A Road Trip to Remember: Driving from Buffalo, New York to Northampton, Massachusetts
If you’re up for a scenic drive, you can travel from Buffalo, NY to Northampton, MA in approximately three to four hours. While the journey may not be too lengthy, you’ll still need to consider factors such as the route you want to take, the distance, and the traffic patterns. In this post, we’ll share everything you need to know about driving from Buffalo, NY to Northampton, MA.
The Fastest Routes
The fastest routes to take would be taking I-90 East or the New York State Thruway, which will then lead you to I-87 South. From here, you can follow the I-90 East, taking you directly to Northampton, MA. This route should take you around 3 hours and 32 minutes, depending on the traffic.
The Slowest Routes
If you’re in no rush to get to Northampton, MA, there are several slower routes that showcase the beautiful scenery of the Northeast. One of these routes is taking the NY-5 East, which leads to the US-20 East. Follow the US-20 East, turning onto US-7 South, until you reach Northampton, MA. Although this path may take you longer, the sights along the way are definitely worth your time.
Route Distances
If you’re curious about the distances you’ll have to cover during your road trip, here are some numbers that may interest you.
- Fastest Routes: Approximately 250 miles (402 km)
- Slower Routes: Approximately 266 miles (428 km)
- Alternate Route 1: Approximately 241 miles (388 km)
- Alternate Route 2: Approximately 262 miles (422 km)
Traffic Considerations
As with any drive, traffic is something that you need to account for. The fastest routes we provided earlier may take up to 4 hours, depending on traffic congestion and other factors. If you want to beat the traffic, we suggest taking the slower routes that bypass main highways and interstates. However, if you travel during off-peak hours, traffic shouldn't be too much of an issue.
Driving Times for Peak and Low Traffic
Based on typical travel patterns, peak hours for travel will be between 7-9 am on weekdays and 4-6 pm on weekdays. During these times, you can expect your travel to take at least 4 hours, even on the fastest routes. Low traffic times, on the other hand, can take approximately 3 hours. That said, it’s worth noting that traffic can be unpredictable, so it’s best to check with traffic apps before hitting the road.
The Final Word
Whether you’re in a hurry or you want to enjoy the scenery, there are plenty of routes to take from Buffalo, NY to Northampton, MA. While traffic may impact your travel time, you can plan your trip for times when the roads aren't so congested. So why not pack up the car, grab some snacks, and get ready for a road trip to remember!