Looking for the ins and outs of Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF)? You’ve come to the right place! This mid-sized gem serves as the gateway to Western New York and is your ticket to Buffalo, Niagara Falls, and beyond. With over 5 million travelers passing through yearly, it’s the third-busiest airport in New York State—yet it somehow maintains that friendly, manageable vibe we all appreciate when traveling.
Where Is Buffalo Niagara International Airport, Anyway?
You’ll find Buffalo Airport nestled in Cheektowaga, just 11 miles east of downtown Buffalo. It’s super easy to reach, with I-90 and I-290 practically delivering you to the front door. Whether you’re heading to a Bills game, visiting family, or chasing the spray of Niagara Falls, this airport puts you right where you need to be without the headaches of larger hubs.
Getting Around Inside
Unlike those massive, confusing airports where you need a sherpa to find your gate, Buffalo Airport keeps things refreshingly simple with one two-level terminal. Upstairs is where all the action begins—ticketing, security, and departures—while downstairs handles baggage claim and getting you on your way.
The terminal’s three concourses are thoughtfully arranged: Southwest fans head to Concourse A, Delta and United travelers make their way to Concourse B (which also handles those international connections), and if you’re flying American or JetBlue, Concourse C is your home base. With direct flights to more than 30 destinations, you’re well-connected to the world without the chaos of larger airports.
Getting To and From Buffalo Airport
When it comes to ground transportation, you’ve got options! If you’re watching your budget, hop on the NFTA Metro Bus Route 24. At just $2 a ride with service every 30 minutes on weekdays, it’s a steal.
Need something more direct? Taxis are waiting outside baggage claim, ready to whisk you to downtown for about $35-40. Of course, if you’re a rideshare fan, both Uber and Lyft are just a tap away with convenient pickup spots.
Renting a car? You’re in luck! All the major rental companies have counters inside, and your chariot awaits just a short walk away. No shuttle bus required—now that’s convenience!
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Parking at Buffalo Airport: Options Galore
Let’s talk about where to leave your car. Buffalo Airport’s on-site options cover all the bases: the Daily/Hourly Garage connects directly to the terminal (convenience at $24/day), Long Term Lot A is just a short walk away ($15/day), Long Term Lot B comes with shuttle service ($12/day), and the Economy Lot gives you the best on-site deal at $10/day.
But here’s where it gets interesting—the off-site parking scene is where savvy travelers find serious cheap parking at Buffalo Airport:
Want the absolute best deal in town? Days Hotel charges just $4.95 daily, sits a quick 0.8 miles from the terminal, and runs 24/7 shuttles whenever you need one. With a stellar 4.8/5 rating, it’s no wonder frequent flyers love this option.
If proximity is your priority, Quality Inn Buffalo Airport is practically next door at only 0.1 miles from the terminal. At $7.50 per day with shuttles running every half hour (except at 7AM, 3PM, and 11PM), it’s a solid choice that balances location and value.
For those who appreciate newer facilities, M Hotel Buffalo Airport offers well-maintained parking at $7.99 daily. Though it’s 2.7 miles out, their every-30-minute shuttle schedule is reliable and their near-perfect 4.9-star rating speaks volumes.
And don’t overlook Sleep Inn & Suites—just a mile from BUF at $8.50 daily with on-demand shuttles running 24/7. With 185 positive reviews, it’s a trusted option when reliability matters.
The best part? All these off-site spots offer 10% cashback when you book through OneStopParking’s rewards program, and you can reserve ahead to guarantee your space. Talk about peace of mind!
Fuel Up and Wind Down
When hunger strikes, Buffalo Airport doesn’t disappoint. You absolutely can’t leave without trying the original Buffalo wings at Anchor Bar—yes, THE Anchor Bar that invented this spicy delight! If you’re looking for something quicker, Tim Hortons and Subway have you covered with familiar favorites.
Need to kill time? Browse the shops for last-minute gifts, forgotten essentials, or treat yourself to some duty-free goodies. The free WiFi throughout the terminal means you can stream, work, or post those vacation photos while waiting for your flight. And for those traveling with little ones, family restrooms and nursing rooms make the journey smoother for everyone.
Need a Bed for the Night?
The hotels near Buffalo Airport understand what travelers need—proximity, comfort, and reliable shuttles. Fairfield Inn sits just half a mile away, while Hampton Inn gives you access to the Galleria Mall (hello, last-minute shopping!). For a touch of luxury, DoubleTree by Hilton offers fresh-baked cookies upon arrival less than a mile from the terminal, and if modern vibes are your style, Aloft delivers contemporary comfort with a dash of flair.
Most of these spots offer free shuttles to and from the airport, meaning you can focus on that important meeting or catching some Z’s before your early flight instead of worrying about transportation.
Insider Tips for Buffalo Airport Success
Here’s how to make your BUF experience even better:
- Aim to arrive 90 minutes before domestic flights (2-3 hours for international)
- TSA PreCheck is available and worth every penny for frequent flyers
- Remember proper ID for nearby Niagara Falls, Canada adventures
- Winter travelers: Buffalo’s snow reputation is real—check flight status before heading out
- Smart travelers pre-book parking through OneStopParking for guaranteed spaces and better rates
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Buffalo Niagara International Airport hits that sweet spot—large enough to offer great connections but small enough to navigate without stress. Whether you’re in town for those legendary wings, the thundering majesty of Niagara Falls, or visiting family and friends, BUF provides the perfect start to your Western New York adventure.
By planning ahead and securing your Buffalo Airport parking through OneStopParking, you’ll save both money and headaches—leaving more of both for enjoying your trip. After all, isn’t that what travel should be about?