The Great Road Trip: Buffalo to Kansas City

Are you planning a cross-country road trip from Buffalo, New York to Kansas City, Missouri? This journey will take you through several states, and there are different routes you can take. In this post, we will explore the fastest and slowest routes, the distance of that route, and the time it takes based on traffic patterns.

Fastest Route

If you're looking to get to Kansas City as quickly as possible, the fastest route is via I-90 W and I-80 W. This route is approximately 1,250 miles and will take you through New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa before finally reaching Missouri.

In ideal conditions, it will take you roughly 18.5 hours to drive this route. However, it is important to note that traffic patterns can significantly impact your travel time. During peak hours, the drive could take anywhere from 20-24 hours, while a low traffic time can reduce it to 16-17 hours.

Scenic Route

If you want to take your time and enjoy the scenery, you can take the US-20 W route. This route is approximately 1,600 miles and will take you through New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, and Nebraska before reaching Missouri.

Driving through the scenic route will give you the opportunity to stop and see some of the best attractions in the states you pass through. Though it would add a few more hours to your trip, the possibilities of unforgettable sights outweighs the slight inconvenience.

Driving time through the US-20 W route is estimated at around 26-27 hours in ideal conditions. Nonetheless, it is recommended to check traffic patterns prior as traffic may add 2-4 hours to your travel time.

Avoiding Busy Cities

If you want to avoid city traffic altogether and travel through rural and smaller towns, you can take the I-86 W and I-69 S route. This route, approximately 1,430 miles long, will take you through New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, and finally Missouri.

Driving along this route offers a quieter driving experience, which might be a much-welcomed break from the hustle and bustle of city life. However, this route tends to add more hours to your travel time as compared to other routes if calculated under ideal conditions, would take almost 21 to 22 hours although delays through traffic might eat up 2-3 hours of your travel time.

Final Thoughts

When planning a multi-state road trip from Buffalo to Kansas City, you have to choose the route that best suits your needs. We hope this guide has been helpful in providing you with the necessary information to make an informed decision. Whether you prefer a scenic route or a straight route that gets you to your destination faster, always remember that your journey is just as important as your destination. Bon voyage!