Road Tripping: How Long Does It Take to Drive from Buffalo to Arlington?

Once you’ve decided on a road trip from Buffalo, New York to Arlington, Virginia, the inevitable question is – how long does it take to get there? Well, it all depends on the route you take, the time of day you depart, and the traffic patterns on those routes. To ease your mind, we’ve broken down the driving time for various routes.

Fastest Route

If you’re looking to get to Arlington ASAP, you should take the I-90 E and I-86 E. This route takes you through Syracuse, Binghamton, Scranton, and Allentown before landing you in Arlington. Covering a distance of 425 miles, the drive should take about 7 hours without considering traffic.

Scenic Route

If you have a little more time and want to add some sight-seeing to your trip, take the I-90 E and I-81 S. The route takes you through Syracuse before reaching the Adirondack Mountains where you can stop for some outdoor activities. You’ll then pass through Hershey, home of the famous chocolate, and Gettysburg, site of the Civil War battle, before finally reaching Arlington. This 496-mile route should take about 8 hours without traffic.

Slowest Route

If you want to take your time and see more of the countryside, take the US-219 S to US-220 S. This route takes you through the Allegheny National Forest in Pennsylvania before hitting the Shenandoah Valley and arriving at Arlington. A distance of 572 miles, this drive can stretch up to 11 hours without traffic.

Traffic Considerations

Leaving at the wrong time can greatly impact your drive time. Rush hour traffic can add up to 3 hours to your trip. If you leave Buffalo at 3 pm, you can expect to hit traffic in Syracuse and Allentown, and in Washington D.C. during the last stretch. Leaving late in the evening around 9 pm should help you avoid traffic and get to your destination faster.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – some different routes to get you from Buffalo, New York to Arlington, Virginia. Driving through New York and Pennsylvania can be scenic and relaxing, or you can take the fastest route to get there quickly. Remember to take traffic patterns into consideration when planning your departure time. Whatever you decide, enjoy the journey and stay safe on the roads.