Ready to hit the road straight from Buffalo Niagara Airport? Use the search form above to find real-time car rental deals at BUF. Enter your travel dates and choose “Buffalo Niagara Intl Airport (BUF)” as your pick-up location. In seconds, you’ll see offers from all the major car rental companies at BUF and more. Filter by vehicle type (compact, SUV, minivan, etc.), passenger capacity, or price to zero in on your ideal ride. Whether you need a small car to zip around Buffalo’s neighborhoods, a comfy sedan for client meetings, or a 12-passenger van for a group excursion to Niagara Falls, we’ve got options ready for you.
Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) Car Rental, Your Gateway to Niagara Falls and Western New York on Wheels
Buffalo Niagara International Airport is the major air hub of Western New York, conveniently located just outside Buffalo and about 30 minutes from the iconic Niagara Falls. Renting a car at BUF Airport gives you immediate freedom to explore the region’s wonders on your own schedule from downtown Buffalo’s resurgence to the natural splendor of the Niagara Gorge and beyond. This page is your complete guide to securing an affordable Buffalo airport car rental with ease. We’ve combined AirportVanRental’s best deals with local know-how on navigating the airport and area roads, so you can rent a car at BUF confidently, whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning home for a visit.
Pro Tip: Buffalo’s public transport is limited, and many top attractions (Niagara Falls, Letchworth State Park, Lake Erie beaches) are spread out. If you want to truly experience the Buffalo-Niagara region especially on your own timetable a rental car is the way to go. It’ll save you from juggling bus schedules or expensive rideshares, and you can easily hop over to Canada if you’re feeling adventurous (just don’t forget your passport!).
Why Rent a Car at Buffalo Niagara Airport?
Renting a car directly at BUF Airport comes with a ton of advantages for both tourists and business travelers. Here’s why savvy travelers choose to grab the keys at Buffalo Niagara International instead of relying on taxis, shuttles, or public transit:
In short, renting at BUF turns your arrival into the start of an adventure. You’re not tied to anyone’s schedule but your own, and you can make the most of your time in the Buffalo-Niagara region. From corporate visitors needing to zip between meetings in Amherst and downtown, to vacationers ready to chase waterfalls and wings (Buffalo’s Anchor Bar for original Buffalo wings is a short drive away), a rental car serves all with convenience. Now, let’s get into the specifics of how to pick up your car at Buffalo Airport and some insider tips…
Navigating Buffalo Niagara Airport Car Rentals
Picking up your rental at Buffalo Niagara International Airport is a smooth process the airport is user-friendly and the rental facilities are close at hand. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to expect when renting a car at BUF:
Rental Car Counters Location: All the major rental companies (Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, Hertz, National, etc.) have their counters on-site at BUF, typically on the ground level of the airport’s terminal or just across the access road in the attached parking garage. After you land and collect your luggage from baggage claim, simply follow the signs for Rental Cars. Buffalo’s terminal is compact, so the walk is short. In fact, in the arrivals area, you’ll likely see the rental car signs pointing toward a hallway leading to the parking garage/rental center.
At the Counter: When you reach your rental agency’s counter (they’re usually all lined up next to each other), you’ll check in with your confirmation details, driver’s license, and credit card ready. Because you booked ahead with AirportVanRental, your reservation will already be in their system at the guaranteed rate. The agent will verify your details, have you sign the rental agreement, and offer any extras (like insurance coverage, GPS device, toll transponder, etc., if not already included or if you decide you want them). They’ll also likely ask to see your flight number or return info this is routine, they use it in case of delays or for return planning.
Picking Up the Car: Once paperwork is done (which is usually quick, especially if you’re a member of the rental company’s loyalty program or checked in online), the agent will direct you to the car pick-up area. At BUF, rental cars are parked in a dedicated section of the adjacent parking garage or lots, often just one level down from the counters. There’s no need for a shuttle bus one of the great conveniences of Buffalo’s airport! You’ll either walk directly from the counter through a tunnel into the garage, or take an elevator down one level as instructed. Clear signage and often a friendly attendant will guide you to your vehicle. For example, they might say “Your car is in Section C, Row 3, Slot 5” and those sections are well-marked.
Vehicle Inspection: Before you drive off, do a quick inspection of the car. Check for any pre-existing damage like scratches or dents and ensure they’re noted on your rental agreement (if not, take photos and inform the attendant at the exit booth or walk back to the counter to have it recorded it only takes a minute and avoids any disputes later). Also familiarize yourself with the car’s controls Buffalo can have variable weather, so know where the wiper, lights, and defroster controls are. Set your mirrors and get your GPS or phone mount set up. If it’s winter, you’ll likely find an ice scraper/brush in the car (keep it handy).
Exiting the Airport: Buffalo Niagara Airport is right off the Kensington Expressway (NY-33), which leads directly into downtown Buffalo, and also close to I-90 which can take you toward Niagara Falls or east toward Rochester/Syracuse. When you’re ready to leave, you’ll drive to the garage exit where there may be a security gate or booth. Typically, you show your rental contract and ID to an attendant or just insert the garage ticket if provided. They’ll lift the gate and you’re officially on your way! Exiting BUF is straightforward within a minute you’ll be on the expressway. There are clear signs for all directions: one toward Buffalo (Route 33 West), one toward Rochester/Syracuse (I-90 East), and one toward Erie/Niagara (I-90 West then I-290/I-190 North).
Returning Your Car: Returning at BUF is equally easy. Follow signs for Rental Car Return as you approach the airport (usually directing you back into the same garage via a dedicated ramp). Park in your rental company’s designated return lane or area an attendant will usually meet you or there will be instructions to leave keys in the car. They’ll quickly check the fuel and mileage, inspect the car’s condition, and then you’re free to walk the short distance into the terminal for your flight. (BUF’s terminal is small, so going from car drop-off to check-in is quick 5 minutes or so). If you have an extremely early or late flight, rest assured the major rental companies at BUF have extended hours (some are effectively 24 hours or open as long as flights are operating). In the rare case you need to do an after-hours drop, there are key drop boxes but with Buffalo’s busy flight schedule, that’s seldom needed.
Accessibility & Assistance: Buffalo’s rental facility and garage are fully accessible. Elevators, ramps, and plenty of lighting make it easy for travelers with mobility needs. If you need special assistance (like a hand-control equipped vehicle, or help with luggage), you can call ahead to your rental company or ask at the counter they’re generally very accommodating.
In summary, renting at BUF is designed to be traveler-friendly: no off-site shuttles, no confusing rental maze just a quick counter stop and a short walk to your car. Many travelers comment that Buffalo is one of the easiest airports for car rentals, and we have to agree. By the time you’ve stretched your legs from the flight, you’re already at your car and ready to roll.
Early & Late Flight Arrivals: How to Get Your Car If your flight is delayed or arriving in the wee hours, don’t panic. The rental agencies track incoming flights (especially if you provided your flight number). Most major companies at BUF have extended hours (some open as early as 5 AM and stay open past midnight). If you have a confirmed reservation and your flight is late in the evening, the rental staff often stay a bit to accommodate (or they’ll leave specific instructions). In a worst-case scenario where your flight is massively delayed to after closing, they usually honor the reservation the next morning. Communication is key if you can, call the rental location’s number if you know you’ll arrive extremely late. But generally, Buffalo’s not a 24/7 airport, so flights align with rental hours. If you’re one of the first flights in at dawn, know that counters typically open by the time passengers deplane. For peace of mind, we’re here 24/7 you can always call AirportVanRental’s support if you need help coordinating a late pick-up. We’ll work with the rental provider to make sure you’re not stranded.
To wrap it up: Navigating BUF’s car rentals is a breeze. Grab your keys and hit the road Niagara Falls, Buffalo’s city sights, and upstate New York’s adventures await, just a short drive from the airport!
One-Way Rentals and More
Need to pick up at BUF Airport and drop off elsewhere (say, in New York City or even across the state)? Many of our rental partners allow one-way trips, and Buffalo is a common start or end for roadtrippers. Just select a different return location in our search, and we’ll highlight any one-way fee (if applicable) so you know the cost upfront. This is perfect for travelers planning an epic journey for instance, flying into Buffalo, driving through the Finger Lakes and Catskills, and flying out of NYC. One-way rentals save you backtracking.
Also, if you only need a car for part of your stay (perhaps you’ll explore Buffalo city without a car for a couple days, then rent for a trip to the mountains), that’s easy to arrange. Our system accommodates short one-day rentals up to multi-week rentals with ease. Buffalo’s rental rates often drop on weekends and longer durations, so you might snag a great deal by adjusting your pick-up or drop-off by a day. We encourage you to play with the dates you might find that keeping the car an extra day is only a few dollars more, giving you added flexibility.
Lastly, feel free to reach out if you have special requirements like needing a ski rack in winter or a child seat. Buffalo rental locations have these add-ons available. You can request them during booking or ask at the counter. Our goal is to make sure you have everything you need for a safe and enjoyable trip, right from the moment you land at BUF.
Top Buffalo Niagara Airport Car Rental Deals
(Note: “From” rates exclude taxes/fees; approximately 15-18% in total taxes and surcharges apply at BUF, including NY state sales tax (~8.75%) and airport concession fees. We show you the final price with all these included during booking. Prices can fluctuate with demand expect higher rates during summer tourist season, major events (like Buffalo Bills home games or university commencements), and holidays. Conversely, you can snag great deals in off-peak times like January or early spring. Always search with your exact dates to get the most accurate pricing. All examples above include unlimited mileage unless stated otherwise feel free to drive as much as you want!)
Local Driving Tips: Buffalo/Niagara Area
Once you’ve picked up your car, you’ll find driving around Buffalo-Niagara relatively easy, but here are some local pointers to keep in mind:
Navigating & Traffic: Buffalo’s road network is well-marked and traffic is manageable compared to larger cities. The major arteries to know: I-90 (New York State Thruway) runs east-west just outside the city; I-190 branches off it through Buffalo and north to Niagara Falls; Route 33 (expressway) goes from the airport straight into downtown; and I-290 connects the Tonawanda/Amherst suburbs. Rush hour in Buffalo is roughly 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM weekdays you’ll see slower traffic on the Kensington Expressway (Route 33) heading downtown, and on I-90/I-290 around interchanges. Even at its worst, Buffalo “traffic” might add 10-15 minutes, not hours like in LA or NYC. Around Niagara Falls, traffic can get heavier on weekends in summer the Grand Island Bridges (which you’ll cross on I-190) sometimes have backups due to tolls (now cashless) or volume. If you want a scenic alternative, take the Niagara Scenic Parkway (formerly Robert Moses Parkway) along the river after Grand Island. Within the city, Buffalo has some quirky intersections due to its radial street design (thanks to city planner Joseph Ellicott) for example, Niagara Street and Delaware Avenue intersect multiple times due to how the grid meets radial streets. A GPS helps, but rest assured most streets are in a straightforward grid with orderly numbered or named streets. Parking in the city is generally easy and cheap (we covered that in the city page, but downtown meters are $1/hour with lots of availability outside of special events). When visiting Niagara Falls, parking on the U.S. side is available at Niagara Falls State Park (paid lots ~$10) or various private lots. On the Canadian side, lots near the Falls can be pricier ($20+ in summer) a tip is to park a bit farther up Murray St or at the casino and walk down to the viewpoints.
Weather & Roads: Buffalo’s weather is famously variable. Summer is pleasant but can have pop-up thunderstorms if a heavy rain hits, use caution on the highways (water can pool briefly, causing hydroplaning hazards). Buffalo drivers are used to snow, and you’ll notice after a snowfall, main roads are cleared quickly and life goes on. If you’re driving in winter, they don’t mess around major routes are salted and plowed often. However, lake-effect snow bands can create very localized blizzard conditions; if you encounter one (sudden heavy snow reducing visibility), it might be worth pulling off to a rest area for a bit, as these bands often pass in 30-60 minutes. Keep your car stocked with washer fluid salty spray will muck up your windshield frequently in winter. On highways like I-90, you’ll see large plow convoys in action during storms give them room and don’t try to overtake hastily, the road behind them is safer. One specific tip: if you plan to drive south of Buffalo (to ski areas or Allegany State Park) in winter, note that areas south of the city get more snow (the ski country isn’t nicknamed the Snow Belt for nothing). All-wheel drive or 4x4 is beneficial there. In summer, construction season is in swing check for orange signs, as Buffalo does a lot of road repairs in the warm months. Most work zones still won’t cause huge delays, but just be alert for lane shifts.
Border Crossing: If you’re heading into Canada via car, there are three main crossings near Buffalo: Peace Bridge (from downtown Buffalo to Fort Erie, Canada), Rainbow Bridge (Niagara Falls), and Lewiston-Queenston Bridge (north of Niagara Falls, links to I-190/I-90). The Peace Bridge is closest to BUF (about 20 min drive from the airport, then cross into Canada). It tends to be busy during rush hours and holidays. The Rainbow Bridge is great for local tourist travel (from Niagara Falls NY to Niagara Falls ON) but note it does not allow commercial trucks, only passenger vehicles and pedestrians which can mean slightly shorter waits on weekdays. The Lewiston-Queenston is on the truck route (QEW to I-190) and can see backups with freight traffic but has many inspection booths. Check border wait times online (CBSA and CBP both publish them). If one crossing shows long delays, try another for example, sometimes Peace Bridge is jammed but Rainbow is clear or vice versa. When crossing, have your documents ready (passports, or enhanced driver’s license if you have one). Rental cars from BUF are allowed into Canada the agency will usually provide a Canada Non-Resident Insurance Card which is proof of insurance there. Ask for one if they don’t automatically give it. Fuel is more expensive in Canada, so consider filling up before crossing (stations in Niagara Falls NY or Buffalo will be cheaper). Also, mind the speed limits switch to km/h in Canada (100 km/h ~ 62 mph on highways). Lastly, remember to turn off or airplane mode any mobile data you don’t want to roam the border region signals can mix and you might incur roaming fees.
Tolls: On the U.S. side, as mentioned, cashless tolls are in effect on the Thruway (I-90) and the Grand Island bridges. If you didn’t get an E-ZPass with your rental, expect the toll by plate bill to come via your rental company (plus perhaps a small fee). It’s not expensive e.g., each Grand Island crossing is ~$1. There’s also a small toll on the Peace Bridge and Lewiston Bridge (paid when entering Canada; about $4 US or $5.50 CAD, credit card accepted). Rainbow Bridge collects toll when going into the U.S. from Canada ($4). Rental companies generally don’t cover those international bridge tolls with an E-ZPass, as they’re handled differently; you often pay those in person. So keep some cash or credit ready at the booth.
With these tips in mind, you’re well-equipped to drive like a local. Buffalonians are generally friendly drivers you might see the “Buffalo wave” at four-way stop signs (where everyone politely gestures the other to go first). When in doubt, just follow standard right-of-way rules and you’ll do fine. Enjoy the convenience of your rental car blast some tunes (perhaps local favorite Goo Goo Dolls or Buffalo’s own jazz great Grover Washington Jr.), and soak in the journey as much as the destinations. From the urban streets to open highways, the Buffalo-Niagara region is a delight to explore on four wheels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Niagara Falls (U.S. side) is roughly 25 miles northwest of Buffalo Niagara International Airport about a 30-35 minute drive in normal traffic. It’s a straight shot: from BUF, take I-90 West for a few exits, then I-290 West toward Niagara Falls, which merges into I-190 North. Follow signs for Niagara Falls. You’ll cross the Grand Island bridges (enjoy the view of the Niagara River!) and continue to Exit 21 or 22 for downtown Niagara Falls. The drive is pretty easy mostly highway until you reach the city of Niagara Falls, where you’ll navigate a few city streets to reach the State Park or your destination. Parking is available at Niagara Falls State Park (Lot 1 by the Visitor Center is most convenient for the American Falls and costs around $10-$15 in peak season). From there, the Falls themselves are a short walk. If you want to hop over to the Canadian side for those panoramic views, you can drive across the Rainbow Bridge (bring passports). It’s only a mile from the U.S. park to the Canada park on the other side but do factor in possible border wait time (can be 5-20 minutes typically; longer on holidays). Driving back to BUF from Niagara is equally straightforward. Just reverse the route you’ll likely be back at the airport in under 40 minutes. So yes, it’s very easy to drive to Niagara Falls from the airport one of the big perks of flying into BUF!
Yes, absolutely. All major rental car companies at BUF allow cross-border travel into Canada. Buffalo is so close to Ontario that this is a common request. Here’s what to do: when you pick up the car, inform the rental agent that you plan to go into Canada. They will provide you with a “Canada Non-Resident Inter-Province Insurance Card” (often just called the Canadian insurance card). This card is proof to Canadian authorities that the vehicle is insured, as required by law. Typically, there’s no additional fee for driving into Canada, but the rental company might put a note in the contract of the dates you expect to be there. You’ll want to make sure you have your passport or required travel documents to cross the border. Once in Canada, the rental car functions the same your U.S. insurance or the rental’s coverage extends to Canada (as long as you’ve notified them). Just remember to obey Canadian road rules (speed limits in km/h, no right turn on red in Montreal and some other cities, etc.). One more tip: plan your fuel stops gasoline in Canada is sold by the liter and generally costs more (due to taxes) than in the U.S. We often recommend filling up in Buffalo/Niagara Falls NY before crossing to save a bit. And when you return to the U.S., you may be asked by U.S. Customs where you’re headed just mention you’re returning a rental car at Buffalo Airport (and maybe show them the rental agreement if asked, though it’s rarely needed). Enjoy your international journey! Many of our customers drive to Toronto, Niagara-on-the-Lake, or even farther into Canada it’s a fantastic added perk of renting here.
Flight delays are a fact of life, and rental companies at Buffalo Airport are quite understanding. Generally, as long as you arrive on the same calendar day (by midnight-ish) of your reservation, the rental counters will accommodate you. The major agencies at BUF typically have hours that cover all incoming flights (often open as late as 1 AM if flights are still arriving and opening by 5-6 AM for early flights). If you provided your flight number when booking, the rental staff’s system often updates with any delays, so they know you’re coming on a later plane. That said, if your flight is severely delayed to the next day or canceled outright, it’s best to contact the rental office or AirportVanRental customer service as soon as you know. We or the rental company can adjust the pickup time or date. In many cases, if you arrive the next morning, they’ll still honor your rate (though technically your reservation was for the previous day, communication is key). The main risk is if you don’t show up on the scheduled day and don’t inform anyone; by the next day they might mark it a no-show. But we’ve found Buffalo’s teams to be pretty flexible if you let them know. If you arrive after hours (say your flight lands at 2 AM due to a big delay and the counter is closed), there’s usually an after-hours pick-up process: sometimes an agent will wait if they know you’re coming on a delayed flight; otherwise, they might leave keys with an airport info desk or have security bring you to the car it varies by company. We can help coordinate those rare scenarios. The bottom line: don’t worry too much. If your flight’s just a bit late, you’ll still get your car. If it’s very late, call ahead and the BUF rental folks will do their best to accommodate. AirportVanRental’s support is 24/7, so we’re here to assist or advocate for you as needed.