Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) Guide
Welcome to Buffalo Airport, where convenience and comfort meet in the heart of Western New York. Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, our airport offers a range of amenities and services to make your journey as smooth as possible. From our modern terminals to our friendly staff, we're committed to providing you with a top-notch travel experience.
Looking for helpful information to get you from your door to your gate? Our extensive guide has got you covered. You'll find everything you need to know about flight status and tracking, airline departure terminals and gate locations, parking options, terminal maps, plus food and shopping directories. Let us help you navigate your way through BUF with ease. For more comprehensive airport information, check out iFly's Airport Guide.
Helpful Tips
When to Arrive
It is recommended that passengers arrive at BUF Airport at least 90 minutes before their scheduled departure time for domestic flights and 2 hours before their scheduled departure time for international flights. The busiest times to avoid are early mornings(5am-7am), midday(11am-1pm), and late afternoons(4pm-6pm).
Getting to the Airport
There are several ways to get to the airport, including driving, taking a taxi or rideshare service, or using public transportation. If driving, be sure to check the airport's parking options and rates ahead of time. If taking a taxi or rideshare service, be sure to arrange for pickup in advance. Public transportation options include the NFTA Metro Bus and Rail system, which has a stop at the airport.
Getting Oriented
Buffalo Niagara Airport's website, iFly.com, offers interactive airport maps that can help passengers get oriented and navigate the airport more easily. The maps show the location of gates, restaurants, shops, and other amenities, as well as the layout of each terminal. Passengers can also use the maps to find information on parking, ground transportation, and other airport services.
Avoiding Delays
To avoid delays at Buffalo Airport, be sure to check the status of your flight before leaving for the airport. You can do this on the airport's website or through your airline's website or app. If your flight is delayed or cancelled, contact your airline for rebooking options. It is also recommended to pack light and avoid bringing prohibited items in your carry-on or checked luggage, as this can cause delays at security checkpoints.
Security Wait Times
At BUF, TSA Security wait times can vary depending on the time of day and the day of the week. During peak travel times, such as holidays and weekends, wait times can be longer. It is recommended that passengers arrive at least two hours before their scheduled departure time to allow for enough time to check-in, drop off luggage, and go through TSA Security. However, the airport does offer a real-time TSA Security wait time tracker on their website. You can check TSA Wait Times now, so you can budget how much time you need to get to the airport.
Maps, Airlines & Amenities
Buffalo Niagara Airport (BUF) Terminals
Navigating BUF's Terminals
BUF Airport has one main terminal with two concourses: Concourse A and Concourse B. Concourse A has 10 gates and is mainly used by Southwest Airlines, while Concourse B has 14 gates and is used by other major airlines such as Delta, American, and United.
Upon arrival, passengers can find baggage claim areas on the lower level of the terminal. The upper level houses the ticketing counters, security checkpoints, and the departure gates. There are plenty of dining and shopping options available throughout the terminal, including local favorites such as Anchor Bar and Tim Hortons.
For travelers in need of special assistance, the airport provides accessible parking, wheelchair service, and service animal relief areas. Additionally, there are nursing rooms and family restrooms available for those traveling with young children.
Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.
Connecting Between Terminals
The airport has only one terminal, making it a small and easy airport to navigate. There are no shuttle buses or trains needed to get between terminals, as there is only one. Walking times will vary depending on your gate location, but it shouldn't take more than a few minutes to get from one end of the terminal to the other. If you need assistance getting around the airport, there are courtesy wheelchairs available upon request.
Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
Buffalo Niagara Airport offers a variety of dining and shopping options for travelers to enjoy before their flight. For a quick bite, check out Tim Hortons, located in the food court of the airport. This Canadian coffee chain serves up delicious coffee, donuts, and breakfast sandwiches. If you're looking for a sit-down meal, head to the Anchor Bar, famous for inventing the Buffalo wing. Their airport location serves up wings, burgers, and other pub fare.
For shopping, be sure to stop by the Duty Free Americas store, located in the pre-security area of the airport. Here, you can purchase tax-free items such as liquor, tobacco, and fragrances. If you're looking for souvenirs or gifts, check out the Buffalo Museum of Science store, located in the post-security area. They offer a variety of science-themed gifts and toys.
The locations of all food, shops, and services at Buffalo Airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, find your choice of amenities here.
Airport Hotels
When traveling by air, the convenience of a nearby hotel can make all the difference. Whether you have a layover, an overnight delay, or an early morning departure, airport hotels offer the convenience of a short commute. This guide will introduce you to some of the best hotels near the airport, all within a mile of the terminal. From the Comfort Inn & Suites that's just a stone's throw away from the terminal, to the Courtyard by Marriott and Aloft, all offering top-notch amenities for both business and leisure travelers, these hotels provide the ease and comfort you need. Each hotel is easily accessible and offers a range of services to ensure a comfortable stay. Whether you're in transit, on a business trip, or looking to explore the attractions of the city and the world-renowned Niagara Falls, these hotels serve as an ideal base. Read on to discover the perfect hotel for your needs near the airport. BUF Hotels
Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
When it comes to picking up and dropping off passengers at BUF Airport, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, curbside parking is strictly prohibited at the airport. This means that you cannot park your car at the curb to wait for your passenger to arrive or to say goodbye. Instead, the airport has designated cell-phone waiting areas where you can wait for your passenger to call you and let you know that they are ready to be picked up.
When you arrive at the airport to pick up your passenger, follow the signs to the cell-phone waiting area. Once you arrive, find a parking spot and wait in your car until your passenger calls you to let you know that they are ready to be picked up. Once you receive the call, you can then drive to the terminal to pick up your passenger. Keep in mind that you should not leave your car unattended in the cell-phone waiting area, as this is against airport regulations.
Parking Facilities & Options
The airport offers a variety of parking options to suit your needs. There are three on-site parking lots available: the Daily/Hourly Garage, the Preferred Parking Lot, and the Long-Term Parking Lot. The Daily/Hourly Garage is located directly across from the terminal and is perfect for short-term parking. The Preferred Parking Lot is located adjacent to the garage and offers covered parking with easy access to the terminal. The Long-Term Parking Lot is located further from the terminal, but offers the most economical option for extended stays.
If you're waiting to pick up someone from the airport, there are two cell phone waiting areas available. The first is located on Holtz Drive, just minutes from the terminal. The second is located on Genesee Street, about five minutes from the terminal.
Handicapped parking is available in all parking lots and garages. There are designated spaces located near the terminal entrance for easy access.
If you're looking for a more economical option, off-airport parking is available. Several private parking lots are located near the airport and offer shuttle service to and from the terminal. These lots can be a great option for extended stays or for those on a budget.
Get details about BUF parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.
Transportation Options
Buffalo Niagara Airport offers a variety of ground transportation options for travelers. Car rental facilities are conveniently located on the lower level of the terminal, and major providers such as Avis, Budget, Enterprise, and Hertz are available.
Taxi services are available at the airport, with drop-off areas located outside of baggage claim. Fares are based on distance and time, with an additional fee for airport pickup. It is recommended to confirm the fare with the driver before beginning the trip.
Shared ride services, such as Uber and Lyft, are also available at the airport. Pickup areas are located outside of baggage claim, and there may be restrictions on the number of passengers and luggage allowed.
Airport shuttles are another option for travelers, with several companies offering service to and from the airport. Pickup areas are located outside of baggage claim, and fares vary depending on the destination.
For those looking for a more affordable option, public transportation is also available. The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority operates bus service to and from the airport, with several routes serving the area. Fares are reasonable, and schedules can be found on the NFTA website.
Passenger Services
Buffalo Airport offers a wide range of passenger services to make your travel experience comfortable and stress-free.
Stay connected with free wifi access throughout the airport. If you lose an item during your travels, visit the lost and found located in the baggage claim area.
Traveling with children? Take advantage of the children's play area located near Gate 9. Special-needs services are also available, including wheelchair assistance and accessible restrooms.
Need to take care of some banking? There are ATMs located throughout the airport, as well as a currency exchange service. If you require medical assistance, visit the first aid station located near the security checkpoint.
Whether you're arriving or departing, BUF has a variety of passenger services available to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.
Flight Status Info
As an air traveler, it's important to stay informed about the status of your flight. At BUF Airport, there are several ways to check your flight status.
One of the most convenient methods is to use the airport's Flight Information Display System (FIDS), which can be found throughout the airport. These displays provide real-time updates on flight departures, arrivals, delays, and gate information. Simply locate your flight on the display to see the latest status updates.
Another way to stay informed is to download your airline's mobile app. Most airlines offer apps that allow you to check your flight status, receive push notifications about delays or gate changes, and even check in for your flight. You can also sign up for text or email alerts from your airline to receive updates about your flight status.
Passengers can check the status of their flight departure at the airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.
Airport Facts & Stats
Buffalo Niagara Airport is located in the United States and serves the Buffalo-Niagara Falls metropolitan area. The airport has a single terminal building that handles all domestic and international flights.
The top airlines with the most daily flights at Buffalo Airport are Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines. On average, the airport handles around 100 daily flights and serves over 20 destinations across the United States and Canada.
On an average year, BUF handles around 4 million passengers, with an average of 11,000 passengers per day. The airport's busiest routes are to Orlando, Atlanta, Chicago, New York, and Fort Lauderdale.
BUF Airport serves as a hub for JetBlue Airways, which offers connecting flights to destinations across the United States and the Caribbean. Other airlines that operate at the airport include United Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and Spirit Airlines.
Airport History
The Buffalo Niagara Airport, located in Cheektowaga, New York, has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century. Here are some significant events in the airport's history:
- 1926 - The Buffalo Municipal Airport opens with a single runway and a small terminal building.
- 1930s - The airport expands with additional runways and a new terminal building.
- 1940s - The airport becomes a major hub for military aircraft during World War II.
- 1950s - The airport undergoes major renovations and upgrades, including the addition of a new control tower and a longer runway.
- 1960s - The airport sees a significant increase in passenger traffic and becomes a popular destination for commercial airlines.
- 1980s - The airport undergoes another major renovation, including the construction of a new terminal building and parking garage.
- 1990s - The airport continues to grow and expand, with the addition of new airlines and destinations.
- 2000s - The airport undergoes additional renovations and upgrades, including the expansion of the terminal building and the addition of new restaurants and shops.
- 2010s - The airport sees a record number of passengers and continues to add new airlines and destinations, including international flights to Canada and the Caribbean.
Today, the Buffalo Niagara Airport is a bustling hub for travelers from all over the world, offering a wide range of amenities and services to make air travel as comfortable and convenient as possible.
Airport Contact Info
- the airport Website
- Phone: (716) 630-6000
- Email: [email protected]
- Mailing Address: 4200 Genesee St, Buffalo, NY 14225, United States