Do you know the way to... Buffalo

omro · #1 Posted **Aug 7, 2009, 9:52 PM**

Ok,

Looks like I might have to go to Buffalo. I don't drive and on weekdays my family are a little bit too busy to drive me, so... suggestions on a way to get to Buffalo please.

The obvious easiest route would be to fly there. However, there might be a cheaper and straight from Hamilton alternative. Any ideas?

markbarbera · #2 Posted **Aug 7, 2009, 10:16 PM**

Coach Canada has a bus that leaves Hunter St. GO Centre for Buffalo, might be other bus service too (Greyhound?) but check schedules as some trips are milk runs and take a very long time. Via also has service from Aldershot to Buffalo (involves transfer to Amtrak at the border). Make sure you have your passport, visa papers and be prepared for a queue going through customs at the border.

emge · #3 Posted **Aug 7, 2009, 10:42 PM**

I second the bus suggestion, as well as making sure of your route -- that's the cheapest way and not too bad for time.

omro · #4 Posted **Aug 7, 2009, 11:53 PM**

The coach works out to be about 61 dollars plus taxes.

Shame it's "a stagecoach company", but hey needs must.

Millstone · #5 Posted **Aug 8, 2009, 2:58 AM**

Rent a car and take the QEW all the way to the start.

omro · #6 Posted **Aug 8, 2009, 3:21 AM**

That's a great idea, but...

Quote:

Originally Posted by omro

I don't drive and on weekdays my family are a little bit too busy to drive me

SABBATICAL! · #7 Posted **Aug 8, 2009, 7:30 PM**

Take GO to downtown Toronto, then take Megabus (express service run by Coach Canada) from there to Buffalo. GO would be, what, $9? And Megabus only costs $11-17 USD per trip! http://www.megabus.com/

omro · #8 Posted **Aug 8, 2009, 9:24 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by SABBATICAL!

Take GO to downtown Toronto, then take Megabus (express service run by Coach Canada) from there to Buffalo. GO would be, what, $9? And Megabus only costs $11-17 USD per trip! http://www.megabus.com/

I'll look into that, but it seems just an arse to have to go to Toronto to have to come back out again! lol

Jon Dalton · #9 Posted **Aug 9, 2009, 12:04 AM**

Check craigslist for rideshares. Otherwise it looks like Coach Canada is the way to go. Megabus is just asking for touble because congestion is a possiblity between here and Toronto any day, any time.

Millstone · #10 Posted **Aug 9, 2009, 2:31 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by omro

That's a great idea, but...

This isn't working in your favour right now

Jon Dalton · #11 Posted **Aug 9, 2009, 3:10 PM**

Not really. Some of us have cars and would still use the alternative where it exists.

omro · #12 Posted **Aug 9, 2009, 6:09 PM**

I like the idea of a coach trip, can do a little sight seeing or read my book.

Just not soooo thrilled about having to go to Buffalo *sigh*

highwater · #13 Posted **Aug 9, 2009, 7:34 PM**

Hey! Buffalo's a cool town. I'm actually taking my son there for a weekend getaway in the fall. We're going to see the Martin House, the Albright Knox, the NY State Asylum (http://www.nysasylum.com/bpc/index.htm), and of course the Anchor Bar for Buffalo wings. We should talk!

omro · #14 Posted **Aug 9, 2009, 7:43 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by highwater

Hey! Buffalo's a cool town. I'm actually taking my son there for a weekend getaway in the fall. We're going to see the Martin House, the Albright Knox, the NY State Asylum (http://www.nysasylum.com/bpc/index.htm), and of course the Anchor Bar for Buffalo wings. We should talk!

We should :-)

However, I'm going there for their Canadian High Commission, so not entirely sure how much time I'll have (or what frame of mind I'll be in) for sight-seeing. But if it's nice, I'll certainly go back :-)

realcity · #15 Posted **Aug 10, 2009, 2:01 AM**

i love Buffalo. I recommend the architecture tour, it a do-it-yourself tour. Follow the signs and read about each building's history. Every great 20c american architect has a building in Buff.

holymoly · #16 Posted **Aug 10, 2009, 3:09 AM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by omro

I'll look into that, but it seems just an arse to have to go to Toronto to have to come back out again! lol

Could be worth it if you can get a $1 seat through Megabus' current promo. The promo code is "HOTDEAL." I booked a return trip to NYC from Toronto for a total (with exchange and service charges) of $1.67 each way.

ETA: Just checked the promo flyer and found the deal is on travel beginning Sept 14, so that might be too late for you anyway.

Jon Dalton · #17 Posted **Aug 10, 2009, 4:07 AM**

I wonder if you could cross the border on foot at Niagara Falls and take Buffalo public transit the rest of the way? That could pair up with the Niagara GO train for a nice transit adventure.

highwater · #18 Posted **Aug 10, 2009, 2:44 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by realcity

i love Buffalo. I recommend the architecture tour, it a do-it-yourself tour. Follow the signs and read about each building's history. Every great 20c american architect has a building in Buff.

People always laugh at me when I tell them Buffalo is a mini-Chicago, but it's true. I've got a great little book on Buffalo architecture that features numerous self-directed walking tours. The cemetery is one of my faves (close to the Albright-Knox - will probably check it out when I'm there), and HH Richardson's psych hospital is not to be missed by anyone with even a passing interest in architecture or history.

flar · #19 Posted **Aug 10, 2009, 3:00 PM**

Buffalo is one of the greats, 100 years ago it was one of the top 10 cities in the US. Much of the architectural evidence of that remains, despite decades of severe decline.

I toured downtown Buffalo last fall:
http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=158116

sofasurfer · #20 Posted **Aug 10, 2009, 3:07 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon Dalton

I wonder if you could cross the border on foot at Niagara Falls and take Buffalo public transit the rest of the way?

I suspect US immigration would look at you with raised eyebrows. They can be spectacularly random when it comes to processing Brits on I-94Ws... (to be fair, they're usually OK but sometimes wait times can be l-o-n-g).

btw, Omro - once they issue it to ya, the I94-W is good for 90 days, and you can use it for multiple re-entry into the US. Means you don't have to go through the whole rigmarole next time you cross the land border, saving time and hassle - especially useful if you're in a car with Canadians and Americans!

The only thing to keep in mind is that you will need to surrender it when you re-enter Canada for the last time you want to use it - OR you can post it to someplace in Kentucky (IIRC, it might even be London, KY - it definitely made me chuckle when I first had to do it!) but I'd suggest you send it recorded delivery.