🚌 NFTA Metro Bus Schedule Guide: Buffalo Routes, Fares, Maps, Alerts & Live Times
Here’s the deal: NFTA Metro works best when you stop guessing and use the right official tool. Buffalo, Niagara Falls, Tonawanda, Amherst, Cheektowaga, Lockport, Hamburg, Orchard Park and airport riders can get burned by old route PDFs, rail work, KeyBank Center reroutes, winter delays, wrong stop IDs and cash-fare mistakes.
NFTA Metro
Erie & Niagara
$2.00
Transit App
NFTA Metro is the bus and rail transit system for the Buffalo Niagara region, serving riders across Erie and Niagara counties. The official system includes Metro Bus, Metro Rail, route schedules, system maps, Metro Alerts, MetGo fares, Token Transit, airport service, park-and-ride help, paratransit, accessibility services and rider guides.
This page is built for the rider who needs a working answer right now: which route to take, where the bus stops, how to pay, whether a rail alert affects the trip, whether the airport bus changed, and whether a Downtown Buffalo or KeyBank Center reroute is going to mess up the ride.
✅ Source Verification — NFTA Metro Schedule Update
Official NFTA Metro sources checked for this refresh include Route Schedules, Metro Alerts, Fare Info, MetGo, Token Transit, Transit App information, System Maps, Trip Planner, How to Ride Guide, Park and Ride, Winter Ride Guide, Airport Service, Accessibility and Contact NFTA Metro. Schedules, fares, rail work, stop changes, event reroutes and alerts can change, so use official NFTA Metro tools before traveling.
⚡ Quick Answer: Best Way to Find an NFTA Bus Schedule
The fastest way to find an NFTA Metro schedule is to open the official Route Schedules page, choose the route number, then check the direction and service day. If you are already near the stop, use the Transit app or the official route page for live arrivals and alerts.
⚠️ Biggest Buffalo Rider Mistake
Do not rely on an old screenshot. NFTA Metro posts Metro Alerts for bus and rail changes, and route pages can update with effective dates. If your trip matters — airport, work, school, medical appointment, KeyBank Center event, or winter commute — check alerts the same day.
📱 NFTA Metro Tool Hub: Schedules, Alerts, Map, Transit App & Fares
Pick the tool based on the problem. A route PDF is good for planning ahead. Metro Alerts are better when service is disrupted. Transit app is best when you are near the stop. Fare Info is best before you pay.
🚏 Open the Right NFTA Tool
This dropdown uses official NFTA Metro links so riders do not end up on stale third-party pages.
🔗 Open Selected NFTA ToolBest for route details, timetables, effective dates and official route pages across Buffalo and Niagara service areas.
Open Schedules ↗Best when a bus or rail route may be rerouted, delayed, changed, single-tracked or affected by construction or events.
Open Alerts ↗NFTA Metro riders can use Transit for real-time tracking, service alerts and step-by-step trip guidance.
Transit App Info ↗Best before you ride, especially if you need reduced fare, daily fare cap, weekly fare cap or monthly fare cap information.
Open Fares ↗Use Schedule + Alerts + Live Tracking
For a normal ride, route schedule plus Transit app is enough. For a serious trip, add Metro Alerts. Buffalo weather, Downtown events, KeyBank Center reroutes, rail renewal work and construction can change what the normal schedule says.
🧭 Popular NFTA Metro Routes Riders Search First
NFTA Metro route numbers cover local Buffalo routes, Niagara Falls routes, airport service, suburban routes, express routes, Metro Rail connections and special service patterns. Below are high-intent routes riders often search before checking the official schedule.
Route 5 operates between downtown Buffalo and University Metro Rail Station via Niagara and Kenmore. Good for riders moving between downtown, Black Rock/Riverside-side corridors and rail access.
Official Route 5 ↗Route 8 operates between downtown Buffalo and University Metro Rail Station. It is especially important when rail work or Main Street routing affects bus/rail connections.
Official Route 8 ↗Route 18 Jefferson is a common Buffalo bus search. Use the official route page for direction, stops and current timetable because third-party Route 18 pages may show another city.
Official Route 18 ↗Route 20 Elmwood is useful for downtown and Elmwood corridor riders. Check alerts because downtown street work and rail-related changes can affect stop use.
Official Route 20 ↗Route 22 Porter-Best serves important Buffalo west-side and transit center connections. Use the official schedule by travel day and direction.
Official Route 22 ↗Route 40 Buffalo/Niagara Falls is a major regional corridor between Buffalo and Niagara Falls. Long trips need extra alert checking, especially for events, weather and bridge/road changes.
Official Route 40 ↗Route 55 Pine Avenue is important for Niagara Falls-area riders, with seasonal/tourist-area attention around attractions and Downtown Niagara Falls.
Official Route 55 ↗Route 60 is one of the high-search route numbers. Confirm that you are reading NFTA Route 60, because many U.S. agencies also use Route 60.
Official Route 60 ↗Route 64 Lockport is useful for longer Buffalo/Lockport movement. For longer suburban trips, always check first and last trips before you leave.
Official Route 64 ↗Route 70 East Aurora is a commuter-style route where return-trip planning matters. Do not assume late or weekend service without checking the official schedule.
Official Route 70 ↗Route 78 operates between downtown Buffalo, Buell Park and Ride and Buffalo Niagara International Airport via Route 33 Kensington Expressway.
Official Route 78 ↗Metro Rail is part of the same NFTA Metro rider system. Rail alerts, rail renewal work and downtown station changes can affect bus connections.
Check Rail Alerts ↗💵 NFTA Metro Fares: MetGo, Token Transit, Fare Caps & Reduced Fare
NFTA Metro lists regular fare at $2.00 for ages 10–64. Children nine and under ride free with a paid fare, up to three children per fare. Reduced fare is listed at $1.00 for qualifying individuals.
💸 Cash & Card Reality
Do not wait until the bus doors open to figure out payment. Use MetGo, Token Transit or the official fare page before riding. If you are relying on fare caps or reduced fare, your payment method and eligibility matter.
MetGo is NFTA Metro’s modern fare option for riders who want an easier way to pay on Metro bus and rail.
MetGo Info ↗Token Transit is another official mobile fare option listed by NFTA Metro. Always activate tickets correctly before boarding.
Token Transit ↗Reduced fare rules apply only to qualifying riders. Use official NFTA Metro reduced fare resources before assuming eligibility.
Reduced Fare ↗NFTA Metro fare products can involve both bus and rail. Check rules before mixing bus, rail, park-and-ride and event trips.
Fare Rules ↗⏱️ NFTA Live Times, Transit App & Missing Bus Problems
NFTA Metro has partnered with Transit app so riders can track vehicles in real time, receive service alerts and get step-by-step guidance. That helps, but real life still happens: lake-effect snow, construction, downtown events, rail single tracking, KeyBank Center crowds and school dismissal can break a perfect plan.
Use the stop code or exact stop when possible. A stop across the street may show the opposite direction.
Downtown-bound, University-bound, Niagara Falls-bound, Lockport-bound and airport-bound trips are not interchangeable.
Metro Alerts can show rail work, bus reroutes, event detours, route-specific changes and service messages.
Snow and ice can slow boarding, hide stops, block sidewalks and change traffic speed. Leave earlier in bad weather.
💡 If Two Apps Disagree, Use This Order
Trust NFTA Metro Alerts first, then official route/live arrival tools, then the official schedule, then map apps, then third-party copied schedules. If a stop is moved today, yesterday’s screenshot is dead weight.
🗺️ NFTA Metro Map, Stops, Airport, Rail & Park-and-Ride
Buffalo Niagara transit is not one straight line. Riders may transfer between Metro Bus, Metro Rail, Downtown Buffalo, University Station, LaSalle, Black Rock/Riverside, Portage Road Transit Center, Niagara Falls Transit Center, Buffalo Niagara International Airport, park-and-ride lots and special event service.
📍 NFTA Metro Bus Schedule Near Me Map
This map is for orientation only. Use official NFTA Metro route schedules, Metro Alerts, system maps and live tools before you board.
🛒 Real Rider Rules: Students, Strollers, Bikes, Bags & Winter Weather
Real NFTA Metro riders carry backpacks, work bags, groceries, strollers, bikes, walkers, luggage for the airport, winter coats and sometimes game-day gear. The schedule matters, but boarding reality matters too.
School and college corridors can crowd hard around dismissal and class-change windows. Check the return trip before staying late.
Keep strollers compact and out of the aisle. Crowded buses make big strollers painful for everyone.
Use NFTA Metro’s official Bikes on Metro guide if you plan to bring a bike on bus or rail.
Bike Guide ↗Use official accessibility and PAL resources if you need paratransit, elevator status, mobility assistance or accessible trip planning.
Accessibility ↗⚠️ The Buffalo Winter Trap
In winter, “the bus stop is close” does not always mean “the bus stop is easy.” Snowbanks, icy curb cuts and wind can make a short walk longer. Use the Winter Ride Guide and stand where the operator can see you.
🧩 More Bus Schedule Help
These internal links are placed by rider intent, not random stuffing. NFTA users often need route-number pages, nearby New York transit hubs, broad city schedule help, or Buffalo/Niagara route comparisons.
Smart Next Clicks
Main Bus Schedule Hub City Bus Schedule Guide Metro Bus Schedule 18 Bus Schedule 40 Bus Schedule 60 Bus Schedule 64 Bus Schedule 70 Bus Schedule 78 Bus Schedule Rochester NY Bus Schedule Centro Bus Schedule CDTA Bus Schedule
Route-number pages can include multiple agencies, so always confirm the operator is NFTA Metro before using a schedule. The strongest link path is: Buffalo/Niagara agency hub → exact route number → official NFTA route page.
🔗 Official NFTA Metro Bus Schedule Links
Use these official sources for final verification before travel. NFTA Metro controls route schedules, alerts, fare rules, rail notices, paratransit guidance, customer service and route maps.
Official route schedule list for Metro Bus and Rail service in the Buffalo Niagara region.
Open Schedules ↗Official alerts for bus and rail delays, detours, reroutes, rail work, single tracking and service changes.
Open Alerts ↗Official NFTA Metro trip planning page for point-to-point bus and rail planning.
Plan Trip ↗Official interactive system map with route-level service details and Buffalo Niagara transit coverage.
Open Maps ↗Official fare page for regular fare, reduced fare, fare caps, kids rules, MetGo and Token Transit links.
Open Fares ↗Official MetGo fare card information for Metro bus and rail payment.
Open MetGo ↗Official rider guide for boarding, paying, transfers, rider alerts and basic Metro rules.
How to Ride ↗Official winter guidance for Buffalo Niagara riders dealing with snow, ice and weather-related travel.
Winter Guide ↗Official park-and-ride information for bus and rail commuters.
Park & Ride ↗NFTA-Metro, 181 Ellicott St., Buffalo, NY 14203. Customer Care: 716-855-7211. TTY/Relay: 711 or 800-662-1220.
Contact Metro ↗🤔 NFTA Metro Bus Schedule FAQs
What is the official NFTA bus schedule website?
The official NFTA Metro schedule source is metro.nfta.com. Use the Route Schedules page for bus and rail schedules, Metro Alerts for service changes, and the Trip Planner or Transit app for live trip help.
How do I find an NFTA bus route by number?
Open the official NFTA Metro Route Schedules page, choose the route number, then confirm the direction, service day and any active Metro Alerts before riding.
How much is NFTA Metro bus fare?
NFTA Metro lists regular fare at $2.00 for ages 10–64. Reduced fare is listed at $1.00 for qualifying riders. Children nine and under ride free with a paid fare, up to three children per fare.
Does NFTA Metro have daily or weekly fare caps?
Yes. NFTA Metro lists regular fare caps at $5 per day, $25 per week and $75 per calendar month. Reduced fare caps are listed at $2.50 per day, $12.50 per week and $37.50 per calendar month.
What app tracks NFTA Metro buses?
NFTA Metro has partnered with Transit app so riders can track vehicles in real time, receive service alerts and get step-by-step trip guidance.
Which NFTA route goes to Buffalo Niagara International Airport?
NFTA Metro Route 78 is listed as an express route between downtown Buffalo, Buell Park and Ride and Buffalo Niagara International Airport via Route 33 Kensington Expressway.
Does NFTA Metro include rail service?
Yes. NFTA Metro includes Metro Bus and Metro Rail. Riders should check rail alerts, especially during rail renewal, single tracking or downtown station work.
Where is NFTA Metro customer service?
NFTA-Metro lists 181 Ellicott St., Buffalo, NY 14203. Customer Care is listed at 716-855-7211, with TTY/Relay at 711 or 800-662-1220.
Does NFTA Metro run in Niagara Falls?
Yes. NFTA Metro serves Erie and Niagara counties, and several routes serve Niagara Falls-area destinations. Always check the exact route page and terminal before planning a Niagara Falls trip.
Is BusSchedules.org the official NFTA Metro operator?
No. BusSchedules.org is an independent rider-help guide. Always confirm exact times, stops, fares, detours, accessibility details and live arrivals directly with NFTA Metro.
🧾 Editorial Note
This NFTA Metro bus schedule guide is an independent informational resource and is not operated by NFTA Metro, the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority, Metro Rail, Buffalo Niagara International Airport or Niagara Falls International Airport. NFTA routes, fares, fare caps, rail alerts, bus detours, stop locations, event reroutes, park-and-ride details, accessibility services, PAL service and live-arrival data can change. Always verify your exact trip with official NFTA Metro sources before commuting, transferring, paying fare or planning a time-sensitive ride.
🏁 Final Summary: Ride NFTA Metro Without Guessing
The smart NFTA Metro workflow is simple: open Route Schedules for the official route, check Metro Alerts before leaving, use Transit app or official live tools for real-time arrivals, and confirm fares before boarding. For rail, airport trips, Niagara Falls trips and event days, give yourself extra buffer.
If you remember only one thing, remember this: schedule first, alerts second, live tracking before you walk.