Straight forward drive to BUF airport?

[101DalmFan]

Okay, here's the phone number for the border wait times at Queenston-Lewison, Rainbow (downtown Niagara Falls, no trucks allowed so it's usually an easy crossing and you can hook up with the highway in just minutes), and Fort Erie (Peace Bridge). Like I mentioned, I always call this # when I get to St Catharines to decide which crossing to take:
1-800-715-6722

And, for those who want to check online, here's the URL for border wait times for all the canadian crossings:
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/general/times/menu-e.html

Hope this helps!

 

[101DalmFan]

We are going August 19th from Kingston to Buffalo for a 7pm SW flight. I think we have decided to drive thru Toronto (407 hwy) instead of Syracuse. We are thinking about leaving Kingston for 6am to give us plenty of time for traffic, boarder crossing, construction etc. I was told to also cross at Fort Erie - was told there are plenty of sign and very easy to find your way.
Does anyone see any holes in my plans? I have done the yahoo driving directions and looks good but have never been that part of Ontario before.

Also, our return flight lands in Buffalo at 10:25pm so am thinking about booking a park/sleep/fly for the way home. Has anyone done this for parking and a night at the hotel for the return park only? Would you, on arrival to Buffalo, go to the hotel, park your car, check inn and then have them shuttle you right away to the airport - on return to Buffalo, arrange for the shuttle to pick you up, spend the night in there hotel and then get in your car and go the next day. I am looking at Sleep Inn, Best Western, Ramada and Quality Inn - all seem to be available and better $$ then parking and hotel separately.
Sorry, sometimes my forehead displays the "no-Vacancy" sign
Many Thanks
C.

In my opinion, I'd stay away from driving through Toronto and instead cross at Syracuse. Traffic through Toronto and the surrounding area can be horrendous in the summer -- lots of construction, lots of congestion -- any time of day. It can really be miserable. And the quicker you get into the states, the earlier you feel you're on vacation!

And the gas is cheaper in the U.S. too!

 

[princess aurora]

We've always crossed at Lewiston Bridge to get to Buffalo airport and have never had any problems!
We always have a very early morning flight so we go down the night before and stay at an airport hotel. Free shuttle, parking and continental breakfast AND all STILL cheaper than flying out of Toronto

 

[tigercat]

We are flying out of Buf as well but we are going the night before and staying at the HI. We wanted to go through the Queeston way because there is a Wal Mart right there. We need food for the flight and I wanted to look for a cereal there as well. Is there somewhere we will be able to buy food for the flight near the airport?
tigercat

 

[mommylo]

We drove through the Queenston Lewiston route last year. It wasn't hard at all. But listening to all the good things about Fort Erie, I am willing to give it a try. Can someone please give me the direction coming from QEW from Toronto?

 

[101DalmFan]

We drove through the Queenston Lewiston route last year. It wasn't hard at all. But listening to all the good things about Fort Erie, I am willing to give it a try. Can someone please give me the direction coming from QEW from Toronto?

Couldn't be easier: The QEW ends at the Fort Erie border crossing! Just stay on the highway and at the very end you'll be at the border

 

[mommylo]

Couldn't be easier: The QEW ends at the Fort Erie border crossing! Just stay on the highway and at the very end you'll be at the border

Thanks DalmFan. The direction from the Buffalo Airport website says I90 north after Fort Erie, why is that?

 

[OntFamily]

Now, if I could just find a Cracker Barrel on the way, I'd be happy!

There are three Cracker Barrels between Buffalo and Syracuse.

The first one is located close to the Buffalo airport. When travelling East on the I-90, take the first exit after entering the toll portion (exit 49). Cracker Barrel is north on Transit road.

 

[OntFamily]

Thanks DalmFan. The direction from the Buffalo Airport website says I90 north after Fort Erie, why is that?

The airport exit is located off I-90. From Fort Erie customs, take the I-190 towards, I-90 (direction Albany). Get off the I-90 at route 33 East (you will have travelled about 3 miles). Take route 33 East, until you see the airport.

 

[mommylo]

The airport exit is located off I-90. From Fort Erie customs, take the I-190 towards, I-90 (direction Albany). Get off the I-90 at route 33 East (you will have travelled about 3 miles). Take route 33 East, until you see the airport.

Cool. If DH didn't get lost with Queenston Lewiston route and this is easier, we are laughing

 

[nosnobunny2006]

For years, we crossed at Lewiston when we either drove to the airport, visted family in Amherst or drove to Florida. That was until I discovered that all border crossings are not created equal. For instance.... Lewiston has a total of 6 gates when all are open, the Rainbow Bridge has the largest at 15 and the Peace Bridge at Buffalo has 11. Now we use the Peace Bridge and so far have never had a wait.

Beth

 

[101DalmFan]

For years, we crossed at Lewiston when we either drove to the airport, visted family in Amherst or drove to Florida. That was until I discovered that all border crossings are not created equal. For instance.... Lewiston has a total of 6 gates when all are open, the Rainbow Bridge has the largest at 15 and the Peace Bridge at Buffalo has 11. Now we use the Peace Bridge and so far have never had a wait.

Beth

That's a great point. I just checked the wait times for right now, 1:30 in the afternoon, and the Peace Bridge is listed as No Wait, there's a 20 minute delay at Rainbow, and a 90 minute delay at Queenston-Lewiston. Looks like Fort Erie wins again