The Best Way To Get To Buffalo Without Using The Skyway

Last weekend, the Skyway was closed for a special event.  So without the detours, how do you get into Buffalo from the southtowns?

On Monday, we were talking at work about how the Skyway on Route 5 was closed for what they call "The Skyride."  It's an event that allows you to ride your bike over the Skyway, something that isn't normally allowed.  While we were talking, someone mentioned that they wouldn't know how to get into the city without the use of the Skyway.

I laughed and thought they were kidding.  They weren't.

Really?  You don't know how to get into the city without the Skyway?  Then others jumped in and agreed that they use it every day and wouldn't know where to go to avoid it other than taking an entirely different route.

Ok...so here we go.  If you're coming from Orchard Park, Springville, Boston, Ellicottville, or anywhere south of there, the obvious answer is to take the 219 or the 90 to the 190, but there's a better way to avoid all that traffic. You could take South Park all the way in, but that's probably going to take you much longer.  You're going to hit every light.

Coming from Hamburg, Eden, Lakeview, or anywhere closer to the lake?  Here are directions for the easiest way to get into downtown Buffalo from the south towns without using the Skyway (Given like a Buffalonian would give them):

1.  Take route 5 as you normally would into the city.

You'll pass through Blasdell and Lackawanna.  Continue past the Ridge Road Exit and The Tift Nature Preserve.

2.  Take the Ohio Street Exit.

3. Turn right at the end of the exit.

4.  You'll come to a light at an intersection near Advantage Lumber.

That's Ganson Street.  This is where you would turn if you wanted to go to Riverworks or Wonder Coffeehouse.  However, to get into the city, you're going to continue straight and go over the bridge.

5.  The road is going to split.  Stay left to stay on Ohio Street.

6.  You'll pass a couple large apartment buildings and then you'll come to a stop sign near The Swannie House.

7.  Turn right on Michigan.

This will take you past the Buffalo Creek Casino.  If you're coming in for a concert at Key Bank Center, or just to visit Canalside, you're going to want to turn left at Perry Street.

8.  Welcome to downtown Buffalo.