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, The Grapevine Restaurant (2545 Niagara Falls Blvd) and black & blue Steak and Crab - Buffalo (5493 Sheridan Drive) are great picks.

When to visit Amherst

Amherst in February
Estimated hotel price
$132
1 night at 3-star hotel
Amherst in February
Estimated hotel price
$132
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 Air France, Royal Air Maroc and JetBlue. The shortest domestic flight to Amherst departs from Boston and takes around 1h 31m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Amherst. The train journey from Amherst to Rochester takes 1h 30m and costs around $22 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 Cleveland, which is about 180 miles from Amherst. You’ll find branches of Turo and Avis, among others, in Cleveland.

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 Air France, Royal Air Maroc and JetBlue. The shortest domestic flight to Amherst departs from Boston and takes around 1h 31m.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Amherst. The train journey from Amherst to Rochester takes 1h 30m and costs around $22 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 Cleveland, which is about 180 miles from Amherst. You’ll find branches of Turo and Avis, among others, in Cleveland.

Airports near Amherst

BUFBuffalo
ROCRochester Greater Rochester Intl
ERIErie

Airlines serving Amherst

Lufthansa
Good (7,408 reviews)
KLM
Good (1,385 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,361 reviews)
Delta
Good (7,955 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (3,968 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (8,930 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,468 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,334 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,624 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (850 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,139 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,484 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,114 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,250 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (10,882 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,323 reviews)
Brussels Airlines
Good (359 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,365 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (1,977 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (2,912 reviews)
Show more

Where to stay in Amherst

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

Where to stay in popular areas of Amherst

Most booked hotels in Amherst

See all
Hampton Inn Buffalo - Amherst
2 stars
Excellent (8.9, 568 reviews)
$124+
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Hyatt Place Buffalo/Amherst
3 stars
Excellent (8.5, 1061 reviews)
$181+
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Hilton Garden Inn Buffalo Airport
3 stars
Excellent (8.5, 331 reviews)
$180+
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Sleep Inn
2 stars
Excellent (8.2, 947 reviews)
$103+
View
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Buffalo-Airport By IHG
2 stars
Good (7.8, 680 reviews)
$131+
View
Buffalo Airport Hotel
3 stars
Good (7.6, 1614 reviews)
$82+
View

Renting a car in Amherst

Renting a car in Amherst costs $45 per day, on average, or $135 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 44% cheaper than airport locations in Amherst.

Expect to pay $3.56 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 $42.70 and $56.93. The most frequently booked car type in Amherst is Compact (Toyota RAV4 or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Supplier choice rental cars (Class Special Car or similar) are, on average, 57% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Amherst costs $45 per day, on average, or $135 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 44% cheaper than airport locations in Amherst.

Expect to pay $3.56 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 $42.70 and $56.93. The most frequently booked car type in Amherst is Compact (Toyota RAV4 or similar). If you’re looking to save money, though, keep in mind that Supplier choice rental cars (Class Special Car or similar) are, on average, 57% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Car rental agencies in Amherst

Hertz

Hertz
Find car rentals in Amherst

Amherst Travel Guide - View the KAYAK Amherst city guide for the best Amherst travel tips. To help you organize your Amherst trip ideas, this Amherst visitors guide provides travel information and trip tips about how to get there, where to stay, what to do, where to eat and more.