When to leave Etobicoke for Buffalo airport?

[stefanospops]

I've searched other threads and think the timing I have planned is okay, but who doesn't want confirmation from their fellow disboard members? Our Jetblue flight leaves Buffalo tomorrow morning at 8:36am. I was planning on leaving at 4am from Etobicoke figuring there will be no traffic anywhere, and taking the Peace Bridge. That should get me at the airport with at least two hours to spare. Does this seem reasonable? Is two hours before a domestic flight enough? Or even 1.5 hours? That way, if things take me half an hour longer than expected I am still okay to leave at 4am.

We decided against getting a room this time because the last time we didn't sleep well at all. So we have opted for a more sound, if fewer hours sleep than more hours of restless sleep. Love to hear other people's thoughts. Thanks!

 

[Moonies]

I've searched other threads and think the timing I have planned is okay, but who doesn't want confirmation from their fellow disboard members? Our Jetblue flight leaves Buffalo tomorrow morning at 8:36am. I was planning on leaving at 4am from Etobicoke figuring there will be no traffic anywhere, and taking the Peace Bridge. That should get me at the airport with at least two hours to spare. Does this seem reasonable? Is two hours before a domestic flight enough? Or even 1.5 hours? That way, if things take me half an hour longer than expected I am still okay to leave at 4am.

We decided against getting a room this time because the last time we didn't sleep well at all. So we have opted for a more sound, if fewer hours sleep than more hours of restless sleep. Love to hear other people's thoughts. Thanks!

We're doing the same thing. We passed through Buffalo this weekend and found the Queenston-Lewiston faster over all to the airport, since there's an exit from the 190/290/90 that let's off at Transit road which is basically minutes from the airport (Peace Bridge seemed too close to Amherst to be faster).

For our trip to make things more relaxed we're staying at a hotel overnight to catch our 6:20am flight. That way we can be at the airport with a few hours to spare (probably 2) just to make sure everything is fine and we don't have to work around how to make our connector flights in time to get to Orlando. Mind you, I've had some terrible luck with flights and the border so I try to be there as early as possible in order to make sure everything is okay.

 

[hockey mom]

Yes that should be more than enough time.

We always use peace bridge and get to the airport about 45 mins before our flight. I love how small that airport is.

 

[alohamom]

I think you are going to be fine! I have been finding the same thing with spending the night before in a hotel, the kids are wound up and dont get to bed till late and then I hardly sleep so I agree with your logic and will probably be following in your footsteps next time we fly! Enjoy your time away...

 

[stefanospops]

Thanks for the confirmation! I've read other posts that the Peace Bridge seems to be the best choice. Do people still feel that or may Queenston-Lewiston be better given that I should reach there before 6am?

 

[papertraveller]

We always go via the Peace Bridge. On our last trip, we were exactly 90 minutes from west-end Toronto to the bridge. There was no traffic.

The wild card for us has always been getting through Oakville, although the HOV lanes there now do make a difference. When we're heading out for March break, I'll be happy if we can get door-to-door from house to hotel in under two hours.

As for how early to get to the airport, they advise 90 minutes before your flight. Checking in and getting through security is a dream.

 

[mtmbyck]

LOL OP. Not sure your sleep will be any better with the excitement of Disney, the stress of driving to the airport in time, and trying to go to bed early enough to wake up for 4am. You'll have to compare. Good luck - lucky you!

 

[stefanospops]

If we did stay overnight in Buffalo we still would not have left yet. I'm in real estate and am offering on a property for a client tonight. This is the last year I will be vacationing after Feb. 1. Last year while I was there I negotiated a deal. As long as I get bed by 11:30 tonight I should be just fine for the drive there. The last time we flew out of Buffalo we stayed over night and it was the worst sleep I ever had! But the planner in me preferred not leaving anything to chance. We'll see if tomorrow's experience changes anything. Will update the post tomorrow in case people are curious. Looking forward to some sunny days with the mouse! Oh, and sunny days with my family too I guess.

 

[dancin Disney style]

You will be just fine leaving at 4am. I'm in Oakville and I like to leave 4 hours before my flight. The drive is approx 90 minutes and then I like to be at the airport 2 hours before my flight. That gives me a 30 minute cushion....just in case. You really don't need to be at BUF 2 hours before flight time but I like to know that I'm not in a rush so I stick to that guideline. Plus, I don't mind sitting in the airport watching the planes.

 

[OntFamily]

Thanks for the confirmation! I've read other posts that the Peace Bridge seems to be the best choice. Do people still feel that or may Queenston-Lewiston be better given that I should reach there before 6am?

At that time of the day, any crossing will have minimal (if at all) wait.

 

[stefanospops]

So we arrived in Orlando 30 minutes early! Thank you Jetblue! More importantly, we left at 4:30am and made it to the Peace Bridge at 6:02am. Made it past customs at 6:05am (one car ahead of us). Not sure when we got to the airport but by 6:46 we cleared security, then by 6:47 i realized i left my cell phone in the car. By 7:13 i recleared customs having gone back to my car, retrieved phone and come back. beautiful weather so far an hoping to see the shuttle launch from here!

 

[dancin Disney style]

Good to hear...have a great time.