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 February
Estimated hotel price
$133
1 night at 3-star hotel
Amherst in February
Estimated hotel price
$133
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 Southwest, American Airlines and Delta. The shortest domestic flight to Amherst departs from Fort Lauderdale and takes around 3h.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Amherst. The train journey from Amherst to Syracuse takes 2h 53m and costs around $31 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Rensselaer, expect to pay about $51 for a 5h 32m 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 Hertz and Turo, 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 Southwest, American Airlines and Delta. The shortest domestic flight to Amherst departs from Fort Lauderdale and takes around 3h.

Train

Amtrak is the only carrier operating train routes to Amherst. The train journey from Amherst to Syracuse takes 2h 53m and costs around $31 for a one-way ticket. When coming by train from Rensselaer, expect to pay about $51 for a 5h 32m 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 Hertz and Turo, among others, in Buffalo.

Airports near Amherst

BUFBuffalo
ROCGreater Rochester Intl
ERIErie

Airlines serving Amherst

KLM
Good (1,430 reviews)
Lufthansa
Good (7,626 reviews)
Delta
Good (8,007 reviews)
British Airways
Good (7,574 reviews)
Turkish Airlines
Good (4,094 reviews)
United Airlines
Good (9,094 reviews)
Qatar Airways
Good (3,679 reviews)
Iberia
Good (3,051 reviews)
Emirates
Excellent (3,438 reviews)
Air France
Good (1,505 reviews)
Air Canada
Good (10,522 reviews)
Etihad Airways
Good (1,331 reviews)
Austrian Airlines
Good (879 reviews)
Scandinavian Airlines
Good (1,606 reviews)
Finnair
Good (1,336 reviews)
Singapore Airlines
Excellent (1,412 reviews)
Alaska Airlines
Excellent (11,448 reviews)
LOT
Good (1,146 reviews)
JetBlue
Good (2,895 reviews)
TAP AIR PORTUGAL
Good (2,088 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

See all
Hampton Inn Buffalo - Amherst
3 stars
Excellent (8.9, 575 reviews)
$117+
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Hilton Garden Inn Buffalo Airport
3 stars
Excellent (8.5, 350 reviews)
$131+
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Hyatt Place Buffalo/Amherst
3 stars
Excellent (8.3, 1066 reviews)
$171+
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Sleep Inn Amherst - Buffalo North near University
2 stars
Excellent (8.2, 965 reviews)
$73+
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Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Buffalo Airport
2 stars
Excellent (8.1, 414 reviews)
$125+
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La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Buffalo Amherst
3 stars
Excellent (8, 986 reviews)
$68+
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Renting a car in Amherst

Renting a car in Amherst costs $40 per day, on average, or $120 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 51% cheaper than airport locations in Amherst.

Expect to pay $3.33 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 $39.97 and $53.30. 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 Supplier choice rental cars (Class Special Car or similar) are, on average, 29% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Renting a car in Amherst costs $40 per day, on average, or $120 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 51% cheaper than airport locations in Amherst.

Expect to pay $3.33 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 $39.97 and $53.30. 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 Supplier choice rental cars (Class Special Car or similar) are, on average, 29% cheaper than other rental car types in the city.

Best car rental deals in Amherst

Supplier choice

5 Adults, 5 Bags

$42/day

Supplier choice
Find car rentals in Amherst