Niagara Scenic Trolley Overview
The Niagara Scenic Trolley is a charming and convenient way to explore Niagara Falls State Park. This eco-friendly transportation system offers a guided tour of the park’s major attractions, providing historical insights and fun facts along the way. The trolley is designed to help visitors navigate the park easily while minimizing their environmental footprint. It operates daily from mid-May to mid-October, with additional services during peak tourist seasons and special events.
Niagara Scenic Trolley Experience
Riding the Niagara Scenic Trolley is both informative and relaxing. The trolley follows a continuous loop through the park, with multiple stops at key locations such as Goat Island, the Cave of the Winds, and the Visitor Center. Visitors can hop on and off at any stop, making it easy to explore different areas at their own pace. The trolleys are equipped with open-air windows, providing excellent views of the park’s natural beauty and the falls themselves. Onboard, knowledgeable guides share interesting stories and historical facts about Niagara Falls, enhancing the overall experience.
Aboard this environmentally-friendly trolley, you can enjoy a three-mile 30-minute guided overview of the park, or disembark at the various stops and explore the park’s many attractions.
This guided Niagara Falls Trolley gives passengers an overview of the park and offers historical anecdotes, fun facts, and tips for checking out the park’s most popular attractions.
Due to the popularity of our Trolley, we often reach capacity and service cannot always be guaranteed. Wait times to board a Trolley can sometimes be long. Please plan to arrive early or visit us on weekdays for your best chance to ride. Seats may not always be available and some riders may be asked to stand. Large groups may need to split up and ride on separate Trolley cars. Please for the safety of all visitors listen to instructions from your driver and conductor.
Large groups may be interested in private Trolley service rental. Please contact us at NiagaraFallsSP@parks.ny.gov for more information.
There is an express shuttle between Prospect Point and the Aquarium of Niagara/GL360 that can be picked up just north of the Maid of the Mist.
2024 Niagara Scenic Trolley Hours
Schedule subject to change. Last trolley runs 30 minutes prior to closing.
| Dates | Times |
| July 8 – August 29 | 9:00 AM to 9:30 PM (Sun-Thurs)9:00 AM to 10:30 PM (Fri-Sat) |
| August 30 – September 2(Labor Day Weekend) | 9:00 AM to 10:30 PM (Fri-Sun)9:00 AM to 7:30 PM (Mon) |
| September 3 – October 11 | 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM (Sun-Fri)9:00 AM to 9:30 PM (Sat) |
| October 12 – October 14(Indigenous Day Weekend) | 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM (Sat-Sun)9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Mon) |
| October 15 – November 27 | 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| November 28(Thanksgiving Day) | Closed |
| November 29 – December 1 | 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
*Last day of operation for the 2024 season is December 1, 2024
2024 Rates
*Please Note: rates are subject to change without notice.
- Adult: $3
- Youth (Ages 6-12): $2
- Ages 5 and under: Free
Trolley Route and Stops
The trolley route includes several significant stops:
- Visitor Center: The starting point for many visitors, offering information, restrooms, and refreshments.
- Niagara Gorge Discovery Center: Learn about the geological history of the Niagara Gorge and the formation of the falls.
- Aquarium of Niagara: A popular stop for families, featuring marine animals and educational exhibits.
- Cave of the Winds: Experience the power of the falls up close on this thrilling adventure.
- Terrapin Point: Offers breathtaking views of the Horseshoe Falls.
Three Sisters Islands: A peaceful spot with beautiful views of the rapids and the upper river.
Cost and Accessibility
The Niagara Scenic Trolley is designed to be affordable and accessible. The cost of a day pass is $3 for adults and $2 for children aged 6-12, while children under 5 ride for free. This pass allows unlimited rides on the trolley for the entire day, making it a cost-effective way to see the park. The trolleys are wheelchair accessible and can accommodate strollers, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the tour comfortably.
History And Stories
The Niagara Scenic Trolley has a rich history, evolving over the years to better serve the needs of park visitors. Originally, the park used horse-drawn carriages to transport tourists around the falls. These carriages were replaced by electric trolleys in the early 20th century, reflecting advancements in transportation technology and a commitment to preserving the park’s natural environment. The modern trolleys continue this tradition by using eco-friendly electric power.
One memorable story involves a famous visitor from the early days of the trolley system. In the summer of 1901, President William McKinley visited Niagara Falls and toured the park on one of the electric trolleys. His visit highlighted the significance of Niagara Falls as a national treasure and helped promote tourism in the area. Another story tells of a young couple who met on the trolley and later returned to the park to get married, illustrating the special place the trolley holds in the hearts of many visitors.
Distances to Downtown Niagara Falls Hotels
Here are the distances from the Niagara Scenic Trolley stops to various hotels in downtown Niagara Falls, NY:
- Passport Inn Niagara Falls: 1.0 miles (1.6 km)
- Wyndham Garden at Niagara Falls: 0.8 miles (1.3 km)
- Hyatt Place Niagara Falls: 0.9 miles (1.4 km)
- Red Coach Inn: 0.7 miles (1.1 km)
- Holiday Inn Niagara Falls-Scenic Downtown, an IHG Hotel: 0.7 miles (1.1 km)
- DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Niagara Falls New York: 0.9 miles (1.4 km)
- Courtyard by Marriott Niagara Falls, USA: 0.9 miles (1.4 km)
- Fairfield by Marriott Niagara Falls: 1.1 miles (1.7 km)
- Hampton Inn Niagara Falls: 1.0 miles (1.6 km)
- Cambria Hotel Niagara Falls: 1.2 miles (1.9 km)
- voco – The Cadence, an IHG Hotel: 0.9 miles (1.4 km)
- The Giacomo, Ascend Hotel Collection: 0.7 miles (1.1 km)
- Seneca Niagara Resort : 0.9 miles (1.4 km)
Sheraton Niagara Falls: 0.8 miles (1.3 km)
Conclusion
The Niagara Scenic Trolley offers a delightful and efficient way to explore Niagara Falls State Park. With its affordable pricing, accessibility, and informative guides, the trolley enhances the visitor experience by providing easy access to the park’s key attractions. Whether you’re interested in the natural beauty, historical significance, or simply enjoying a leisurely ride, the Niagara Scenic Trolley is a must-do activity during your visit to Niagara Falls. Conveniently located near downtown hotels, it ensures that you can make the most of your time in this stunning natural wonder.