# Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) > Buffalo, US · Approximately 11 km (7 mi) east of downtown Buffalo Web: https://airport.flights/airport/buf JSON: https://airport.flights/api/airport/buf.json ## Facts - **IATA**: BUF - **ICAO**: KBUF - **Timezone**: America/New_York - **Runways**: 2 - **Terminals**: 1 - **Passengers**: 3.95M/yr - **Official site**: https://www.buffaloairport.com ## Overview ## Welcome Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) stands out as more than just a local hub; it's a savvy cross-border option for many Canadian travelers. With numerous passengers driving down from Southern Ontario, BUF caters to road-trippers with easily accessible parking, a straightforward layout, and notably quick curb-to-gate times. When winter storms hit the Northeast, BUF's snow operations keep it running smoothly, often maintaining schedules when larger airports falter. ## At a glance Handling approximately 3.95 million passengers annually, BUF operates with a single terminal, making navigation simple for travelers. Located just 11 km (7 mi) east of downtown Buffalo, it serves as a strategic point for flights with airlines such as American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. The airport is well-equipped for its size, with a range of dining, shopping, and transport options. ## Terminals & layout Located in the Buffalo Niagara International Airport Terminal, you'll find all the necessary amenities within a compact space. Airlines operating here include major carriers like American Airlines, United Airlines, and Delta Air Lines. The terminal's design supports quick transitions with minimal hassle, a feature frequently appreciated by frequent flyers. The proximity of parking facilities and efficient security screenings make for an easy arrival and departure experience. ## Getting to and from the city The airport's proximity to downtown Buffalo ensures transport options are varied and accessible. Local buses like the NFTA Metro Bus Route 24 Genesee provide a longer but economical ride to the city, with journeys taking 45-60 minutes. For quicker trips, taxi services typically cost $10-15, while rideshares such as Uber and Lyft often complete the journey in about 20 minutes. If you’re looking for convenience at a slightly higher fare, a private car service like Buffalo Limousine can be pre-arranged. ## Traveller essentials Parking at BUF is tailored to accommodate various traveler needs, with the Daily/Hourly Garage at $23/day for quick visits, and Long-Term Parking at an economical $9/day for extended stays. Preferred Parking and the Economy Lot provide further options, and a Cell Phone Lot exists for those waiting to pick up arriving passengers. For a quick travel fix, vending machines are scattered throughout, ensuring 24/7 access to snacks and drinks. ## Dining & shopping highlights Pre-security, dining options include Buf Bar and Lake Erie Grill, offering a taste of local favorites before passing through TSA. Post-security, travelers can enjoy Tim Hortons Cafe and Bake Shop, a hit especially with the Canadian crowd for a quick breakfast option. For shopping, The Market on Elmwood is a standout for its local-leaning selection of snacks and souvenirs. If you crave something more typical, visit Hudson for essentials, or explore Anchor Bar for a genuine Buffalo vibe. ## Lounges The Club BUF, situated in the Main Terminal, offers a respite for travelers seeking comfort away from the bustling gates. At an entry fee of $40, it provides a calming environment with complimentary snacks, drinks, and internet access, making it a worthwhile stop for those with longer layovers. ## Insider tips - **Time:** You can often breeze from curb to gate in under 20 minutes outside peak early-morning and Sunday evening periods. - **Winter:** Favor BUF as a connection point during snow season; its ops team often handles snow better than larger NE airports. - **Local:** Meet for meals pre-security at Lake Erie Grill; it's a regular meetup spot given the airport's layout and ease of parking. - **Money:** BUF, with its lower fares and Southwest/JetBlue flights, is a cost-efficient option versus YYZ for Canadians. - **Avoid:** Early morning and Sunday evening lines; these are the bottlenecks for security, not check-in. - **Quiet:** Relax at Satterfield's Bar & Lounge; it's usually less crowded and offers more seating than other spots. - **Insider:** Remember, border traffic can be worse than airport lines during U.S. holidays or game days—plan ahead. ## Terminals (1) - **Main Terminal** — 26 gates · American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines Single passenger terminal building with two concourse spurs serving all airlines. ## Dining (17) - **Anchor Bar** — Main Terminal · Buffalo wings · Casual sit-down · $$ - **Blue Zone** — Main Terminal · American · Bar & grill · $$ - **Bocce Club Pizza** — pizza counter · $ - **Buf Bar** - **Burger King** — Main Terminal · Burgers · Fast food · $ - **BurgerFi** — fast-casual burger restaurant · $$ - **Coffee Beanery** — coffee shop · $ - **Freshens** - **Judy's Junction** - **Lake Erie Grill** - **Mattie's Texas Hots** - **Pizza Hut Express** — Main Terminal · Pizza · Quick service · $ - **Queen City Coffee** — Main Terminal · Coffee · Grab-and-go · $ - **Queen City Kitchen** — Main Terminal · American · Casual sit-down · $$ - **Subway** — Main Terminal · Sandwiches · Fast casual · $ - **The Market on Elmwood** — Main Terminal · American · Grab-and-go & café · $ - **Tim Hortons** — Main Terminal · Coffee & bakery · Quick service · $ ## Lounges (2) - **The Club BUF** — Main Terminal · Independent lounge, Priority Pass and day pass · $40 - **WNY Freedom Lounge** — Active-duty military personnel with valid ID, Military veterans with valid ID, Immediate family members of eligible military guests ## Shops (21) - **Anchor Bar** — Restaurant - **Blue Zone** — Restaurant - **Bocce Club Pizza** — Restaurant - **BurgerFi** — Restaurant - **Discover Buffalo Niagara** - **Duty Free Americas** - **Frivolous** — Retail - **Heritage Books** - **Hudson** - **Hudson Booksellers** - **InMotion** - **JetSet East** — Retail - **JetSet West** — Retail - **Queen City Kitchen** — Restaurant - **Satterfield's Bar & Lounge** — Bar - **Souvenir Shop** — Main Terminal · Souvenirs & gifts - **The Club Lounge** — Lounge - **The Coffee Beanery** — Cafe - **The Market on Elmwood** — Restaurant - **Tim Hortons Cafe and Bake Shop** — Cafe - **Vending Machines** — Vending ## Parking (6) - **Cell Phone Lot** — Free waiting area · $0/day - **Daily/Hourly Garage** — Short-term covered · $23/day - **Economy Parking Lot** — Remote with shuttle · $9/day - **Long-Term Parking Lot** — Economy surface · $9/day - **Preferred Parking Lot** — Uncovered - **Reserved Parking** — Garage · In terminal garage ## Ground transport (13) - **Buffalo Limousine** — Private car service · /X · /X · /X - **Buffalo Niagara International Airport Taxi Stand** — Taxi · 20-25 min to downtown Buffalo · $30-40 · On demand Metered taxis queue outside the terminal arrivals level with set approximate fares to downtown and nearby suburbs. - **Greyhound Downtown Buffalo Station connection** — Intercity bus via local transi · /X · /X · /X - **Hotel Courtesy Shuttles** — Shuttle · 5-15 min to nearby airport hotels · Free · Every 20-60 min (varies by hotel) Many nearby hotels operate complimentary shuttles that pick up at the designated hotel shuttle area outside arrivals. - **Hotel Shuttles** — Courtesy vans · 20–25 min · $15–30 · /X - **Lyft** — Rideshare · 20-25 min to downtown Buffalo · $25-40 · On demand Uses the same designated rideshare pickup areas outside arrivals as other app-based services. - **NFTA Metro Bus Route 204 Airport-Downtown Express** — Express bus · /X · /X · /X - **NFTA Metro Bus Route 24 Genesee** — Local bus · 45-60 min · /X · /30+ min - **Niagara Airbus** — Pre-booked shuttle · 20–30 min · /X · /X - **Niagara Airbus / Niagara Falls Shuttle Services** — Shuttle · 45-60 min to Niagara Falls, ON or NY · $40-80 · Scheduled, advance reservation recommended Shared-ride shuttles operate between BUF and hotels in Niagara Falls on both the U.S. and Canadian sides. - **Rideshare Pickup Area** — Uber and Lyft · 10–20 min · /X · /X - **Taxi Stand** — Metered taxis · /X · $10–15 · /X - **Uber** — Rideshare · 20-25 min to downtown Buffalo · $25-40 · On demand Pickup area is signed for app-based rides near the arrivals curb; pricing varies by time and demand. ## Insider tips - _Time_: You can often breeze from curb to gate in under 20 minutes outside peak early-morning and Sunday evening periods. - _Winter_: Favor BUF as a connection point during snow season; its ops team often handles snow better than larger NE airports. - _Local_: Meet for meals pre-security at Lake Erie Grill; it's a regular meetup spot given the airport's layout and ease of parking. - _Money_: BUF, with its lower fares and Southwest/JetBlue flights, is a cost-efficient option versus YYZ for Canadians. - _Avoid_: Early morning and Sunday evening lines; these are the bottlenecks for security, not check-in. - _Quiet_: Relax at Satterfield's Bar & Lounge; it's usually less crowded and offers more seating than other spots. - _Insider_: Remember, border traffic can be worse than airport lines during U.S. holidays or game days—plan ahead.