The QEW route from Toronto to Niagara Falls, with the GO station, Rainbow Bridge and Table Rock marked. Tap any pin for details.
Directions to Niagara Falls
Everything you need to reach Niagara Falls, Ontario - the drive from Toronto on the QEW, border crossings from the United States, the GO Train from Union Station, and how to get from the train station to the Falls on the WEGO bus.
Last reviewed on June 8, 2026
Driving to Niagara Falls from Toronto
The fastest and most popular way to reach Niagara Falls is by car. From downtown Toronto it is about 125-130 km and takes roughly 1.5 hours in normal traffic. The entire trip follows one highway - the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) - so the route is simple:
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1 | From central Toronto, join the Gardiner Expressway westbound, which becomes the QEW past the Humber River. |
| 2 | Stay on the QEW southbound through Mississauga, Oakville and Burlington, around the western tip of Lake Ontario. |
| 3 | Continue through Grimsby and St. Catharines, following signs for Niagara / Fort Erie. |
| 4 | Take the exit for Highway 420 East (signed Niagara Falls / Falls Avenue). The 420 runs straight into the tourist district and ends near the Rainbow Bridge and Clifton Hill. |
| 5 | For the best falls views, continue to Table Rock on the Niagara Parkway, directly beside Horseshoe Falls. |
Beat the traffic
The QEW is one of Ontario's busiest highways. It backs up around Burlington and St. Catharines during weekday rush hours (roughly 7-9 am and 4-6 pm) and on summer Friday and Sunday afternoons. Leaving early in the morning - or mid-morning on a weekday - usually means a clear run and easier parking at the Falls.
Distances from other Ontario cities
Approximate driving distances and times to Niagara Falls from major Ontario centres:
| From | Distance | Driving time | Main route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto | ~130 km | ~1 hr 30 min | QEW → Hwy 420 |
| Hamilton | ~70 km | ~50 min | QEW |
| London | ~200 km | ~2 hr 15 min | Hwy 401 → Hwy 403 → QEW |
| Kitchener / Waterloo | ~140 km | ~1 hr 40 min | Hwy 401 → Hwy 403 → QEW |
| Ottawa | ~520 km | ~5 hr 15 min | Hwy 401 → QEW |
| Windsor | ~380 km | ~3 hr 45 min | Hwy 401 → Hwy 403 → QEW |
Crossing from the United States
Niagara Falls straddles the Canada-US border, and three bridges connect the two sides. You will need a valid passport or enhanced driver's licence to cross, and may face a wait at the booths during busy periods.
- Rainbow Bridge - the closest crossing to the Falls, for cars and pedestrians. It links the Canadian tourist district directly with Niagara Falls, New York.
- Whirlpool Rapids Bridge - about 4 km north, restricted to NEXUS card holders.
- Queenston-Lewiston Bridge - about 12 km north on Highway 405, best for through traffic connecting to the QEW and the US Interstate 190.
From Buffalo, New York, it is about 40 km (30-45 minutes) to the Canadian Falls via I-190 and either the Rainbow or Queenston-Lewiston bridge.
Taking the GO Train and WEGO bus
You do not need a car to reach Niagara Falls. GO Transit runs train service from Union Station in downtown Toronto to the Niagara Falls GO/VIA station at 4267 Bridge Street, a trip of about 2.5 hours. Trains run daily, with extra trips added on summer weekends and holidays.
The GO station sits about 4 km from the Falls, in the older downtown. To cover that last stretch, hop on the WEGO visitor bus:
- The WEGO Green Line stops right at the Niagara Falls GO/VIA station and runs to Table Rock, Clifton Hill and the main hotels.
- Buses come every 15-30 minutes, with extended evening service in summer.
- A WEGO pass costs about $13 (24 hours) or $17 (48 hours) for adults, with cheaper child fares - a single pass covers unlimited rides on all lines.
Combining the GO Train with a WEGO pass is a relaxed, car-free way to see the Falls, and it avoids the cost and hassle of parking downtown.
Parking at the Falls
If you drive, the largest and most convenient lot is at Table Rock, right beside Horseshoe Falls, run by Niagara Parks. Additional Niagara Parks lots line the parkway, and private lots cluster around Clifton Hill and the Fallsview hotels. Parking is paid year-round and fills early on summer weekends, so arriving before late morning is wise. Many lots include a WEGO day pass with parking, letting you leave the car and ride between attractions.
Once you arrive
The Canadian side packs the major sights into a walkable strip along the Niagara Parkway. Start at Table Rock for the closest view of Horseshoe Falls, then work north past Clifton Hill, the Skylon Tower and the boat docks. For the full list of attractions, viewpoints and a detailed interactive map, see our Niagara Falls tourist map.
Common questions
How far is Niagara Falls from Toronto?
About 125-130 km by road via the QEW - roughly a 1.5-hour drive in normal traffic. Allow extra time during rush hour and on summer weekends.
Can you take a train from Toronto to Niagara Falls?
Yes. The GO Train runs from Union Station to the Niagara Falls GO/VIA station (4267 Bridge Street) in about 2.5 hours. The WEGO Green Line bus then connects the station to the Falls.
Which QEW exit do I take for Niagara Falls?
Follow the QEW toward Fort Erie and take Highway 420 East, signed for Niagara Falls and Falls Avenue. It leads directly into the tourist district and the Rainbow Bridge.
Do I need a passport to visit Niagara Falls?
Not if you are already in Canada and stay on the Canadian side. A passport or enhanced driver's licence is only required if you cross the international border to or from the United States.
Related maps
- Niagara Falls tourist map - all three waterfalls, attractions and viewpoints
- Niagara Falls city map - streets and neighbourhoods
- Ontario road trip map - plan a longer drive around the province
- Highway 401 map - the main route from eastern and western Ontario
- Southern Ontario map - the wider region around the Falls