The worst part about going to any game is often the journey to get there due to there being an incredible amount of traffic in the near proximity of the venue, making it difficult to find parking. Unfortunately, Buffalo’s KeyBank Center parking can be just as hectic, but with this guide that we’ve put together you’ll skip the stress and possibly avoid much of the traffic as we take a look at parking at KeyBank Center, parking near KeyBank Center, rideshare & taxi drop off and pick up, bike parking, and a few other options that utilize Buffalo’s expansive public transportation system.
KeyBank Center Parking – At the Venue
KeyBank Center parking offers on-site parking through a variety of venue ramps, surface lots, and LECOM Harborcenter parking ramp. Guests can expect to pay anywhere between $5-$25 dollars for parking (depending on the event), however, do note, that all on-site parking locations are cashless, meaning that the KeyBank Center only accepts major credit cards in addition to also accepting Apple and Google pay.
If you’d like to book parking spot well in advance, you can at checkout when you purchase your event ticket through Ticketmaster. This makes game day easy because you’ll be spending less time frantically trying to find a spot and, instead, have more time enjoying the event.
KeyBank Center Parking – Near the Venue
These nearby spots are golden when it comes to KeyBank Center parking. Even better: they’re all within walking distance to the venue and will most certainly help you to avoid the bulk of traffic near the immediate vicinity of the arena in addition to saving you some serious money when it comes to parking. Do note, though, that these lots are not operated by KeyBank Center, so be sure to always follow posted signs and rules, as they may vary from location to location.
33 Scott St Parking
Pay2Park, Lot 65
Allpro Parking
Lot #48 Perry Lot
Buffalo Motor Car Parking
70 Pearl St Parking
Rideshare/Taxi
If you choose to forgo KeyBank Center parking altogether and, instead, decide to use a popular rideshare service such as Uber or Lyft or take a taxi, it’s important that you set the drop-off and pick-up locations where the venue recommends to avoid traffic and to help shuttle visitors to the arena in. Currently the venue recommends the corner of Washington St. & Scott St. for both pick-up and drop-off—about a block away from the Center or roughly a one minute walk. In addition to seeing the venue, there should be ample signage to lead fans to the doors.
Bicycle Parking
Planning on taking your bike? KeyBank Center parking for bicycles has never been easier with some of the best bicycle racks located on the ground level of the Harbor Center ramp just inside of the Perry Street entrance. And the best part of it all? These bike racks are protected from the elements, which, if you’ve spent any amount of time in Buffalo, you’ll know just how volatile the weather can be.
Public Transportation to KeyBank Center
Buffalo’s public transportation network can easily make KeyBank Center parking not worthwhile for some people. If that’s you, don’t fret because Buffalo’s public transportation network, Niagara Frontier Transportation (NFTA) Metro Transit System, makes efficient use of its network of busses and rails to link commuters and visitors to the city to the destinations all across Buffalo’s metro area. Below are some of the better ways to get the venue.
Metro Rail
The city of Buffalo has made transit to KeyBank Center easy with its Metro Rail, which has three main stations: Erie Canal Harbor, Lafayette Square, and Fountain Plaza. Use NFTA’s trip planner to find the nearest location to you. After that, you’ll head on over to one of the stations and purchase a ticket at one of the many vending machines and board the train. You’ll then take the train to the Special Events Station, where you’ll then follow the posted signs directing you towards the arena. Easy as that.
Bus Routes
You’ve got options when it comes to landing near the KeyBank Center in time for the big game. By checking out the NFTA’s map, you’ll be able to get an idea of which routes might be best for you. Some of the better options are listed below, but there are a multitude of routes that will get you to the venue.
- 8 Main
- 14 Abbott
- 16 South Park
- 24 Genesee
- 42 Lackawanna
While these bus routes will get you within walking distance to the venue, we also highly recommend checking one of NFTA’s recommended Trip-Planning tools, which will help you navigate the best possible route given your location. Save yourself the hassle and plan ahead.
Conclusion
KeyBank Center parking can be a scary thing, but it doesn’t have to be if you’ve done your homework. If you’ve made it through this article, chances are that you’re now much better prepared to enjoy your time at the Center and will spend less time out in the parking lot battling for a spot. Plus you might also save some money, depending on whether you’re decided on parking at the venue, near the venue, biking, ridesharing/taxi, or even taking public transportation. All in all, there’s really no wrong way to get there. But by planning and figuring out which options works best for you there is, in fact, a better, less stressful way.