Introduction
Where to eat
When to visit
How to get there
Where to stay
Renting a car

Amherst travel guide

Amherst Tourism | Amherst Guide

You're Going to Love Amherst

With a population of 122,366, Amherst is a must-see destination in New York State, United States. It is among the most popular tourist destinations in the country. We recommend you stay at least 3 days in order to fully appreciate everything Amherst has to offer.

Where to Eat in Amherst

If you’re looking for affordable options, black & blue Steak and Crab - Buffalo (5493 Sheridan Drive) and Jazzboline (5010 Main St) are great picks.

When to visit Amherst

Amherst in April
Estimated hotel price
$146
1 night at 3-star hotel
Amherst in April
Estimated hotel price
$146
1 night at 3-star hotel

How to Get to Amherst

Plane

When flying to Amherst, you’ll arrive at Buffalo Airport (BUF), which is located 4 miles from the city center. Airlines that fly from the United States to Amherst include American Airlines, Southwest and Delta. The shortest domestic flight to Amherst departs from Atlanta and takes around 1h 59m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Amherst. The train journey from Amherst to Toronto takes 4h 03m and costs around $55 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from New York, expect to pay about $61 for a 8h 17m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Amherst is to pick up a car rental from Buffalo, which is about 8 miles from Amherst. You’ll find branches of Turo and Dollar, among others, in Buffalo.

Plane

When flying to Amherst, you’ll arrive at Buffalo Airport (BUF), which is located 4 miles from the city center. Airlines that fly from the United States to Amherst include American Airlines, Southwest and Delta. The shortest domestic flight to Amherst departs from Atlanta and takes around 1h 59m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Amherst. The train journey from Amherst to Toronto takes 4h 03m and costs around $55 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from New York, expect to pay about $61 for a 8h 17m trip.

Car

Another option to get to Amherst is to pick up a car rental from Buffalo, which is about 8 miles from Amherst. You’ll find branches of Turo and Dollar, among others, in Buffalo.

Airports near Amherst

BUFBuffalo
ROCGreater Rochester Intl
ERIErie

Airlines serving Amherst

KLM
Good (1,499 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (7,926 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,889 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,409 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,304 reviews)
SWISS
Good (1,922 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,180 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,571 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,594 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (903 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,750 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,559 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,728 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,930 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,188 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,387 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (401 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,205 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,430 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (2,938 reviews)
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Where to stay in Amherst

If you’re on a budget, well-reviewed accommodations include Candlewood Suites Buffalo Amherst By IHG and Red Roof Plus+ University at Buffalo-Amherst.

Where to stay in popular areas of Amherst

Most booked hotels in Amherst

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Hampton Inn Buffalo - Amherst
2 stars
Excellent (8.9, 593 reviews)
$130+
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Home2 Suites by Hilton Buffalo Airport/Galleria Mall
3 stars
Excellent (8.8, 422 reviews)
$141+
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Staybridge Suites Buffalo-Amherst By IHG
3 stars
Excellent (8.7, 420 reviews)
$137+
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Courtyard by Marriott Buffalo Airport
3 stars
Excellent (8.7, 373 reviews)
$154+
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Hilton Garden Inn Buffalo Airport
3 stars
Excellent (8.7, 355 reviews)
$136+
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Hyatt Place Buffalo/Amherst
3 stars
Excellent (8.4, 1079 reviews)
$158+
View

Renting a car in Amherst

Renting a car in Amherst costs $50 per day, on average, or $150 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 36% cheaper than airport locations in Amherst.

Expect to pay $4.47 per gallon in Amherst (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $53.60 and $71.47. The most frequently booked car type in Amherst is Intermediate (Class Intermediate SUV or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Toyota Corolla or similar) are, on average, 47% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Amherst costs $50 per day, on average, or $150 if you want to rent if for 3 days.

It’s generally cheaper to rent your vehicle outside the airport: locations in the city are around 36% cheaper than airport locations in Amherst.

Expect to pay $4.47 per gallon in Amherst (average price from the past 30 days). Depending on the size of your rental car, filling up the tank will cost between $53.60 and $71.47. The most frequently booked car type in Amherst is Intermediate (Class Intermediate SUV or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Compact rental cars (Toyota Corolla or similar) are, on average, 47% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Best car rental deals in Amherst

Supplier choice

5 Adults, 5 Bags

$49/day

Supplier choice
Find car rentals in Amherst