Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF): Guide, Facilities & Hotels, Cafes, and Restaurants

When you are traveling to and from Buffalo Niagara International Airport, it is a good idea to know about the airport and the amenities it offers. Whether it’s your holiday or a business trip, having general information and tips, especially when traveling alone or with a companion, can actually save you from experiencing troubled moments.

Our airport guide gives you all the essential insights that you, as a traveler, can make use of while journeying across places in any part of the globe.

Brief Overview of Buffalo Niagara International Airport in New York

Situated about 18 km (11 miles) east of downtown Buffalo, in the suburb of Cheektowaga in Erie County of the U.S. state of New York, lies Buffalo Niagara International Airport. Buffalo is the second-largest city in the U.S. state of New York and its airport is known to be the third-busiest in New York. The airport had its name changed from what was then called Buffalo Municipal Airport.

Because the airport also serves Canada, it is located about 171 km (106 miles) from Toronto, the capital province of Ontario in Canada.

IATA: BUF

Address:
4200 Genesee Street
Buffalo, New York 14225,
USA

Airport Contact: +1 (716) 630 6000

Website: https://www.buffaloairport.com

Operation Hours: Buffalo Niagara International Airport is open 24 hours. However, certain shops, food concessions, on-site accommodations, and public and private transport services may not offer services throughout the day and night. Also, services like airline check-in and baggage drop hours may vary with the flight schedule. Therefore, it is advised that you check with the airport.

About Airport’s Terminals

Buffalo Niagara International Airport has only a single main terminal. The main terminal building is connected to the airport’s concourses and facilities.

Travelers can easily find various amenities, such as information desks, lounges, ATMs, conference rooms for business travelers, newsagents, courtesy telephones, restaurants, restrooms, facilities for handicapped passengers, retail shopping outlets, ticket counters, baggage claim, and locker facilities, gift shops, transportation, car park and more at the airport.

Parking at Buffalo Niagara International Airport

Buffalo Niagara International Airport offers convenient and affordable parking options to travelers. Parking is available. One can choose from on-site parking options, off-site car parks, and garages that are located in the nearest proximity to the airport. These consist of short-term and long-term parking lots. The airport also broadcasts its radio service called 1580 AM which provides updates on parking availability. The radio frequency is, however, limited to about a 5 km (3 miles) radius.

Free parking at the airport is only offered for a limited period.

Cell Phone Lot:
It is located on Holtz Road, which is less than a kilometer from the airport’s terminal. It allows the visitors of the airport to leave their car at the parking space and wait until the arrival of the flight.

Valet Parking:
A Valet Parking service is also available at the airport. You also receive complimentary services, such as window cleaning and interior vacuuming, and luggage assistance.

Electric Car Charging (EV):
The airport offers free charging stations for electric vehicles. The charging stations are located on Level 1, Section F-2 in the Daily/Hourly Parking Garage.

Airlines Operating at Buffalo Niagara International Airport

Buffalo Niagara International Airport serves only a few domestic, international, government, and cargo airlines. Airlines that operate short and long-distance flights to and from the airport’s terminal include:

American Airlines, Delta Airlines, Frontier Airlines, Jetblue, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and Vacation Express.

Facilities and Services Available at Buffalo Niagara International Airport

Buffalo Niagara International Airport in New York offers various amenities to passengers to make their traveling experience worthwhile. The airport also offers a range of stores, food and beverage outlets, Wi-Fi and internet access, business services, and more.

Security Check-points

There are security checkpoints at the airport’s terminals. All passengers are required to pass through the security checkpoints. If you are on the landside (public area) of the terminal, you will not be able to get through the airside (security area) of the terminal until 4 am.

Help Desk

When you are at the Buffalo Niagara International airport and need help, there are information desks to assist you. Here, you can inquire about your flight or find other facilities easily at the airport. They are open 24 hours and can be found in the lower level of the Baggage Claim area.

Wi-Fi and Mobile Charging Points

Wi-Fi internet access is available throughout the terminals at the airport, in case you want to connect your smartphone, tablet, or laptop to access the internet. Free Wi-Fi is available for a limited period of 45 minutes only and is ad-supported. Passengers can re-connect to the airport’s Wi-Fi for each new browsing session.

In addition to Wi-Fi internet access, mobile and laptop charging power outlets are also available at the airport, in case you need to charge your laptop and/or phone’s battery. These charging power outlets can be found at Gates 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 18, 22, 23, and 25. Also, there are charging points in the lounge seating (with iPad holder) and in-seat outlets that are available at each gate.

Baggage Handling and Storage

Luggage Lockers:
Lockers and luggage storage facilities are not available at the airport.

Luggage Wrapping:
Luggage wrapping services are not available at the airport.

Luggage Trolleys/Carts:
Luggage carts are available at the airport and are offered by Smarte Carte. These can be found in the lower level of the Baggage Claim area.

Porter Services:
Porter’s services are not available at the airport.

There is a Baggage Claim facility available at the airport. Make sure to check with your respective airline as to what carry-on items (and their size) are allowed.

Lounge and Business Conference Centre

At Buffalo Niagara International Airport, passengers can use public lounges, VIP lounges, and business conference rooms, which may be available for free or paid in order to access these facilities.

A few lounges and business conference rooms that are available at Buffalo International Airport are:

The Club:
The lounge is located at the airside of the main terminal building, between Gates 6 and 7. Access to the lounge is via paying at the door and lounge membership programs.

Business Centre:
Office space is available at the airport that is offered to business travelers. It is equipped with power outlets, Wi-Fi, and desks. It is located at the airside, Gates 3, 14, and 20.

Stores and Duty-Free Shopping

There are plenty of shops that can be easily found throughout the airport’s terminals and concourses. These shops sell a wide range of items, from children’s toys to fashion accessories for adults. You may also buy books, magazines, newspapers, etc., to help pass time during your stopover or flight delay. There are two gift shops located in the airside and a boutique that sells accessories.

5th & Main: The store offers a variety of luxury boutiques, such as jewelry, watches, handbags, baggage, and more. Also, the Canadian currency exchange of a maximum of $500 is handled inside the store until 5 pm daily. The store is open from 5 am till 8 pm.

Duty-Free stores are not available at the airport.

Cafes, Bar, and Restaurants

Finding snack and beverage options should not be a problem as there are many local and popular nationwide food chains at Buffalo Niagara International Airport. These cafeterias and restaurants are located throughout the terminal and concourses, giving you the best options to eat and satisfy your pre-flight craving.

Food concessions throughout the airport operate with varying schedules. A wide variety of dining options are also available and can be found at both the landside and the airside.

Anchor Bar:
It is popular for its Buffalo Chicken Wing, wing sauce, and Bar-b-que. It is located on Upper Level, inside the Security checkpoint. It is open from 8 am till the departure of the last flight.

A few other eateries include Blue Zone (located at Gate 4), BUF Bar (located at Gate 21), Checkers (located on Upper Level, inside Security Check-point), and Lake Erie Grille (located on Upper Level, before Security Check-point).

There are vending machines located in the Baggage Claim area.

Other Amenities Offered at Buffalo Niagara International Airport

There are other amenities that are available to passengers at the airport. These include:

Postal Services:

Postboxes are available at the airport. These can be found throughout the terminal.

Children’s Play Area:

The airport offers a play zone for children. It is located at airside, near Gate 19.

Baby Care Facility:

There is a baby care facility available at the airport. A nursing room is located at the airside, near Gate 12.

ATM:

ATMs are available at the airport. You can swipe your bank card and withdraw cash at the airport’s ATMs if you’re running low on cash or need to make cash payments at other services or stores. You can find ATMs located at the airside of Gates 4, 7, and 18, and the landside of Baggage Claim and Ticket areas in the terminal.

Currency Exchange Counter:

The currency used in New York is the United States Dollar (USD). Currency exchange counters are available at the airport. Canada Currency Exchange is a cash-only exchange counter that mainly exchanges US Dollar to Canadian Dollar and vice versa. It is located inside Fifth & Main Gift Shop, airside, opposite Gate 7. It is open till 5 pm on all days.

Banking Services:

Banking facilities are available at the airport.

Barber:

There is a barbershop available at the airport. It is located on the upper level, at the airside. It is open from 9 am till 5:30 pm on weekdays and from 10 am till 4 pm on Saturdays. The shop opens on Sundays if there is an appointment.

Pet Relief Area:

There is a pet relief area available at the airport. It is located outside, on the lower level, to the right of the terminal exit.

Shoe Shine:

There is a shoeshine facility available at the airport. It is located at the airside, upper level, Gate 11.

Hotels On-site and Nearby Buffalo Niagara International Airport

Finding accommodations on-site or nearby Buffalo Niagara International Airport should not be a problem for travelers as there are several hotels and resorts out there. Whether you are traveling alone, with friends, family, or children, you will find convenient and affordable places for a comfortable stay during your visit to New York.

A few hotels that are located on-site as well as near the airport are:

Aloft Buffalo Airport:
The hotel is located about 5 minutes from the airport. There is a free shuttle service available 24 hours to the airport and surrounding areas that are within an 8 km (5 miles) radius.

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Buffalo Airport:
The hotel is located about 5 minutes from the airport. There are free airport shuttle services available 24 hours and on-demand. Travelers may call the hotel after having collected their baggage.

Hampton Inn & Suites Buffalo Airport:
The hotel is located about 5 minutes from the airport. There is a free airport shuttle service available.

Hilton Garden Inn:
The hotel is located about 5 minutes from the airport. There is a free airport shuttle service available 24 hours.

Days Hotel Buffalo Airport:
The hotel is located about 6 minutes from the airport. There is a free airport shuttle service available 24 hours.

Ground Transport Options To and From Buffalo Niagara International Airport

Getting to and from Buffalo Niagara International Airport should not be much of a hassle as you will find transport options. You can quickly find a convenient mode of transportation to meet your travel needs. There are several ground transportation options available to travelers that make visiting nearby places and other places of interest very convenient, quick, and affordable.

Airport/Hotel Shuttle Services

Many travelers often find shuttle services to be very favorable as it saves them plenty of time when getting to hotels and/or airports. Free shuttle buses provide travelers with easy connectivity. Also, there may be a few hotels in the city and adjoining areas that provide free or on-demand shuttle services to and from the airport.

Additionally, you may also book pre-arranged rides that offer services to and from the Buffalo Niagara International airport, and which can also be scheduled as per your needs. You can usually find their kiosks or counters/stands located either at the terminal’s entrance or exit area. These may also contain information on the companies that are permitted to render such services at the airport.

Bus Service

Public bus transportation services are available for the commute. It is both affordable and convenient and can get you to places in no time. NFTA Metro Route 204 (Airport – Downtown Express) services non-stop routes between the airport and downtown Buffalo, which includes the Central Business District and the Metro Bus station in the Metropolitan Transportation Center. Tickets are charged $2.50 for a one-way trip. Buses operate on weekdays and depart at a frequency of 30 minutes during peak times.

Buffalo Niagara International Airport is also accessed by regular Metro buses on Route 24 Genesee, Route 27 Wende, and Route 68 George Urban.

Travelers can consult the airport’s help desk for long-distance bus services, such as cities in Canada.

Train and Metro Services

Buffalo Niagara International Airport is connected with train and metro services. A commuter train services area to and from the airport and other parts of the city.

Taxi Service

Taxis are available, if you need a ride to a hotel or want to go sightseeing. Taxi stands can be found at the Arrivals level of the terminal, near Cross-walk 3.

Limousines are also available that can be purchased in advance from individual agencies or companies.

Car Hire/Rental Service

You can hire a car at Buffalo Niagara International Airport if you are in the mood to cruise around places in the city. There are several companies that offer cars on hire/rent at the airport. The car hire/rental agencies or companies have their counters/stands located on-site, at the Arrivals level, near Cross-walks 3 and 4.

The companies or agencies that offer car hire/rental services at the airport include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, and National.

Ride-Sharing Service

Aside from several transport options that are available to travelers from and to Buffalo Niagara International Airport, ride-sharing services are also offered. The services are offered by Uber and Lyft companies.

Conclusion

You simply cannot miss the 167 feet (51 meters) high Niagara Falls that is situated just between the province of Ontario and the U.S. state of New York. Also, the Niagara River merges with Lake Ontario via Lake Erie, thus making it the highest waterfall in North America.

Traveling to and from Buffalo Niagara International Airport in New York will certainly give you a pleasant experience. And, if you plan on staying here for a while, you will find lots of attractions to enjoy your holidays.