Buffalo Central Terminal
An iconic Art Deco masterpiece, this abandoned train station is a symbol of Buffalo's past, now undergoing restoration.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Tours and events are common
Buffalo Central Terminal
Best Time
Tours and events are common
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An iconic Art Deco masterpiece, this abandoned train station is a symbol of Buffalo's past, now undergoing restoration.
"Beautiful inside & rich with history. Gorgeous floors and ceilings."
🎯 Book Tours in Advance
Tours are the best way to see the interior safely. Book ahead, especially for popular events!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring, so comfortable footwear is a must.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Grand Main Concourse
Main Hall
Soaring ceilings, dazzling tiles, and the iconic four-faced clock tower evoke the station's glorious past.
Art Deco Architecture
Exterior and Interior
Admire the stunning Art Deco design, a testament to its 1929 origins and a photographer's dream.
The Clock Tower
Exterior
A prominent feature of the terminal, the four-faced clock tower is a beloved symbol of Buffalo's architectural heritage.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Restoration in Progress
Respectful Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tours in Advance
Tours are the best way to see the interior safely. Book ahead, especially for popular events!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring, so comfortable footwear is a must.
📸 Bring Your Camera
This architectural gem is a photographer's paradise. Capture its Art Deco beauty! +1
👻 Consider the Ghost Stories
Many visitors report eerie experiences; embrace the spooky legends! +1
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tours in Advance
Tours are the best way to see the interior safely. Book ahead, especially for popular events!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring, so comfortable footwear is a must.
📸 Bring Your Camera
This architectural gem is a photographer's paradise. Capture its Art Deco beauty! +1
👻 Consider the Ghost Stories
Many visitors report eerie experiences; embrace the spooky legends! +1
🚗 Parking Availability
Parking is generally available, but can be busy during events.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Buffalo Central Terminal for its magnificent Art Deco architecture and rich history, often describing it as a national historic site undergoing impressive restoration. Many highlight the passionate volunteers and informative tours. However, some express disappointment with the building's current condition and hope for its full restoration to its former glory.
"Fantastic evening filled with jazz, good people ,great vibes. Views are pretty awesome too."
Tiffany Grace
"Beautiful inside & rich with history. Gorgeous floors and ceilings. Famous clock tower inside. Volunteers are passionate and love to help others to appreciate the history of this national historic site. Can’t wait to see this renovated to its original glory!"
Ruby
"Historic train station , from a period when train travel was very popular .It is in the process of being refurbished to its original glory"
Michael McLean
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Buffalo Central Terminal is located on the east side of Buffalo, NY. Driving is the most common way to access it, with parking available on-site. Public transportation options may be limited, so checking local bus routes is recommended. +1
Yes, there is parking available at the Buffalo Central Terminal, especially during events like car shows. It can get busy, so arriving early is advised.
While direct public transport routes might be less frequent, checking with the NFTA (Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority) for bus routes serving the east side of Buffalo is your best bet.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The best way to explore the interior is by joining an organized tour or attending a special event. Independent access can be restricted due to ongoing restoration and safety concerns.
Tickets are typically required for guided tours and special events held at the terminal. It's advisable to purchase them in advance, as they can sell out.
Opening hours vary depending on whether there is a scheduled tour or event. It's best to check the official Buffalo Central Terminal website or their social media for the most up-to-date information.
No, the Buffalo Central Terminal has been abandoned and out of operation as a train station since 1979. It is currently undergoing restoration.
While interior access usually requires a ticket, you can admire the exterior architecture and the iconic clock tower from the outside at any time. +1
📸 📸 Photography & Exploration
Absolutely! The Buffalo Central Terminal is a photographer's dream, especially for those interested in Art Deco architecture, urban exploration, and dramatic interiors. +1
Drone usage might be restricted or require special permits. Always check local regulations and any specific rules set by the terminal management before flying. +1
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) can provide beautiful lighting for exterior shots. For interiors, tours often happen during daylight hours, offering good natural light.
Urban exploration carries inherent risks. It's highly recommended to join guided tours for safety and to respect the property. Independent exploration is discouraged and potentially unsafe. +1
The Grand Concourse with its soaring ceilings and clock tower, the intricate tile work, and the grand staircases are particularly stunning. +1
🎫 👻 Haunted History
Yes, the Buffalo Central Terminal is widely considered one of the most haunted places in New York, with numerous reports of paranormal activity. +1
Visitors and locals report ghost sightings, eerie whispers, cold spots, unexplained footsteps, and even the ghost of a stationmaster. +1
While not always a standard offering, special paranormal investigation events or tours sometimes take place. Keep an eye on their event schedule.
The paranormal experiences are based on anecdotal evidence and local legends. Whether you believe them or not, they add to the terminal's mystique. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the terminal isn't a typical playground, the visual spectacle of the Art Deco architecture and the stories of its past can spark imagination. If your children enjoy tales of ghosts and mysteries, the terminal's haunted reputation might add an extra layer of excitement. Just be sure to manage expectations about what activities are available, as it's primarily a historical site undergoing restoration.
📸 Photographers & Urban Explorers
While the allure of independent exploration is strong, it's crucial to prioritize safety and legality. Joining organized tours is the safest and most recommended way to access and photograph the interior. These tours provide access to key areas and often share historical context that enhances the photographic narrative. Be aware of any drone regulations and always seek permission if required.
+1👻 Paranormal Enthusiasts
If you're interested in the supernatural, consider attending any special paranormal investigation events that might be hosted at the terminal. Even during regular tours, guides may share some of the more chilling tales associated with the building. Embrace the spooky atmosphere and keep an open mind to the unexplained phenomena reported here.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Grandeur of Art Deco
The sheer scale and decorative elements of the terminal were intended to impress visitors and signify Buffalo's importance as a transportation hub. Even in its abandoned state, the architectural details speak volumes about the craftsmanship and vision of the time. Many visitors are captivated by the visual splendor and the feeling of stepping back in time.
Today, as restoration efforts are underway, the focus is on preserving these original Art Deco features while making the building safe and functional for future use. The ongoing work aims to bring back the terminal's former glory, ensuring its architectural significance is appreciated for generations to come.
+1A Hub of History and Hauntings
+1However, the terminal's history is also steeped in intriguing and eerie tales. It's frequently cited as one of New York's most haunted locations, with numerous accounts of paranormal activity. Visitors and urban explorers have reported ghostly apparitions, disembodied voices, and unexplained phenomena, adding a layer of mystery to its already compelling narrative.
+1These stories of both historical significance and supernatural encounters draw a diverse range of visitors, from history buffs and architecture enthusiasts to paranormal investigators and thrill-seekers. The terminal's dual identity as a historical landmark and a reputedly haunted site makes it a unique and captivating destination.
Restoration and Future Vision
+1The current phase of construction, valued at $33 million, prioritizes making the Passenger Concourse safely accessible and expanding the use of the Plaza and Lawn areas. The long-term vision is to repurpose the terminal into a cultural hub, potentially housing businesses, event spaces, and community facilities, breathing new life into the surrounding neighborhood.
+1While the full restoration will take time, the progress made so far is encouraging. Visitors can currently experience parts of the terminal through guided tours and special events, offering a preview of its potential and a chance to appreciate its historical and architectural importance.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit