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Everything you need to know about traveling to Buffalo Niagara International Airport and getting around it.

In this guide:

Arriving & Checking In

Facilities & Services


Arriving & Checking In

Address: 4200 Genesee St, Buffalo, NY 14225

Getting to Buffalo Niagara International Airport

You can travel to BUF Airport easily via car or public transport, including buses, shuttles, and the train. If you’re driving, it’s a good idea to prebook your lot space to guarantee a spot at the best price. GPS can help can you find your lot seamlessly.

We offer budget-friendly Buffalo Airport parking, often with shuttle transfers so you can get to the terminal easily.

Arriving at the airport

How early to get to BUF depends on the time of your flight and the airline you’ve booked to fly with:

  • Passengers for domestic flights should arrive at the airport two hours before departure.
  • Travelers on international flights should aim to get to the airport three hours before departure.

We advise arriving in plenty of time at Buffalo Airport, especially during peak travel periods including Spring Break and summer. This allows plenty of time to navigate security before spending time in the terminal.

Buffalo Airport Check-In

To ensure a smooth departure from Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF), please verify your airline’s specific check-in times.

Contact your airline directly for the latest information regarding check-in, including online check-in. Online check-in, when available, is a convenient way to save time.

Buffalo Airport Security Screening

For a smoother experience when flying out of Buffalo Airport, we recommend allowing ample time for security screening. Expect longer wait times during peak travel hours and the summer season and plan ahead if traveling during this period.

Boarding & Connecting Flights at BUF

For passengers connecting through Buffalo Airport, make sure to monitor your flight’s real-time gate and departure information on airport displays and online trackers throughout the terminal.

If you are checking luggage, verify re-check procedures and airline-specific policies. You will also need to confirm you have all required boarding passes, especially if a new one is needed for connecting flights.

Facilities & Services

Buffalo Airport Restaurants: Where to Eat?

Buffalo Airport houses popular favorites for a quick grab and go, but if you’re looking to enjoy a sit-down experience we recommend Blue Zone, Anchor Bar, Queen City Kitchen and The Market on Elmwood.

These restaurants cater to most appetites and tastes, meaning you have plenty of choice for all passengers traveling within your party. Be sure to check the opening hours for eateries within BUF Airport, as opening times may vary.

BUF Airport Shops

BUF airport offers a range of retail options, including convenience stores, gift shops, and specialty stores. You’ll find places to pick up travel essentials, souvenirs, and gifts when traveling out of BUF.

JetSet East and JetSet West are convenience and gift shops that provide grab-and-go foods, specialty coffees, and newsstand items to keep you entertained for your flight. There is also Frivolous, which is a specialty retail store that offers gifts, home wares, and apparel.

Buffalo Airport Duty Free

Looking to save on your travel purchases? Duty Free Americas at Buffalo Airport can help you save and have deals on premium brands and travel gifts, conveniently located throughout the terminals.

Buffalo Airport WiFi

BUF Airport provides free Wi-Fi throughout the terminal. Simply connect to the ‘BUF Free WiFi’ network, launch a web browser, and connect to the free Wi-Fi.

You will need to sign-up for a Wi-Fi account or log in with an existing account. By signing up, you can stay connected with unlimited 45-minute sessions of complimentary Wi-Fi access on your laptop, tablet, or smartphone.


Main image: Sergey PesterevUnsplash