The Niagara Scenic Trolley (Green Line) runs a 3-mile through Niagara Falls State Park. The Scenic Trolley stops at the main park attractions, such as Terrapin Point, Cave of the Winds, Prospect Point, Three Sisters Islands, and the main parking lots.
This post will review the Niagara Scenic Trolley schedule, Niagara Scenic Trolley tickets, and Scenic Trolley stops, You can view a map of the Scenic Trolley route, and finally, we will talk about some pros and cons of riding the trolley.
Niagara Scenic Trolley
The Niagara Falls Scenic Trolley is the best way to tour Niagara Falls State Park in Niagara Falls, NY, on the American side of the Falls. If you plan to visit the park, the Scenic Trolley can help you make the best use of your time while you explore the natural beauty and history of America’s oldest state park. The trolley makes a circular route of the park’s main section, Stopping at all the major attractions.
The Niagara Falls Scenic Trolley system, also known as “The Green Trolley Line” due to its green-colored trolley- buses and participation in the State Park eco-friendly “Green Park Project,” runs a dedicated circuit through Niagara Falls State Park every 10-15 minutes. There are usually at least two or more Scenic Trolleys circulating throughout the park on busy days in the summer.
The Niagara Scenic Trolley can be a good way around Niagara Falls State Park. Some information you may come across will portray the Scenic Trolley as a sort of tour where you will learn about the park and be shown around the attractions. This is not exactly the case. The Scenic Trolley is more of a way to catch a ride around Niagara Falls State Park rather than a dedicated tour. Read our review on riding the Scenic Trolley at the bottom of the post for more information on what you can expect while onboard.
A Note about Niagara Falls Trolleys
1. Niagara Falls Scenic Trolley (Green Line), which we will discuss here.
2. The Niagara Frontier Transit Authority (NFTA) Trolley Red Line. The Red Line Trolley line runs from the hotels on Niagara Falls Boulevard to Rainbow and 1st—Street just outside the Niagara Falls State Park Entrance. You can read more about the Red Trolley Here.
3. The Discover Niagara Shuttle runs from downtown Niagara Falls N.Y. to attractions such as Old Fort Niagara, Lockport, and area campgrounds and parks. You can read more about the Discover Niagara Shuttle here.
4. NFTA-METRO city buses. This public transportation system has year-round bus transportation throughout the Buffalo Niagara Region. You can find more information on NFTA-METRO here.
Where to Purchase Niagara Scenic Trolley Tickets
Currently, there are two locations inside the park to purchase Scenic Trolley tickets:
Scenic Trolley tickets can be purchased on Goat Island at the entrance to the Cave of the Winds and the “Tickets – Information” booth just past the large stone entrance arch at the end of the main parking lot.
If you park in the Niagara Falls Visitor Center parking lot #1 or downtown Niagara Falls N.Y., Scenic Trolley tickets can also be purchased at the Niagara Falls Welcome Center near Prospect Point.
As stated above, trolley tickets are available at the Welcome Center or the Cave of the Winds entrance on Goat Island. But If you happen to be starting your ride at another trolley stop, you can just get on the trolley, and they will ask that you pay your $3 at the next stop with a ticket booth.
Niagara Scenic Trolley Tickets
For the 2023 season, trolley Tickets are $3 for adults and $2 for youth. You will be issued a wristband that serves as an all-day trolley pass allowing you to jump on and off the Scenic Trolley all day.
Scenic Trolley Accessibility
The Scenic Trolleys are all ADA-compliant, with a wheelchair lift on all the lead trolley segments. If the trolley has a second trailing car, those needing assistance or using a wheelchair should board the lead bus. Seating is reserved at the front of the trolley for those needing mobility assistance. If you cannot manage the step into the bus, simply ask the driver for assistance.
The trolleys have air conditioning for the summer months and heat for the cooler fall season. Passengers are completely enclosed from the elements (I am not sure that is a good thing on beautiful days, though).
If you travel with a stroller, you will be asked to have it folded down before boarding.
Niagara Falls Scenic Trolley Schedule
Note: The trolley normally runs from late May thru November. Weekend running times are often different than weekday times. Check actual run times for your day when you buy and purchase your tickets. Below is the remaining schedule for 2023.
Niagara Falls Scenic Trolley Schedule (2023)
Niagara Falls Scenic Trolley Stops
The Niagara Falls Scenic Trolley Makes Stops at the Following Locations :
Niagara Falls Scenic Trolley Map
Riding the Niagara Falls Scenic Trolley
It is best to think of the Niagara Falls Scenic Trolley as a good way to get yourself from one side of the park to the other. I have read a lot of online material portraying the Scenic Trolley as a tour through the park. The trolley driver, or if there is an onboard assistant, does make announcements, but that is based on the individual driving the bus. I have known of a driver that sings as he drives. I have also been on board the trolley, where the onboard assistant was just talking the entire time and giving out a lot of facts about Niagara Falls State Park history, geologic history, and interesting, fun facts about daredevils.
I have also been on the Trolley, and the driver just announced the stops. So if you do get a narrated tour as you ride through the park, that can make your experience all the better. But to be clear, this is not a formal tour of Niagara Falls State Park. Guided tours can be purchased through GreyLine or other tour providers.
Park for Free or Reduced Price in Lot #3
A good money-saving hack is to use the trolley if you park your car at parking lot #3 on Goat Island. Parking lot #3 is often free as the park does not always have staff for the pay booth in the lot. Monday – Thursday is always free parking at lot #3. If you have to pay to park on the weekends in lot #3, the cost will be $5 to $10 less than the main lot on Goat Island.
Parking Lot #3 has a ticket booth for the trolley. However, it is often unstaffed, allowing you to board the trolley without paying immediately. You can instead pay at the subsequent stop – the Welcome Center.
For more information on Parking in Niagara Falls State Park, See our post on “Where to Park in Niagara Falls, NY.”
The only significant downside to riding the Niagara Scenic Trolley is the potentially long lines on busy summer days. I have witnessed lines with up to 50 people waiting for a single trolley. Given that one trolley cannot accommodate everyone, further waiting becomes inevitable. Usually, upon seeing such lengthy queues, walking to your next destination is more worthwhile.
The Welcome Center trolley Stop typically has the longest lines. Therefore, if you’ve parked near the Welcome Center and find an excessively long line, simply take the footbridge to Goat Island. The walk to Goat Island from the Welcome Center only takes 10-15 minutes.
If you are a strong walker or are just going to be focused on one area of the park, you can skip the Niagara Scenic Trolley. But I think for the price of $3, it is worth it to have a ticket with you just in case.
However, if you have people with you who won’t be able to walk the entire park, such as children or older people, having a trolley ticket is a good idea. The lines at the trolley stops can get long in the middle of the day. If you see a long line, just keep walking and catch a trolley later in your journey.
FAQ
What is the Niagara Falls Scenic Trolley?
How can I get on the Niagara Falls Scenic Trolley?
Is the Niagara Scenic Trolley free?
Q: Does the trolley provide details about the history of the park?
A: Yes, the trolley tour offers detailed information about the history of the park and its significance.
