Driving to Buffalo from Toronto. When should we leave?

[shorecreast]

Hi

We are driving to Buffalo from Toronto this Saturday to catch a 1:30 pm Flight. What time should we leave considering it's the last Saturday before Christmas and the borders will be busy?

Thanks

 

[Diamondintheruff]

well let's work backwards shall we. I always figure on being at the airport at least 2 hours before so we're looking at 11:30. Then there is the 30 minutes you need to park and get checked in so we're at 11:00. I'm not sure where you are coming from in TO but I would figure at least 3 hours or 2.5 if you live right off the highway (then you have some time for bathroom stops and maybe a cruise around duty free) so we're down to 8am. Figure an extra 30 minutes at the border crossing just in case. We're down to 7:30am. But I always like to leave a little extra time just in case so I'm thinking 6:30 am. Worse case scenario you have some extra time in Buffalo and can check out a target or some other store in the states you'd like to visit. But I'd rather be safe than sorry so my opinion (and that's all it is) is on the cautious side.

But for my piece of mind I prefer to stay overnight in Buffalo the night before. Plus I figure I have to pay the money for parking anyhow so I book a park and fly package. Lots of them include a breakfast as well and then I have some time in the morning to pop out to the outlets or Target.

Have fun whatever you decide.

 

[krazy4crusing]

I would agree with staying over night. We stayed at the Millenium for under $100. It included parking and breaky. The hotel is a little long in the tooth but it's only 1 night. THe courtyard pool was nice and the shuttle drivers were very friendly. The hotel is right next to the Walden Galleria Mall. We were just there in October and we would stay again. You are better off heading down the night before because you never know if there will be an accident on the highway or delays at the border or snow... It also gives you the feeling of starting your vacation early!

Check out Parksleepfly.com for hotels that offer the park n fly packages

Enjoy!

 

[Diamondintheruff]

I've stayed at the Millenium many times. Long in the tooth is a good description for it but it makes it up with it's location. It's got an Olive Garden across the street. A Target down the road and right beside it is the Walden Galleria Shopping mall. I just tried the Cheesecake factory on my last trip and I am in love.

I've gotten good deals off their own website or travelzoo so try those too. Be sure to ask if they can include the breakfast. They don't always but it doesn't hurt to ask.

 

[dancin Disney style]

I live in Oakville and the highway is only 5 minutes from my house....I leave 4 hours before my flight time. That has always given me plenty of time. I think we have usually ended up inside BUF with about 2.5 hours to spare.

My 4 hour time line gives me 1.5 hours to drive to the airport, a 30 minute buffer for delays and then I still have the customary 2 hours before flight time window. I don't add on for parking time because it only takes about 10 mintues to get parked and on the shuttle.

From Toronto I would add on about 20 minutes depending on where in Toronto you live and how far you are from the highway.

 

[disneyfan2]

You should allot about 2hrs from Toronto to the airport ,but also take into account that it is the final shopping weekend before christmas. i would definetely leave by 7:30-8, then you always have time to get breakfast or shop if you have time.

 

[hockey mom]

The good thing with the buffalo airport is you do not need to be there 2 hours ahead of time. I am usually pulling in to the parking lot about an hour before my flight leaves and I am still at my gate long before we board.

 

[dsneygirl]

the last Sat before Xmas I would give yourself lots and lots of time. You can always stop and have lunch if you are there too early. I would leave as soon as you can (like 9am) Even the QEW will be busy I'm sure that morning just getting to the border.