About this Location

Facility Overview

The Buffalo Niagara International Airport Economy Parking Lot, located at 95 Holtz Drive in Cheektowaga, NY, serves as the primary budget-conscious parking facility for Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF). Operated in conjunction with the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA), this expansive open-air surface lot is clearly designated on airport wayfinding systems with distinctive blue signage. Because it is a ground-level, outdoor parking expanse rather than an enclosed multistory parking deck, it provides unlimited vertical clearance with no overhead height restrictions. This open-air layout makes it extraordinarily accommodating for passenger cars, oversized SUVs, pickup trucks, utility vans, and roof-rack-equipped vehicles that cannot safely enter standard parking garages.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Situated directly adjacent to the eastern perimeter of the airfield, the Economy Lot is primarily engineered for travelers seeking reliable, cost-effective airport parking. Dedicated complimentary shuttles run continuously 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, transporting travelers directly to the BUF main passenger terminal in just 5 to 7 minutes. Beyond airport travel, the facility is strategically positioned near major Cheektowaga commerce and recreation. Golf enthusiasts are just minutes from the Diamond Hawk Golf Course, while youth sports and hockey families enjoy swift access to Holiday Twin Rinks (less than 10 minutes away). The bustling Walden Galleria—Western New York's premier retail, dining, and entertainment destination featuring high-end stores, escape rooms, and premier restaurants—is located approximately 4 miles southwest. Additionally, downtown Buffalo attractions like KeyBank Center, Sahlen Field, and the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center, along with the University at Buffalo North and South campuses, are readily accessible within a 15- to 20-minute drive.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Getting in and out of the Economy Parking Lot is simple and designed for high throughput. Drivers access the facility via Holtz Drive from Genesee Street (Route 33) or Aero Drive. The facility is seconds away from the Kensington Expressway (NY-33) and offers rapid links to Interstate 90 (NYS Thruway) via Exit 51 and the Interstate 290 interchange, ensuring seamless navigation whether arriving from downtown Buffalo, the Southtowns, Rochester, or Southern Ontario. Public transit users also benefit from nearby NFTA Metro Bus routes, including Route 24 (Genesee) and Route 78 (Cheektowaga Express), connecting the airport area to downtown Buffalo and regional transfer centers.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

Continuous 24/7 complimentary shuttle buses equipped with luggage racks and terminal curbside drop-off and pickup.
Spacious open-air surface parking with wide aisles and clearly marked row identifiers.
Accessible parking spaces compliant with ADA standards situated adjacent to shuttle pick-up shelters.
Bright perimeter lighting, perimeter security fencing, and routine patrols by NFTA airport police.
Complimentary vehicle assistance services, including emergency jump-starts and flat-tire inflation assistance (accessible via airport dispatch).
Automated ticket dispensers, express automated credit/debit pay lanes, and integration with the BUF Frequent Parker Program.

Ideal For

Long-term and vacation travelers departing from BUF seeking the airport's lowest daily on-site rates.
Canadian and cross-border fliers flying out of Western New York for extended trips.
Drivers with oversized vehicles, roof cargo carriers, or high-clearance pickup trucks needing unlimited overhead clearance.
Budget-focused business travelers who prefer the reliability and security of official airport-operated ground transport.

Visitor & Driver Tips

Take a smartphone photo of your row letter and section number before boarding the shuttle to ensure effortless vehicle retrieval upon return.
Allow an extra 15 to 20 minutes before your desired terminal check-in time during morning flight banks and peak holiday travel periods to account for shuttle transfers.
Tune your car radio to 1580 AM upon approaching the airport corridor for real-time parking updates, capacity alerts, and traffic advisories.
Keep your parking ticket in a safe, temperature-neutral spot inside your vehicle to expedite payment at the express exit kiosks.