New York City is jam-packed with things to do. Despite having lived there for months, I still haven’t seen all the Big Apple has to offer. Still, NYC’s chaos, noise, and vibrating energy can sometimes be a bit much, particularly if you’re not used to such big cities.
When I lived in New York, I would often get away for a day (at times more!) to discover nearby places and enjoyed some incredible day trips from New York City.
You should do the same! If you have enough time, try one of the best hikes in upstate New York for the perfect remedy. However, if you only have a day to spare, I have selected the most amazing day trips from New York City that will give you a nice break from NYC’s buzz and constant motion.
Some locations are more convenient when driving, but all can be accessed via public transportation.
Make sure to read my post, The Best Things To Do In New York.
The Best Day Trips From New York City
Day trips from New York City < 1 hour
Sleepy Hollow, New York
Most visitors head to Sleepy Hollow for the legendary tales of Washington Irving’s short story, ‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,’ though there are plenty of other things to do here!
At Rockefeller State Park Preserve, outdoor enthusiasts have ample opportunity to hike, fish, birdwatch, or go horseback riding at the park’s main entrance. Trail maps are available at the visitor center.
The old churchyard where the Headless Horseman allegedly rests is a popular stop. In the cemetery, you can find the headstones of Catriena Ecker Van Tessel. Sound familiar? Irving’s tale featured Catriena’s anglicized name (Katrina Van Tassel).
Visitors can also follow the same path as Ichabod Crane from neighboring Tarrytown into Sleepy Hollow. There aren’t many landmarks from the Tim Burton film rendition, as it was primarily filmed in the UK.
The best time to visit is in the weeks leading up to Halloween, particularly on weekends. There are many events taking place throughout town that tie into the story. Many of these events sell out fast, so make reservations in advance if possible.
This is one of the best and easiest day trips from New York City by train.
To reach Sleepy Hollow from New York City, take a train from Grand Central to Tarrytown – the journey takes under an hour. This is easily one of the best (and spookiest) day trips you’ll find.
Sandy Hook, New Jersey
*Contributed by Anisa, Two Traveling Texans
You may have heard of Sandy Hook because of the unfortunate events of 14 December 2012. In merrier news, Sandy Hook, NJ, is one of the best beaches around New York City and makes for one of the best day trips from NYC.
While plenty of people were swimming in the water, some found it too cold. If that is the case, you can relax on the sand and enjoy the people-watching. At Lot D beach, you can rent chairs and umbrellas if you don’t want to bring your own. They also have a small selection of food trucks.
Sandy Hook is not the typical beach you think of on the Jersey Shore. There is no boardwalk or nightlife. It’s a lovely beach that’s easy to get to for a relaxing summer day. On a clear day, you can see the skyline of New York City in the distance.
To get to Sandy Hook, you can take a ferry from Manhattan and be there in less than an hour! It’s a scenic boat ride, as you will pass right under the Verrazano bridge. Once you arrive, a complimentary bus will take you to your choice of five different beaches, including the only legal nude beach in NJ, Gunnison. There is also the option to rent a bike.
Harriman State Park, New York
*Contributed by Daphna, A Tiny Trip
Harriman State Park is one of the best nature-based day trips from New York City, perfect for people of all ages.
As with all major parks in the area, all sections of Harriman State Park are officially open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. In particular, several lakes have swimming and boating options in the summer. However, you should note that summer weekends can get busy!
As an alternative, the park is open year-round, and spring and fall shoulder seasons are excellent times to visit and explore the many hiking trails.
With over 200 miles of trails and myriad streams and lakes, this forested park is one of the best ways to get out in nature and still be in the vicinity of New York City.
Only one hour’s drive from Manhattan, this is one of the closest parks to the city, where you can be immersed in the forest without the noise of cars going by. If you are without a vehicle, it is possible to take the New Jersey Transit on the Port Jervis Line train to Sloatsburg and walk about a mile to the park’s edge.
Day trips from New York City < 2 hours
Fire Island, New York
Fire Island is a small barrier island off Long Island that has long been home to many vacation communities. The Island has a little something for everyone, depending on where you visit. While some family-friendly areas exist, the island is largely a party destination, especially popular with the LGBTQ community.
The main tourist stop on Fire Island is Ocean Beach Village. This village was once called ‘the Land of No’ due to its myriad of rules and regulations implemented to dissuade tourists from visiting.
Over the course of the past few years, however, the rules have eased, and now there are primarily two that need to be followed: No littering and No eating on the beach. You’ll likely find foam parties and fellow island-goers looking for love on summer weekend nights.
Kismet is on the island’s west side, which is part single-party and part family-oriented. Another family-friendly village to check out is Saltaire, which boasts some youth sports programs. Be sure to check out Clam Cove Harbor. Creative types should check out Fair Harbor. For the LGBTQ community, Cherry Grove and Fire Island Pines are popular villages to visit.
Bring some cash when you visit, as many places on the island don’t take cards, such as the small shops and transportation services.
The drive takes less than an hour for an easy day trip from NYC to Fire Island. However, vehicle traffic isn’t permitted in the summer. Your best option is to take a train from Penn Station to Babylon and then a bus to Islipp Town Hall. This takes just about two hours.
Beacon, New York
*Contributed by Mike, FivePax Family Travel
Beacon, NY, is one of the local favorite day trips from NYC for young and old alike. This quaint town is far enough to escape the chaos of the city but close enough to tackle in a day or a weekend by car. You can also hop on the rail as it’s one of the best New York City day trips by train.
For active travelers looking to burn off goodies from those Manhattan bagel shops, a hike up Mount Beacon offers sweeping views of the Hudson Valley. Before hopping back on the scenic train ride back to the city, hikers can grab a beer and play board games at 2WayBrewing over pub fare.
However, the most popular and less strenuous draw to Beacon is Dia: Beacon. Dia was founded in 1974 to help artists showcase visions that traditional galleries cannot realize due to size and scope. With large-format masterpieces from artists like Andy Warhol, Dia spoils visitors with too grand art for New York City.
A stroll down Main Street contains galleries, cafes, pizza shops, ice cream, and breweries. Art galore, tasty food and a good workout are the draw. Throw a ferry ride to an actual castle, and Beacon packs a punch.
To get to Beacon, take a train from Grand Central Station in NYC (the Hudson line on Metro-North) to Beacon Station. The train should take around an hour and a half.
Storm King Art Center, New York
Storm King Art Center is one of the most intriguing and unique day trips from New York City you could take. This place is a museum…. Sort of?
It’s more like a giant outdoor nature park with large-scale art installations scattered throughout. It’s perched atop a hill that overlooks the Hudson Valley below, offering one of the most beautiful views in upstate New York.
Storm King has been around for 60 years but has grown in popularity significantly over the past decade. The grounds are spread over 500 acres, with permanent and temporary art displayed. Given the current circumstances, it’s easy to see why there’s been a surge of interest in Storm King over the course of the past year.
Large sculptures are made with steel, iron, and bronze, each with a tale to tell. The winding stone wall is a favorite as well.
Storm King has been selling out weeks in advance, so be sure to get your tickets in advance if you plan to visit. This is undoubtedly one of the hottest art ‘galleries’ in New York right now.
Storm King Art Center is only about 20 minutes from Beacon. The easiest way to get here if you aren’t driving is to take the train from Grand Central Station to Beacon Station. From here, you can take a taxi or shuttle to Storm King.
Cornwall-on-Hudson, New York
Cornwall is a small town situated on the banks of the Hudson River. It’s the ultimate family-friendly destination and was named the top town in the country to take kids trick-or-treating. Cornwall is an ideal day trip from NYC if you don’t want to have a packed agenda and prefer a day lazily meandering through a charming town.
Getting around on foot is easy, and plenty of charming aspects exist. Main Street has nice, wide sidewalks to allow for a leisurely stroll through town, window shopping, and perhaps stopping at a nearby restaurant. Be sure to check out The Canterbury Brook Inn for a delicious meal. The sidewalks are always bustling with people doing errands or enjoying the town.
Popular things to do in Cornwall include stopping by Cornwall’s Landing to see the Hudson River, exploring the nearby mountains, or posting up for a picnic in one of the fields by the river.
To get to Cornwall from New York City, take a train from Grand Central to Cold Spring. From Cold Spring, you’ll need a 25-minute taxi ride to Cornwall. A cheaper option would be to take a bus to Newburgh – from there, it’s only a seven-minute taxi, saving you some cash. Bus and train take roughly an hour and forty minutes (including the associated taxi rides). Alternatively, driving is an option if you have access to a car.
The Catskills, New York
*Contributed by Margie, DQ Family Travel
At just two hours away from New York City, an escape to the Catskills is the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle. For those looking for fresh mountain air, consider visiting this area filled with spectacular outdoor opportunities and charming towns.
From the 1950s to the 1970s, many wealthy Manhattan families would vacation in the Catskills every summer, drawing celebrities and famous musicians during its heyday. As time passed, the allure of the Catskills faded, and many wealthy Manhattanites vacationed elsewhere.
However, in the last ten years, the area has seen a resurgence in visitors as the hospitality industry has renovated resorts and introduced the farm-to-table dining scene to many local towns.
For your visit to the Catskills, stay at The Emerson Resort and Spa in the town of Mt. Tremper. This resort is situated right on Esopus Creek, with beautiful views of the surrounding area and a perfect home base for outdoor adventure or relaxation. For those who enjoy hiking, be sure to check out the Kaaterskill Falls, Onteora Lake Trail, and the Mt. Tremper Overlook.
At the resort, there are complimentary bikes for you to enjoy around the property, or take them to the Ashokan Rail Trail for a ride around the reservoir.
For a unique experience, you can ride a pedal-powered vehicle on railroad tracks and enjoy the gorgeous mountain and creek views. Don’t forget to visit a few towns nearby, like Phoenicia, Woodstock, and Hunter, for a delicious meal during your Catskills getaway.
Amtrak and Metro-North service numerous stops along the Hudson River, including the Catskills. The fastest route is to take the train from Penn Station to Hudson Amtrak Station. You’ll have to take a 10-minute taxi or rideshare from the station to your destination in the Catskills.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
*Contributied by Neha, Travelmelodies
Philadelphia is one of the oldest cities in the US, rich in history and culture. This is where America’s independence struggle began, and the Constitution was written.
The Liberty Bell, the historic landmark, symbolizes Independence and is a must-visit. Right across from the Liberty Bell is the National Constitution Center, where you can learn more about the Constitution interestingly and interactively.
Philadelphia has beautiful architecture and lovely parks, trails, and fountains – all of which add to its beauty. Franklin Square, Logan Square, Spruce Street Park, and Schuylkill River Trail are the best places to get close to nature.
There is so much for everyone, whether history buffs, outdoorsy, or foodies. There are also many things to do in Philadelphia with kids – they will love the variety of things to see, both indoors and outdoors.
The city also boasts the world’s biggest LED screen wall on the ground floor of Comcast Center, measuring 85 ft. by 25 ft. It is a delight to watch the videos that are displayed every 30 minutes on the screen. However, it gets a bit crowded during the evenings and holidays.
Walk along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, admiring the flags of different nations blowing in the wind. Taxis are available, but exploring the city on foot will give you more insight into its rich cultural and historical significance.
Philadelphia is one of the best day trips from New York City by train: It takes around one hour and 10 minutes to travel from Penn Station in Manhattan to 30th Street Station in Philly.
If you would rather go for the stress-free option, I recommend this From New York City: Philadelphia and Amish Country Day Trip – This is an excellent day trip from New York City to Philly. You’ll visit the Liberty Bell, Constitution Hall, Independence Square, and other notable sites.
Hudson Valley, New York
*Contributed by James, Travel Collecting
The Hudson Valley makes for one of the best day trips from New York City, at just under two hours away. Stretching from NYC to the state capital, Albany, there are many things to do and see for everyone, from active hikers, couples on a romantic day out, or families looking for a fun excursion.
There are dozens of amazing hikes, from simple walks like Poets’ Walk to vertical ‘hikes’ like the appropriately named Breakneck Ridge (which you can access by train from Grand Central). Day trippers can also cycle along one of the many rail trails.
Plenty of farms are open for visits and u-pick fruit in season. It’s possible to pick cherries in early summer or apples and pumpkins in the fall. Kids can take hay rides and find their way around a corn maze in the fall.
For people who want to get out on the water, scenic river cruises leave from Kingston and sail past lighthouses. Visiting a cider house or vineyard and sampling their wares is also possible. There are great restaurants, from waterfront dining in Kingston to wood-fired pizza in an orchard, such as Westwind Orchards in Accord.
The Hudson Line train leaves from Grand Central and hugs the east side of the river all the way to Albany. However, having a car for the day is the best option to explore all the river valley has to offer.
The Hamptons
*Contributed by Vanessa, East End Magazine
The Hamptons on the eastern end of Long Island is located ninety minutes away from Manhattan, making it one of the best day trips from New York City. The Hamptons comprise towns and villages on the South Fork, including East Hampton, Southampton, Sag Harbor, and others.
The Hamptons is a beautiful place to visit year-round, particularly for the historic seaside village of Sag Harbor and the old rustic artist communities like Springs. Note that the best times to visit are during the holiday season in December and between May and October.
Those who love nature, shopping, art, history, glamorous events, parties, and sightseeing will love visiting the Hamptons.
Between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekend, all hotels, shops, and restaurants are in operation. Though many of these businesses close during the off-season, between the months of November and April, many exceptional choices for dining and lodging are open year-round.
Top dining choices include the American Hotel in Sag Harbor or Bridgehampton Inn & Restaurant in Bridgehampton. For hotels, Mill House Inn is great for couples and is dog-friendly. Baron’s Cove has a beautiful view of Sag Harbor’s marina, and Southampton Inn is both pet and family-friendly.
The best and fastest way to reach the Hamptons is by the Long Island Railroad directly from Penn Station in Manhattan. You can also travel via Jamaica Station in Queens on the Long Island Railroad (LIRR). Taking your own vehicle is an option, but with traffic in the summer months, it will likely take much longer.
If you don’t have a car, you could consider this From NYC: Hamptons, Sag Harbor, and Outlet Shopping Day Trip – This is the perfect day trip from NYC to the Hamptons and other fun points of interest. The itinerary is perfect for adventurers and shopping enthusiasts!
Cold Spring, New York
This small village in Putnam County is found in the scenic Hudson Highlands. Its proximity to the city makes it an ideal weekend escape and one of the nicest day trips from NYC.
Cold Spring offers an outdoorsy escape from New York City, and kayaking (solo or with a guided tour) is popular in the area.
Breakneck Ridge is one of the most visited hiking destinations in the Hudson Highlands, particularly for city dwellers looking for their dose of nature. If you’re not up for any strenuous activity, birding and nature strolls are another option. In town, be sure to hit up Whistling Willie’s for one of the best burgers you’ll ever taste.
To get to Cold Spring for a day trip from New York City, hop on a train at Grand Central to Cold Spring. Driving and taking a train take roughly an hour and fifteen minutes, so don’t fret if you can’t access a car.
Day trips from New York City < 3 hours
Hunter, New York
Hunter Mountain is the perfect place if you need some time on the slopes and are based in NYC. Nestled in the Great Northern Catskills, Hunter Mountain has trails spread over three individual mountains with superb snowmaking, covering the entirety of its trails.
It has the reputation of being the ‘snowmaking capital of the world.’ You can actually get a voucher if you aren’t satisfied with their snow quality.
Hunter One is a mountain designated for beginners, families, and lessons. Hunter West and Empire Terrain Park offer expert and competent skiers challenging terrain to conquer.
There are many places to stay in the area, but given its nearness to NYC, you don’t need to shell out money for an extra night of lodging if you don’t want to.
From NYC, you can drive or take a bus. Both take approximately the same time (two hours and twenty minutes). You’d want to take the bus route from Union Square to Hunter Mountain. The bus can be pricey, so if you have a car and want to save a bit, opt for driving.
Atlantic City, New Jersey
Atlantic City is a well-known coastal resort destination located in New Jersey. Thanks to its legal casino games, beach, and boardwalk, it’s a popular destination for day trips from New York City: tourists go there to taste the sand, sun, and (sometimes) debauchery.
There’s more to do in AC than just gambling. The Absecon Lighthouse is a popular tourist attraction. It was built in the mid-19th century and is the tallest lighthouse in NJ. You can ascend the 200+ steps to the top to find impressive views of the Jersey Shore.
Exploring the Boardwalk is a fun option for families and party-goers alike. The AC Boardwalk is the oldest in the US, and most of the casinos in the city are found here.
The beaches offer sunbathing, fishing, and surfing. You can also take the family to AC’s amusement park for rides, games, and food. Visit Garden Pier for your arts and culture fix, or check out the AC Historical Museum and Art Center.
Be sure to check out White House Sub Shop for the best sandwiches in the city.
Taking a day trip from NYC to AC entails driving, which will take just over two hours, or taking a bus, which takes about two and a half hours. Ditch the car and take a bus to save yourself from parking hassles.
New Haven, Connecticut
*Contributed by Lyndsay, The Purposely Lost
Situated off the final station on the New Haven Metro-North train line, New Haven, Connecticut, is the perfect place for day trips from New York City.
You’ll find yourself with several things to do in New Haven after you’ve arrived! One of the elite Ivy League colleges, Yale University, is here.
Begin at the Visitor’s Center to tour the campus grounds with a student guide or enjoy a stroll. You could also visit the Yale University Art Gallery or the Yale Peabody Museum of Natural History to view some of their renowned collections.
You can also see a performance at any of the city’s three regional theaters, try the largest indoor ropes course in the United States at Jordan’s Furniture, or stroll all along the Long Island Sound shoreline at Pardee Seawall Park, and then see the old lighthouse and carousel at Lighthouse Point Park.
A day trip to New Haven will not be complete without a pizza! It’s a pizza style produced by the large Italian-American community that migrated to New Haven in the early 20th century. Although all pizza places are delicious, Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana has often ranked the best pizza in the United States.
New Haven is a great place for day trips from New York City by train. When you take a direct train from Grand Central Terminal, you can arrive at New Haven’s Union Station in just over two hours.
Stony Brook, New York
Stony Brook is a small community adjacent to the Long Island Sound in Suffolk County. It’s a relatively peaceful college town, home to SUNY Stony Brook.
Many city dwellers escape to Stony Brook to visit the West Meadow Beach Historic District, an area of parkland where you can enjoy long and rocky beaches, hiking, biking, picnicking, and more.
In addition to outdoorsy activities, Stony Brook is home to the Long Island Museum of American Art, History, and Carriages. This open-air museum boasts gardens and fountains and is very popular with families.
For one of the most serene day trips from NYC, take a train from Penn Station to Huntington, transfer, and take a second train from Huntington to Stony Brook. The entire journey takes about two and a half hours. It’s much faster to drive, however, which will get you there in less than an hour and a half.
Lititz, Pennsylvania
*Contributed by Annick, The Common Traveler
Lititz, Pennsylvania, is located three hours southwest of New York City. Visitors love the small-town charm of this historic village in Amish country. Founded in the mid-1700s by Moravians, Lititz oozes history without feeling stuffy.
Lititz boasts the first commercial pretzel bakery in the country. Founded in 1861, today’s visitors can make their pretzel while touring the bakery.
But the epic food scene in Lititz doesn’t only mean pretzels. A food tour in town combines the best of food and history, highlighting delicious Amish recipes with a modern twist – including the famous whoopie pie. Chocolate lovers will love visiting Lititz, which takes its chocolate affair to another level.
Home to Wilbur Chocolate, known for its chocolate buds, the town honors its chocolate-loving theme by hosting events throughout the year.
The annual Lititz Chocolate Walk, held the Saturday before Columbus Day, includes over 25 stops where chocolate is king. Local restaurants frequently feature a dish or two, highlighting this amazing delicacy. The town’s walkable center makes for a perfect day outing.
Window shopping, visiting art galleries, and trying different dishes are all the best things to do in Lititz. Lititz, PA, makes for a perfect day trip from NYC!
Lititz is one of the best day trips from New York City by train because it’s easy and fast to do, as it only takes about three hours. You take a train from Penn Station to Lancaster. Lancaster is only about 15 minutes from Lititz.
Providence, Rhode Island
Providence, the capital of Rhode Island, is undoubtedly one of the most underrated cities in the US. For such a small city, there are so many things to do here that it’s well worth the time it takes to arrive from NYC.
If you’ve got more than a day to spare, Rhode Island has plenty to do and is highly worthy of your time.
Providence has an established (yet always evolving) culinary scene, brilliant museums and libraries, festivals and events, and much more. Given that Johnson and Wales Culinary Institute is located in Providence, it should be no surprise that Providence is home to some excellent chefs.
Definitely do your research before visiting to ensure you visit one of the best restaurants in Providence during your stay.
On the museum front, Providence is home to RISD Museum, which belongs to the Rhode Island School of Design, one of the premiere art schools in the nation. Head to Brown University’s John Hay Library to see their unique collections, or visit the Museum of Natural History and Planetarium.
If your day trip from NYC coincides with Waterfire, all the better. On Saturdays during summer, the Providence River is lit up with fires for a beautiful display. Food trucks, vendors, and street performers eagerly share their talents as you walk along the riverfront. Gondola rides are also available if you want privileged viewing.
Taking a train will be the fastest option to take one of the best day trips from New York City. Clocking in at just over three hours, grab a train at Penn Station to Providence Amtrak Station. Driving takes a bit longer (three and a half hours), but parking in Providence is plentiful if you choose to do that.
Day trips from New York City < 4 hours
Washington, DC
*Contributed by Caroline, Happy When Abroad
Washington D.C., the U.S. capital, can be reached in under four hours by car and bus. Washington, DC, is the perfect destination for people who want to explore American culture and history.
The city is relatively budget-friendly and popular among young people as there are plenty of hostels, vibrant nightlife, and free entrance to many museums. Spending two days in Washington, DC, would be the perfect time for a visit. However, the main sights are not far apart from each other and can be explored on a day trip as well.
The most impressive attraction might be the Capitol and the White House. The Library of Congress, the Supreme Court, and the Washington Monument are popular tourist attractions, particularly if you’re into US history.
Depending on how many sites you’d like to see, the Lincoln Memorial, the Arlington Cemetery, or one of the many museums are also worthy of a visit.
Don’t forget to stop by the historic district of Georgetown, which emits a certain charm with its quaint boutiques, cozy cafés and the world-class Georgetown University.
You can easily get to Washington, DC, by train from New York.
If you want, you can also have a guided day trip to make things easier. I recommend this New York City: Full-Day Washington DC City Highlights Tour – This long tour takes about 14 hours. But spending a day in Washington, DC, is well worth it. You’ll visit all major attractions, including the National Mall and the White House.
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is an epic city to visit and the largest in New England. It’s among the nation’s most historic, affluent, and influential cities. There are so many things to do in Boston it’s easily worth more than a day. Still, if a day is all you can spare, it’s worth the trip (just anticipate getting up early!).
Walking the Freedom Trail is one of the best things to do in Boston. This entails a walk that traces 16 sites of historical significance in Boston. The trail lasts two and a half miles from Boston Commons to the USS Constitution. If you’re into American history, this is a must.
Boston is also home to some of the country’s best museums. The Boston Children’s Museum, Museum of Fine Arts, Harvard Museum of Natural History, Museum of Science, and MIT Museum are all magnificent (to name a few!).
Explore Italian culture in Boston in the North End, head to Chinatown, or explore the tourist sites downtown for the ultimate Boston experience. While you’re downtown, visit Faneuil Hall and Boston Public Garden.
Exploring the city on foot is a great option, as Boston is clean and relatively safe. Avoid taxis if you don’t want to spend an arm and a leg – the T is a better option.
To reach Boston from New York City for a day trip or weekend getaway, take an early morning train from Penn Station to Boston South Station. The ride takes just under four hours. If you take the first train leaving NYC and the last train departing Boston, you can enjoy a nice day in Beantown. Don’t worry about getting up early if you’re not a morning person – sleep on the train!
If you would rather go on a guided tour, I recommend this From NYC: Boston City and Harvard Guided Tour – This is a highly rated, well-planned tour from NYC to Boston. You’ll go to Quincy Market, visit the Freedom Trail, and walk around Harvard Campus.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is a long journey from New York, but considering it’s one of the most well-known waterfalls in the United States and Canada, it might be worth the visit.
Niagara Falls is a series of massive, powerful waterfalls at the U.S.-Canada border. Around the falls, there’s a small university, beautiful resorts, and casinos. There are tons of museums, parks, and other things to do.
Niagara Falls is a marvel, with powerful water currents tumbling down the cliffside. You can take boat tours as close as possible to some falls or simply admire from the cliffs.
You can see the falls from both the U.S. and Canadian sides, although the Canadian side is a little more exciting and has slightly better views, in my opinion.
Niagara Falls is just under seven hours by car from New York City. So, it’s technically possible to do the trip in one day if you leave early in the morning and plan to return late at night. But I’d recommend spending at least one night near the falls.
You can take a train or bus from NYC to Niagara Falls, but the bus is slightly faster, taking just under nine hours. Greyhound and Flixbus both head to Niagara Falls. Conversely, if you’re open to getting through the chaotic Newark airport, there are flights from Newark to Buffalo, only a few hours from Niagara. In Buffalo, you can catch a bus directly to Niagara Falls.
For easy, I recommend taking a guided day trip. This From NYC: 2-Day Niagara Falls Tour with Shopping Trip is an excellent tour if you have more than a day for Niagara Falls. The trip includes roundtrip transportation, a Maid of the Mist Boat Tour, and other great sightseeing spots. It’s also nice that it breaks up the long-haul ride to Niagara.
Another option I recommend is this From New York City: Niagara Falls One Day Tour – If you want to pack this trip into one day, it’s possible. This is a good 22-hour tour. Hopefully, you’ll be able to sleep most of the bus ride away and still catch the best of Niagara Falls.
Further Readings
Are you planning a trip to New York? These posts will come in handy!
- Where To Get The Best Views In New York
- How To Get 9/11 Museum Tickets
- The Best Museums In NYC
- A Complete Guide To Visiting The Statue Of Liberty
- A Fun Itinerary For 4 Days In New York
- The Best Itinerary For Your 5 Days In New York
- A Fabulous Itinerary For 3 Days In New York
- The Best Itinerary To See New York In 2 Days
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