Road Trip from Buffalo to Charlotte: Fastest Routes and Drive Times

Looking to escape the cold of Buffalo and head down to beautiful Charlotte, North Carolina? The good news is there are a few different routes you can take to reach your destination. In this post, we'll explore the fastest and slowest routes along with their respective distances and drive times based on peak and low traffic patterns.

Fastest Route: I-79 S and I-77 S - 11 Hours, 716 Miles

If you're looking for the quickest route from Buffalo to Charlotte, your best bet is to take I-79 S and I-77 S. This route spans 716 miles and takes approximately 11 hours to complete in good traffic conditions. However, keep in mind that traffic can vary greatly, so your actual drive time could differ. We recommend checking traffic updates throughout your journey to avoid any jams.

Drive Time at Peak Traffic

Peak traffic for this route typically occurs around weekday rush hour times. According to Google Maps' traffic feature, during peak traffic, this route could take up to 13 hours, adding two hours to your travel time. So if you're planning to travel during these busy periods, be sure to factor in some extra time.

Drive Time at Low Traffic

On the other hand, if you're fortunate enough to travel during low-traffic periods like weekends or holidays, your drive time could be as low as 9 and a half hours – hello, speedy road trip! Just make sure to stick to speed limits and take frequent rest stops for safety.

Scenic Route: US-15 S and I-85 S - 13 Hours, 800 Miles

If you're looking for a more scenic route to get to Charlotte, consider taking US-15 S and I-85 S. This route takes you through some of the beautiful countryside of Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia, but the additional time spent on the road is quite significant.

Drive Time at Peak Traffic

At peak traffic, this route can add up to two extra hours of drive time, taking the road trip up to 15 hours. So if you're short on time, this may not be the best option for you.

Drive Time at Low Traffic

During weekends and holidays with low traffic, it could take you around 11 and a half hours to get from Buffalo to Charlotte. The additional time will be well worth it for the stunning views you'll see along the way!

Quickest Drive Time with Toll: I-90 W, I-79 S, and I-77 S - 10 hours and 40 minutes, 685 miles

If you're okay with paying some tolls to save time, consider taking I-90 W, I-79 S, and I-77 S. It's the quickest route that charges tolls for shorter driving time. However, the tolls can add up if you're not prepared.

Drive Time at Peak Traffic

During peak traffic, like weekday rush hours, this route could take you up to 12 hours to reach Charlotte, adding nearly two hours to your journey.

Drive Time at Low Traffic

During low-traffic periods, you could reach your destination in approximately 9 hours and 25 minutes. It may be the most expensive option, but you get to enjoy the perk of the quickest driving time.

Conclusion

Whether you're taking the quickest route, a scenic drive, or an option with tolls to save time, we hope this post has helped you decide the best road trip route from Buffalo to Charlotte. Remember to allow for extra time if you're traveling during peak traffic, follow speed limits and traffic rules, and take breaks for rest and relaxation. Safe travels!