Guide to the Buffalo Metro System

Between the constant flow of new attractions and the city’s rich history, Buffalo is appearing in the national spotlight more and more. The second-largest city in New York has so much to offer, and with our urban location, Canisius is right in the middle of the action! 

Because of our prime location, Canisius students receive CRAM Passes on an as needed basis issed by the student life office. Our public transportation can take you just about anywhere throughout the city, and the metro in particular will bring you to many different restaurants, stores, parks, historic sites, and more across a 6.4 mile stretch of Main Street. It’s certainly easier than driving through the city and finding parking, and it’s more environmentally friendly, too!

As convenient as the subway is, it can seem intimidating to people who aren’t as familiar with the Queen City. Sure, it’s basically a straight line through the city -- but what’s at each stop? Where should I go to see City Hall? What’s the best stop to try a new breakfast spot? Which stop will get me to my internship?

For those of you who aren’t accustomed to our subway system, we’ve created a quick cheat sheet for you. Ditch the car, hop on the metro, and discover what Buffalo has to offer -- and before you know it, you’ll have your own items to add to this list, too!

NFTA CRAM Course

Starting on Campus

Canisius University is situated between two subway stations: Humboldt/Hospital and Delavan/Canisius University. In terms of the entire subway system, we’re between stops 4 & 5 out of 13. 

First, a guide to heading north from Canisius, starting with the northern stop on our campus: Humboldt/Hospital.

Heading North from Campus (Outbound)

4: Humboldt/Hospital

Humboldt/Hospital is the station right next to the Village Townhouses -- or, on the other side of the street, near Montante Cultural Center. Starting from this station, we’ll provide a guide for what’s outbound, first - heading toward the outskirts of the city.


3: Amherst Street

The attractions closest to Amherst Street station require a bit of a walk, but they’re worth it. Visit the Darwin D. Martin House, a national historic landmark. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the Darwin Martin House is recognized as one of Buffalo’s greatest architectural landmarks.

If you’re looking for a simpler day than all of the above, just grab your sneakers and a running buddy and head to Delaware Park.


2: LaSalle

Head north just a few blocks from the LaSalle Station and look for the old diner car with the glowing, retro Lake Effect Diner sign. They’ve got an extensive menu, but a few magic words might do the trick to inspire anyone to check it out: milkshakes and all-day breakfast. If you’re into comics, be sure to venture across the street to the Queen City Bookstore, too!


1: University Station

University Station, located in University Heights, is the first station of the underground system. Grab a bite to eat at Amy’s Place, 3234 Main Street; they’re vegan and vegetarian friendly! If you’re in the area between meals, satisfy your sweet tooth with a Buffalo favorite: sponge candy from Parkside Candy, 3208 Main Street.

University Station is across the street from several fast food options such as McDonald’s and Wendy’s, as well as University Plaza.


 

Heading South from Campus (Inbound)

If you head inbound (toward downtown) from Canisius, here’s what you’ll find:

5: Delavan/Canisius University

The second station on our campus (as you’re heading south) is the Delavan/Canisius University station, which has two highlights: Forest Lawn Cemetery and the Koessler Athletic Center. Sign up for a tour of the 269-acre cemetery to see the final resting place of Millard Fillmore, Rick James, and other famous and historical figures, or just wander; it’s a beautiful place for a walk or run!

After a stroll through Forest Lawn, head over to the Koessler Athletic Center (KAC) to catch our Griffs in action! Blue and gold apparel is, of course, encouraged.


6: Utica

While there isn’t much to do directly near Utica station, it’s a good stop if you’re looking to explore Elmwood Village - which is just four blocks away. Head out on a nice day and take a stroll. Near the intersection of West Utica and Elmwood, you’ll find dining options (Mythos, Saigon Café, Tokyo Shanghai Bistro, Joe’s Deli, to name just a few) and shops to explore – and at 504 Elmwood Ave, there’s a Lock & Key Escape Room!


7: Summer-Best

The Summer-Best station is just a quick, two-block walk to one of Buffalo’s most famous attractions: the original Anchor Bar. This bar is revered as the home of the first Buffalo chicken wing, invented back in 1964.


8: Allen/Medical Campus

Hope you’re hungry, because the Allen/Medical Campus station is just a stone’s throw from a stretch of some of Buffalo’s best restaurants. Enjoy some live music at Nietzsche’s, grab a burger at Allen Burger Venture, or devour a plate of wings at Gabriel’s Gate. Not hungry? Allentown is renowned for its art and antique shops, too! Explore Rust Belt Books, then grab a cup of coffee at Caffeology, Grindhaus, or Cafe 59.

And of course, the second part of this station’s name: Medical Campus. This station is your station to reach the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus, which includes Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Unyts, Buffalo Hearing & Speech Center, Hospice Buffalo, and more.


9: Fountain Plaza

Fountain Plaza is in the heart of Buffalo’s Theater District. Check out a performance at Shea’s or the Irish Classical Theatre. If catching a show isn’t really your thing, try ice skating at Rotary Rink once the snow starts flying or walk just two blocks to the Ellicott Street Restaurant District to enjoy Toutant, Oshun, Big Ditch, or Tappo, just to name a few.


10: Lafayette Square

This station is home to the historic Hotel @ Lafayette, where you can enjoy a warm beverage from Public Espresso + Coffee. You’ll notice the beautiful City Hall nearby in Niagara Square; head in and up to the top for a unique view of the Queen City.

Heading to an event at the Buffalo Convention Center? Lafayette Square Station is your stop.

Another highlight of this stop? The Central Branch of the Buffalo & Erie County Public Library is located at 1 Lafayette Square. Lose yourself in a good book, or visit one of the best parts of the library: the Mark Twain Room, which displays the original, handwritten manuscript of Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn!


11: Church

If you’re a fan of Buffalo’s impressive, historic architecture, Church Street is the stop to catch it. This station has the Guaranty Building, St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, ECC City Campus, and St. Joseph’s Cathedral. If you’re hungry, stop in the Ellicott Square Building to get some beef on weck, a Buffalo classic, from Charlie the Butcher!


12: Seneca

In the warmer months, stop by Coca-Cola field for a Bisons game for theme nights (Star Wars Night, anyone?) and fireworks; for Independence Day, catch a celebration featuring an impressive show by the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, too. Tickets are usually fairly easy to get and inexpensive. Even when baseball season is over, though, head over to Pearl Street Grill & Brewery.


13: Erie Canal Harbor

Erie Canal Harbor is the grand finale of the Buffalo subway system for a reason. This stop is home to some of what Buffalo is most famous for these days: Canalside, HarborCenter, KeyBank Center, and the Cobblestone District. In the summer months, Canalside is home to different events ranging from concerts to yoga with everything in between, but the fun doesn’t stop in the winter -- bundle up and head to Canalside for ice skating, curling, or ice bikes! Warm up with some shopping at HarborCenter and some coffee from Tim Hortons, and then check out the events at KeyBank Center or head over to the Cobblestone District for a taste of Buffalo’s nightlife: comedy shows, live music, and even more restaurants.


The more you use the subway, the more familiar it’ll become. Grab a friend, bring your CRAM Pass, and explore what the Queen City has to offer.