Plan Your Buffalo Convention Center Visit: Events, Parking, Hotels & Directions
Find the correct Franklin Street entrance, current event listings, nearby garages, exhibition floor plans, accessible parking, hotel options and Buffalo Metro Rail instructions.
The Buffalo Convention Center in downtown Buffalo, New York, is also widely known as the Buffalo Niagara Convention Center. The public entrance is at 153 Franklin Street, Buffalo, NY 14202, between Court Street and West Huron Street. It hosts conventions, trade shows, professional meetings, galas and consumer events.
Buffalo Convention Center Address, Entrances & Map
153 Franklin Street
Buffalo Convention Center
153 Franklin Street
Buffalo, NY 14202
Located across from the Statler Building between Court Street and West Huron Street.
Get Visitor Directions ↗Convention Center Plaza
Convention Center Plaza
Buffalo, NY 14202
This address appears on the venue’s official contact pages. For GPS navigation, use the Franklin Street entrance rather than the general mailing address.
Event information: 716-855-5534
Driving directions by approach
From Niagara Falls / north
Follow I-290 toward I-190, then take Niagara Street Exit 8. Continue toward the Niagara Square traffic circle, take Court Street and turn left onto Franklin Street.
From Erie / south
Use I-90 eastbound to I-190 northbound, then the Niagara Street exit. Continue toward Niagara Square, Court Street and Franklin Street.
From Buffalo Airport / Rochester
Use I-90 westbound to Route 33 west toward downtown. Exit at Goodell Street, then follow signs toward Pearl Street. Confirm your attendee parking destination before following Pearl Street loading-dock directions.
From Canada / Peace Bridge
Continue toward Porter Avenue, Niagara Street and Niagara Square, then follow Court Street to Franklin Street. Allow time for international border processing if applicable.
Buffalo Convention Center Events: October–December 2026
The following events are listed on the official convention center calendar. Tickets, doors-open times and public availability are determined by individual organizers.
How to find your event’s admission details
- Locate the event name.
Match the date and organizer with the published listing.
- Open the individual organizer’s information.
Check whether tickets, professional credentials or invitations are needed.
- Find your hall and registration time.
Door opening, badge pickup and the first scheduled session can occur at different times.
- Review event entry policies.
Check bags, ID, permitted items, accessible admission and re-entry conditions.
- Save confirmations.
Keep your ticket, registration, parking reservation and assigned event location accessible.
Buffalo Convention Center Parking: Garages, Prices & Reservations
The convention center does not advertise one universal onsite parking tariff. Instead, the venue says more than 6,000 spaces are available throughout the surrounding downtown area in parking ramps, surface lots and street parking.
Fernbach Parking Ramp
200 Pearl Street, Buffalo, NY 14202
A downtown parking option close to the convention center district. Check the parking operator’s applicable rate and entry instructions for your event time.
Augspurger Parking Ramp
362 Pearl Street, Buffalo, NY 14202
Another downtown option to compare if you need longer event parking or a particular arrival route.
Franklin, Pearl & Nearby Streets
Metered and otherwise regulated parking may be available. Time limits, accessible spaces, snow restrictions and payment requirements depend on the posted signs.
SpotHero Advance Parking
The official convention center parking page recommends using SpotHero to compare downtown parking and reserve ahead. The final price depends on location, dates and duration.
How to reserve parking in advance
- Use the venue parking page.
Open the official directions and parking section, then follow its authorized parking reservation route.
- Enter your arrival and departure times.
Include registration time, the full event and a reasonable departure margin.
- Compare location and cost.
Check garage entrances, walking route, security, height restrictions and any after-hours exit rules.
- Complete your reservation.
Review the displayed total, cancellation rules and vehicle details before paying.
- Navigate to the booked facility.
Use the garage’s specific entrance address, not simply 153 Franklin Street.
Accessible parking
The convention center confirms accessible metered parking along Franklin Street, Pearl Street and nearby streets. Availability is limited and depends on regulations and vehicle access. Contact the convention center in advance if you need a particular accessible drop-off route.
Buffalo Convention Center Floor Plans & Room Capacities
The venue provides approximately 110,000 square feet of flexible meeting and exhibition space. Exhibition areas and meeting rooms can be divided into different configurations depending on the event.
| Space / feature | Published specification | Practical use |
|---|---|---|
| Exhibition space | 64,000 sq ft | Trade shows, booths, large exhibits |
| Meeting space | 46,000 sq ft | Conferences, workshops, training |
| Pre-function space | 8,800 sq ft | Registration, receptions, guest circulation |
| Breakout rooms | 21 separate rooms | Concurrent meeting sessions |
| Executive Board Room | 1 boardroom | Board and executive meetings |
| Overall attendance | 10 to 7,000 | Depends on specific layout and fire safety |
Exhibit Level versus Marquee Level
Exhibit Level
Used for large exhibitions, trade-show booths and other functions requiring an open exhibit-floor arrangement. Halls may be configured differently by individual organizers.
Marquee Level
Contains additional conference and meeting configurations, including rooms serving smaller sessions and event support. Verify the exact room using the current organizer map.
How to find your correct hall
- Check the conference program.
Write down the precise meeting room, exhibit hall or registration-area name.
- Use the venue’s official floor plan.
Identify the assigned area before arriving at the entrance.
- Go to registration before the session.
Badges may be issued in a different part of the building from the actual meeting.
- Follow current signage.
Temporary partitions and event security can alter how guests reach their rooms.
Hotels Near Buffalo Convention Center
The main downtown hotel advantage is that Hyatt Regency Buffalo connects to the convention center through an enclosed walkway. Other downtown hotels can offer additional room space, breakfast or different prices.
Hyatt Regency Buffalo
2 Fountain Plaza, Buffalo, NY 14202
A full-service 396-room hotel directly connected to the Buffalo Convention Center. Useful for conferences requiring frequent movement between meetings and guest rooms.
Best for: Business travelers, exhibitors, conference delegates and winter visits.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Buffalo
200 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14202
All-suite hotel offering complimentary made-to-order breakfast and an evening reception. The current hotel page lists valet parking at $25; verify fees when booking.
Best for: Longer conference stays and travelers who value included breakfast.
Hilton Garden Inn Buffalo Downtown
10 Lafayette Square, Buffalo, NY 14203
Downtown property near Lafayette Square, public transit and convention-area restaurants.
Best for: Business travelers wanting a central hotel near downtown services.
Hampton Inn & Suites Buffalo Downtown
220 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14202
Well-established downtown accommodation within reach of the convention and entertainment districts. Compare breakfast inclusions and exact walking routes.
Best for: Practical multi-night stays and value comparisons.
Curtiss Hotel
210 Franklin Street, Buffalo, NY 14202
Upscale boutique hotel close to the convention district, appealing to visitors who prefer a distinctive historic downtown property.
Best for: Upscale stays and visitors combining meetings with dining.
Buffalo Marriott at LECOM HARBORCENTER
95 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14203
Hotel integrated into the HARBORCENTER area near Canalside and KeyBank Center. Farther from the convention center than Hyatt Regency, but useful for waterfront activities.
Best for: Visitors mixing a convention with hockey, concerts or Canalside activities.
Which hotel should you choose?
| Your priority | Hotel to consider | Main benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Indoor convention access | Hyatt Regency Buffalo | Direct enclosed connection |
| Included breakfast / suites | Embassy Suites Buffalo | Suite space and breakfast |
| Downtown convenience | Hilton Garden Inn | Lafayette Square location |
| Boutique / distinctive stay | Curtiss Hotel | Franklin Street setting |
| Waterfront activities | Buffalo Marriott HARBORCENTER | Canalside and arena area |
Visit Buffalo Niagara reports that downtown has nearly 1,500 meeting-hotel rooms, with more than 800 within three blocks of the convention center.
Official Buffalo Meeting Hotel Listings ↗Buffalo Metro Rail: Free Downtown Section & Paid Routes
The NFTA Metro Rail is useful for visitors staying downtown. Its aboveground downtown segment between Fountain Plaza and DL&W Station is free. Underground journeys require the applicable fare.
Free Downtown Travel
Passengers can ride the downtown aboveground portion without paying a fare. Fountain Plaza and Lafayette Square are useful downtown reference stops for the convention district.
$2 Regular Single Ride
The current standard NFTA fare is $2 for ages 10–64, with reduced fare of $1 for qualifying riders. Eligible fare-capping rules also apply.
| Transit use | Cost | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Aboveground downtown Metro Rail | Free | Fountain Plaza to DL&W Station |
| Regular paid rail/bus journey | $2 single ride | Standard fare, subject to NFTA rules |
| Qualifying reduced fare | $1 single ride | Eligibility requirements apply |
| Park and ride | Check connection fare | University and LaSalle stations publish free parking |
Using Metro Rail for a convention trip
- Find the nearest station.
Use the NFTA route map to locate your starting point and convention-area destination.
- Check the free-zone boundary.
Know whether your ride remains on the aboveground downtown section.
- Pay when needed.
Use a valid MetGo card, eligible mobile payment or station ticket for paid travel.
- Walk to Franklin Street.
Allow additional time between the station and the convention center entrance.
From Buffalo Niagara International Airport to the Convention Center
Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF) is east of downtown Buffalo. Road travel to the convention center normally uses Route 33 west and downtown streets. Traffic, weather and roadworks affect journey time.
Taxi or Rideshare
A direct option for visitors with luggage, groups or tight conference schedules. The final fare depends on demand, traffic and the pickup rules at the airport.
Rental Car
Useful when your trip also includes Niagara Falls, suburban meetings or other regional destinations. Include hotel and convention parking charges in the total.
NFTA Bus
Regional public transit serves the airport and downtown area. Check the route and transfer details for your actual arrival time, especially for late flights.
Niagara Falls / Cross-Border Visitors
Buffalo and Niagara Falls are separate destinations. Visitors traveling from Canada should account for passport, visa and border-crossing requirements as applicable.
Accessible Parking, Entrance Help & Facilities
The venue says it is accessible to people with disabilities and identifies accessible metered parking along Franklin Street, Pearl Street and nearby areas.
- Confirm the nearest step-free entrance.
- Ask about accessible meter availability.
- Find your assigned meeting or exhibit room.
- Confirm the appropriate elevator route.
- Arrange event-specific accommodations in advance.
- Check accessible seating when applicable.
- Plan the garage-to-venue walking route.
- Save the venue office number.
Main venue phone: 716-855-5555
General inquiries: info@buffaloconvention.com
How to Book an Event or Exhibit at Buffalo Convention Center
For event organizers, the convention center offers flexible exhibit halls, pre-function areas, breakout rooms and an executive boardroom. The final room configuration and rental agreement are arranged through the venue’s sales and service team.
Event booking steps
- Define your event.
Prepare the target dates, expected attendance, event type, exhibit requirements and number of breakout sessions.
- Review the room inventory.
Compare the 64,000-square-foot exhibit space and 46,000 square feet of meeting space.
- Gather operational requirements.
List audiovisual, internet, catering, security, loading, accessibility and electrical services.
- Contact the venue’s sales team.
Submit the event inquiry with details and request a proposal.
- Review written terms.
Confirm availability, dates, room configurations, fees, deposits and the signed agreement.
Exhibitor loading dock and service rules
The loading dock is on Pearl Street between West Huron and Court Streets. It is a service entrance, not the public attendee entrance on Franklin Street.
| Exhibitor need | What to do |
|---|---|
| Shipping freight | Use the exact receiving instructions from the show manual and authorized contractor. |
| Dock access | Coordinate Pearl Street arrival and vehicle procedures with event management. |
| Electrical power | Use the facility’s electrical order form and confirmed booth specification. |
| Internet | Review service-order information; public Wi-Fi is not a substitute for contracted exhibitor connectivity. |
| Water | Order approved utility service where the booth requires it. |
| Floor plan | Use the organizer’s approved booth map and venue fire/exit requirements. |
Restaurants, Attractions & Downtown Areas Nearby
Niagara Square & City Hall
Close to the convention center and useful for a short architectural walk or a break between meetings. The downtown civic district is near Franklin and Court Streets.
Shea’s Performing Arts Center
A prominent downtown theater destination. Attendees extending a trip may want to compare evening performance schedules.
Canalside & Waterfront
Attractions, events and waterfront recreation farther south in downtown Buffalo. The Metro Rail’s downtown segment can help with local travel.
Downtown Dining
The venue identifies more than 30 restaurants within walking distance. Group dining reservations can be useful during major conventions.
Before Leaving for Buffalo Convention Center
- Confirm your event date and registration.
- Save 153 Franklin Street for entry.
- Identify your parking garage separately.
- Compare the complete parking price.
- Check admission, badge or ticket requirements.
- Save your exhibit hall or meeting-room name.
- Allow time for registration and security.
- Confirm hotel parking and breakfast.
- Check whether Metro Rail travel is free or paid.
- Review event accessibility requirements.
- Save the organizer’s current contact details.
- Check weather and winter travel conditions.
10 FAQs About Buffalo Convention Center
1. Where is Buffalo Convention Center located?
Buffalo Convention Center is located at 153 Franklin Street, Buffalo, NY 14202, in downtown Buffalo between Court Street and West Huron Street.
2. Is Buffalo Niagara Convention Center the same as Buffalo Convention Center?
Yes. Buffalo Niagara Convention Center is a familiar alternative name for the downtown facility now promoted as Buffalo Convention Center.
3. How much does parking cost at Buffalo Convention Center?
There is no universal convention center parking price. The venue recommends nearby ramps, surface lots and street parking, with more than 6,000 surrounding spaces. Charges depend on the operator, event, length of stay and reservation.
4. Can I reserve Buffalo Convention Center parking?
Yes. The venue recommends SpotHero for advance reservations at participating nearby parking facilities. Compare the garage’s location, total price and entry instructions before booking.
5. Which hotel is connected to Buffalo Convention Center?
Hyatt Regency Buffalo at 2 Fountain Plaza is directly connected to the convention center through an enclosed, climate-controlled walkway.
6. What upcoming events are at Buffalo Convention Center?
Published late-2026 listings include the New York State Innovation Summit, Buffalo Niagara Dental Meeting, AAOMPT Annual Conference, World’s Largest Disco and Festival of Trees events. Dates and admission arrangements are maintained by the venue and event organizers.
7. How large is Buffalo Convention Center?
The venue lists approximately 110,000 square feet of flexible space, including 64,000 square feet of exhibition space and 46,000 square feet of meeting space, with 21 breakout rooms.
8. Is Buffalo Metro Rail free near the convention center?
Travel on the aboveground downtown Metro Rail section between Fountain Plaza and DL&W Station is free. Underground trips require the applicable paid fare, currently $2 for a standard single ride.
9. Where is the Buffalo Convention Center loading dock?
The loading dock is on Pearl Street between West Huron Street and Court Street. Exhibitors must follow their event’s approved shipping and loading instructions.
10. How do I book a conference at Buffalo Convention Center?
Contact the venue’s sales and service team through its official contact page or call 716-855-5555. Provide proposed dates, expected attendance, meeting space, exhibition and service requirements to request a proposal.
Plan Your Convention Trip More Effectively
Visitors planning multiple U.S. convention trips can use our guide to researching convention centers, maps, parking and official event links. If you find outdated venue information, contact our editorial team about a correction.
Buffalo Convention Center Official Maps, Events & Documents
- Venue directions and parking — Franklin Street entrance, driving approaches and parking reservations.
- Official event calendar — current shows, conferences, dates and organizer links.
- Official venue specifications and floor plans — room inventory, exhibit and meeting space.
- Planning documents and service forms — vendor requirements and facility PDFs.
- Facility Guide PDF — operational rules, floor plan approval and exhibitor procedures.
- Official venue FAQs — accessibility, parking, hotels and planning.
- NFTA downtown transit guide — aboveground free Metro Rail and event transport.
- Visit Buffalo Niagara hotel guide — nearby hotel inventory and convention accommodations.
- Official venue contact — sales, service, event information and telephone numbers.
Information reviewed October 16, 2026. Event calendars, parking costs, transit prices, room configurations and venue policies may change. Confirm the specific event or payment details with the responsible official provider before traveling or booking.