Buckle Up: A Guide to Driving from Buffalo, NY to Columbus, OH

Are you planning a road trip from Buffalo, NY to Columbus, OH? Depending on your preferred route and the time of day you hit the road, your driving experience can vary greatly. To help you plan the perfect journey, we've broken down the fastest and slowest routes, their distances, and how long you can expect to be on the road.

The Fastest Route

The quickest route from Buffalo to Columbus is via I-90 and I-71. This route covers approximately 343 miles and should take you around 6 hours to complete. If you're leaving early in the morning or traveling outside of rush hour, you can expect to shave some time off of your trip.

If you're driving during peak traffic hours, however, prepare for delays. You're likely to encounter heavy traffic in Cleveland and Columbus, which can add an additional hour or two to your drive time.

The Scenic Route

If you're traveling with a little more time on your hands or you just prefer a more scenic route, consider taking US-20 and US-322 through Pennsylvania. This route stretches over 400 miles and takes approximately 7 hours to complete.

While it adds an hour to your trip, this route offers beautiful views of the Pennsylvania countryside as well as several charming towns and attractions along the way. Plus, with a variety of eateries, shops, and rest stops, you can turn your journey into an adventure.

The Slowest Route

The slowest option is via US-20 and OH-5. This route may be the shortest at 339 miles, but it takes around 7.5 hours to drive. This is due to the winding roads through small towns, which can slow you down.

While this may be the slowest route, it can also be the most enjoyable. You'll pass by picturesque farms, vineyards, and even the Erie Canal Museum. Just be sure to fill up your gas tank and pack snacks for the ride.

Plan Ahead

To maximize your driving time and avoid unnecessary delays, plan ahead and avoid peak traffic hours. Rush hour in Cleveland and Columbus typically occurs between 7-9am and 4-6pm during the week.

In summary, the fastest route is via I-90 and I-71, taking approximately 6 hours to drive. The scenic route is via US-20 and US-322, taking approximately 7 hours to drive. And the slowest route is via US-20 and OH-5, taking around 7.5 hours to drive. Keep in mind that these times may vary due to traffic patterns and weather conditions.

So buckle up, pack your snacks and get ready for an unforgettable road trip from Buffalo to Columbus!