the bus ride was so fun and comfortable that we didn't even mind the long drive. Niagara Falls is so beautiful!!!

Great experience!
14 July 2023
B
Reviewed by
Brian Hansen

I recommend doing this to any visitor to New York! Niagara falls are amazing but the town nearby is a total tourist trap so better to not waste a whole trip there. this is the way to go.

Mixed review
19 August 2022
H
Reviewed by
Holly E Cooper

Bus seats and temperature were very uncomfortable. Local guides once we reached the Falls were friendly and knowledgeable. Falls were marvelous!

show more reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What to bring?

Bring some entertainment for the journey, a few snacks, and some money to buy lunch at the falls. You may want to bring a change of shirt too since this is a long tour and you might get wet!

Is the Maid of the Mist ticket included?

For trips leaving between May and October, tickets for the exhilarating Maid of the Mist boat ride are included.

Is this tour suitable for kids?

Sure! Just be aware that it's quite a long journey. Under 18's must be accompanied by an adult.

What to bring?

Bring some entertainment for the journey, a few snacks, and some money to buy lunch at the falls. You may want to bring a change of shirt too since this is a long tour and you might get wet!

Does this tour include any meals?

Food and drink aren't included, so it's a good idea to bring snacks for the journey and some money for lunch at Niagara Falls.

Does this tour go to Canada?

You'll need a passport and possibly a visa depending on your home country. You can pay a quick visit over the border to Canada during your tour, but this is entirely optional.

What if it rains?

This tour will run rain or shine, so please check the forecast and bring the right clothes with you.

Does this tour operate all year round?

No, this tour does not run from January through March.

Does this tour visit Cave of the Winds?

If you book this tour between November and April, you'll have the option to purchase your own ticket to enter the Cave of the Winds.

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