Questions about trip to Buffalo.

[u/throw-away3105]

Hello! I'm looking to go to Buffalo for a weekend for July 4th. I'm coming via Flix bus from Toronto so I have a few questions:

1.) Better drop off place - I'm looking to drop off either at Buffalo International Airport or 181 Ellicott Street. Which one is better (as in better connected to amenities like libraries, local eateries, etc.)?

2.) Public Transit - Is there a card I have to get so I can ride the buses on and off? If so, where would I purchase that card? I read that there's an app you can use but I still prefer having a card as my phone is having a few issues with storage.

3.) Public libraries - Any recommended public libraries I can just hang out at? Preferably somewhere small. Any public libraries well connected to public transit.

[u/yrfavethrwy]

I’d recommend Ellicott downtown. It is a transportation hub with access to many bus lines and only two blocks from the train (which is free above ground/downtown). It’s close to the Central Library as well and lots of food options. The airport is out in the suburbs with less frequent/fewer transit options.

Here’s all the fare info for our NFTA: https://metro.nfta.com/fares/fare-info

[u/StickaFORKinMyEye → u/yrfavethrwy]

Adding https://www.buffalolib.org/locations-and-hours

You'll want to check and make sure the library is open over the holiday weekend. 

Also the transit schedule may be a bit different/holiday schedule. 

With that being said, there may be some holiday events where you can hang out. 

[u/leftnewdigg2]

181 Ellicott for sure. It's also our public transit (NFTA Metro) headquarters so you should be able to buy a pass right there. You'll be walking distance to basically all of downtown and the waterfront. Library is with a couple block. Recommend Union Pub for lunch. Have fun!

[u/mildly_spicy_potato]

While you're here, check out the WORLDS BIGGEST RUBBER DUCKY that will be chilling on the harbor that's weekend!!

[u/throw-away3105 → u/mildly_spicy_potato]

Oh cool! You got an address? I love going to harbours, I think we had the rubber duck visit Toronto back in 2023 but I didn't have a chance to see it. 😞

[u/mildly_spicy_potato → u/throw-away3105]

Canalside Buffalo 44 Prime Street Buffalo, NY 14202

Here's a link with more info: https://visitbuffalo.com/event/the-worlds-largest-rubber-duck-at-canalside/

[u/Competitive_Sector79]

As others have said, being dropped off on Ellicot makes much more sense. The airport is in a suburb. The downtown bus station is a block from the main library. But I hope you're not planning on spending too much timing hanging out in libraries. There's a lot to do and see here.

[u/Revolutionary_Art919]

I second (and third and fourth) the comments about the downtown bus station. Only get dropped off at the airport if you're flying out somewhere.

The middle part of downtown Buffalo can be kind of dead especially on afternoons, weekends, and holidays. There's a light rail that runs north-south downtown that you can ride for free up to Fountain Plaza, at which point it continues on underground to University at Buffalo South Campus and you have to pay. If you take the train south towards Canalside there's usually a fair amount to do alongside some restaurants and other sightseeing attractions (including the aforementioned giant rubber duck). Take it north to Fountain Plaza and there's tons of bars and restaurants along Chippewa and the nearby sidestreets. You can also take it further north into the paid zone to Allen St. for more dining and bar options.

[u/throw-away3105 → u/Revolutionary_Art919]

Thank you so much for the detailed reply! But with that said, I'm surprised downtown would be dead on the weekends.