bus vs train to niagara falls

[ssbbwCassidy]

curious if anyone has any insight.

After my accident my car is still in the shop, but I want to go to Niagara to do some gambling and shopping (and who knows what else) I am curious if anyone here has experience with the charter busses that go out there or if the VIA does. The whole transit scene is new to me and I just spent the last week tackling the TTC. I must admit I don't miss driving to much except when I want to take roadtrips. Any info is greatly appreciated
thanks in advance.
cass

 

[S.C. Joe]

I knew 2 people who took the bus to the Falls, they hated it. It was slow, old and hot.

My advice would be check out car rentals.

 

[Papi Chulo]

Why would insurance not cover the cost of a rental car while your car is in the shop?

 

[Gentle Ben]

VIA rail is mediocre between Hamilton & Niagara,,, very limited service

 

[ig-88]

In plus, car insurance companies can be a pain in the butt to deal with to get car rental reimbursement. They will give you a whole bunch of crap about how the repairs are non-essential.

If the repairs are minor and it's just a few days, it's probably not worth the bother to deal with the insurance company, when you can probably get good deals on car rentals through travel websites.

My recommendation would be not to bother with bus and train travel to Niagara. That area is pretty suburban, and not well suited for public transit, even though there is a public bus system in Niagara.

So best bet, IMHO, would be to take public transit from repair shop to Pearson to rent a car.

 

[chris123]

First off, these are chartered buses that the casino's hire to bring gamblers to their facility, not public transportation.

If you cannot rent a car or can't wait until yours is repaired take a Casino bus. Think you just have to stay minimum time (4 hours). No restrictions on leaving the casino.

 

[juanbrujo]

In plus, car insurance companies can be a pain in the butt to deal with to get car rental reimbursement. They will give you a whole bunch of crap about how the repairs are non-essential.

If the repairs are minor and it's just a few days, it's probably not worth the bother to deal with the insurance company, when you can probably get good deals on car rentals through travel websites.

My recommendation would be not to bother with bus and train travel to Niagara. That area is pretty suburban, and not well suited for public transit, even though there is a public bus system in Niagara.

So best bet, IMHO, would be to take public transit from repair shop to Pearson to rent a car.

Have you ever been to Niagara Falls?

 

[Keebler Elf]

While I can't speak to using VIA to get to Niagara Falls, I have used VIA in the past and looked at their rates. I found them expensive; buses are much cheaper. Hell, a rental car might be cheaper.

Or maybe just take the GO train as far west as you can (Aldershot?) and then rent a car from there?

 

[ig-88]

You're joking arent you?

First off, these are chartered buses that the casino's hire to bring gamblers to their facility, not public transportation.

Secondly, renting cars from ANY airport usually costs more than renting from the closest location to your residence or hotel that you're staying at.

1. Right. The casino buses take you to ... the casino. If you're staying at one of the pricier hotels at or near the casino, and you only want to eat at restaurants in the immediate area, that's fine. If you want to go beyond that (without a car), well, you could spend money on cabs or wait around for Niagara Transit.

A rental car gives you much greater choice in what hotel you stay at (i.e. cheaper), and which restaurants you go to (i.e. cheaper), as well as the freedom to go anywhere you want to whenever you want. Outside of the tourist areas of Niagara, parking is pretty much free everywhere.

2. In my experience, despite high airport fees, it has been better to rent a car at the airport due to the large number of rental car companies there (i.e. competition). In your local area, there may only be one or two rental car companies around, and they've got themselves a local monopoly. For example, the airport will always have Thrifty, Alamo, etc. which I've usually found the best rates at.

But by all means, search on the internet, comparing rental car companies at a local location, with rates from Orbitz at Pearson, etc.

 

[ig-88]

Have you ever been to Niagara Falls?

Yes, several times, and always rented a car, because parking is free (outside of the tourist area), and also wanted to visit restaurants and stores in the local Niagara area, and St. Cath, Hamilton, etc.

 

[ig-88]

If it's just a day trip, then yeah, it's probably cheaper to take the bus.

If it's for several days or more, then I would rather rent a car, IMHO.

 

[1HandInMyPocket]

Actually last time I took safeway, $15 bus fare and $10 coupon, but still $5 overall if you did get a players card last time you were there. However, if you don't have a players card then the bus fare is $30, but you still get a $10 coupon, but your overall cost will then be $20. Dont know if the costs have changed to the poonhunter has posted though.

I don't know which bus SC Joe's friends took, but I found Safeway clean and comfortable.

 

[S.C. Joe]

Some tour company bus that they book at the Hilton hotel, they claim they paid high too.

 

[S.C. Joe]

Yes, several times, and always rented a car, because parking is free (outside of the tourist area), and also wanted to visit restaurants and stores in the local Niagara area, and St. Cath, Hamilton, etc.

Thats another deal, to eat its cheaper outside the tourist areas. Plus I like visiting the N.Y. State park, yes its a few dollar to cross the Rainbow bridge and then the park charges $8 to $10 to park the car BUT take the street from Rainbow bridge straight down a little ways till it comes to a T-believe its call Niagara St. Turn left and a short ways down is a newer Mobile gas station. On a mid size car-a SUV is better-you will save around $14 if your tank is near empty and you fill up.

 

[ssbbwCassidy]

thank you guys so much
poonhunter i will give it a try

I appreciate all the info (and everything else)

 

[Papi Chulo]

Just a thought.... If you cannot afford to rent a car, maybe you really cannot afford to gamble

 

[S.C. Joe]

But for $5 each way I be temp. to take the bus.

 

[Damondean]

I am amazed that no one has simply offered to drive this lovely lady to Niagara Falls!

Are TERBites getting too boring? All this discussion about bus fares, car rentals and stuff!

 

[ssbbwCassidy]

hahaha you're so funny papi chulo

where in this whole thread does it say I can't afford it






I can afford to do pretty much anything I like. wherever I like. pretty stupid comment for someone that knows nothing about me. I make a VERY good salary at my legit job. Anyways that's not what this thread is about. I just feel the need to address your stupidity!

 

[Papi Chulo]

hahaha you're so funny papi chulo

where in this whole thread does it say I can't afford it






I can afford to do pretty much anything I like. wherever I like. pretty stupid comment for someone that knows nothing about me. I make a VERY good salary at my legit job. Anyways that's not what this thread is about. I just feel the need to address your stupidity!

Had it have been me... I would not have bothered whining on the board.. should I take the train of bus!

I would have simply rented a car and went.

Maybe you have a gambling problem and are in denial