Station guide · NY, USA
Buffalo-Depew Station Guide
Buffalo-Depew station serves the eastern suburbs of Buffalo, offering connections to Chicago, New York and Toronto on long distance rail routes.
- Station
- Buffalo-Depew
- City
- Depew, NY
- Code
- BUF
- Routes
- 2
At a glance
- Buffalo-Depew station is in the eastern suburbs; a second station, Buffalo Exchange Street, is downtown
- Long distance Lake Shore Limited trains use Depew; some Empire Service and Maple Leaf trains use both
- Niagara Falls is about 30 minutes away by car
Buffalo-Depew is one of two passenger rail stations serving the Buffalo area in New York. Located in the eastern suburbs, it handles long distance traffic that bypasses the downtown core. The other facility, Buffalo Exchange Street, sits right in the city center. Passengers traveling across the state or heading across the border into Canada will often pass through Depew. The station provides a practical transit point for travelers connecting to western New York and the Great Lakes region. Since some routes stop at both Buffalo stations, you should always check your ticket to confirm your exact departure point.
Trains from Buffalo
| Train | Between | Runs |
|---|---|---|
| Lake Shore Limited | Chicago to New York and Boston | Daily in each direction |
| Maple Leaf | New York to Toronto | Daily in each direction |
Two major routes call at Buffalo-Depew. As of 2026, the Lake Shore Limited runs daily between Chicago and the East Coast. This overnight service takes about 19 hours to reach New York and about 22 hours to reach Boston. Heading west, the next stop is Erie, while eastbound trains call at Rochester. The Maple Leaf also stops here daily. Operated jointly by Amtrak and VIA Rail, this route connects New York to Toronto. The full journey takes about 12 to 13 hours, which includes time for the border inspection. From Buffalo-Depew, the Maple Leaf heads west toward Niagara Falls and east toward Rochester.
Getting to and from the station
Buffalo-Depew station is located in the suburb of Depew, east of the main city. Because it sits outside the downtown area, you will need to plan your onward travel carefully. Taxis and rideshare vehicles operate in the area, providing a direct link to the city center or nearby hotels. If you plan to use local public transit, check current schedules online before you arrive. Allow plenty of time to reach the station before your train departs, especially during busy commuter hours. Since some trains also use the Buffalo Exchange Street station downtown, make sure your ride drops you off at the correct location.
Around the station
The station is situated in a suburban neighborhood with basic local amenities nearby. Most major attractions require a short drive. Niagara Falls is about 30 minutes away by car, making Buffalo-Depew a viable starting point for visiting the famous waterfalls. If you want to explore downtown Buffalo, you will need to arrange a taxi or local transit ride from Depew. The downtown area features museums, waterfront parks and historic architecture. Travelers with a long wait may prefer to stay at the station, as immediate walking options around the Depew facility are limited.
Station tips
- Always verify whether your ticket says Buffalo-Depew or Buffalo Exchange Street before heading to the station.
- Review first time on Amtrak advice if you have never taken a long distance train.
- Check the Amtrak and VIA booking tips to secure the best fares for travel into Canada.
- Make sure you understand the luggage rules on Amtrak and VIA before packing for the Maple Leaf.
Questions travellers ask
Does the Lake Shore Limited stop at both Buffalo stations?
No, the Lake Shore Limited only stops at Buffalo-Depew. It bypasses the downtown Buffalo Exchange Street station entirely. If you are traveling between Chicago and New York or Boston, you must use the Depew station.
How far is Niagara Falls from Buffalo-Depew station?
Niagara Falls is about 30 minutes away by car. You can catch a taxi or rideshare from the station to reach the falls. Alternatively, you can take the Maple Leaf train directly to the Niagara Falls station.