Find NFTA Bus Routes, Timetables, Stops, Maps and Real-Time Arrival Information
NFTA-Metro operates the public bus network serving Erie and Niagara counties in Western New York. Each route has its own weekday, Saturday and Sunday or holiday timetable, direction selector, major timepoints, route map, active alerts and downloadable PDF.
This guide explains all current NFTA bus routes, Buffalo and Niagara Falls service, airport buses, local and express patterns, MetGo fares, fare capping, Transit app tools, accessibility, bicycles, park-and-rides, lost property and official customer assistance.
How to Find the Correct NFTA Bus Schedule
Open the official route directory, choose the route number and confirm the route name. On the route page, select the travel day and direction before reading the timepoint table or downloading the PDF schedule.
NFTA Bus Rider Guide
Where NFTA-Metro Buses Operate
The fixed-route network links downtown Buffalo, Buffalo neighborhoods, Cheektowaga, Amherst, Tonawanda, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Williamsville, Lockport, Hamburg, Orchard Park, East Aurora, Niagara Falls and other Erie and Niagara County communities.
Buffalo and Inner-Ring Routes
Core routes serve major city corridors including William, Clinton, Grant, Broadway, Niagara, Main, Colvin, Utica, Kensington, Abbott, Seneca, South Park, Jefferson, Bailey, Elmwood, Delaware and Delavan.
Niagara Falls and Niagara County
Routes include 40 Buffalo/Niagara Falls, 50 Main-Niagara, 52 North End Circulator, 55 Pine Avenue, 59 Niagara Falls Airport–SUNY Niagara, 60 Niagara Falls Express and 155 Trolley.
Suburban and Cross-Town Routes
Routes serve Amherst, Sheridan, Lockport, Lancaster, Wehrle, Williamsville, East Amherst, Lackawanna and other suburban employment, retail, medical and university destinations.
Express and Commuter Service
Express routes include Tonawanda, Lockport, Williamsville, Lancaster, East Aurora, Orchard Park, Hamburg, Lakeshore, Buffalo–Niagara Falls and Cheektowaga services.
How the NFTA Bus Network Connects Western New York
This SVG is a route-selection guide, not a geographic map. Use the official system map and route PDF for actual streets, stops and walking directions.
Complete NFTA Bus Route Schedule List
The official NFTA directory listed the following 55 bus routes when this guide was checked. Effective dates vary, so open the route page rather than assuming every timetable changed on the same day.
| Route | Official Route Name | Main Use or Area | Official Schedule |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | William | Buffalo east-side corridor | Route 1 |
| 2 | Clinton | Clinton Street corridor | Route 2 |
| 3 | Grant | Grant Street corridor | Route 3 |
| 4 | Broadway | Broadway corridor | Route 4 |
| 5 | Niagara-Kenmore | Downtown, Niagara Street and University Station | Route 5 |
| 6 | Sycamore | Sycamore corridor | Route 6 |
| 8 | Main | Downtown and University Station | Route 8 |
| 11 | Colvin | Colvin corridor | Route 11 |
| 12 | Utica | Utica corridor and rail connections | Route 12 |
| 13 | Kensington | Kensington corridor | Route 13 |
| 14 | Abbott | South Buffalo and Abbott Road | Route 14 |
| 15 | Seneca | Seneca Street corridor | Route 15 |
| 16 | South Park | South Park Avenue corridor | Route 16 |
| 18 | Jefferson | Jefferson Avenue corridor | Route 18 |
| 19 | Bailey | Bailey Avenue corridor | Route 19 |
| 20 | Elmwood | Elmwood Avenue corridor | Route 20 |
| 22 | Porter-Best | West Side, Best Street and Thruway Plaza | Route 22 |
| 23 | Fillmore-Hertel | Fillmore and Hertel corridors | Route 23 |
| 24 | Genesee | Downtown Buffalo and BUF Airport | Route 24 |
| 25 | Delaware | Delaware Avenue corridor | Route 25 |
| 26 | Delavan | Delavan corridor | Route 26 |
| 32 | Amherst | Amherst corridor | Route 32 |
| 34 | Niagara Falls Blvd | University Station, Boulevard Mall and Amherst | Route 34 |
| 35 | Sheridan | Sheridan Drive corridor | Route 35 |
| 40 | Buffalo/Niagara Falls | Downtown Buffalo, Grand Island and Niagara Falls | Route 40 |
| 42 | Lackawanna | Buffalo and Lackawanna | Route 42 |
| 44 | Lockport | University Station, UB North and Lockport | Route 44 |
| 46 | Lancaster | Lancaster corridor | Route 46 |
| 47 | Wehrle | Wehrle Drive corridor | Route 47 |
| 48 | Williamsville | Williamsville corridor | Route 48 |
| 49 | East Amherst | East Amherst | Route 49 |
| 50 | Main-Niagara | Niagara Falls local service | Route 50 |
| 52 | North End Circulator | North Niagara Falls | Route 52 |
| 55 | Pine Avenue | Pine Avenue and Niagara Falls | Route 55 |
| 59 | Niagara Falls Airport–SUNY Niagara | IAG, business park and SUNY Niagara | Route 59 |
| 60 | Niagara Falls Express | Niagara Falls express service | Route 60 |
| 61 | Tonawanda Express | Tonawanda commuter service | Route 61 |
| 64 | Lockport Express | Lockport commuter service | Route 64 |
| 66 | Williamsville Express | Williamsville commuter service | Route 66 |
| 69 | Lancaster Express | Lancaster commuter service | Route 69 |
| 70 | East Aurora Express | East Aurora commuter service | Route 70 |
| 72 | Orchard Park Express | Orchard Park and park-and-ride | Route 72 |
| 74 | Hamburg Express | Hamburg commuter service | Route 74 |
| 76 | Lakeshore Express | Lakeshore commuter corridor | Route 76 |
| 77 | Buffalo–Niagara Falls Express | Buffalo and Niagara Falls via express corridor | Route 77 |
| 78 | Cheektowaga Express | Downtown, Buell Park & Ride and BUF Airport | Route 78 |
| 81 | Eastside | East-side regional service | Route 81 |
| 101 | North-South | North–south connection | Route 101 |
| 102 | Bailey-East | Bailey and eastern connection | Route 102 |
| 103 | East-Suburban | Eastern suburban connection | Route 103 |
| 104 | South-Central | South-central connection | Route 104 |
| 106 | South-Suburban | Southern suburban connection | Route 106 |
| 110 | West-North | West and north connection | Route 110 |
| 111 | South-Michigan | Southern and Michigan connection | Route 111 |
| 155 | Trolley | Niagara Falls visitor and airport destinations | Route 155 |
Standard, Frequent, Limited and Express NFTA Service
NFTA maps and schedule documents distinguish several operating patterns. The route name, front display, map color and timetable notes help identify the correct bus.
How to Plan an NFTA Bus Trip
NFTA recommends the Transit app and also provides route pages, downloadable PDFs, Google Transit and other trip-planning services.
- Enter the exact starting point.
- Enter the destination or landmark.
- Choose leave-now, depart-at or arrive-by.
- Check transfers and walking distance.
- Review the route alert before leaving.
How to Find the Correct NFTA Bus Stop
How to Read an NFTA Timetable
NFTA Buffalo, Erie County and Niagara County Bus Maps
The official system maps cover Metro Rail and standard, frequent and express fixed bus routes. The Buffalo and Erie County map includes a downtown Buffalo detail, while the Niagara map focuses on Niagara County service.
View NFTA Route Schedule PDFs
The viewers below use official NFTA document URLs. The files remain hosted by NFTA and can be opened directly when an embedded viewer is blocked.
Route 24 Genesee — Downtown Buffalo and BUF Airport
The official document is effective June 21, 2026. It contains weekday, Saturday and Sunday or holiday schedules, local and limited-stop markings, timepoints, route maps, fare information and airport stops.
Route 40 Buffalo/Niagara Falls
The Route 40 document provides weekday, Saturday and Sunday or holiday timepoints between downtown Buffalo and Portage Road Transit Center through Grand Island and Niagara Falls.
NFTA Bus Fares, Passes and Fare Caps
| Fare Product | Regular | Reduced | Important Rule |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single ride | $2.00 | $1.00 | Cash bus fare is a single ride and does not earn normal fare-capping benefits. |
| Daily cap | $5.00 | $2.50 | Use the qualifying MetGo account or card consistently. |
| Weekly cap | $25.00 | $12.50 | Cash payments do not count toward fare capping. |
| Calendar-month cap | $75.00 | $37.50 | Account-based spending is tracked through MetGo. |
| Day pass | $5.00 | Check eligibility | Pass availability depends on the sales channel. |
| Seven-day pass | $25.00 | Check eligibility | TVM passes are not eligible for reduced-fare discounts. |
| 31-day pass | $75.00 | Check eligibility | Verify the product before purchase because passes and fare caps are not identical. |
How MetGo Works
MetGo is NFTA’s account-based fare system. Riders can use a physical MetGo card or the mobile app, add funds and receive eligible fare-capping benefits.
NFTA Bus Service to Buffalo and Niagara Falls Airports
- Confirm BUF versus IAG airport.
- Choose local, limited or express service.
- Check weekday-only restrictions.
- Allow extra time for luggage and traffic.
- Keep bags clear of the aisle.
- Save the next backup departure.
Buffalo to Niagara Falls Bus Options
| Route | Service Pattern | Useful Destinations | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40 Buffalo/Niagara Falls | Regional route through Grand Island and downtown Niagara Falls | Buffalo MTC, Black Rock hub, Grand Island, Seneca Niagara and Portage Road | All-day regional travel |
| 77 Buffalo–Niagara Falls Express | Express service using I-190 | Downtown Buffalo, Black Rock Riverside and Niagara Falls | Faster scheduled regional trips |
| 50 Main-Niagara | Niagara Falls local route | Portage Road, downtown Niagara Falls and Niagara Falls Transit Center | Local Niagara Falls travel |
| 55 Pine Avenue | Pine Avenue local service | Niagara Falls neighborhoods and transit connections | Local east–west travel |
| 60 Niagara Falls Express | Niagara Falls express service | Check current route page for exact terminals | Selected express trips |
Accessible NFTA Bus Travel and PAL
NFTA timetable documents identify accessible Metro service. Riders who need trip-planning assistance, interpreter service or details about boarding conditions can contact Customer Care.
Taking a Bicycle on an NFTA Bus
NFTA states that all Metro buses have front bicycle racks that hold two bikes.
NFTA Park-and-Ride Trips
NFTA describes park-and-rides as free parking lots at selected locations where riders can park, board a Metro bus or Metro Rail and pay the normal applicable fare.
- Confirm overnight-parking rules.
- Lock the vehicle and hide valuables.
- Check the final return bus.
- Save the correct boarding stop.
- Allow time to walk from parking.
- Check weather and event traffic.
NFTA Metro Alerts, Detours and Schedule Changes
NFTA lists current Metro Alerts with the newest notices first. Riders can subscribe for text and email notifications.
NFTA Bus Checklist Before You Leave
- Confirm the route number and full route name.
- Choose weekday, Saturday or Sunday/holiday.
- Match the destination shown on the bus.
- Check whether the trip is local, limited or express.
- Find the nearest earlier timetable timepoint.
- Arrive at least five minutes early.
- Review the Transit app and Metro Alerts.
- Prepare MetGo, mobile fare or exact cash.
- Allow enough time for a transfer.
- Save Customer Care for important trips.
What to Do If You Leave an Item on an NFTA Bus
NFTA Customer Care, PAL and Transit Police Information
Monday–Friday, 6 a.m.–6 p.m.
Buffalo, NY 14203
Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–4:45 p.m.
Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
NFTA Schedule Problems and the Correct Next Step
Official NFTA Sources Used for This Guide
Official-source review completed August 4, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions About NFTA Bus Schedules
Where can I find the official NFTA bus schedule?
Open the NFTA route schedule directory, select the route number and choose the travel day and direction. Each route page also provides a downloadable PDF when available.
How many NFTA bus routes are listed?
The official directory listed 55 bus routes when this guide was checked on August 4, 2026, in addition to Metro Rail.
How much is an NFTA bus fare?
The regular single-ride fare is $2. Qualifying reduced-fare riders pay $1. Special services can use separate fares.
Do children ride NFTA buses free?
Children age nine and younger ride free with a paid fare, with a limit of three children accompanying the fare-paying rider.
Can I pay cash on an NFTA bus?
Yes. Cash remains accepted, but exact fare is required because operators cannot make change. Cash bus fares are single ride and generally do not count toward fare capping.
What is MetGo?
MetGo is NFTA’s account-based fare system. Riders can use a physical card or mobile app, reload funds and receive eligible fare-capping benefits.
Which NFTA bus goes to Buffalo Airport?
Route 24 Genesee and weekday 24L limited-stop trips connect downtown Buffalo with Buffalo Niagara International Airport. Route 78 provides selected rush-period express service.
Which NFTA bus goes from Buffalo to Niagara Falls?
Route 40 provides regional Buffalo–Niagara Falls service. Route 77 is an express alternative on its published operating schedule.
What does “L” mean on Route 24?
“L” marks a limited-stop Route 24 trip. It stops only at the designated 24L locations and downtown stops described by NFTA.
How early should I arrive at an NFTA bus stop?
NFTA route documents advise riders to be at the stop five minutes before the listed pickup time.
Does NFTA have real-time bus information?
NFTA recommends the Transit app for nearby departures, trip planning, service messages and supported real-time information. Riders should also check Metro Alerts.
Can I take a bicycle on an NFTA bus?
Yes. NFTA states that all Metro buses have front racks holding two bicycles. Rack capacity is first-come, and recumbent bicycles do not fit.
What should I do if I lose something on an NFTA bus?
Record the route, direction, stops, date, time and vehicle number, then contact NFTA Customer Care at 716-855-7211.