Ready to explore Buffalo and beyond? Use the search form above to find your ideal car. Enter your Buffalo pick-up location (we serve all major points Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF), downtown rental offices, etc.), select your dates, and let our system compare real-time deals from multiple car rental companies in the Buffalo area. In seconds, you’ll see options for every need: compact cars for easy city parking, roomy SUVs for trips out to Niagara or ski country, comfortable sedans for business travel, even passenger vans if you’ve got a group visiting the Falls. Booking is fast and secure. Most rentals in Buffalo allow you to reserve now, pay later at pick-up, and include free cancellation if your plans change. In just a few clicks, you’ll lock in the ideal ride for your Buffalo adventure. With a great rate confirmed, you can focus on planning your must-see stops perhaps a sunset drive along the Lake Erie shoreline or a day trip to Letchworth State Park knowing your transportation is sorted.
Introduction: Welcome to Buffalo, New York’s “Queen City” and the gateway to Niagara Falls. Having your own rental car in Buffalo means you can fully experience the city’s revival from its famous architecture and waterfront to the natural wonders and charming towns just a short drive away all on your timeline. Buffalo offers a unique blend of urban excitement and outdoor adventure: one minute you could be touring Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House or savoring authentic Buffalo wings downtown, the next you’re cruising up Niagara Falls Boulevard to witness the roar of Niagara Falls. With a rental car, you’re free to explore every corner of Buffalo and its surroundings at your leisure. This page is your all-in-one guide to renting a car in Buffalo, NY. We’ve combined money-saving deals, insider driving tips, and road trip ideas so you can hit the ground driving with confidence. Whether you’re a visitor flying into Buffalo Niagara International Airport, a family heading to a Bills game in Orchard Park, or a local planning a weekend wine tour in the Finger Lakes, we’ll help you find the perfect vehicle quickly and at a great price. Let’s get you on the road in Buffalo affordably and hassle-free!
Buffalo does have public transportation (NFTA Metro buses and the rail line), but a car unlocks far more of this region. Depending on your plans, renting a car in Buffalo can be a game-changer for convenience and exploration. Here are some top reasons to get your own set of wheels in Buffalo:
Of course, if you plan to stay strictly downtown within Buffalo’s city center, you might get by without a car. But for most visitors and certainly anyone wanting to experience more than just the immediate city renting a car is the key to unlocking Buffalo and the wonders of Western New York. And locals? They rent from us, too, for road trips to Canada or whenever they need an extra set of wheels. Read on to see how AirportVanRental makes renting in Buffalo easy, affordable, and downright advantageous.
Our Buffalo Car Rental Benefits
Why book your Buffalo ride with AirportVanRental? Simply put, we specialize in getting you the best deal and the most convenient experience. We partner with all major rental brands in the region (and many local ones) to bring you unparalleled choice and value. Here are some perks and guarantees we offer for Buffalo car rentals:
Top Car Deals in Buffalo Today
(Note: “From” rates are averages for Buffalo rentals in low season and exclude taxes/fees. Approximately 15–18% in total taxes and surcharges may apply in Buffalo including NY state sales tax (~8.75%) and any airport concession fees if renting at BUF. Don’t worry, we show you the final price with everything included during booking. Prices can rise during peak travel times e.g. summer tourist season, college move-in weekends, or when a big event like the Taste of Buffalo is in town so it pays to book early for those periods. Always search with your exact dates and location to see the most up-to-date rates. We refresh deals frequently to reflect current specials.)
Driving in Buffalo: What to Know
Driving in the Buffalo area is generally straightforward, but it helps to know local conditions, rules, and quirks. Here are key tips and things to be aware of when hitting the road around Buffalo and Western NY:
Traffic & Rush Hours: Unlike New York City, Buffalo’s traffic is usually moderate. Commuter rush hour here typically peaks 7–9 AM and 4–6 PM on weekdays. You may encounter slowdowns on major routes like the I-90 (New York State Thruway) around exits for downtown, on I-290 (the main northtown connector), and on local expressways like the 33 (Kensington Expressway) heading into the city. On game days when the Buffalo Bills play at Highmark Stadium (in Orchard Park), expect heavy traffic on Route 219 and surrounding routes before and after the game. In summer, Friday afternoons can see congestion on I-90 westbound (heading toward beach towns and weekend cottages) and Sunday late-day traffic coming back east toward Buffalo. Overall, plan a little extra time during peak periods, and use a GPS or traffic app it can reroute you if there’s an accident or delay (Buffalo drivers lovingly refer to our occasional jams as “traffic” but locals from bigger cities might laugh at what we consider a traffic jam!).
City Streets & Parking: Buffalo’s street layout is a spoke-and-grid design (thanks to city planner Joseph Ellicott). Radiating avenues like Main Street, Delaware Ave, and Broadway slice outward, intersected by more regular grids. Downtown streets are generally wide and one-ways are common in the core. Driving downtown is not too difficult, just keep an eye out for one-way signs and the Metro Rail line that runs at street level along Main Street (cars cannot drive on part of Main Street in the Theater District where the rail line is pedestrian-only). Parking in Buffalo is far easier and cheaper than in many cities. Street parking downtown and in popular areas (Allentown, Elmwood Village) is often metered but inexpensive (around $1-2 per hour, and free in many areas after 5 PM or on weekends check the signs). The city uses a mobile app (Buffalo Roam) for metered parking, which can be convenient. There are also plenty of surface lots and ramps downtown where daily rates typically range $5–$10. During winter, be mindful of snow emergency rules: after heavy snowfalls, Buffalo may announce special parking rules (like parking only on one side of certain streets so plows can get through). These are usually broadcast on local news and the city’s website if visiting in winter, just take a quick look or ask your hotel about any temporary parking restrictions.
Tolls (Cashless System): New York State has fully implemented cashless tolling. If you drive on the Thruway (I-90) or certain local toll routes (like the Grand Island Bridges on I-190 north toward Niagara Falls), you won’t find any toll booths cameras automatically scan your license plate as you pass under toll gantries. For rental cars, this means the toll will be billed to the rental car company, and they will pass the charge on to you (often with a small administrative fee if you haven’t arranged a toll plan). Many rental companies offer an E-ZPass program: either the car comes with a toll transponder or you can opt-in for a daily fee which covers all tolls. If you have your own E-ZPass transponder (common in the Northeast), you can usually use it in the rental just make sure to decline the rental agency’s toll program to avoid double billing, and mount your transponder in the car. Key toll points: the drive from Buffalo to Albany or NYC on I-90 will incur tolls (roughly $15 to Albany, more to NYC), and heading to Niagara via I-190 involves a small toll on Grand Island (around $1 each way). If you prefer, you can avoid some tolls: e.g., to Niagara Falls you can take scenic Route 266 along the Niagara River instead of I-190. But often the toll routes are fastest. Bottom line: Don’t worry about carrying cash there’s nowhere to pay it. Just be aware the rental company will charge tolls to your card later or use your E-ZPass. Check with the rental desk at pick-up on their toll policy so you know what to expect.
Driving to Canada: One amazing perk of Buffalo’s location is proximity to Canada the Canadian border is just 20 miles away. You can drive a U.S. rental car into Canada (almost all major rental companies allow it, but tell them at pick-up so they can note your contract and provide the proper insurance card). When crossing the border, each person in the car will need a passport (or enhanced driver’s license, if you’re a U.S. citizen) to enter Canada and to re-enter the U.S. Driving across is simple: from Buffalo, the Peace Bridge (via I-190) takes you to Fort Erie, Canada, while the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls connects the two Niagara Falls cities. Expect a brief customs interview at the checkpoint; have your IDs and rental agreement handy. Also note, Canada has some different traffic rules (speed limits in km/h, and you cannot turn right on red in Montreal or when a sign prohibits it elsewhere). Your U.S. auto insurance or the rental’s coverage typically extends into Canada but do verify at the desk. And one more tip: Border wait times can vary. On holidays or peak weekends, plan for possible delays, especially coming back into the U.S. Check the CBP Border Wait Times website or app for live updates, so you can choose the least busy crossing or best time to go. With a little preparation, a cross-border jaunt to Niagara-on-the-Lake or Toronto is a fantastic addition to your Buffalo trip!
Winter Weather & Driving: Buffalo’s winters are legendary lake-effect snow can dump a foot of snow when just 10 miles away it’s clear. If you’re visiting in winter (late November through March), be prepared: rental cars in Buffalo will come with all-season tires (snow tires are not commonly provided, and metal-studded tires or chains are generally not used except in extreme conditions). All-season tires are usually sufficient, but you’ll want to adjust your driving. Slow down on snowy or icy roads, increase your following distance significantly, and brake gently to avoid skids. Main highways (I-90, I-290, etc.) and city arterials are plowed and salted promptly during storms crews here are efficient but during heavy snowfall, even treated roads will be slick until plows catch up. If a particularly severe blizzard hits (occasionally the Thruway may close for a stretch, or certain roads in Southtowns become impassable), consider delaying travel until conditions improve safety first. The good news is Buffalo also experiences many beautiful winter days with clear roads between snowfalls, and sunny winter drives can be gorgeous with the snowy landscape. Keep an ice scraper/brush in the car (most rentals include them here), allow a few extra minutes to clear windows of frost or snow, and top off the washer fluid (salty spray from roads means you’ll use it often). One quirky local tip: after parking during heavy snow, flip up your windshield wipers so they don’t freeze to the glass. And don’t be shocked to see folks “saving” dug-out parking spots on residential streets with chairs it’s a Buffalo tradition after big storms (though not officially sanctioned). If you’re not comfortable driving in snow and one is forecast, you can always rely on rideshares or public transit for a day but for most, having a car with confident driving will get you through just fine.
Rules of the Road: In Buffalo (and all of New York State), we drive on the right-hand side of the road. Seat belts are mandatory for all occupants. It is illegal in NY to use a handheld cell phone while driving you must use hands-free or pull over to make a call/text. Police do enforce this, and fines are steep, so play it safe and stay off the phone. Right turns on red are allowed after a complete stop, unless a sign explicitly says “No Right on Red” (these signs are common in NYC, but in Buffalo you’ll only see them at certain tricky intersections if unsure, look for a sign). One rule that surprises many: New York (like many states) requires you to turn on your headlights whenever your windshield wipers are on for rain, snow, or other weather. So if it’s raining or snowing enough to use wipers, be sure your lights are on it’s about safety (and it’s the law). Speed limits in the city of Buffalo are generally 30 mph on most streets (25 in some residential areas), unless posted otherwise. Highways are usually 55 mph near the city and 65 mph on the Thruway and other intercity routes. School zone speed limits (15–20 mph) are strictly enforced around Buffalo when lights are flashing, so take care if you drive near a school. Lastly, Buffalo drivers by and large are friendly and polite (our nickname is the “City of Good Neighbors” after all!), so road rage is rare. Drive considerately, let others merge when you can, and you’ll get the same courtesy in return. Enjoy the ride!
By following these tips and using common sense, you’ll find that driving in Buffalo is quite manageable and often the best way to uncover the region’s hidden gems. Always keep a map or GPS handy, especially if venturing into rural areas where cell signal can sometimes drop, and most of all enjoy the journey. Western New York has scenic surprises at almost every turn when you’re exploring by car.
Road Trip Ideas from Buffalo, NY
One of the greatest perks of renting a car in Buffalo is the ability to embark on some amazing road trips. From thundering waterfalls to peaceful wine country, our region offers a variety of drives that are short on miles but long on memories. Here are three fantastic road trip ideas to inspire your travels (feel free to use these as starting points and customize as you like):
Highlights: This classic trip is a must-do for any Buffalo visitor. Head north on I-190 for about 25 minutes to Niagara Falls, New York. Park on the U.S. side at Niagara Falls State Park and start by viewing the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls from Prospect Point you’ll feel the mist and hear the roar. Consider taking the Maid of the Mist boat ride that launches from the U.S. side (seasonal) for an up-close experience in the basin of the falls (prepare to get wet!). After enjoying the U.S. viewpoints, drive across the Rainbow Bridge into Canada (bring passports). The Canadian side of Niagara Falls offers the most expansive view of the largest Horseshoe Falls Queen Victoria Park along the Niagara Parkway has plenty of lookout spots perfect for photos. You can also descend into the Journey Behind the Falls tunnels for a unique perspective behind the wall of water. Once you’ve had your fill of the Falls, continue north on the scenic Niagara Parkway for about 15 miles to Niagara-on-the-Lake, a charming, historic town known for its wineries and flower-lined old town streets. Along the way, you’ll pass overlooks of the Niagara Gorge and maybe even spots to catch a glimpse of Toronto’s skyline across Lake Ontario on a clear day. In Niagara-on-the-Lake, stroll the quaint downtown (try some ice wine the region’s specialty at a local winery or tasting room). For history buffs, Fort George (a War of 1812 fort) is nearby. After a relaxing afternoon, you can drive back to Buffalo via the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge (another border crossing) which connects to I-190 south. Alternatively, if time permits and you’re up for a bigger city experience, Niagara Falls is only about 1.5 hours from Toronto an easy highway drive. Many Buffalo travelers make a two-day trip, staying overnight in Toronto to explore Canada’s largest city (CN Tower, anyone?) before returning.
Pro Tip:Border Crossing To avoid long waits at the border, consider traveling at off-peak times (early morning or later at night). The Rainbow Bridge often has shorter waits than the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge during peak tourist season. Also, when crossing back into the U.S., U.S. Customs tends to get busier in late afternoon when day-trippers are returning so plan accordingly. Parking near Niagara Falls can range from $10–$30 depending on proximity; on the U.S. side, the state park’s parking lots are convenient, while on the Canadian side, there are several paid lots and garages within walking distance. Finally, don’t forget some Canadian cash or a credit card with no foreign transaction fees if you plan to shop or dine in Canada though many places around Niagara accept USD, the exchange rate won’t be in your favor, so it’s better to pay in the local currency or by card. Enjoy your international road trip it’s not often you can visit two countries in one afternoon!
Highlights: Dubbed the “Grand Canyon of the East,” Letchworth State Park is a stunning gorge park about 1.5 hours southeast of Buffalo. Start by driving east on US-20A through picturesque farm country (rolling hills and silos aplenty) until you reach Letchworth’s Castile or Portageville entrance. Once in the park, follow the park road northward, stopping at overlooks for each of the three major waterfalls on the Genesee River. The Middle Falls is the showstopper at 107 feet tall, it’s a curtain of water in a dramatic canyon setting (in summer you might even see a rainbow arcing across it). There are short trails at each falls overlook; even a quick walk will reward you with views. Don’t miss the Upper Falls framed by a historic railroad trestle bridge high above (a newly built arch bridge now complements the scene). After soaking in Letchworth’s natural beauty (and maybe a picnic lunch at one of the many picnic areas), continue your journey to New York’s Finger Lakes region. Head north from the park toward the town of Geneseo, then east to connect with US-20 or I-390 toward Canandaigua Lake, one of the western Finger Lakes (drive time ~1 hour from Letchworth). Canandaigua is known for its clear waters and vineyard-covered hillsides. You can stop in the charming town of Canandaigua at the north end of the lake perhaps tour the Sonnenberg Gardens & Mansion State Historic Park for a dose of Gilded Age elegance then drive down along the lake’s western shore on NY-21. You’ll pass wineries like Inspire Moore and Hazlitt’s Red Cat Cellars in Naples (at the south end of Canandaigua Lake) feel free to stop for a tasting of Riesling or Cab Franc, signatures of the region (just designate a driver if sampling alcohol). From Naples, circle back west toward Buffalo through the small villages and pretty countryside of the western Finger Lakes. If you have more time (or want a different route back), you could swing by Keuka Lake or Seneca Lake to extend the wine tasting they’re just a bit further east. Otherwise, enjoy the rural scenery as you head back to Buffalo (about a 2-hour drive back via I-390/I-90 from Canandaigua).
Pro Tip: This trip is especially spectacular in autumn. Letchworth’s dense forests explode in orange, red, and yellow hues typically in early to mid-October. The Finger Lakes vineyards also put on a color show, and many wineries host fall harvest events. If traveling in peak fall foliage season, aim for a weekday if possible weekends get busy at Letchworth and on popular winery routes. In the summer, consider pairing this road trip with a swim bring swimsuits and stop at Hamlin Beach State Park (on Lake Ontario, north of the Finger Lakes) on your return for a refreshing dip in the big lake. And if you’re a sunrise enthusiast, an early start from Buffalo could have you catching a misty morning sunrise as it breaks over Letchworth’s gorge absolutely worth the coffee-fueled departure.
Highlights: Head southwest on the I-90 (New York Thruway) along Lake Erie’s shore. After about 40 minutes, take the Dunkirk exit and hop onto NY-5, the old Lakeshore Road. You’ll be in the heart of Lake Erie Wine Country, a stretch of vineyards and wineries flanking the lake. Stop at a winery like Liberty Vineyards in Sheridan or Merritt Estate in Forestville many offer quick tours and tastings of regional favorites like ice wine or fruit-infused wines (the Concord grapes grown here make delicious sweet wine). Continue along Route 5 toward Dunkirk and Fredonia if it’s a hot day, Dunkirk has a public beach on Lake Erie where you can cool off or simply enjoy the lake views. Next, head south on NY-60 toward Chautauqua Lake, one of Western New York’s summer jewels. In about 40 minutes you’ll reach the northern end of Chautauqua Lake at Mayville. Here you can visit the historic Chautauqua Institution (in summer, this famed Victorian-era lakeside community buzzes with cultural events, lectures, and music you can buy a day pass to stroll the lovely grounds when it’s in session). Even off-season, the area is charming. Drive along the lake toward Bemus Point, a popular village on Chautauqua Lake’s shore known for its waterfront restaurants and the historic Lenhart Hotel. Grab lunch on an outdoor deck at the Ellicottville Brewing on Chautauqua or the Italian Fisherman (seasonal) both offer views of boats skimming across the lake. If you have kids in tow (or are a kid at heart), swing by Midway State Park on the east side of the lake it’s a small 1898-era amusement park with a vintage carousel and other retro rides, a delightful step back in time. As you loop back to Buffalo, consider taking US-20 for a different view this route runs parallel to the Thruway and will lead you through classic Americana small towns like Brocton and Angola. One more possible stop: Evans (Lake Erie) Beach Park off Route 5 in Angola has a long sandy beach and is a great place to catch a Lake Erie sunset if your timing is right (Lake Erie’s sunsets are spectacular, often painted in oranges and pinks). From Angola, it’s only about 30 miles back to Buffalo via Route 5 or the Thruway.
Pro Tip:Summer Festivals The Chautauqua and Lake Erie region has a lot going on in summer. If you’re into music, check out the concert schedule at Chautauqua Institution or the Bemus Bay Pops (free lakeside concerts in Bemus Point during summer weekends). Wine lover? Plan your trip during the Lake Erie Wine Country’s events (like the annual Wine & Chocolate Weekend in February or Harvest Wine Weekends in the fall) you can get a tasting passport and enjoy special pairings at numerous wineries. Driving this route in winter? The wineries are open year-round, but Chautauqua Lake freezes over which actually opens up a unique opportunity: ice fishing or even snowmobiling on the lake are popular (though only for the experienced and properly equipped!). If you’re here in winter and not keen on those activities, consider detouring to Ellicottville on the way back, a charming ski town (Holiday Valley Resort) about 1 hour south of Buffalo it has great dining and a cozy vibe in winter, a nice warm-up stop before returning to Buffalo. Whenever you go, this loop offers a laid-back counterpoint to Niagara’s intensity think scenic drives, sips of local wine, and lake breezes. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, most rental companies allow driving into Canada from Buffalo, given how close we are to the border. When booking or at pick-up, let the rental agency know you plan to cross into Canada so they can provide the necessary insurance card (“Canada non-resident insurance”) and note your contract. There’s typically no additional charge for cross-border driving itself (mileage is unlimited, and major insurers’ coverage extends to Canada), but failing to inform the rental company could violate your agreement so definitely mention it. Also, every driver and passenger will need a valid passport or accepted travel document to go through border control. The car’s license plate will be run at the border, and having the rental paperwork handy is smart. One more tip: fuel is more expensive in Canada (priced per liter), so you might want to fill up before crossing back to the U.S. or plan accordingly. Other than that, a cross-border trip is easy. Popular strategy: rent in Buffalo, drive to the Canadian side of Niagara Falls for the day (the views are amazing over there), and return the car in the U.S. to avoid steep one-way international drop fees. Thousands of renters do this every year we’re happy to help facilitate your two-nation vacation!
In New York State, the minimum rental age is 18 years old (state law requires rental companies to accommodate 18+). However, renters under 25 should expect a daily “young driver” surcharge. Drivers 18–20 will pay a significantly higher fee (often $50-$80 per day extra) and may be restricted to certain vehicle categories. Ages 21–24 also usually incur a smaller underage fee (around $20-$35/day) and can rent standard vehicle types. If you’re 25 or older, congratulations no extra young driver fees apply with major companies. Remember that all renters will need a valid driver’s license and a credit card in their name for the deposit. We at AirportVanRental display any age-related fees in the quote breakdown, so you won’t be caught off-guard. If you’re under 25, it’s often worth comparing a few different suppliers some have lower surcharges than others, and we’ll help you find the best option.
As mentioned in our driving tips, all tolls in New York are now cashless. If you drive on the New York State Thruway (I-90) or the route to Niagara Falls (I-190 over Grand Island), you will encounter toll gantries that bill via E-ZPass or license plate. In a rental car, you have two main options: (1) Use the rental company’s toll program typically, they either provide an E-ZPass device or simply bill you for tolls plus a small admin fee per day of use (fees vary by company, often ~$3-5 for each day you actually incur a toll, capped at a max per rental). (2) Use your own E-ZPass if you have one from home, bring it and make sure it’s properly affixed in the car; it will charge your personal account for tolls with no rental fees. Just double-check with the rental agent that any built-in transponder is switched off if you’re using yours. If you do nothing, the cameras will photograph the plate and the toll will be charged to the rental car company, who will then charge your card later (this usually incurs that admin fee I mentioned). We generally recommend opting in to the rental’s toll plan if you expect to hit toll roads frequently it’s convenient and the fees are usually reasonable for the short term. But for a quick trip with maybe one small toll, you might just pay by plate. And remember, if you want to avoid tolls entirely, you can! For example, instead of taking I-90 toward Rochester, take US Route 20; it’s slower and more scenic, with no tolls. Your GPS app can be set to “avoid tolls” to find such routes. Either way, tolls around Buffalo are not very expensive (a couple dollars here and there), so it’s not a big budget-breaker just something to be aware of so you’re not surprised by a post-trip charge.
Snow tires: Generally no rental cars in Buffalo are equipped with all-season tires year-round. All-seasons are designed to handle moderate winter conditions. Dedicated winter snow tires are not commonly provided by U.S. rental agencies (a few exceptions in mountain ski areas). The good news is that Buffalo’s road crews are excellent at clearing snow promptly from main roads. If you stick to the Thruway, interstates, and major city arteries, all-seasons plus prudent driving (slower speeds, longer braking distances) will usually be just fine. Chains: In New York, tire chains are legal to use in winter months but very rarely needed in Buffalo’s mainly urban and highway driving environment and rentals do not come with chains. In fact, unless you plan to drive deep into rural snow-packed roads (which most visitors don’t), you won’t need them. If conditions are extreme enough to consider chains, it’s probably a day you shouldn’t be driving at all if you can avoid it. Our advice: if visiting in winter and you’re concerned, consider renting an SUV for the peace of mind of all-wheel drive. But even a front-wheel drive car with decent all-season tires can handle typical winter days here. And remember, you can always check the forecast and delay or adjust your travel schedule if a major storm is expected. We have a saying here: “If you don’t like the weather, wait 15 minutes.” Buffalo’s weather can change quickly and there are often clear days following snowstorms that are perfect for safe driving (with gorgeous snowy landscapes to enjoy!). And if you ever feel unsure, you can reach out to us or ask locals Buffalonians are friendly and will happily share up-to-the-minute advice on road conditions.