New York

The Best Niagara Falls Tours – USA Side

by Cedric Pentonville  |  Updated June 30, 2024

Tours of the best-known waterfall in North America, which straddles the USA-Canada border, are available from both sides. Here are the best trips from the US side.

(Photo: Over the Falls Tours & Transportation / Courtesy GetYourGuide)

Up to six million cubic feet of water pours over Niagara Falls a minute, making it one of nature’s truly great spectacles. There are many ways to get up close and personal with the falls, including taking the Maid of the Mist boat tour into the churning plunge pool and hiking to multiple vantage points for better, drier views of them. Here are five of the best Niagara Falls tours on the US side, based on multiple factors including itinerary, tour duration, previous guest reviews, and health and safety precautions used.

Half-Day Small Group Tour of Niagara Falls, USA

Another great half-day tour of Niagara Falls from the US side packs plenty into the 4.5-hour itinerary. If you’re staying in downtown Niagara Falls, USA, there’s hotel pick-up and drop-off included. You’ll experience the falls from all of the major viewpoints, including the Maid of the Mist voyage. Plus, head down into the Cave of the Winds, a deceiving name as it’s actually a walkway down into the Niagara Gorge. This tour usually departs twice daily at 9am and 3pm. From $135 per person.

Book at GetYourGuide

Evening Lights Tour with Maid and Cave

(Photo: Gray Line Niagara Falls / Courtesy GetYourGuide)

Niagara Falls is a sight to behold at any time of day, but perhaps never more so than after dark. This half-day tour from downtown Niagara allows you to soak up views of the falls on board the Maid of the Mist boat cruise after the sun has set and the cascading water is illuminated by an array of colourful lights. There’ll also be a chance to explore the spectacular Cave of the Winds for a multi-sensory experience. Throughout the tour, you can listen to entertaining commentary from your expert guide.  The tour price includes round-trip transfers from your hotel in downtown Niagara. From $155 per person.

Book at GetYourGuide

From New York City: Niagara Falls Full-Day Bus Tour

If you’re based in New York City and have the time to spare, this epic full-day tour from early morning till late at night will leave you with lasting memories. Starting in Manhattan, you’ll travel by comfortable motorcoach to Niagara Falls, where you’ll view the Falls from various vantage points, including a ride on the Maid of the Mist boat. Throughout the day, there’ll also be free time in the town of Niagara for shopping and lunch, plus a chance to explore Niagara Falls State Park. The tour price includes all transportation, both to and from NYC, and your Niagara Falls boat trip. From $161 per person.

Book at GetYourGuide

3-Day US Niagara Falls, Washington DC & Philadelphia Tour from NY/NJ

(Photo: Jupiter Legend Corporation / Courtesy Viator)

Another enticing option for those with time on their hands is this 3-day adventure that takes you not only to Niagara Falls but two other iconic East Coast destinations. Starting In New York City, you’ll travel by coach to Washington D.C. and Philadelphia where there’ll be time to explore these fascinating cities. Your final two days will be spent on the U.S. side of Niagara Falls, where you’ll ride the iconic Maid of the Mist boat, visit Cave of the Winds, look around Whirlpool State Park, and as much or as little more as you please. The price includes all transportation and two nights’ accommodation. From $339 per person.

Book at Viator

Private Tour: Niagara Falls Sightseeing from US Side

For a more intimate and exclusive experience, this half-day private tour may well fit the bill. Fully customisable depending on your specific preferences, you and your select group of family or friends will travel by luxury sedan, van or SUV from a wide choice of New York pick-up points to the area around Niagara. Once in the vicinity of the falls, you can pick and choose how you spend your time as you please, whether it be exploring Niagara Falls State Park or heading straight to the main attraction itself – the falls – where you can marvel at its magnificence from land, or onboard one of the many boat rides available for an additional cost. Your choice of vehicle, plus your guide and hotel pick-up and drop-off, are all included in the tour price. From $456 per person.

Book at Viator