Travel Time from Buffalo, NY to Ithaca, NY

Are you planning a road trip from Buffalo to Ithaca? It's an easy drive and a great opportunity to explore upstate New York. Here are some different routes to consider and the estimated travel time for each.

Route 1: via I-90 E and NY-14 S

If you take I-90 E and NY-14 S, the total distance is about 164 miles and it takes around 2 hours and 45 minutes to reach Ithaca. This is the quickest route, mostly highway driving.

There are a few interesting places to stop along this route, such as the Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge or the Seneca Lake Wine Trail. If you have extra time, you can also explore the city of Geneva or the town of Watkins Glen.

Route 2: via NY-33 E and NY-79 E

This route takes you through some charming towns and scenic countryside. Drive on NY-33 E and NY-79 E to cover the 202-mile distance between Buffalo and Ithaca. This route takes around 4 hours and 20 minutes but offers some great sights.

Consider stopping at Letchworth State Park, known as the "Grand Canyon of the East," or the historic Corning Museum of Glass. Another option is to visit some of the quaint small towns like Canandaigua or Penn Yan.

Route 3: via NY-5 E and NY-89 S

Want to take a more scenic drive? Take NY-5 E and NY-89 S, a 200-mile route through some picturesque countryside. This route takes around 4 hours and 50 minutes to reach Ithaca.

Along this route, you can find several state parks such as Taughannock Falls State Park, which has a stunning waterfall, and Buttermilk Falls State Park. The charming town of Skaneateles, with its beautiful lake and historic downtown, is also worth a stop.

Route 4: via NY-20 E and NY-79 E

If you're interested in exploring some of the lesser-known regions of upstate New York, you can take NY-20 E and NY-79 E. This 235-mile route takes around 4 hours and 40 minutes.

This route will take you through Hamilton, an idyllic college town home to Colgate University, and Oneonta, a town with a lively arts scene. Other interesting stops include the Howe Caverns, a unique underground cave system, and the beautiful Cherry Valley, a small town with historic buildings and a charming atmosphere.

Whatever route you choose, make sure to take some time to appreciate the beautiful scenery of upstate New York and enjoy the journey.