How to Plan a Group Trip to Buffalo, New York

Buffalo, New York, is a great destination for group travel, with plenty of things to see and do. Buffalo is known for being an access point to Niagara Falls, which is definitely worth the trip — but Buffalo itself has so much to offer, too. Our guide has everything you need to know about planning your trip to Buffalo, from the basic planning tips to ideas for what to do once you’re there. 

Planning Your Trip 

No matter the destination, planning a group trip starts with some organization. Follow these tips for planning success:

• Delegate: You’ll want one person in your group to be the main point of contact for trip planning, but consider forming a committee, especially if you have a larger group or a longer trip planned. Delegate parts of the planning to different committee members ideally suited for each task — for instance, let the foodie do some meal planning and restaurant reservations. 
• Build in some alone time: The point of group travel is doing things together, but everyone will also want a little time to be alone or choose their own activities. Don’t over-plan or have every minute scheduled out for everyone. 
• Be mindful of different needs: Before you even start planning, get a feel for the budgets and travel styles of your group members. You should all be on the same page regarding budget goals, as well as how adventurous or relaxing the trip should be. You should also be aware of particular needs, such as dietary restrictions or accommodations for disabilities. Make sure everyone in the group is taken care of. 
• Stay organized: Consider how you’ll share information and updates for the trip, such as group texts or a website. Decide how costs will be split and payments collected, and make sure to send regular updates to your group to ensure everyone is excited and well-informed. 

Transportation Around Buffalo

One of the most important aspects of planning your trip is deciding how to get there. Depending on where you are traveling from, it may make sense to book airplane or train tickets to Buffalo. But for many locations, chartering a bus may be the best option. Private bus travel means you can have more options to schedule your trip on your time and not deal with other passengers sharing your space. 

Charter buses are also a great option for getting around the city as a group once you arrive. You won’t have to organize various transportation methods for your large group, like renting multiple cars. Instead, everyone can stay together on the same bus, and you can relax and enjoy your trip instead of researching how to navigate Buffalo.

Where to Stay in Buffalo, New York

Another important factor of trip planning is figuring out where to stay. For many group trips, a hotel block might be the way to go. With this option, you can reserve a selection of rooms as the trip organizer, allowing all participants to book and pay for their own rooms within the block, assuring you’re all staying together. Somewhat smaller groups may prefer to book a bed & breakfast style stay or rent out a large house for everyone to stay at. 

No matter what accommodation choice is right for your group, Buffalo has great options for any type of group stay — with everything from camping spots to world-class hotels! If you’re looking for nationally recognized names, Marriott and Hilton have fantastic locations in Buffalo. You can also check out the Mansion on Delaware, the Roycroft Inn outside of Buffalo or the Hotel at the Lafayette. 

Places to Eat in Buffalo, New York

The food scene in Buffalo offers up a wide variety of cuisines at all price levels. The food Buffalo is most well-known for is the Buffalo wing, and you can taste the original at Anchor Bar. Many other restaurants also offer their own version of Buffalo’s specialty — there’s even a dedicated Buffalo wing trail for you to sample the city’s best. Even vegetarians can get in on the Buffalo flavor with options from Sunshine Vegan Eats, Hot Mama’s Canteen and more. 

Buffalo is more than just its namesake wings, though, and you’ll find a foodie’s paradise here, with everything from simple diners to fine dining restaurants. This diverse city provides a mix of global cuisines to satisfy any cravings, including Italian, Greek, Mexican, Somali, Puerto Rican and so much more. You’ll also find wineries, breweries, distilleries, cocktail bars, coffee cafes and bakeries. Be on the lookout for Buffalo’s signature cocktail — the Tom & Jerry, a winter holiday cocktail — as well as the unique confection known as sponge candy, a crunchy, airy toffee coated in chocolate. 

Things to Do in Buffalo, New York

As one of the largest cities in New York, Buffalo has lots of fun things to offer its visitors. Here are some of the top picks for fun activities in Buffalo:

• Tours in Buffalo: No matter what your group is into, you can find a guided tour in Buffalo to suit your tastes and interests. There are so many ways to explore Buffalo — walking tours, bike tours, Segway tours, boat tours and more! Or choose a tour that caters to a certain theme, like a tour of local pubs, restaurants, historic spots or architectural gems. You can even rent a charter bus in Buffalo and organize your own tour of the city that hits specific spots your group would love to see.
• Historic sites: Buffalo is a city rich with history, with many interesting sites to see. Visit the famous Erie Canal, see architecture from Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis Sullivan, experience stops along the Underground Railroad and see where Teddy Roosevelt took his oath as President. Canalside, the Buffalo Lighthouse and the Historic Fireboat are more great stops for history buffs. 
• Museums and culture: The Buffalo Museum of Science, Buffalo Presidential Center and Buffalo Harbor Museum are just a few of the many amazing museums available in Buffalo. Groups with kids will also love Explore & More Children’s Museum. Spend a day learning and having fun at any of these great museums. 
• Parks in Buffalo: Niagara Falls State Park is one stop in Buffalo that’s not to be missed! This iconic park features one of the world’s most recognizable waterfalls, as well as boat excursions, hiking and biking trails, a restaurant and more. While Niagara gets all the attention, there are many other beautiful parks in Buffalo and nearby, like Beaver Island State Park, Delaware Park and Cazenovia Park. 
• More to do in Buffalo: There’s something for everyone in Buffalo. Winter activities include skating, sledding and creative winter sports, like ice bumper cars. Summer is festival time, and weekends feature fun along the riverfront with vendors and live entertainment. The warmer months are also a great time to get on the water, from riverboat cruises to kayak rides. Catch a concert at the Kleinhans Music Hall or cheer on the home team at a sporting event. Buffalo is home to pro football and hockey, Triple-A baseball and more. 

Request a Group Bus Quote Today 

If you’re searching for buses for hire in Buffalo, look no further than BusRates. We connect travelers with Buffalo bus rentals of all kinds, ensuring you get exactly the group trip you want. Our experience and vast network of connections means we can find the right bus for your travels. Get started planning your group trip to Buffalo by requesting a group bus quote today!